Prepaid eSIM and eSIM:
Everything you need to know
In our guide, you will find out everything you need to know about eSIM and prepaid eSIM. We explain the differences, list the advantages over classic SIM cards and explain the activation.
What exactly is an eSIM?
An eSIM is basically nothing more than a SIM card in digital form. The term “eSIM” stands for “embedded SIM”. That means: You no longer need to insert a SIM card into your device. The eSIM is already built into your smartphone, tablet or other mobile device at the factory. In contrast to the classic plastic SIM card, it is activated and managed purely digitally.
What is the difference between an eSIM and a regular SIM card?
The main difference between an eSIM and a traditional prepaid SIM card is how it is used. A classic physical SIM card made of plastic
With modern smartphones, changing the card can be a bit fiddly. Sometimes you need special tools to open the SIM slot of a mobile phone. The slot on some older mobile phones is only suitable for standard or micro SIM cards. If you want to use a nano-SIM card in such devices, you will need to use an adapter or cut your card to size before inserting it into your phone. With an eSIM, none of this is necessary. It is permanently integrated into the device and can be digitally activated or deactivated at any time without you ever having to open your phone.
eSIM: Your benefits at a glance
The eSIM has a number of advantages that both technology enthusiasts and everyday smartphone users appreciate. Here are some of the most important advantages at a glance:
eSIM: more sustainable than regular cards
The virtual eSIM card is also clearly ahead in terms of sustainability. Because if you choose the eSIM, you are also helping to reduce plastic consumption and conserve valuable resources. Finally, plastic can be dispensed with both for the packaging of the card and for the actual card itself. In 2022, the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM investigated the environmental impact of switching from the traditional physical SIM card to eSIM. The result of the study was clearly in favour of the eSIM. An embedded SIM ultimately produces a whopping 46 percent less CO2 than a classic SIM card.
eSIM becomes prepaid eSIM
eSIM is not only available in combination with fixed-term contracts. At Ortel Mobile, you can now combine the eSIM with the advantages of prepaid credit and use the prepaid eSIM to make cheap calls, send messages and browse the internet. Always in full control of costs, always without long-term contractual commitment.
Prepaid eSIM: How it works
The prepaid eSIM essentially works like a conventional SIM card. Just like a physical card, the eSIM built into your phone stores all relevant information such as your phone number and establishes the connection to the mobile network. To enjoy all the benefits of prepaid eSIM, all you need is a suitable smartphone and a suitable, eSIM-enabled tariff. You will soon be able to book any of our affordable tariffs as an eSIM tariff. For you, this means:
Just like with a classic SIM card from Ortel Mobile, you can top up your prepaid eSIM with new credit at any time and use it for calls, messages and mobile internet. Please note, as a new Ortel Mobile customer you will first have to complete an identity check before we can activate your SIM or eSIM.
Using SIMs in parallel
With certain mobile phone models you can use multiple SIMs in parallel. Depending on the device and mobile operator, you can also decide whether you prefer to use two eSIM profiles in parallel or if you want to use eSIM and a classic SIM card at the same time. If you use two SIM cards, you can specify which card should be used for which action. For example, you can reserve one phone number for calls and use a second one exclusively for SMS or for browsing the internet.
Transferring an eSIM to a new phone
Would you like to treat yourself to a new mobile phone and take your eSIM with you? Of course, that’s not a problem either. In principle, everything works the same as when you first activate your eSIM. Below, we explain step by step how you can transfer an eSIM to an Android phone or an Apple iPhone. In principle, you can carry out the transfer without having to contact your mobile phone manufacturer.
Transferring an eSIM to an Android phone
For a Samsung device, the procedure is as follows. In principle, the process is very similar for all Android devices:
- On your new device, select “Settings”, “Connections”, “SIM Manager” and “Add eSIM”. Then tap “Transfer SIM card from another device”.
- A pop-up window will open on your old device. Tap “Transfer” and enter the 6-digit verification code displayed on your new device on your old device. Then, on your new device, select a phone number from the list provided by your old device. Tap “Transfer” on your new device and then on your old device.
- The selected eSIM number will be transferred from your old device to your new device. Tap “OK” on your old device. The number of the eSIM you selected will now be automatically downloaded and activated on your new device.
Transferring an eSIM to an Apple iPhone
If you want to set up the eSIM on your new Apple iPhone, all you have to do is turn on your device and follow the on-screen instructions. Using the so-called fast eSIM transfer method, you can transfer the SIM from your old iPhone to your new device without having to contact your mobile operator.
What mobile phones are eSIM capable?
Currently, not all smartphones and mobile devices support eSIM technology. However, more and more modern devices are eSIM compatible. iPhone 14 models from the USA now even do without a SIM slot altogether and only offer the eSIM option. The most popular mobile phones that support eSIM include the following devices:
The current mobile phones of many other manufacturers also support the eSIM. Please note that some imported versions of certain devices, such as those from the USA and Hong Kong, are not compatible with eSIM. If you want to switch to eSIM and get a new mobile phone, you should definitely read the information provided by the respective manufacturer to be absolutely sure.
How do I find out if my phone supports eSIM?
Not sure if your phone is eSIM capable? There are several ways you can find out. You can either
Does your phone support eSIM technology? Then the world of digital SIM cards is open to you and you will soon be able to use prepaid eSIM from Ortel Mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions
A prepaid eSIM is a SIM card that is embedded in the mobile phone at the factory and is used in combination with prepayment. Just like the classic physical prepaid card, a prepaid eSIM must first be topped up with credit so that you can use it to make mobile calls, browse the internet and send and receive messages.
eSIM technology has experienced a real boom in recent years. An increasing number of mobile devices – from smartphones to smartwatches and tablets – are equipped with an eSIM. This is not only due to space savings, but also to user-friendliness and the growing demand for digital solutions. Travellers and individuals who frequently change mobile phone providers in particular benefit from the flexibility of the eSIM. Companies and business customers who want to manage multiple phone numbers on one device also appreciate the advantages of the eSIM.
Yes, a prepaid eSIM is as secure as a traditional physical SIM card. The eSIM stores your mobile data in a secure area of the device. The connection to mobile networks is established using the same encryption protocols as a physical SIM card. Since the eSIM is permanently integrated into the device, there is no risk of it being lost or stolen. In addition, the eSIM can be quickly deactivated if the phone is lost. This provides additional protection against unauthorised use of the SIM by third parties.
To further increase the security of a device, a smartphone should always be protected with a password, PIN or biometric lock (e.g. fingerprint or facial recognition).
Yes, many modern smartphones and mobile devices support the simultaneous use of multiple SIMs. This is especially useful if, for example, you want to manage different tariffs on one device. For example, you can use
Managing multiple SIMs is done via your device's mobile service settings. You can easily switch between the different active profiles.
Yes, eSIM technology is not limited to smartphones. Tablets, smartwatches and even some laptops now support eSIMs. The eSIM is particularly advantageous for smartwatches, because it eliminates the need to carry a physical SIM card. This means you can make calls or receive messages while on the go without having to carry a mobile phone with you. Activating the eSIM on such devices is usually done in the same way as on a smartphone. You scan a QR code or follow the instructions provided by the mobile phone provider. It should be noted that some manufacturers restrict the choice of providers. If you want to be on the safe side, you should check with the manufacturer in advance which mobile phone providers are supported by your smartwatch.
Your advantages at Ortel Mobile
With a prepaid SIM card from Ortel you can use your mobile phone to make and receive calls and surf abroad flexibly and cheaply - and with no long-term contractual obligation. In addition, you benefit from various advantages of cheaper prepaid rates and a variety of different options. We have the right rate for everyone.
Prepaid means paying in advance. You purchase a SIM card, which you top up with credit. Then you can book a suitable option from our large selection on your card. Calls and SMS will only be blocked once you have depleted your credit. However, you will still be reachable.
You do not have to sign a long-term contract. To phone with Ortel, all you need is a mobile phone without a SIM lock. You can order your SIM card online for free or with your starting credit.
You can change your Ortel tariff flexibly every month. With Ortel you always are in full control over your mobile phone and telephone expenses.
Since there is no basic tariff yet, there are no additional costs with an Ortel prepaid card. There is no unpleasant surprise when checking the telephone bill.
Ortel also offers flexible tariffs for smartphone users. Internet flat rates for mobile surfing can be booked as an option - monthly and hassle-free. The good thing is that you can cancel these rates on a monthly basis. If you expect high Internet consumption in the next month or know that you will be travelling a lot, we offer you a one-off booking option.
Do you have questions about our offers?
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