Are eSIMs Secure?

If you've ever lost your SIM card, fiddled around trying to pop it out with a paperclip, or worried about someone stealing your number - you're not alone. But with eSIMs becoming more common in modern smartphones, there's a new question cropping up: How secure are they, really? Let's unpack that.

What's an eSIM?

An eSIM - short for embedded SIM - is a tiny chip built directly into your phone or device. It does the same job as a traditional SIM card, but instead of physically swapping it out, your mobile plan is downloaded digitally.

That means no plastic, no postage, no swapping trays. Just scan a QR code, or download a profile from your provider, and you're good to go.

Convenient? Absolutely. But what about security?

Are eSIMs more secure than regular SIM cards?

In many ways, yes - eSIMs offer stronger protection than traditional SIM cards.

Why? Because there's no physical card to steal, clone or lose. You can't just pop an eSIM out of a phone and stick it into another one. It's tied directly to your device and locked behind your phone's own security - think Face ID, fingerprint, passcode, etc.

With gosimless, you can rest assured that we take security extremely seriously. Our eSIM profiles cannot be migrated between mobile devices - customers will need to contact us to issue a new eSIM QR when changing devices, which involves us swapping the number out from the old eSIM profile. This results in the old eSIM profile being disconnected. Additionally, with most carriers customers can retrieve a PAC code by sending a text message which results in an automated SMS containing the PAC. We don't see this as being secure - therefore, such requests are handled by us slightly differently whereby we share the PAC to the billing email address as opposed to by SMS. This introduces layers of preventative security measures to keep you protected no matter what.

This makes the common type of mobile fraud - SIM swap attacks - much harder to pull off.

Check out the eSIM FAQ page to find out more about eSIMs

How eSIMs help prevent SIM swap fraud

SIM swap fraud is when someone tricks a mobile provider into giving them control of your phone number. Once they've got it, they can intercept your texts, access two-factor authentication codes, and potentially breach your accounts.

With a traditional SIM card, all it takes is someone knowing a bit of personal info and pretending to be you. If you have a SIM card and this happens to you, you should learn how to protect yourself from SIM swap fraud

With an eSIM, it's not that simple.

Here's why:

• There's nothing physical to steal
• eSIM profiles are encrypted and protected by the device itself
• Most providers (like us at gosimless) require multiple steps to activate or transfer an eSIM - including things like account verification and email confirmation

With gosimless, SIM swap fraud is practically impossible as our numbers can only be hosted on a limited number of eSIM serials. Unlike a regular network provider, whereby anyone can get a hold of an eSIM or SIM card, ours are tightly controlled and we only share connected eSIMs. We do not offer or distribute physical SIM cards at all. Additionally, to do a SIM swap the serial number of the eSIM or physical SIM is required - which is something we never share.

How is your eSIM profile protected?

When you activate an eSIM, for example, an o2 50GB eSIM, you're not just downloading a file - you're creating a secure link between your device and your mobile provider. This process uses end-to-end encryption, and is designed to follow strict security standards (yep, there's an international standard for this stuff, courtesy of the GSMA who laid out the eSIM Consumer and IoT Specifications).

Once it's on your phone, your eSIM profile is:

• Encrypted and stored securely on the device
• Linked to your phone's unique hardware
• Protected by your phone's lock screen, biometrics, and security settings

So even if someone nabs your phone, they can't access your number or data without getting past all of your device's security first.

Are there any risks with eSIMs?

Let's be honest: no technology is 100% foolproof. The biggest risks to eSIMs aren't the eSIMs themselves - they're usually to do with human error.

For example:

• If someone gains access to your email or mobile account, they could request an eSIM transfer (same risk as with any account-based service)
• If you're using a dodgy or unverified provider, there could be gaps in how your data is handled

But the same goes for anything online. As long as you:

• Use strong passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Stick to trusted providers (us 😉)
• Don't share your activation details with anyone

…you're in very safe hands.

eSIMs are useful and secure for travellers too

One area where eSIMs really shine is for travellers and remote workers. You can land in a new country, switch to a local data plan in minutes, and never worry about losing or damaging your SIM card.

Plus, when you're using a trusted eSIM provider like gosimless, your profile comes directly from us - no shady kiosks, no handing over your passport in a dodgy back room, and no messing about.

gosimless O2 eSIM plans all come with inclusive roam like home in Europe. Our Vodafone Unlimited plan goes further, with inclusive roaming in Europe as well as 29 international destinations such as USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

If you lose your device or need to register the number on a separate device, the number can be swapped onto another eSIM and shared with you digitally by email - eliminating the need for physical postage which is convenient if you're often on the move.

Safe. Simple. Sorted.

Should you worry about eSIM security?

In short: no, you shouldn't be worried - if anything, you should be reassured.

eSIMs are built on modern, secure technology that's designed to make your mobile life easier and safer. They're harder to steal, harder to fake, and easier to manage than physical SIMs - especially when you're switching numbers, travelling, or working remotely. If you are struggling to activate an eSIM read our blog How to Get & Activate an eSIM Easily.

At gosimless, we make eSIM activation quick, secure, and hassle-free - so you can get connected and get on with your life, without second-guessing your tech.

Ready to gosimless?

If you're still on the fence, give it a go. We offer flexible 30-day rolling eSIM mobile plans on O2 and Vodafone networks. No credit checks required.

Frequently asked questions