Is ESIM Right For You? Some Cons You Should Know

Hey, tech entusiatsts everyday phones users! Today, we're diving into the world of eSIM technology. While eSIMs offer a lot of cool benefits like easy activation and no more fumbling with tiny SIM cards, they're not all sunshine and rainbows. Let's take a look at the potential drawbacks and limitations ou should know about.

Compatibility Issues
First off, not all devices are eSIM-friendly. Older models, like iPhones before the XR and Android phones released before 2018, can't use eSIMs. Some Cinese phone brands, like Huawei, also had to cut eSIM feature due to certain restrictions.
 

And it's not just about the phones. Mobile carriers around the world aren't all on boars yet. In 2025, only 83% of carriers around the world aren't all on board yet. In developing countries, physical SIM cards are still the norm. Even in Chinan the big three carriers only allow eSIMs for smartwatched, and if you want an eSIM as a secondary card, it has to be linked to a physical main card.

Usage Hiccups

Switching phones with an eSIM isn't as smooth as you'd hope. You have to cointact your carrier to reactivate it, and that can take anywhere from15 to 30 minute. If you're using both an eSIM and a physical SIM card on your phone, you might notice your net work speed drops to 4G. When rraveling , especially to remote areas, there's a chance your eSIM won't work properly. And in places with weak signals, like basements or elevators,eSIMs drop the connection 8% more often than physical SIMs.

Security and Privacy Concerns
Your eSIMs isn't completely safe from hackers. Some scammers use seaky tricks to convince carriers to transfer  eSIMs to their devices. In 2024, there were 236 reported cases of this! Also, if you sell your used phone and forget to clear you eSIM data, it could reveal who your number is linked to.

Peoblems in Special Situations
When your phone dies and you need to switch to a backup quickly, you're out of luck with an eSIM. During emergencies like earthquakes, if the eSIM servers go down, you're left without a connection, unlike with physical SIM cards. For business, managing a lot of eSIM numbers for emplyees is a headache, and usina eSIMs for Internet of Thinas devices costd more because you need special setups.

Hidden Costs

Some carriers charge extra to activate eSIMs. For example, SoftBank in Japan asks for 1000yuan. And if you want a phone with eSIM support, you'll probably pay 5-10% more. that's an extra $50 for the US version of the iphone!

Real users aren't shy about sharing their eSIM atruggles. Travel blogger Mark said his eSIM stopped working while hiking in Nepal, and he almost lost contact with the world. Another user joked that it took three hours to teach their grandma, whi has an old phone, how to use videl call  because of the eSIM compatibility issue.