How to switch from Physical SIM to an eSIM
By Ultra Team
Updated July 17, 2025
If you’re an Ultra Mobile customer with a phone that supports eSIM, or you’ve just upgraded to a new device, you might be wondering what eSIM can do for you and how to make the switch. The good news? With Ultra Mobile, moving from a physical SIM to eSIM is simple, fast, and gives you more flexibility in how you manage your service.
eSIM stands for embedded SIM and is the latest big development in SIM technology and has loads of Ultra-awesome benefits. Thanks to eSIM, you can e-asily switch wireless carriers digitally, as well as free up your physical SIM slot for dual-SIM use, whether you want a second phone line for work or pick up a local SIM while traveling.
Ultra Mobile offers eSIM support, making it even easier for you to switch from your current Ultra Mobile SIM to an eSIM.
Most newer phones support eSIM. In fact, some of the most recent iPhone models are eSIM only, which only goes to show how popular eSIM usage is (and that you don’t need to fear). Switching is a simple process that can be done with just a few taps on your phone.

Whatever the reason you want to make the switch, you’ll want to know how to do the following, which we’ll also cover below:
- How to find out if your device is eSIM compatible
- How to request an eSIM
- How to activate eSIM
- Install eSIM
- And a few pro tips for a smooth transition from physical SIM to eSIM
If technology isn’t your middle name, this might sound a little scary, but with our Ultra-helpful guide you’ll see it’s Ultra-easy to switch!

How to switch from a Physical SIM to eSIM
This guide will walk you through how to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM with Ultra Mobile, step-by-step.
1. Check if your phone is eSIM compatible
The best way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is to find out the specifications of your particular phone model either under Settings, with a quick search online, or on your phone manufacturer’s website.
You can also check to see if your phone is compatible with eSIM on Ultra Mobile with our eSIM compatibility checker.
Once you know your phone is eSIM compatible, you can order your free eSIM on your device.

2. Download the Ultra Mobile App and Order Your eSIM
- Go to your Account Settings on the dashboard.
- Under My SIM click on Order Replacement SIM.
- Click on Switch to an eSIM.
- You are going to be prompted to select if: This is your new device or This is not your new device
“Note”
You have to be on your new device or existing eSIM compatible device.
- Next, you will be prompted to Order an eSIM. (Don’t worry, it’s free!)
- A verification code will be sent to your device. Enter it when prompted.
That’s it! You’ve ordered your eSIM.

3. Install your eSIM
Install eSIM on iPhone
Once you’ve ordered your eSIM, you’ll be prompted to activate your eSIM. Once you’ve activated, you’ll be prompted to Install your eSIM.
“Note”
This will open your device settings
- Next, you will be asked to Scan the QR code that was emailed to you.
“Note”
You will need to open the email on a different device from the phone you are activating on, so that you can scan it properly, such as a laptop or tablet.
- Scan the QR code, then select I’ve completed the installation. Hooray!

Install eSIM on Android
- If you are an Android user, you can either Scan the QR code or Enter Manually. If you Enter Manually, copy the QR code on the screen and instead of clicking I’ve completed the installation, Go To Your Settings.
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed your eSIM. Give yourself an Ultra-pat on the back now.
4. Make sure to test your service
Once you’ve successfully installed and activated your eSIM, make sure everything is working properly by taking it out for a test drive.
Make a call or use mobile data (turn off Wi-Fi to make sure you’ve got a cellular connection) either by searching the web, going on social media, or playing a music app.
If your mobile data is working, you’re all set. Once your eSIM is active, you can remove your physical SIM if you’d like.
Ready to switch to eSIM?
If you haven’t realized it by now, there are loads of benefits to switching from a physical SIM to eSIM. Switching to an eSIM with Ultra Mobile is quick and convenient and enables you to enjoy the flexibility of managing your mobile service without a physical SIM. It can also help you stay connected with a local physical SIM while traveling, or enable you to use dual SIM. In short, eSIM helps you do more and have more flexibility. And we’re all about helping you do more, for less.
Now that you’re an expert on how to switch from a physical SIM to eSIM, make sure you’re compatible with Ultra Mobile.
And if you need additional support at any point in your eSIM savings journey, contact Ultra Mobile support at 1-888-777-0446.
