What is an eSIM?
eSIM stands for embedded SIM and is a digital SIM card that is built directly into your device, such as a cell phone or smartwatch. Just like a physical, traditional SIM card, an eSIM contains the essential data that connects your device and phone number to your carrier, providing access to your specific plan and features.
Please note! In Canada, there is typically no extra cost to choose an eSIM. Most carriers allow you to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM for free directly through their self-serve app or online portal.
Unlike a physical SIM, you don’t have to wait for a card to arrive in the mail or visit a store, since the hardware is already inside your device. You simply need a QR code from your carrier to activate the service. While most Canadian carriers now offer eSIM as a standard option, it’s always good to double-check if it’s available for your specific type of service.
Pros and cons of eSIM
- Instant activation
- Dual SIM capability
- Eco-friendly
- Requires manual transfer between devices
- Does not work with older legacy devices
What’s the difference between a local eSIM and a travel eSIM?
While both use the same technology, they serve different purposes. A local eSIM is provided by your Canadian carrier and includes a Canadian phone number for your everyday talk, text, and data.
A travel eSIM is a temporary, usually data-only profile designed for international trips. Instead of paying expensive daily roaming fees (often $15/day or more with Rogers, Bell, or Telus) to your Canadian provider, you can download a travel eSIM to get local data rates in your destination country. It’s a great way to stay connected for less while keeping your Canadian SIM active for emergency calls or texts.
Is eSIM available for both BYOD and prepaid plans?
Yes, eSIMs are available for both bring your own phone plans (BYOD) and prepaid plans, though they are currently more common for monthly BYOD subscriptions. However, some Canadian prepaid providers now use eSIM as their primary method for instant activation.
If your carrier offers eSIM, it isn’t guaranteed to be available for every single tier of service. If you’re unsure about your options, we recommend checking your carrier’s support page or app to be certain.
On our prepaid eSIM deals page, you can find more details on how eSIM works for prepaid services and what you should keep in mind before signing up.
How to get an eSIM
- Ensure your device is eSIM-compatible. An increasing number of cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets support eSIM. To be sure, enter your device details in our search box at the top of the page to quickly verify compatibility.
- Choose a carrier that offers eSIM. To use an eSIM, you need a carrier that supports the technology. Remember to also consider other factors like network coverage in your province and the overall value of their BYOD or prepaid plans.
- Find the best plan. Use our comparison tables to filter by data needs and price. This helps you find the most cost-effective plan for your specific device.
- Select eSIM during checkout. When ordering a new plan, you can usually select “eSIM” as your preferred SIM type. In some rare cases, you might need to activate a physical SIM first and then “convert” it to an eSIM via your carrier’s app. If you already have a plan, you can typically swap to an eSIM through your Self-Serve account or by contacting customer loyalty.
- Install and activate via QR code. Once your order is processed, you will receive a digital QR code. Scanning this code will automatically download the carrier profile and activate the service on your device.
Which is the cheapest eSIM?
Ice Wireless 200 minutes is the cheapest postpaid eSIM plan right now (checked on 2026-10-30). The cost is $14.00/month when you sign a 0-month contract.
Tbaytel 0 MB is the cheapest prepaid eSIM right now (checked on 2026-10-30). Top up from $8.00.
How to activate an eSIM on your phone
You activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code, but the specific steps can vary depending on your phone’s manufacturer. Make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before you begin.
Activate eSIM on iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Select Cellular > Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
- Tap Use QR Code and scan the code provided by your carrier.
- Follow the prompts (this may take a minute) and tap Done.
- Restart your iPhone to ensure all services sync correctly.
Activate eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Go to Connections > SIM manager.
- Select Add eSIM > Scan QR code from service provider.
- Scan the code and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your phone.
How eSIM works for smartwatches
Most modern smartwatches now support eSIM technology. To use it, you generally need a watch with “Cellular” or “LTE” capabilities and a specific add-on plan (often called NumberShare or OneNumber in Canada). This service links your existing cell phone number to your watch, allowing it to share your main plan’s data, minutes, and texts.
This makes your watch a standalone device, meaning you can leave your phone at home while exercising or running errands and still receive calls and messages.
Please note! Smartwatch cellular support is currently limited to Canada’s major national carriers. Most ‘flanker brands’ and prepaid-only providers do not support wearable plans yet.
To use an eSIM on your smartwatch, you need
- An eSIM-compatible smartwatch (GPS + Cellular model).
- A monthly BYOD plan with a carrier that supports smartwatch add-ons.
- A “Watch” add-on service that syncs your phone number to the device.
Activation is usually done through the Watch app on your iPhone or the Galaxy Wearable app on your Android device.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM
The fastest way is to dial *#06# on your device. If an EID number appears on your screen, your phone is eSIM-ready. Generally, most major flagship phones released in Canada from 2019 onwards – including the iPhone XS/XR, Samsung Galaxy S20, and Google Pixel 3 (or newer) – support eSIM technology.
In most cases, choosing an eSIM when you sign up for a new BYOD or prepaid plan is free. If you are an existing customer switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM, most major Canadian carriers (like Rogers, Bell, and Telus) allow you to do this for $0 through your self-serve account. However, be aware that some carriers may charge a Connection Fee or SIM Swap fee (often around $10-$15) if you process the change in-store with an agent.
Generally, no. For security reasons, a QR code is a “one-time use” digital key tied to a specific device. If you delete the eSIM profile from your phone or get a new device, you will usually need to generate a new QR code through your carrier’s portal. Some newer “Quick Transfer” features on iPhone and Android are starting to bypass the need for a QR code entirely, but the code itself remains single-use.
Most Canadian cell phones use Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). This means both lines are active for notifications, but you can only use one for a call at a time – the second line will usually go to voicemail if you’re already on the phone. You also select one primary line at a time for your cellular data in your settings.
Activation is typically near-instant. Once you scan the QR code and your phone connects to a Wi-Fi network, the profile usually downloads and activates within 5 to 15 minutes. In some cases, a quick restart of your device is required to finalize the connection to the carrier’s network.
