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Phones have changed a lot over the years. We went from big buttons to touchscreens, from 2G to 5G. Now even the SIM card is going digital.
You may have seen “Add eSIM” in your phone settings, or heard a friend say they set up an eSIM before travelling. But what is it? Does it work in Nigeria? Is it better than a normal SIM?
In this guide, we answer all of that and more. And stick around to the end, because eSIM is coming to Coast very soon
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a SIM card that’s built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card into a SIM tray, you download your mobile network’s details onto a small chip that’s already inside your device.
Think of it this way:
- A physical SIM is like a key you put into a lock.
- An eSIM is like a digital key saved on your phone.
Both open the same door, connecting you to a network so you can call, text and use data. The eSIM simply does it without the plastic.
How does an eSIM work?
Every eSIM-compatible phone has a tiny chip built into it (technically called an eUICC). This chip can store network profiles, which are digital versions of a SIM card.
When you get an eSIM:
- Your mobile network (or eSIM provider) gives you a QR code or an activation code.
- You scan the QR code in your phone’s settings.
- Your phone downloads the network profile onto the chip.
- Your line becomes active, ready for calls, texts and data.
Many phones can store several eSIM profiles and let you switch between them. Some even let you use two lines at the same time, such as an eSIM plus a physical SIM, or two eSIMs.
eSIM vs physical SIM: what’s the difference?
| Physical SIM | eSIM | |
| What it is | A small plastic card | A digital SIM built into your phone |
| How you get it | Buy and insert it | Download it by scanning a QR code |
| Can it get lost or damaged? | Yes | No |
| Can a thief remove it? | Yes | No |
| Switching phones | Move the card to the new phone | Transfer it digitally or reactivate with your network |
| Multiple lines | Limited by the number of SIM slots | Several profiles on one phone |
| Best for travel? | Not really | Yes |
Is eSIM available in Nigeria?
Yes. All the major Nigerian networks now offer eSIM:
- MTN was the first to launch eSIM in Nigeria, in 2020.
- T2 (formerly 9mobile) launched shortly after.
- Airtel offers eSIM to its customers.
- Glo started offering eSIM in 2025.
How to get an eSIM from your Nigerian network
The process is usually:
- Visit your network’s service centre with your phone and a valid ID.
- The agent checks that your phone supports eSIM.
- You choose whether to get a new number or convert your existing line to eSIM.
- You’re given a QR code to scan.
- Scan it in your settings, and your line is active.
Note: if you convert your existing line, your number, airtime and data stay the same. Only the way the SIM is stored changes.
How to set eSIM on your phone
On IPhone
- Go to Settings → Mobile Data
- Tap Add eSIM (or Add Mobile Data Plan)
- Choose Use QR Code
- Scan the QR code from your network or provider
- Follow the steps on screen and label your line (for example, “Travel” or “Work”)
On Android (e.g. Samsung)
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
- Tap Add eSIM
- Select Scan QR code from service provider
- Scan the code and follow the instructions
Important: you’ll need an internet connection, through Wi-Fi or mobile data, to download your eSIM.
Requirements and fees can differ between networks, so call your network or check their website before you go.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Not every phone supports eSIM. It’s common on newer mid-range and premium phones, including:
Apple
- iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and newer models
- Note: some iPhone models sold in the US are eSIM-only and have no SIM tray.
Samsung
- Galaxy S20 series and newer
- Galaxy Note20 series
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
- Pixel 3 and newer (most models)
Many budget-friendly phones popular in Nigeria still don’t support eSIM, so check before you visit a service centre.
How to check your phone
On iPhone:
Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular). If you see “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Data Plan”, your phone supports eSIM.
On Android:
Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Manager. Look for “Add eSIM” or “Download a SIM”.
The quick code trick:
Dial *#06#. On many eSIM phones, you’ll see an EID number alongside your IMEI. If there’s an EID, your phone supports eSIM.
The benefits and downsides of eSIM
- Better security: If your phone is stolen, a thief can pull out a physical SIM and use your number to receive your OTPs and access your accounts. An eSIM can’t be removed, which makes your number much harder to steal.
- Two numbers, one phone: Keep your personal and work lines on one device, or your MTN and Airtel lines, without needing two SIM slots.
- Nothing to lose or damage: No tiny card to misplace, bend, scratch or break.
- Perfect for travel: Buy a data plan for another country before you even leave Nigeria. More on this below.
- Better for the environment: Fewer plastic SIM cards and less packaging.
The downsides
- Switching phones takes an extra step: With a physical SIM, you just move the card. With an eSIM, you’ll need to transfer it in your settings, which some phones support, or visit your network to reactivate it on your new phone.
- Not all phones support it: If your phone isn’t compatible, you can’t use eSIM until you upgrade.
- Be careful when resetting your phone: If you factory-reset your phone, it may ask whether to keep or delete your eSIM. Choose keep, unless you’re giving the phone away. If you delete it, you may need to visit your network to get it back.
Travel eSIM tips
- Install before you travel. You need internet to download your eSIM.
- Turn off data roaming on your Nigerian line to avoid surprise charges.
- Set your travel eSIM as your mobile data line in your settings.
- Keep your Nigerian line on for texts, so OTPs from your bank still come through.
- Choose the right plan. Consider how many days you’ll be away and how much data you’ll use for maps, WhatsApp, social media and video calls.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi where possible. Free airport and hotel Wi-Fi isn’t always secure, so your own eSIM data is safer.
Travelling soon? Keep reading, because Coast is about to make this even easier.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. Most eSIM phones support dual SIM: one physical SIM plus one eSIM, and some phones support two active eSIMs.
Will I lose my number if I switch to eSIM?
No. If you convert your existing line, you keep your number, airtime and data.
Can I move my eSIM to a new phone?
Yes, but how depends on your phone and network. Some phones let you transfer it in settings. Otherwise, your network can reissue it.
What happens to my eSIM if my phone is lost or stolen?
Contact your network immediately to block the line. They can then reissue your number on a new eSIM or SIM.
Do I need internet to set up an eSIM?
Yes, you need Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the eSIM profile.
Is an eSIM more expensive than a regular SIM?
Not necessarily. Local network eSIMs are often free or low-cost to set up, but check with your network. Travel eSIM prices depend on the destination, the amount of data and how long the plan lasts.
Can I use an eSIM for calls, or just data?
Local network eSIMs support calls, texts and data, just like a regular SIM. Many travel eSIMs are data-only, but you can still call on WhatsApp and other apps.
Coming soon: eSIM on Coast
At Coast, we’re always looking for ways to make your life easier. You already trust us to turn your gift cards into Naira, sell your crypto and pay your bills in seconds.
Very soon, you’ll also be able to buy eSIM data plans right inside the Coast app.
That means that next time you travel, you won’t need to queue at the airport or worry about roaming charges. You’ll just open Coast, pick a plan for your trip and stay connected from the moment you land.
We’ll share more details soon, so watch this space
Download the Coast app so you’re ready when eSIM launches.
Read also, Trade. Get Paid. Repeat: Why Coast Is Worth Trying
