Does eSIM have a Phone Number?

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The new eSIM technology for communication worldwide is becoming increasingly in demand. Modern users are switching to electronic modules because it is convenient and economical. However, on most eSIM, making phone calls and sending SMS is impossible. Why so? Because eSIM tariffs provide internet traffic.

Telecom services such as SMS and calls are unavailable when using data-only eSIM. But this is not a problem because it is still possible to call and send messages using an electronic SIM card, not over a cellular network but over the Internet.

Learn more about how to call and send SMS using an electronic module without eSIM phone number in our blog.

eSIM in Your Phone — What about Calls & SMS?

Some smartphones do not need a SIM card, as it is already built into the gadget. This is a short answer to the question of what eSIM is. But this technology has nuances that you should know about in advance. For example, using an electronic module to use standard cellular services (calls and SMS).

What is an eSIM card?

An eSIM is a virtual module designed to replace all the usual plastic SIM-carriers with information about the mobile operator and contact numbers. Although eSIM technology has appeared recently, many gadgets, mobile phones and tablets support this; that is, most smartphones can connect to an electronic module.

Essential benefits of an eSIM with phone number or without it:

The ability to set up to 5 phone numbers.
An electronic sim cannot be lost or damaged. All smart gadgets can be connected to the same eSIM.
An eSIM module can be used on any device, including smartwatches.
This is a convenient feature for travellers abroad – no more giant roaming bills!

However, when switching to a virtual SIM card, you may encounter one problem – SMS messages, calls and confirmation codes may suddenly stop coming.

How Do I Know If My Phone Supports eSIM?

It is essential to understand that not every smartphone model supports innovation — the function is found only in the flagships of the following manufacturers: Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Google and Huawei.

Related: “List of eSIM supported devices in 2023“

Here are ways to find out if your gadget is equipped with eSIM:

Read the instructions from the device maker;
Clarify the possibility of eSIM activation at the operator’s office;
Check out phone settings.

Some models allow one to combine SIMs, meaning the subscriber can use one physical and one electronic SIM chip. However, many phones only support eSIM — these gadgets do not have a slot for a plastic SIM card.

How to use eSIM for Calls & SMS?

“I don’t understand: where is my phone number? Can you make phone calls with eSIM and how to make them?” — Many ask these questions as soon as they switch to an eSIM card. The thing is that, unlike plastic cellular chips, most eSIMs are designed, as they say, “only for data use”.

An electronic module, which supports only data transmission, provides your device with the data necessary to connect to the Internet, but not a phone number you can use for cellular calls and SMS. So, how to call or send SMS using eSIM?

Many eSIM are designed for internet use only. Such modules do not have a phone number for making calls or sending SMS. However, subscribers can use any messenger application, such as WhatsApp or Skype, for voice calls and text messages. Below is a list of the most convenient services for sending messages and calls using ESIM technology. To use the services of these messengers and call each other, you need to comply with only two simple conditions: connect to the same service and stay online.

Skype

This service became one of the first for free online calls and was known among users even before the era of smartphones. Today Skype is available on all modern platforms and is included in the list of the most popular programs for SMS and calls.

If you still do not know – does eSIM have a phone number, you can make free calls from the desktop and mobile apps; only internet access is needed. Skype also supports both voice and video calls. You can contact one subscriber or arrange a conference with several users simultaneously.

wevsite: https://www.skype.com/en/

Zoom

This service was created primarily for communication with colleagues. Today, many people use Zoom for business. In addition, during the pandemic, many users communicated with family and friends through Zoom.

The service is free for personal use and available on any platform. In addition to classic voice calls, Zoom provides video calls, chat messages and allows you to record meetings. Although you can use Zoom to contact one-on-one, it is still more suitable for group communication with people at a distance.

wevsite: https://zoom.us/

A successful project from Facebook, with which you can call for free. WhatsApp is convenient and accessible for any device. Today it is used by millions of subscribers all over the world.

WhatsApp allows you to call from mobile gadgets and a computer. The service supports voice and video communication. Users can make both single calls and group calls.

wevsite: https://www.whatsapp.com/

Given Messenger is a project of the founder of VKontakte, Pavel Durov. This relatively young service has already gained popularity in many countries worldwide.

Telegram can serve you free communication using desktop and mobile apps. The service has a web version, but you can’t call from it yet. With Telegram, you can make not only regular but also video calls. In addition, there are voice chats for communicating with several users.

wevsite: https://web.telegram.org/k/

Does eSIM have a phone number?