- Unlimited Nationwide Talk & Text
- Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico and Canada (3GB plans and higher)*
- Free Mobile Hotspot***
- Unlimited Talk & Text to 90+ International Destinations
- Free Wi-Fi Calling**
- Free 3-in-1 SIM Card or eSIM**
Did you know that you can have more than one eSIM profile on your phone? In fact, one of the key benefits of eSIM is being able to switch between different numbers and data plans. And whether you’re testing a new carrier, traveling abroad or just have different eSIM plans for work versus your personal life, switching between eSIM profiles is Ultra-easy. Read on to learn how.
First: what is an eSIM profile? An eSIM profile refers to the data associated with a certain eSIM plan. It’s essentially the same as a physical SIM card, but completely digital. Each profile represents a separate mobile plan or carrier, so you can switch between different phone numbers or data plans depending on what you need.
Yes, eSIM technology lets you have multiple profiles on a single device — it’s one of the key benefits of using eSIM. However, only one or two can be active at any one time, depending on the type of device you have, and you can only store a certain number of profiles depending on your device and carrier compatibility.
Switching eSIM profiles is ideal for managing multiple numbers or travel plans. Just remember that each profile needs an active plan associated with it.
Now you know how Ultra-flexible having an eSIM makes switching between numbers and lines — and just how easy it is to make the switch. If you’re interested in an eSIM of your own, Ultra Mobile offers eSIM on all of our plans. Check your eSIM compatibility. And when you’re ready to make the switch, tap the button below.
Check the coverage in your area to get started
Upfront payment req’d; taxes & fees extra. 5G and/or 4G LTE access req’s capable device & SIM w/in appropriate coverage area. Actual availability, speed & coverage may vary. Data speeds reduced during network congestion or after monthly allotment of 5G and/or 4G LTE data (40GB on Unlimited Plan); video streams at ~480p. *No int’l data roaming included; not for extended int’l use. **Wi-Fi Calling and/or eSIM req’s capable device. ***Up to 10GB Mobile Hotspot on Unlimited Plan. Addt’l restrictions apply. See full terms for details.
*5G and/or 4G LTE access requires a capable device and SIM within an appropriate coverage area. Data speeds reduced during network congestion or after monthly allotment of 5G and/or 4G LTE data (40GB on Unlimited Plan). Videos stream at ~480p on Unlimited Plans. 250MB plan limited to 250MB. See full terms for more details. See full terms for more details.
Everything you want in wireless, we’ve got it.
If you are shopping around for a new device, look no further. You can shop for phones for sale or browse for Cellphone deals here. For in-person help, please visit a participating Ultra Mobile Retailer. To find a retailer near you, please check here.
With the iOS 18 update, you can now transfer your eSIM(s) between two iPhones. There are two ways you can transfer an eSIM between two iPhones, and the first way is during the initial setup of a new iPhone. During that process, you will eventually get to a “Transfer your Phone Number” screen, and Apple will walk you through what to do. You can also transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone manually. All you have to do is go to your new iPhone Settings, then click ‘Cellular’, and then click ‘Set Up Cellular’. Then you can set up your eSIM and transfer your phone number to your new iPhone. *Both iPhones need to be upgraded to iOS 18 or higher for the transfer to be possible.*
First, get the First Line with a 1-Month Unlimited Plan for $49/mo. Second, add up to 4 additional 1-Month Unlimited plans for only $24/mo per line. (And for a limited time, you can add a third line to your Family Plan or just $12/mo!) Third, activate your first line, then activate the remaining lines. Lastly, easily manage all lines under one account on the website or in the app More info can be found here: ultramobile.com/family-plan.
We are here to help! Check your eSIM compatibility.
With an unlocked phone, you can purchase a plan and choose eSIM as your preferred delivery option. Please check your phone compatibility at www.ultramobile.com/byop/ to ensure that your phone will work on our network.
No it won’t. You’ll get the same great 5G • 4G LTE service you would expect regardless of the SIM you’re using.
Both physical SIM cards and eSIMs securely connect you with your network and give you access to your service so you can use your plan. A physical SIM card is a small chip that is physically inserted into your phone. An eSIM is a digital chip that can be downloaded to your phone.
Please note, that if you have installed an eSIM into one device, you can’t install the same eSIM (use the same QR code) into another phone or device. You have to order a new eSIM for another device, even if you have deleted the eSIM from the first device. You have the option to transfer your eSIM between two iPhones (iOS 18 & up), but you’ll still only be able to use the eSIM in one device at a time.
Dual SIM allows users to use two phone numbers at the same time. For example, you can use one number for business and another number for personal. You can have one number linked to an eSIM and one number linked to a physical SIM. eSIM-only devices, like iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max allow for two eSIMs on the same device.
An eSIM is just a physical SIM that has gone digital. Instead of physically inserting a SIM into your phone to join the Ultra network, you install an eSIM onto your phone. This means you don’t have to wait for your SIM to be delivered; you can activate it straight after purchase. If you’re new to Ultra, and have an unlocked, eligible phone you can choose eSIM at the time of purchase online or at an Ultra Mobile Retailer. Please use our store locator to find one near you.
To check whether your device is compatible, just click here. If your device is compatible and you’ve had no recent issues you should be all set. If you’re having issues with calls or texts, it might be a good idea to take a few more steps:
1. Check to see if there are any software updates for your phone that have not been installed. 2. Ensure that VoLTE is turned on. While the naming conventions may vary, the easiest way to see if VoLTE is enabled on your phone is to check within the device’s settings: Click on the Settings icon -> click ????-> type “volte” -> click VoLTE Calls Menu -> switch the VoLTE Call Toggle to “On.” If after typing “VoLTE” no menu option appears, the device either does not support VoLTE or VoLTE is defaulted to “On” which is likely if the phone is fairly new.
3. Confirm the APN settings for the device.
Our Care Team is here to help every day from 6 am to 6 pm PST. The easiest way to contact us is through our helpful chatbot, which can connect you to a live agent. You can also give us a call at 1-888-777-0446 or dial 611 from your Ultra Mobile phone.
Yes you can. You have up to 45 days from your plan purchase date to activate your SIM. We will notify you before we deactivate it. Should you need ore time, please call our Customer Care Team at 1-888-777-0446 or dial 611 from your Ultra Mobile phone.
The best way to see how much data you need is to log into your current provider portal and check your monthly data usage. You can go also go to your phone’s settings (Settings > Cellular Data for iPhone, or for Android Settings Menu > Data Usage > Select Dates for Android) and check that way.
At the moment Ultra Mobile does not support the ACP Program, please check back for regular updates.
All Ultra Mobile plans include:
-Unlimited Nationwide Talk & Text
-Unlimited Talk & Text to 90+ INTL Destinations
-Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico and Canada (3GB plans and higher)
-Free Wi-Fi Calling
-Free Mobile Hotspot (3GB plans and higher)
-Free 3-in 1 SIM Card or eSIM Data allotment will depend on the plan purchased
Find out How Ultra Mobile Works.
If your device is not paid off, contact your current carrier so they can unlock your device. If it is paid off, the easiest way to check is by trying to swap SIM cards and checking for service.
Ultra Mobile runs on the T-Mobile Network, the largest 5G network
Existing Customers can switch to an eSIM by requesting a replacement eSIM via the Ultra Mobile App. Or at their nearest Ultra Mobile Retailer. If you have SIM Protect on, please be sure to turn it off first. Please contact our Customer Care Team at 888-777-0446 if you need help with switching.
Ultra Mobile does support eSIM, and you can activate an Ultra Mobile plan with an eSIM online or at a local Authorized Ultra Mobile Retailer. To locate your nearest Ultra Retailer, please use our store locator. If you are looking to replace your current eSIM, you can do so in the Ultra Mobile App or by contacting our Customer Care Team at 888-777-0446.
You’ll access a nationwide 5G network you can rely on to keep you connected in more places. Our 5G coverage utilizes a 600MHz low band signal that reaches more cities and towns across America (based on analysis of leading 5G networks, July 2020).
To bring your 5G capable phone to Ultra Mobile, it must be unlocked and VoLTE compatible. To check compatibility, please visit: https://www.ultramobile.com/byop/#
5G simply increases the speed that you can download files. If a file requires 2MB of data to download it on 4G, it will still be 2MB of data to download it on 5G. You may just finish downloading it faster.
5G is already available on Ultra Mobile to anyone with an Ultra plan and a 5G-capable phone to access our 5G network. 5G coverage varies nationwide and may not be available in your area.
5G isn’t replacing 4G any time soon. In fact, they will coexist and work together. 5G-capable phones can use both 4G and 5G technology.
5G is the fifth generation of wireless network technology that will deliver faster download speeds and enhanced connectivity, providing us the potential to experience new, innovative technologies, and transform the way we live, work, and play.
Our high-speed data will always attempt 5G • 4G LTE speeds, but certain locations or network conditions will render 5G • 4G LTE unavailable. Your network speed will be dependent on your location, coverage and device.
After the allotted 5G • 4G LTE data is exhausted, data speeds will be slowed. Further throttling may occur for heavy data users. For any questions about data speed, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
Check our 5G Coverage Map to find out if there is service in your area.
Check your phone’s compatibility by clicking here.
Cell phones from nearly every manufacturer will work on our network as long as they are 4G VoLTE or 5G compatible and use a SIM card. If you already have a compatible phone, all you need to do is purchase an Ultra Mobile SIM kit.
If your 4G VoLTE or 5G compatible phone meets the following two criteria, your phone will work with Ultra Mobile:
Your phone requires a SIM card.
You have an unlocked phone.
If you begin your Ultra Mobile registration and your phone says, “Restricted” or “Contact Service Provider,” doesn’t allow you to make calls, or won’t grant access to your phone book, the phone is most likely locked. Contact your previous carrier to unlock your phone.
At Ultra Mobile, we do not charge an activation fee.
To find the closest Ultra Mobile Retailer, use our Store Locator.
For plan purchases made on ultramobile.com:
Ultra Mobile will honor returns for SIM cards within 10 days of order purchase. It must be returned in its original unopened packaging and the SIM card must not be activated. Refunds will be processed within 15 business days after we receive the returned SIM card. For questions concerning returns or exchanges for website purchases, please contact us through our helpful chatbot, which can connect you to a live agent.
For our phone return policy:
Please visit https://phones.ultramobile.com/RMA.html for more information. Plan, SIM card and phone purchases made outside of ultramobile.com are not be covered by these return policies. Please refer to the return policy of the business you purchased from.
Did you know Ultra Mobile now offers eSIM options? Get all the wireless essentials you need, like Wi-Fi Calling, Text, and Unlimited Talk & Text, right on the nation’s largest 5G network. Activating your eSIM with Ultra Mobile is a breeze, and there are no contracts or commitments. Start your journey online or find plans at a retailer near you. As with our traditional plans, you’ll enjoy perks like a Free Mobile Hotspot and Free Unlimited Global Text. We also offer international calling plans to over 90 INTL countries. Our plans cater to a variety of data needs, from low data options to unlimited and everything in between. Thinking of making the switch to eSIM? With Ultra Mobile, we’ve got a plan that’s just right for you.
Congrats on your new iPhone! Now you just need to move your eSIM to it so you can take full advantage of everything it can do. What is an eSIM? It’s essentially a digital version of a SIM card, embedded in your iPhone, meaning it can’t be removed. This very secure technology allows you to instantly activate a new wireless account without having to wait for a new SIM card to arrive or open up your iPhone’s SIM tray at all. Using eSIM, along with the iPhone’s built-in features, it’s incredibly easy to transfer your phone number from one iPhone to another yourself.
Before you get started, confirm these three things first:
We strongly recommend you follow these steps first to ensure a smooth eSIM transfer:
Now that your iPhones are charged up and ready to roll, let’s transfer that eSIM:
That’s all there is to it. Once you’ve completed the steps above, you can start calling and texting everyone from your new iPhone. Let them know just how simple transferring your eSIM from your old iPhone to the new one was. And if you have any additional questions or need help with your eSIM transfer, feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team. They’re available 6am-6pm PST at 888-777-0446. And if you’re still brand new to eSIM, consider making the switch today! Your phone might already be eSIM-compatible, meaning you could start saving with Ultra Mobile in a matter of minutes.
With the iOS 18 update, you can now transfer your eSIM(s) between two iPhones. There are two ways you can transfer an eSIM between two iPhones, and the first way is during the initial setup of a new iPhone. During that process, you will eventually get to a “Transfer your Phone Number” screen, and Apple will walk you through what to do. You can also transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone manually. All you have to do is go to your new iPhone Settings, then click ‘Cellular’, and then click ‘Set Up Cellular’. Then you can set up your eSIM and transfer your phone number to your new iPhone. *Both iPhones need to be upgraded to iOS 18 or higher for the transfer to be possible.*
With more and more wireless carriers adopting eSIM technology, it’s expected that people will have questions about eSIM security. In today’s world, where everything from bank information to test results is on your phone, protecting one’s digital identity is imperative. This article will tell you everything you need to know about eSIM security.
Instead of the plastic SIM cards that have been used in mobile phones for years now, eSIM is an “embedded” SIM that can’t be removed and can only be modified digitally. You can learn more by checking out our article What is an eSIM.
Are eSIMs more secure than physical SIM cards? Overall, yes. The inability to remove an eSIM from its respective phone makes it far less susceptible to theft or unauthorized tampering, like cloning. Also, not needing to remove an eSIM to switch between two active numbers means you can’t misplace it, which happens quite often with physical SIM cards.
Physical SIM cards need to be inserted into a phone’s SIM card slot and manually swapped when changing carriers or phones. The phone’s tamper-resistant hardware (e.g. locking SIM tray) safeguards a SIM card from physical attacks while up-to-date encryption protocols protect data transmitted between the phone and the mobile network. Alternatively, an eSIM can’t be removed from a phone, minimizing the risk of physical attacks. They also use “secure remote provisioning,” which allows wireless carriers to manage & update SIM profiles over-the-air, minimizing any risks associated with lost or stolen SIM cards. For a more in-depth look at the differences between eSIM and physical SIM cards, you can read our eSIM vs physical SIM blog.
So, can eSIM be hacked? Technically, yes. No technology is 100%, absolutely impervious to security risks, so in the interest of transparency, here are a couple of things to take into consideration:
Along with the risks that accompany eSIM, there are of course some important steps you can take to keep your eSIM profile safe.
At Ultra Mobile, we take account security very seriously. We wouldn’t support and promote eSIM if it wasn’t a secure and user-friendly option for wireless network connectivity. If you’re ready to make the switch to Ultra Mobile and want to bring your phone with you, click the link to see if eSIM will work for you. If your phone is eSIM-compatible, you could make the switch in minutes, just FYI.
As you shop for phones, you may have heard the term eSIM thrown around. An eSIM card, also known as an embedded SIM, is a virtual programmable card that securely connects you with your network and provides access to your service so you can use your plan. Essentially, it does exactly the same thing as a physical SIM card.
And while most of today’s cell phones still use physical SIM cards, many believe eSIM is the future. There are several reasons for this, including how convenient they are, but despite that, there are many people that are hesitant to try out eSIM. Perhaps they’re not sure if their phone is compatible, perhaps they think switching to one will be difficult, or perhaps they just don’t know enough about them yet! Whatever the reason, here are 11 reasons eSIM is such a promising technology and why you might want to check eSIM out for yourself.
As mentioned earlier, most phones still rely on physical SIM cards, but that’s rapidly changing as eSIM is adopted across the industry, with many new phones being eSIM-compatible. Some phones, like the iPhone 14 and 15, are even compatible solely with eSIM, while others, like the Google Pixel 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, are compatible with both physical SIM cards and eSIM. In fact, all future iPhones moving forward will solely use eSIM and other device manufacturers may be following suit, while Androids will continue to support both types of SIMs.
One reason eSIM is catching on is how convenient it is. eSIM eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, allowing users to activate their cellular service remotely, which means you don’t have to visit a store or wait for your new SIM card to arrive in the mail, nor do you have to physically swap your SIM card.
One major benefit of eSIM is the ability to use two SIM cards in one phone simultaneously. That allows you to have two different phone lines, such as one for your personal calls and one for business, or even two personal lines or two business lines. This is great for business owners who don’t want their business calls to affect their personal calls, but can also help if you just simply need two different lines.
eSIM as a technology makes staying connected while traveling much easier. Thanks to allowing two SIM cards to function in one phone, travelers can maintain their home carrier eSIM while also adding a local carrier for use abroad and easily switch between the two as needed, depending on their data and location.
eSIMs haven’t just affected phones, but other devices, too! Smartwatches, tablets and laptops have all started using eSIM. Because these devices no longer need a SIM tray, they can be designed sleeker and smaller. Overall, eSIM has already started to revolutionize the embedded devices industry.
Since an eSIM is permanently embedded in your phone, it can’t be stolen and placed in another person’s phone, like a physical SIM card can be. Thanks to built-in security features like over-the-air activation, they’re also extremely difficult to hack into.
Another factor of eSIM’s convenience is the fact it allows for instant activation of your new wireless plan as soon as you download it onto your phone, which means you can get connected even faster.
As mentioned above, eSIM is changing the game when it comes to embedded devices and their design. But the same is also true for phones! By taking away the SIM slot, device manufacturers have the flexibility to update their design and create devices with higher resistance to water, dust and other elements that could harm your phone, in addition to smaller and sleeker designs.
Because eSIMs don’t involve a plastic card or use any shipping materials, there’s less waste involved, which is much better for the environment.
The physical nature of a SIM card requires production, transportation, warehouse management and more. eSIM allows carriers and manufacturers to save resources and lower their costs since eSIM cards don’t require any of those things. That’s also another way they’re better for the environment.
If you’re worried about whether eSIM will last as a technology, don’t be. eSIM has been backed by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association), which ensures compatibility with eSIM across different carriers, locations, and devices. The industry is quickly making eSIM standard — it’s no fad.
You’ve heard all the reasons that eSIM is the phone technology of the future and all the different ways an eSIM can benefit you. Are you ready to see if you can start using eSIM, too? Tap the button below to see if your device is eSIM-compatible and get started.
An eSIM, or an embedded SIM, is a great way to activate your wireless plan easily and quickly. eSIMs are completely virtual programmable cards that do exactly what physical SIM cards do: securely connect you with your network and provide access to your service so you can use your plan. The only difference is, you just don’t have to insert them (or wait for them to be delivered). Instead, eSIMs can easily be installed onto your phone or device online or via an app. Read on to learn how to set up eSIM on Android devices.
Want to learn more about eSIM? Check out our guide by clicking that link.
Many Android devices support eSIM. Most newer devices will be eSIM-compatible, since eSIMs are a newer technology, but check out our eSIM-supported phones list below:
Read on to find out how to see if your individual Android device is eSIM-compatible, if it isn’t already on this list.
Want to know if your Android is eSIM-compatible? It’s easy. You can find out right in your phone’s settings. Here’s how depending on what kind of Android device you have:
On Samsung:
On Google Pixel:
For other Android devices:
Now you know if your phone is compatible or not. Ready to get started with your new Ultra Mobile plan? Good thing setting up your eSIM is SIMple. First, make sure you have a compatible phone and a carrier that offers eSIM. Then make sure you’re also connected to Wi-Fi. Once that’s done, you’re ready to set up your eSIM. Here’s how:
Now that you know how to add eSIM on Android, it’s time to learn how to remove it. Maybe you no longer need an eSIM or maybe you’re ready to switch back to a physical SIM card. Whatever the case, here’s how to remove an eSIM from your Android phone. Luckily, it’s as easy as installing one:
Some eSIMs can only be installed once, so make absolutely sure you don't need to use the eSIM again before deleting it from your device.
Now you know how to use eSIM on Android, check your phone’s compatibility with eSIM, and even remove an eSIM when you need to. Ready to get an eSIM of your own? Tap the button below to see if your current phone is eSIM-compatible.
If you’ve ever gotten a new phone and transferred your service, you’re probably somewhat aware of what a SIM is. Basically, a physical SIM is a small chip that enables you to connect to your carrier’s network. Physical SIMs have been around for a while now, and are the most common type of SIM. But in recent years as wireless technology has evolved, a new way to connect to wireless networks has taken off –that’s right– we’re talking about eSIM. eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to connect to a new network with just a Wi-Fi connection. No chip needed.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences and pros and cons of eSIM vs physical SIMs so that whenever you’re ready to switch carriers (perhaps to an Ultra Mobile plan for as low as $19/month?) or just want to change phones, you’ll know what’s the difference.
Traditionally, physical SIM cards have come in several different sizes from Nano, Micro or Standard. Nowadays, most modern phones have moved over to the universal (and super small) nanoSIM chip. An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a totally virtual programmable card that does what physical SIM cards do: securely connects you with your network and provides access to your service so you can use your plan.
Okay, now that you’ve passed “Intro to Physical SIM vs eSIM” with flying colors, we can get into the pros and cons of each.
With all the buzz eSIM has received in recent years, especially after Apple unveiled the first eSIM-only iPhone, you might be asking yourself, is eSIM better than a physical SIM?
Well, that depends. Here’s a simple breakdown of the eSIM pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
There are several reasons why eSIM is becoming more popular. Below are a few reasons why you might want to consider getting an eSIM-compatible device or wireless plan:
Some phones have dual-SIM capabilities, which means those phones are eSIM-capable and also have physical SIM capabilities. The perks to having both means you can have at least two separate lines on one phone. Some eSIM-capable phones can support up to 5 separate lines on one eSIM. Having multiple numbers on one phone might be a great option if you have a personal line and business line but don’t want to carry around multiple devices, or want a new local number but can’t quite bear to part with the number that’s been with you for a while. And a myriad of other use cases.
If you’re looking to make a switch to a new wireless carrier, eSIM can definitely make for a smoother and faster activation process. Plus, if you’re switching to eSIM, you can do it electronically in minutes without having to get a paperclip or open up the guts of your phone to insert a tiny chip.
Since an eSIM is quite literally embedded in your phone, it cannot be stolen or placed in someone else’s phone or cloned as easily. eSIMs are also extremely difficult to hack thanks to additional built-in security features. So there’s that.
If you’re ever interested in testing out a new mobile carrier (like say one with Ultra-affordable wireless plans) but want to keep your current plan active, you can try out a new wireless plan on networks supporting eSIM.
eSIM is definitely pro-justice. In the less-than-ideal situation of when a phone is stolen, the thief will often remove the physical SIM so that the phone’s rightful owner will be unable to track it. We hope this never happens to you, but if it ever does, you’ll be more likely to track down your phone since the thief won’t be able to remove an eSIM (because it’s permanently embedded in it). eSIM= 5. Bad guys = 0.
At this point you might be thinking, “Wow, there are so many awesome things about eSIM” and you would be right. But there are also some eSIM cons to consider as well:
Not all carriers are up to speed with the latest and greatest eSIM technology, especially with smaller MVNOs. However, the ease of use and security benefits of eSIM are likely to make it even more available in the future.
Similarly, not all phones support eSIM. More and more manufacturers are beginning to include eSIM capable devices, but it’s not quite a universal technology…yet. Even if a phone has an eSIM, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be compatible with every network.
Fortunately, Ultra Mobile plans are eSIM-compatible as well as many of our phones available for purchase. So you can save a ton on your wireless bill and have the security of eSIM.
One drawback of eSIM is that if you get a new phone, you can’t just pop out a physical SIM and put it into the new phone. This means switching service from one phone to another may not be as easy as before. Switching phones with eSIM usually requires entering eSIM instructions, or installing an app. You’ll also have to deactivate your soon-to-be-old phone. Because this is done digitally, it’s still pretty darn fast, but does have a few more steps than just popping out a physical SIM from one phone and putting it into another.
While eSIM might be the hot new technology, there are still benefits to be had from having a physical SIM. Let’s get into it:
A physical SIM gives you access to your carrier in a simple tiny chip. This makes it extremely easy to stay connected to your network when you switch devices simply by popping in your physical SIM into your new phone. However, adding a new line via eSIM is arguably even easier as you don’t have to get into any of the hardware. See the benefits of eSIM under dual-SIM capabilities above.
eSIM is definitely the hot new thing and has a multitude of benefits, but it does have some limitations. Most phones and networks support physical SIM technology, making it highly accessible.
Okay, onto the cons of physical SIMs:
One risk of physical SIMs is that they can get damaged, lost or stolen which also puts your connection to your network more at risk. When it comes to security, eSIM is definitely the more secure option.
If you’re on one network and would like to switch to another, you may need to go to a physical store or get a SIM card mailed to you. This is clearly less convenient compared to downloading an app and following a few prompts (depending on your device).
In your quest to find out which is better between eSIM and pSIM (which is the same as physical SIM) you might be wondering if one has better signal strength than the other.
The good news is that neither type of SIM is better or worse signal-wise. The factors that impact signal strength tend to be unrelated to the SIM…things like obstructions from tall buildings, deep vegetation or forestry, and device antenna quality. But again, these factors are not influenced by the type of SIM, they can impact all SIM types.
When you buy a phone from a specific carrier, many carriers will “lock” the device to that carrier until it’s been paid off. If your phone is currently locked to a specific carrier, you will not be able to use eSIM to connect to new networks. For example, you need to have a GSM-compatible unlocked device to switch and enjoy the wireless savings of Ultra Mobile. Here’s more on how to unlock your phone.
With all the hype around eSIM you might be wondering “Is my phone eSIM compatible?” The easiest way to find out is to hit the button below to see if your phone is compatible with the latest in wireless technology.
The term “eSIM” is becoming more and more common in the wireless industry. You may be familiar with SIM cards, but what is an eSIM card? The quick answer is that an eSIM card doesn’t technically exist. A SIM, short for Subscriber Identity Module, is a unique identifier inside every cell phone that helps wireless service providers to know the user’s assigned phone number and account information. Sort of like a thumbprint for your phone number. Up until recently, pretty much all cell phones had removable SIMs because they came on little plastic cards, hence “SIM card.” As with all technology, SIMs have evolved over time. In order to minimize the space occupied by physical SIM cards, a digitally embedded version, eSIM, was born.
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a completely virtual programmable card that does what physical SIM cards do: securely connect you with your network and provide access to your service so you can use your plan.
eSIM cards can easily be installed onto your phone via your phone carrier’s website or mobile app, and they’re essentially what makes your phone usable. Most of today’s cell phones still rely on physical SIM cards, but many in the industry believe eSIM to be the future and it’s only a matter of time before it’s more widely adopted. Some phones, like all iPhone 14 and 15 models, are eSIM-only and don’t even have physical SIM card slots, while other models, like the iPhone XR and iPhone SE, are compatible with both.
Like we said above, eSIM works much like a physical SIM card. However, instead of having carrier data pre-stored on the card, your chosen phone carrier can send you their data over the Internet (using a QR code) or through a mobile app. Then, if you want to try different carriers or add a new number, that information can be downloaded onto the eSIM in a different slot (or reprogrammed into your eSIM entirely) instead of requiring you to swap out a completely different physical SIM card.
Many experts recommend eSIM as a safer alternative to physical SIM cards. Another SIM card can’t be forcibly inserted into your phone, and switching numbers from one phone to another can be done virtually. We said earlier that the answer to “What is an eSIM card?” is that it’s technically not a card at all. Removable SIM cards are sometimes stolen by scammers who place them in other phones to gain access to someone’s messages, social media, or even financial records, while an eSIM cannot be stolen without stealing the entire phone.*
Several phone models allow dual SIM, which means two active wireless accounts on one phone. This enables you to have a work line and a personal line, or makes purchasing a local phone plan when traveling internationally easier since you don’t have to remove the SIM for your US phone plan. This also gives you the ability to purchase an international eSIM ahead of time, so you don’t have to wait to get a physical SIM card & plan when you arrive. You can have local calling & data as soon as you get off the plane. Dual SIM can work with either two active eSIMs or a nano SIM card and an eSIM, depending on which phone model you have.
Like we mentioned before, you can’t steal an eSIM without stealing the whole phone. This means you can’t lose an eSIM without losing the whole phone either. When traveling internationally with eSIM, you don’t have to remove a physical SIM card to switch to a local plan. No physical card to remove means no physical SIM card to accidentally misplace while you’re out & about.
Getting rid of physical SIM cards, and thus SIM card trays, allows for thinner phones, bigger batteries or more memory. Embedded SIMs could also be used to make slimmer laptops or tablets, or even allow connected devices like fitness trackers and wearable technology to have 5G connectivity.
Greater eSIM adoption means fewer physical SIM cards being created and shipped, as well as fewer SIM cards being thrown away. An eSIM is a green SIM.
This would usually be one of those subjective questions where it’s up to you what you’d consider “better.” However, yes, eSIM is a marked improvement over physical SIM cards for a few different reasons.
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card and can do pretty much everything a physical SIM card does: it securely connects you to your carrier, allowing you access to your wireless service. The benefits we listed previously are what really set eSIM apart from a physical SIM card. The enhanced security of an eSIM, the dual SIM capabilities, the environmental benefits that come with no plastic or shipping materials, and the ability to activate almost instantly makes eSIM the obvious choice when both are available.
In the interest of transparency, one benefit a physical SIM card has over an eSIM would be the ability to use it in an older phone if necessary. If your phone becomes damaged and you need to use an old backup phone temporarily, one that isn’t eSIM-compatible, you can just move your SIM card to that old phone.
Activating an eSIM is done online. Instead of visiting a retail store to purchase a SIM card or waiting for one to be shipped to you, an eSIM can be activated in minutes. All it takes is a few taps on your phone or a quick scan of a QR code to get started.
If you have a compatible, unlocked phone, joining Ultra Mobile via eSIM is pretty simple. When you go to purchase a plan at UltraMobile.com, just select eSIM delivery at checkout. Then, make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, login to the email you used at checkout, and follow these steps to activate your new eSIM:
Since eSIM is still a relatively new technology, not all phones are eSIM compatible just yet. Currently, only certain Apple iPhones (including iPhone XS and newer, through the iPhone 15, which is eSIM only), some Samsung phones, Google Pixel devices and other Android phones are eSIM compatible. Use the link below to see if your phone is eSIM compatible before purchasing a plan and activating an eSIM at UltraMobile.com. You can also head to your nearest Ultra Mobile retailer to activate via eSIM if that’s your preference.
*https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/esim-cards-faq
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