how to convert sim to esim

My eSIM Conversion Diary: The Full Journey from Physical to Digital

1. First Attempt: Five Minutes of Nerves and Excitement

Why Switch to eSIM?

As a frequent traveler, my wallet was stuffed with SIM cards from different countries. I nearly missed a flight once while rummaging for my Thailand SIM at the airport. After upgrading to an eSIM-compatible phone last year, I decided to convert my primary SIM. My first question was: Can I really convert my existing SIM to eSIM?

My Hands-on Experience:

The carrier’s customer service explained two methods: via their app or by visiting a store for QR activation. I chose the app route. Opening “My Carrier” app, I searched “eSIM” and found the conversion option immediately. It required my phone’s EID number – which I later learned is the device’s unique digital fingerprint, found in Settings > About Phone.

After submitting details, I received an OTP via SMS and had to confirm through IVR voice verification. Those five minutes waiting for activation felt like eternity until the “eSIM Activated” notification appeared – suddenly I felt like I’d stepped into a sci-fi movie about digital identities.

Step-by-Step Guide (MyJio Example):

  1. Open carrier app (e.g. MyJio)
  2. Search “eSIM”, select “Convert to eSIM”
  3. Enter EID (found in phone settings)
  4. Verify OTP (SMS + IVR dual authentication)
  5. Wait 5 minutes for activation

2. A Friend’s Blunder: The Bluetooth That Wasn’t On

Conversion Failed? Check Your Bluetooth!

My friend Wang urgently called: “Why won’t my SIM convert? It keeps saying connection failed!” I immediately spotted the problem – his Bluetooth was disabled. eSIM activation requires Bluetooth for data transfer between devices – like two people standing face-to-face but refusing to speak.

Tech Insight:
During conversion, devices use Bluetooth to “handshake” and transfer profiles. After enabling Bluetooth, Wang’s activation completed in under three minutes. He laughed: “So even cutting-edge tech fails on simple oversights.”

3. The International Savior: One eSIM for Global Travel

Borderless Travel Without Physical Cards

Before my Europe trip, I purchased a multi-country eSIM from Airalo. Upon landing in Paris, I activated it instantly in Settings – no card-swapping or rebooting needed. While colleagues queued at airport SIM stalls, I’d already messaged family using local networks.

Global eSIM Tips:

  • Pre-purchase from reliable platforms (Airalo, Google Fi)
  • Select supported local networks (e.g. Orange in France, Deutsche Telekom in Germany)
  • Maintain physical SIM for dual-network capability

4. The Cross-Platform Dilemma: Transferring from iPhone to Android

Changing Devices with eSIM

When helping my mother switch from iPhone to Android, we hit a snag: her carrier didn’t support automatic eSIM transfer between platforms. We had to contact customer service for manual profile reconfiguration.

Device Change Guide:

  1. Same-brand transfers (iPhone to iPhone): Log in with same Apple ID, Bluetooth on for auto-migration
  2. Cross-platform transfers: Verify carrier support first
  3. Android users: Some models require manual activation code input in Settings > Mobile Network > eSIM

5. Debunking Myths: Battery and Signal Realities

Does eSIM Drain Battery Faster?

Initially monitoring battery usage daily, I detected no difference versus physical SIM. An engineer friend explained: eSIM chips simply store data – signal searching consumes the same power regardless.

Signal Strength Concerns

During a mountain camping trip, friends joked: “Will your virtual card lose signal?” Yet our devices received messages simultaneously. Signal quality depends solely on carrier coverage and base stations – SIM formats are just data carriers, like different storage devices reading files at equal speeds.

6. The Rare Regret: Reverting to Physical SIM

An Unexpected "Back to Basics" Moment

When my water-damaged phone required eSIM deletion for repair, I panicked about number recovery. The solution proved simple: a call to my carrier produced a replacement physical SIM within three days.

Reverting Steps:

  1. Contact carrier to request physical SIM
  2. Complete identity verification
  3. Choose delivery or store pickup
  4. Delete eSIM profile after receiving new card

Final Verdict: Is eSIM Worth It?

After one year with eSIM, here’s my assessment:
Advantages:

  • No physical cards to carry or lose (goodbye frantic wallet searches)
  • Multi-SIM convenience (2 eSIMs + 1 physical SIM supported)
  • Seamless device migration (when carriers support it)

Limitations:

  • Some carriers restrict cross-platform transfers
  • In-store staff may lack eSIM process knowledge

If you’re tech-savvy and mobile like me, eSIM liberates your pockets wonderfully. But for stable-use scenarios or older devices, physical SIMs remain practical. Next, I’m considering eSIM for my tablet – because technology should simplify life, shouldn’t it?