Many smartphones available in Canada now support eSIM technology, including the iPhone 17 lineup, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Google Pixel 10 family, and newer foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.
If you're looking into the best eSIM options in Canada, comparing an eSIM versus a physical SIM card, or wondering how to activate an eSIM card, this guide covers everything you need to know. We even include some of the best compatible devices you can find, and the best eSIM providers available in Canada.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Unlike a traditional physical SIM card, you don’t insert or remove anything for your eSIM. With almost all modern cell carriers, you can use an eSIM as an alternative to a traditional SIM card. Plus, your provider can activate your service on your phone remotely.
An eSIM digitally carries everything from your phone number to your carrier services. Rather than you having to store a SIM card in your phone, move it from one device to another, or potentially lose the card, your provider can manage everything with ease. Swapping to a new phone is the easiest it can be with an eSIM.
Since eSIMs are still relatively new in Canada, many phones still operate on both a traditional SIM card and eSIMs. However, some phones, like the iPhone 17 Pro series, only allow the use of an eSIM as Apple removed the SIM card tray in exchange for a larger battery.
What are the benefits of eSIMs?
You’ll find a number of benefits to using an eSIM, but two use cases bring the most value:
1. You connect your phone to two different numbers (like for work and personal)
2. You want to use a travel SIM card while you're on vacation.
eSIMs make it easy to switch from one phone account to another without having to remove 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 inserting a different one.
For travellers, an eSIM setup is particularly convenient. You can keep your primary number active while adding a temporary travel eSIM for data abroad. So, you no longer have to swap SIM cards when on vacation.
Overall benefits and drawbacks include:
Pros- Instant activation (no waiting for a SIM card to ship)
- Easy carrier switching
- Ideal for travel
- Dual SIM functionality (personal + work line)
- No risk of losing or damaging a SIM card
- Cleaner phone design (fewer physical components)
- Not supported by every carrier
- Some devices limit dual-SIM features
- Transferring to a new phone may require carrier assistance
- Harder to “swap phones” quickly if your device breaks
Canadian carriers that support eSIM
While not all Canadian carriers support eSIMs, all of the Big Three major carriers (Bell, Rogers, Telus) support eSIMs. Plus, fewer and fewer of the flanker brands support eSIMs. Current eSIM providers in Canada include:
Canadian eSIM Providers
| Carrier | eSIM support | Network coverage | Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | Yes | 5G/4G LTE | View Plan |
| Bell | Yes | 5G/4G LTE | View Plan |
| Telus | Yes | 5G/4G LTE | View Plan |
| Koodo | Yes | 5G/4G LTE | View Plan |
| Lucky Mobile | Yes | 4G LTE | View Plan |
| Fizz Mobile | Yes | 5G/4G LTE | View Plan |
| Fido | Yes | 4G LTE | View Plan |
| Virgin Plus | Yes | 4G LTE | View Plan |
Devices like the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25 series, and older generation phones use both eSIM and physical SIM cards in Canada. If you're in the market for a new plan, check out some of the most popular plans in Canada below.
|
Fido
$39 Data, Talk & Text Plan with 10GB
$24.00/mth
(after Auto-pay discount + $15/mo. off))
|
|
Koodo Mobile
$149 Prepaid 360 Day Plan
$149.00
Per 360 Day Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
Rogers
Essentials Plan
$55.00/mth
(after Auto-Pay discount)
|
|
Chatr Wireless
$149 Nationwide Talk, Text & 4G Data plan
$149.00
Per 1 Year Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile)
$35 Plan with 80GB Data and Unlimited Minutes
$35.00/mth
(includes $10/mo. Autopay)
|
How do I activate an eSIM Plan?
You can easily and quickly activate an eSIM on your own. If you're activating new services with a carrier, you can opt for an eSIM activation to avoid shipping times. Your carrier will email you a QR code to scan or give you an activation number to use during setup.
All you need to do is scan the QR code (or input the number) within your phone's eSIM settings. In some cases, your service provider may ask you to activate your eSIM via the carrier's app.
Alternatively, if you want to transfer your existing SIM card to an eSIM, your smartphone can handle that automatically via "Cellular" settings.
Activate an eSIM on an iPhone
1. Go to your iPhone's Settings.
2. Select "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
3. Select "Add Cellular Plan."
4. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
5. Enter the confirmation code provided by your carrier (if required).
Activate an eSIM on an Android
1. Go to your phone's Settings.
2. Navigate to “Network & internet” > “Mobile network” > “Carrier.”
3. Tap “Add carrier,” then select “Don't have a SIM card?”
4. Tap “Next, then” “Scan it now.”
5. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
6. Tap “Start” to add your eSIM number, then “Done.”
Which phones use eSIMs?
Most flagship devices released in the last five years support eSIMs. This includes devices from Apple, Google, Samsung, and other manufacturers like Motorola, OnePlus, and more. Additionally, many devices feature dual SIM support for using two phone numbers on a single device.
Apple (Dual eSIM Support)- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13, 12, 11 series
- iPhone XS / XR and newer
- Google Pixel 10 series
- Google Pixel 9 series
- Google Pixel 8 series
- Pixel 7, 6, 5, 4 series
- Galaxy S26 series
- Galaxy S25 series
- Galaxy S24, S23, S22 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Galaxy Z Flip 7
- Motorola Razr
- OnePlus 15
FAQs
Can I keep my phone number when switching to an eSIM?
Yes. When activating an eSIM Canadian plan, you can port your existing number during setup, just like switching physical SIMs.
Can I transfer an eSIM to a new phone?
Yes, but the process depends on the carrier. Some providers allow instant in-app transfers, while others require re-issuing a QR code.
What is the difference between an eSIM and a travel eSIM?
A regular eSIM connects to your Canadian carrier. A travel eSIM is typically a short-term prepaid data plan for use while travelling internationally. Travel eSIMs usually provide a data-only service for a limited number of days, but they connect with your destination's local mobile networks.
Does an eSIM work with all Canadian carriers?
No. While major providers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, Virgin Plus, and Koodo support eSIMs, some smaller prepaid carriers still rely solely on physical SIM cards. However, these are becoming more and more rare.
Steve Vegvari
Steve Vegvari is a 10-year writer in the gaming and tech space, writing for several Canadian publications. He's covered everything from the latest marquee games and hardware to smartphones, smart home devices, TVs, and smart lights. Steve emphasizes his love of weird, experimental tech while uncovering the pros and cons of the Canadian mobile market.
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