Question 1

What is eSIM and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

An eSIM card is a type of virtual SIM card that does not have a physical, plastic form. It is built directly into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. This means that you do not insert a plastic card into the phone, but when changing operators, you simply activate your number remotely - you "upload" the card to the module in the smartphone. You can find more about what eSIM is in the article: eSIM – how does it work and what possibilities does it offer?

Question 2

Why do I need a SIM card?

Accepted Answer

Let's start with the fact that the classic SIM card still reigns supreme in many devices. The abbreviation SIM, from English: Subscriber Identity Module, means a module for identifying the subscriber. This is an element of mobile phones that is available in the form of a microprocessor card with built-in memory. Such a card is designed to recognize a specific user and allows for storing a small amount of data.

The information encoded on it is used, among others, to identify:

the operator that issued the card,
subscriber,
his phone number.

Without SIM cards, you can't make calls (except emergency calls), send text messages, or use mobile internet. An eSIM card works exactly the same way, except it doesn't have a physical form, but is installed in a device digitally.

Question 3

What are the differences between eSIM and a traditional SIM card?

Accepted Answer

An eSIM differs from a traditional SIM card in that it is built into the phone and does not need to be physically inserted into the device. In contrast, a traditional SIM card is a small chip that must be manually inserted into the phone, which is less convenient than an eSIM and – let's face it – a bit old-fashioned 😏

Question 4

Which operators offer eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Who has eSIM in Poland? This solution is already available with all major mobile operators: Orange, Play, Plus and T-Mobile. However, it is worth paying attention to the activation process, because it is not the same everywhere. In Orange Flex, you have everything from start to finish in an application that guides you by the hand - you do not have to google what to click in the settings and get upset that you are "not technical enough" to handle it.

Question 5

How to make an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

A lot depends on the smartphone model and the operator you want to have an eSIM from. Sometimes you start by scanning a QR code, sometimes by going to Settings > Mobile network > Add an eSIM card (the options may be called differently here). Orange Flex is easier because everything is done in the application. If you want the eSIM to be your main card, download the Flex app, register and select eSIM. Then follow the instructions on the screen. If you need an eSIM as an additional card, launch the application and go to the SIM cards tab. Then add a new eSIM number or select an additional eSIM with the same number (e.g. for a watch).

Question 6

How much does it cost to create an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

You can get an eSIM card in Orange Flex for free, as part of the Plan 🤗 You can also get from 1 to 3 additional eSIM cards, e.g. for a smartwatch, tablet, second phone or router. It all depends on the Plan you choose: 75 GB - 1 additional eSIM card, 150 GB - 2 additional eSIM cards, UNLMTD - 3 additional eSIM cards.

Question 7

Can I use eSIM on any phone? How do I know if I have an eSIM? What devices are compatible with eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Not every phone supports eSIM, but it’s already standard in the latest devices (and just wait until we enter the era of smartphones without a plastic SIM slot!). To check if your smartphone supports eSIM, go to Settings > Connections / Mobile network, and then check if you have the Add eSIM option somewhere. If you see it, you’re home 😊 You can also find a list of devices that support eSIM higher on this page.

If you have trouble finding the right information directly on your phone, you have other options. For example, you can check your smartphone's documentation - usually, the user manual included with the device will tell you whether a given model supports eSIM technology (or you can look for such information on the manufacturer's website). You can always contact your operator. It is worth recalling that Orange is the first operator in Poland to offer eSIM to individual customers.

Question 8

Can I switch from a traditional SIM card to an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, you can swap your physical SIM card for an eSIM (if your phone supports eSIM). In the Orange Flex application, just go to the SIM Cards tab, tap Your number > Main SIM > Swap.

Question 9

Can I use a physical card and an eSIM with the same number at the same time? Can I have the same number on my phone and watch?

Accepted Answer

Sure, you can use a traditional SIM card and an eSIM with the same number at the same time 🤩 The physical card can be in a smartphone, for example, and the eSIM can be in a smartwatch or tablet. Thanks to this, you are in touch with your loved ones on all devices. You can read more about this in the article: Two SIM cards, one number – how does it work in Orange Flex?

Question 10

Is it safe to use eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Sure! The eSIM card has all the security standards and protocols, and its digital nature allows for secure, encrypted communication with mobile networks. In addition, if the phone is stolen, it is easier to locate such a device, because the eSIM cannot be removed from the phone like a regular card. You need to know the code to uninstall it.

Question 11

Does eSIM work while roaming? How does eSIM work abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, eSIM works abroad, just like a traditional SIM card – we wrote more about it here, how roaming works (whether with eSIM or SIM) 🌎✈️ However, it is worth checking with your operator whether they support eSIM roaming in the country you are going to. In Orange Flex, you can conveniently buy the necessary roaming package in the application, even after landing at your destination (no internet required). Important: the main eSIM card in your phone will work in roaming - for now, you can only use the additional one in your watch in Poland.

Question 12

Does eSIM affect my device's battery life?

Accepted Answer

Using an eSIM can have a slight impact on battery life if you use multiple cards at the same time. However, modern smartphones are optimized for power consumption, so the difference is minimal and the benefits of an eSIM on both your phone and watch are much greater.

Question 13

What happens if I lose my phone with eSIM?

Accepted Answer

With an eSIM card, you can more easily locate a lost phone! To uninstall it, you need to know the PIN code. A regular SIM card can be simply removed from the slot. And more about what to do if your smartphone is lost or stolen, read the article: Phone theft or loss – what to do if it happens to you?

Question 14

Can I use eSIM in a dual SIM phone?

Accepted Answer

Sure, you can use an eSIM on a dual-SIM phone (assuming that device supports eSIM, of course). In that case, you can use both the eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time, allowing you to have two phone numbers on one device. Some modern smartphones, like the iPhone 13 and newer, even support two active eSIMs (and store a lot more).

Question 15

Is it worth switching to eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Just think: no more looking for pins, wrestling with a SIM card slot, no more waiting for a courier or trips to the salon when changing operators, instant activation of the number, and the ability to use all the functions of the smartwatch (priceless!). Still hesitating? Check out Mateusz Krawczyk's post about the eSIM card: How to use eSIM and why is it worth it? [guest entry by Mateusz Krawczyk]

Question 16

Does eSIM work without a SIM card? Can you have just an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Of course! eSIM is a fully-fledged card that will serve you not only as an addition to your smartwatch, but also as the main card in your smartphone. You can say goodbye to plastic once and for all. And it is possible that smartphone manufacturers will soon start releasing the first devices with only eSIM!

Question 17

Is eSIM subscription-only?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. You can find eSIM without a subscription, for example, in Orange Flex subscription. This means you no longer have to commit to a long contract with your operator.

Question 18

How long does it take to activate eSIM?

Accepted Answer

In Orange Flex – a few minutes at most. You do everything in an intuitive application that guides you by the hand through the activation process (very simple by the way). There is no need to worry about it, you will definitely manage.

Question 19

Where to buy an eSIM card?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the distribution network of a given operator: in showrooms, at points of sale, in applications, on websites… In Orange Flex, the path is always one and the simplest possible: download the application.

Question 20

Which eSIM should I choose?

Accepted Answer

It's simple, the one in Orange Flex! 🤩 eSIM for free, trivial activation in the application in a few minutes at most, and to 3 additional eSIM cards in the price of the Plan (e.g. for a smartwatch, tablet or second phone)... and generally a lot of other goodness from Flex. Come transfer your number!

eSIM on Orange Flex,
i.e. a virtual SIM card

Choose a virtual eSIM instead of a traditional card, activate it instantly in the app and don't wait for delivery.

An eSIM card and an Orange Flex Plan: the perfect match

How to activate eSIM?

eSIM as a primary card

eSIM as an additional card

Already have an active Plan? Then visit the SIM Cards tab in the app. Add a new eSIM number or an additional eSIM with the same number.

What is eSIM and how does it work?

Which phones support eSIM?

Apple

Samsung

Motorola

Sony

Xiaomi

myPhone

Other devices with eSIM

Smartwatches

Tablets

Use one Plan on multiple devices

Questions and Answers

eSIM on Orange Flex, i.e. a virtual SIM card

Choose a virtual eSIM instead of a traditional card, activate it instantly in the app and don't wait for delivery.

An eSIM card and an Orange Flex Plan: the perfect match

How to activate eSIM?

eSIM as a primary card

eSIM as an additional card

Already have an active Plan? Then visit the SIM Cards tab in the app. Add a new eSIM number or an additional eSIM with the same number.

What is eSIM and how does it work?

Which phones support eSIM?

Apple

Samsung

Motorola

Sony

Xiaomi

myPhone

Other devices with eSIM

Smartwatches

Tablets

Use one Plan on multiple devices

Questions and Answers

eSIM on Orange Flex,
i.e. a virtual SIM card