Many cell phones available throughout Canada are now compatible with eSIMs, including the iPhone 14 series, the Samsung Galaxy S22 suite, and the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Most eSIM-capable phones allow you to use both your eSIM and regular SIM simultaneously, while some still require manual switching between the two.
Here's a breakdown of what eSIMs are, which carriers support them, and why you might want a phone with an eSIM over a traditional SIM card.
eSIM technology is fairly new, with only a handful of eSIM-ready cell phones and even fewer carriers offering eSIM plans. Here's everything you need to know to get started with an eSIM, including why you would want one, which phones are compatible, and where to get an eSIM plan.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is an electronic SIM card. Unlike the standard physical SIM card we use for our cell phones, which come in different SIM sizes, the eSIM is built into your device, and you can't remove it (nor should you need to remove it). There's no extra fee for an eSIM, since it comes right in your device.
While eSIMs are still very new for cell phones, they've actually been in use for a few years now. Have you ever wondered how your Apple Watch connects to its data plan even though there's no SIM card slot? That's right, an eSIM.
The great thing about eSIMs is that it makes switching carriers and plans super easy. Compatible carriers are able to remotely wipe the data on your eSIM and reprogram it—no more waiting around for your new SIM card to arrive. eSIMs allow you to switch plans within a matter of minutes.
Canadian carriers that support eSIM
Not all carriers support eSIMs—in fact, while all of the Big Three major carriers have SIM support, very few smaller prepaid carriers do. Current eSIM providers in Canada include:
Devices like the iPhone 15 can use both eSIM and physical SIM cards in Canada. You can get this device on plans like the ones below:
iPhone 15 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Freedom Mobile
$60 5G Unlimited 100GB CA-US plan
$60/mth
+ $1,044 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile)
$35 Plan with 50GB Data and Unlimited Minutes
$35/mth
+ $1,027.08 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Koodo Mobile
$15 - No Tab/BYO Plan with 250MB Data
$15/mth
+ $1,037 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
Telus
Premium Unlimited 5G+ Can-US
$110/mth
|
|
#5
|
Fido
$35 Data, Talk & Text Plan with 50GB
$35/mth
+ $1,027 Upfront
|
Which Phones Use eSIMs?
Currently, Google, Samsung, Apple and Motorola all have phones that support eSIMs, including the Google Pixel 8, iPhone 15, the Motorola razr, and Samsung's latest release of Galaxy S23 phones and the newest Z Flip foldable phone.
eSIM-Compatible Cell Phones
| Brand | eSIM Compatible Phones |
|---|---|
| Pixel 2, 2 XL (for Google Fi service only) Pixel 3, 3 XL Pixel 3a, 3a XL (for Google Fi service only) Pixel 4, 4 XL Pixel 5, 5a Pixel 6, 6 Pro Pixel 7, 7 Pro |
|
| Apple | iPhone XS, XS Max iPhone XR iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020), SE 3rd gen (2022) iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Samsung | Galaxy Fold Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra Galaxy Note20, Note20 Ultra Galaxy Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4 Z Flip, Z Flip3, Z Flip4 |
| Motorola | razr, razr 5G |
What are the Benefits of eSIMs?
There are a number of benefits to using an eSIM, although they may not apply to everyone. The main benefit would be for people who use two different numbers, whether it's a work number and a personal cell phone number, or you need a travel SIM card while you're on vacation.
eSIMs make it easy to switch from one phone account to another without having to replace your SIM card each and every time. No more finding a pin to open the SIM card slot, then almost dropping (and losing) your SIM card while you're switching them out.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to switch from one SIM to another
- Immediate activation once plan is bought (no need to wait for the SIM to arrive in the mail)
- Great for traveling (using a travel SIM and your regular SIM at the same time)
- No risk of losing or damaging your SIM when taking it out
- Not widely available yet
- Not all phones have dual SIM functionality (can't use both plans simultaneously)
- Not many phones are compatible with eSIMs (yet)
- If your phone breaks you can't just take your eSIM out and use it in a back-up phone
Important: Using Dual SIMS
If you're planning on using another carrier's eSIM in your current phone, your phone will need to be unlocked from your carrier in order for it to work. Much like how your phone needs to be unlocked to use another carrier's regular SIM, your phone must be unlocked to use their eSIM also.
How do I Activate an eSIM Plan?
eSIM activation is quick and easy. Generally, once you've picked an eSIM plan and paid for it, your carrier will email you a QR code to scan or give you an activation number.
All you need to do is scan said QR code (or input the number) within your phone's eSIM settings. In some cases, you may also activate your eSIM via your carrier's app.
Activate an eSIM on an iPhone
- Go to your iPhone's Settings
- Select "Cellular" or "Mobile Data"
- Select "Add Cellular Plan"
- Scan the QR code provided by your carrier
- Enter the confirmation code provided by your carrier (if required)
Activate an eSIM on a Google Pixel
- Go to your phone's Settings
- Select "Network & internet"
- Select "Mobile network"
- Select "Carrier"
- Select "Add carrier"
- Select "Don't have a SIM card?"
- Select "Next"
- Select "Scan it now"
- Scan the QR code provided by your carrier
- Select "Start" (your eSIM number will be added)
- Select "Done"
Can I Use eSIM and Regular SIM at the Same Time?
Even if you have both your regular SIM plan and your eSIM plan activated in your phone, your device may not allow you to use both plans at the same time. Currently, the following phones have dual SIM functionality:
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series
- Google Pixel 4, 5, 6, and 7 series
- Samsung Galaxy Fold, S20, S21, S22, and S23 series
If you have a Google Pixel 3 or 3 XL, you'll need to switch between your regular SIM card and eSIM manually.
Google Pixel: Switch Between SIM and eSIM
- Go to your phone's Settings
- Select "Network & Internet"
- Select "Mobile Network"
- Click "Advanced"
- Select "Carrier"
- Select which SIM you want to use
Phone with Dual SIMs
All of the newer iPhones (from the XS and newer) and Samsung Galaxy eSIM phones allow you to use both your regular SIM and eSIM simultaneously, and you can even designate what you want to use each SIM for. For example, you can choose to use your eSIM for data only and your regular SIM card for voice and text. This can all be managed within your phone's Settings.
When you're using two SIMs (dual SIMs) you'll see both carrier's service bars at the top of your screen, one above the other. Here, Apple and Samsung have a one-up on Google, not requiring you to manually switch between the two plans.
Motorola razr - eSIM Only
The Motorola razr is the first phone on the market to ditch the regular SIM card slot altogether and work only with an eSIM. This is somewhat of an inconvenience since not all carriers offer eSIM plans yet.
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