Connection without extra plastic: The advantages of eSIM technology

Have you ever had to take out your SIM card and hide it under your phone case? Then maybe dropped that tiny piece of plastic once or twice while trying to put it back—only to end up losing it somewhere in Moscow or Istanbul? And when you return home, your journey doesn’t end — it continues straight at your mobile operator’s service center to restore your lost number. Fortunately, thanks to modern devices, the problem of juggling microscopic SIM cards is now a thing of the past. eSIM technology allows users to easily switch between numbers — and even between operators in different countries. The Akchabar editorial team takes a closer look at how eSIM works.

Virtual SIM cards aren’t exactly new, but it’s only now that they’re becoming part of the mainstream user experience. An eSIM is a built-in microchip soldered onto a smartphone’s motherboard, and it can perform all the functions of a regular SIM card — without the need for a physical one.

The technology first emerged over a decade ago under the technical name eUICC, but it entered the market as eSIM — short for Embedded SIM. Today, it’s supported by most modern smartphones, including flagship models from Apple, Samsung and Google. Devices with built-in SIM cards are gradually becoming the new standard.

The state-owned operator MEGA was one of the first in Kyrgyzstan to introduce eSIM support, offering its customers a convenient and modern way to get connected — without unnecessary office visits or paperwork.

How eSIM works

eSIM activation is done by scanning a QR code provided by the mobile operator. This loads the subscriber profile directly into the device’s memory. A single chip can store multiple profiles, and switching between them takes just seconds. This is especially convenient for users with two phone numbers or those who frequently travel abroad.

For example, MEGA users can get an eSIM without leaving home — in just a few clicks through the convenient MEGA24 app, available on the App Store and Google Play. Simply log in, go to the “Get an eSIM” section, choose your number and plan, complete the identification process, top up your balance, and you’ll instantly receive a contract and a QR code with installation instructions by email.

Advantages of the format

The main advantage is the absence of a physical card. This reduces the risk of losing your SIM, makes switching between devices easier, and prevents hacking through SIM swapping. The technology also allows you to connect up to five operators on a single device. At the same time, you don’t have to give up your regular SIM card. This new technology is also suitable for compact gadgets like watches or trackers.

In addition, eSIM provides an extra layer of security — built-in protection: even if your device is stolen, its location can be tracked through the active eSIM chip.

The only downside is that the technology isn’t yet universal. Not all smartphone models support it, and transferring a profile to a new device requires visiting a service center or reactivating it via a QR code. However, these limitations are gradually fading: every year, the number of supported devices continues to grow.

A mobile phone with eSIM support opens up new possibilities for users, such as using multiple phone numbers on a single device. In the case of the iPhone, it can support up to 20 numbers, with switching between them taking just a couple of seconds. This is convenient not only for those managing several business lines but also for people with an active social life.

An especially important advantage is the ability to activate plans from other countries without changing your SIM card. You can obtain and activate a foreign plan without even visiting that country in person. Thanks to remote activation via QR code, you can set up a local number before your trip and start using affordable service immediately upon arrival — without delays or expensive roaming fees.

At MEGA, this service is fully implemented — you can choose and activate the desired plan online with full support and assistance from the state operator. Additionally, MEGA currently offers a special promotion for eSIM activation: 30 gigabytes of free internet, so you have no limits while testing this new technology.

So, switching to eSIM isn’t exactly mandatory, but if you value convenience, it’s definitely worth giving a try.