Is eSIM Safe to use?

The eSIM technology has been around for quite a while now, starting with the launch of the Google Pixel 2 and the iPhone XS series. Over the years, eSIM usage has steadily increased, as more and more people have started warming up to the idea of an eSIM. However, there is still some reluctance amongst the masses regarding an eSIM. This is why, one of the most common questions that pop up, while discussing an eSIM, is – ‘are eSIMs safe to use?’ or ‘are eSIMs safer than physical SIM cards’ and more.

Buy Airtel Postpaid with exciting benefits!

Let us take a closer look at how safe an eSIM is and whether it can really take the place of your regular SIM card. 

Read more: How to activate eSIM – convert Airtel SIM to eSIM

What is an eSIM?

Before going deeper into the safety aspect of an eSIM, let us understand what an eSIM is first. To provide some context, the term eSIM stands for Embedded SIM. An eSIM offers all the functionalities of any regular SIM card, and yet, it does not exist as a physical entity. Therefore, the eSIM does not need to be inserted into the SIM card slot of your smartphone either. Instead, you can simply download your eSIM off the internet and it will work just as fine as any regular SIM card. 

eSIMs will help you make phone calls, send SMS texts, access mobile data internet, choose a prepaid or a postpaid plan, and do much more. Nothing changes, except for the physical form factor of the SIM card.

Read more:All you need to know about an eSIM

How do I use an eSIM safely?

Truth be told, there are no hard and fast rules that dictate how you should use your eSIM and how you should not. However, here are some ways on how you can use your eSIM safely:

• Always activate your eSIM profile from trusted sources

When you have an eSIM, you are giving the device details and all the access to your SIM card to another service provider. Make sure that you always activate eSIM from sources that you trust. Never click on links that say ‘click here to activate eSIM’ when you have not even placed the request for an eSIM.

• Share information carefully

While switching from your physical SIM card to an eSIM, you will be asked to provide some personal information. Remember to only share the information that has been requested and be wary of who you may share it with. 

Read more: How to transfer eSIM from one phone to another?

• Update your software

The eSIM is a completely software-based feature that lets you have a SIM card in your phone minus the physical card. Now, this software may occasionally receive updates, that are aimed at improving the performance, upgrading the security patches, or just removing bugs. Always keep your software updated with the latest versions. 

• Have a strong phone password

One of the best ways to protect your eSIM is to have a strong lock screen password. Whenever you choose a password for your phone, always remember to make it something that you can recall quite easily but may be difficult for others to guess. In addition, you can also add special characters or digits to your password to make it harder.

Read more: The advantages and disadvantages of an eSIM card

How to secure my eSIM card?

There are multiple forms of SIM card scams that have been going on around. One of the most popular methods of SIM card scam is the SIM cloning feature, where a random person calls your telecom operator and manages to outsmart them into shifting your SIM card profile onto a blank SIM card.

Now, for any user, whether it is an eSIM card or a regular SIM card, there is no way to stop this from happening. And there are no safety measures either. The only way to stop SIM card cloning is to ensure that your phone password is strong, always remember never to give out your personal information, keep your Aadhaar card no. or other information only to yourself and so on. Data theft can only be prevented when you are wary of how you use your smartphone.

On the other hand, device theft is something that can be managed much better with an eSIM card. For any device with a regular SIM card, once the smartphone has been stolen, the user can simply switch the telecom operator by changing the SIM card and using it. But with an eSIM card in place, things get harder.

Your eSIM card is password protected. It cannot be removed or switched unless that password is provided. Moreover, with an active eSIM inside a smartphone, it can be easily traced as well.

Read more: How to protect your device from SIM card cloning?

Which is more secure – an eSIM or a physical SIM card?

eSIMs are way more secure than regular SIM cards because fundamentally, no one will be able to change your eSIM profile. Moreover, you can also block off the SIM card to prevent the thief from using it. As a result, for thieves, using a smartphone where the whole SIM card is blocked does not seem like a very fruitful activity. 

If you wish to get a more secure version of your SIM card, choosing an eSIM is definitely the right way to do so. 

Read more: How to lock your SIM card?

Choose an Airtel eSIM card

If you are on the search for the best eSIM card provider, then choose Airtel. With an Airtel eSIM card, you finally get your hands on all the features and benefits that come with an eSIM card. The application process for an eSIM card is also easy. There are few steps, and you can install it right at home, without any professional help. Just ensure you have a smartphone that supports an eSIM and the rest is smooth.

Leave the technology of the yesteryears behind and get the Airtel eSIM card today!