How to easily switch your physical SIM to an eSIM
Learn how to easily switch your physical SIM to an eSIM with Vodacom using their app, and explore eSIM compatibility across leading smartphone brands like iPhone, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi. Picture: by Nic Coury / AFP
Image: Nic Coury / AFP
I recently bought the iPhone 16e (don’t judge me), and was suddenly presented with the realisation that my new device had just one SIM slot which left me scratching my head.
That’s because I have a voice contract with Vodacom and my data contract is with Telkom.
That left me with just one slot available for two SIMS, which was a problem.
I knew that my new phone supported eSIMS, but wasn’t sure how I went about getting one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Your Vodacom Physical SIM to an eSIM
As it turned out, it’s really easy to convert a physical sim to an eSim.
I decided to switch my Vodacom one to an eSim, and was able to everything on the service provider’s app.
Here’s what you need to do, to convert a physical sim to an eSim with Vodacom:
1 Ensure you have R25 airtime to pay for the service
2 Go into the Vodacom App
3 Tap on My Account
4 Tap on Sim Swap
5 Choose Plastic Sim card to eSIM
From there it’s as easy as following the prompts, and after you’ve completed all the steps you have to wait up to 15 minutes for the new SIM to be activated.
Exploring eSIM Compatibility Across Leading Smartphone Brands
For other service providers, the process is similar and equally painless.
Many modern phones support eSIMs, and the iPhone 16e for example can support up to eight different eSIMS. It’s important to note though that the 16e can only use two different eSIMs at a time.
Interestingly, the latest offering from Huawei, the Pura 80 which comes with one of, if not the best, camera on the market does not support eSIMs.
In fact, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi all offer a number of eSIM compatible models so there are plenty of options.