eSIM Canada: Everything You Need to Know

By Posted byPlanHub.ca Updated on September 11, 2023

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In today’s post we’re going to discuss eSIM Canada and everything you need to know.

SIM cards are an essential part of every mobile phone. In case you’re unaware, your phone’s SIM card acts as the device’s DNA. The tiny square-shaped chip connects your device to a specific mobile network. In doing so, it gives your smartphone its unique phone number, and allows it to use mobile data. SIM cards are easily removable and replaceable. When traveling, people often switch out their SIM cards with temporary ones upon arrival. 

Although this is a feasible solution, it does come with certain drawbacks. Carriers at airports could be overcharging, there could be a language barrier with the employee, or you could be exhausted after your flight and not want to wait in a line. With the introduction of eSIMs, all these problems can be easily avoided. In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this exciting new technology. In addition, we will discuss the best ways to get your hands on eSIM devices in Canada.

eSims: How They Work

eSIMs have many advantages over traditional SIM cards, and could become the new industry standard. The “e” in eSIM stands for “embedded”. So, an eSim is a SIM card that is already embedded into a device. With an eSim, users can activate their phone plans and change operators without having to purchase a card in a store. Further, you can avoid having to open up your phone and swap out your SIM.

eSIM compatible smartphones can also read traditional SIM cards. So, it’s possible to contain two mobile plans in the same device. With a store-bought SIM card and embedded eSIM, users can seamlessly swap between two phone numbers, and two different mobile plans. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, consider investing in a device or operator that offers eSIM deals. 

What Is eSim Card?

Even if you do know how eSIM cards work, you may still have questions with regards to their purpose and use. eSIM plans can be activated anytime and anywhere, provided you have the means to do so. As a result, there are two main reasons to use an eSIM in addition to a traditional SIM card. The first is travel, which we touched upon briefly at the beginning of this post.

Instead of relying on data roaming, you can insert a new SIM card prior to your arrival. Then, all you need to do is flip a switch on your phone’s settings to swap between your two mobile plans. If you purchased your SIM in advanced, all you need to do is flip the switch after landing, and switch it back once you’ve landed back home! This method beats any long waiting times for SIM cards at the airport, and doesn’t require you to swap anything out.

Another reason to use eSIM is for your work/business. Certain jobs require constant communication with the office and/or coworkers. As a solution, companies buy or suggest work cell phones for their employees. This way, they can separate their business lives from their personal lives. However, carrying two phones at you at all times can become exhausting and stressful. With eSIM, you can store two unique phone numbers on the same device. This way, users can easily switch between their two numbers based on who they need to get in touch with. Instead of purchasing two separate devices, users can simply subscribe to two of the best mobile plans in Canada, and switch between them whenever they want to. 

What is an iSIM card?

A new SIM technology is emerging on the market: iSIM. An iSIM (Integrated SIM) is a SIM card embedded directly into an electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet or connected object. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which can be removed and replaced by the user, the iSIM is soldered to the motherboard of the device and cannot be physically removed. The main difference between iSIM and eSIM is that iSIM is directly integrated into the electronics of a device unlike eSIM which must be purchased to be integrated later.

List of Phones with eSIM

Currently, eSIMis only compatible with certain devices and mobile providers. Since it’s a relatively new technology, only certain devices are capable of wielding eSIM. If you’re wondering if your device is compatible, or want to seek out a smartphone that can use eSIM, you’re in luck. For the remainder of this article, we’ll outline both the devices and providers which are compatible with eSIM. First and foremost, let’s get into our list of phones with eSIM synergy:

Apple

Fortunately, Apple fans have plenty of options to choose from. A wide number of both iPhone and iPad models are compatible with eSIM within Canada. For iPhone users, every model since the iPhone SE 2 comes with eSIM compatibility. In addition to the SE 2, the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 , iPhone 13 and  iPhone 14 are all capable of wielding eSIM technology. Of course, this also includes all Mini, Pro, Max or Pro Max versions of these devices as well. iPhone 14 sold on American ground are devoid of traditional SIM card drawer and only support eSIMs.

Also, iPhone 13 models and up allow you to have two eSIMs activated at once.

If you’re more of an iPad fan, all models are now included with an eSIM. With the iPad Mini, they introduced eSIM with the 5th Generation. iPad Air is the 3rd Generation, while iPad was introduced in its 7th Generation. The iPad Pro 12.39” introduced it with the 3rd Generation, while the iPad Pro 11” has included it since its first generation. If you want to use an iPad with eSIM, make sure to purchase one from these generations or later.

Android

Don’t despair if you’re not an Apple user, because you can still leverage the perks of eSIM. Android users can choose from a number of smartphones with eSIM compatibility.

 The P40 and P40 Pro from Huawei offer eSIM support, however, the Huawei P40 Pro+ and the new, sleek-looking P50 Pro are not compatible with eSIM.

If you’re a Google Pixel user, all their devices since the Pixel 2 are compatible.

Finally, Samsung users have the most options to choose from. All Galaxy fold smartphones are equipped with eSIM, as well as all Galaxy Z Flip models. In addition, all Galaxy Note models since the 20+ and all Galaxy smartphones since the S20 are eSIM compatible.

In general, there are plenty of eSIM compatible devices to choose from. However, users will also require a plan from a mobile operator that offers eSIM services.

Full List of eSIM Phones

Here is a full list of eSIM phones, as of June 2022:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS & XS Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max & 12 Mini
• iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max & 13 Mini
• iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPhone SE 3 (2022)
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ & S20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip & Z Flip 3 5G
• Samsung Note 20+
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra & Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE & Note 20 FE 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G & Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Google Pixel 6 & 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 7 & 7 Pro
• Google Pixel 5, 5a & 5a 5G
• Google Pixel 4, 4 XL & 4a
• Google Pixel 2 & 2 XL
• Google Pixel 3 XL
• Huawei P40 & P40 Pro
• Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
• Oppo Find X3 Pro, Reno 5A, Reno6 Pro 5G, Find X5 & X5 Pro
• Nuu Mobile X5
• Motorola Razr 2019
• Rakuten Mini
• Gemini PDA

List of Providers With eSIM Packages

If you want to get started with eSIM, the first step should be contacting your mobile provider. However, not all Canadian providers are currently offering eSIM packages. Thankfully, we will list all the carriers which are currently selling them. We are confident that more providers will follow suit as the technology gradually becomes more popular. Fortunately, customers can purchase packages from both large telecom companies and smaller “flanker” brands.

So let’s take a look at a list of providers with eSIM packages:

For starters, all major telecom brands in Canada offer deals on eSIM. Bell’s eSIM packages can be activated by visiting their website, scanning their given QR code and following the instructions. Overall, the process should only take a few minutes. On the other hand, a Rogers eSIM plan can be activated by calling them or visiting a store. If you call them, you will receive an eSIM in the mail, and have to follow their instructions. Recently, Shaw eSIM support was introduced for all compatible devices in Canada.

Make sure to visit their website and follow their instructions, or call them directly. Finally, Telus eSIM can be activated by navigating through your settings and scanning a certain QR code. As the largest providers in Canada, it is no surprise that they offer such seamless processes for installing eSIM.

Customers with Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile can all enjoy eSIM technology. All you need to do is visit their websites or contact them directly to get it set up! If your provider does not currently offer eSIM plans, it’s possible that they will introduce them soon. Try getting in touch with them and asking if they have any plans for the future, you never know what they might say! We don’t want you to end up switching providers to enjoy eSIM, only to find out your old provider just introduced them.

Conclusion

Overall, eSIM seems like an exciting new technology that we cannot wait to see more of. Whether you travel a lot or constantly use your smartphone for work, there are several great benefits with eSIM. If this seems like something that would interest you, just make sure that you are properly equipped. With the proper combination of device and provider, you can start enjoying some of the best eSIM packages Canada has to offer. 

Even if you have eSIM set up, it does not make finding an appropriate mobile plan any easier. Fortunately, we at PlanHub are here to make this process as simple as possible. Our mobile plan searching tool presents users with the greatest, most affordable phone plans available. All you need to do is type in your postal code and mobile needs, and the website does the rest! After using our service to find the perfect phone plan, you will be more than ready to start using eSIM.

We wish you the best of luck and invite you to let us know how you feel about eSIM in the comments section, we are always curious to hear from our readers!