An eSIM is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code or tapping a link, so you can activate right away. A physical SIM is a small card you insert into your phone, which suits phones without eSIM support. Both give you the same plan, number, and coverage.
eSIM
An eSIM is built into your phone and downloaded over the internet.
- Instant: delivered to your email and your account right after checkout, with no shipping.
- Works on most newer phones, including recent iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models.
- Great for dual-SIM use, such as keeping a work line or a travel line on the same phone.
Things to keep in mind:
- An eSIM can only be installed once. If you delete it or move to a new phone, you need a replacement eSIM ($3.00, once every 24 hours).
- Not every phone supports eSIM.
Physical SIM
A physical SIM is a removable card. Parrot Mobile SIM kits include a 3-in-1 SIM (Nano, Micro, and Standard sizes) and are sold on Amazon. See our SIM Card Kit page.
- Easy to move between phones: power off, swap the card, power on.
- Works with older or budget phones that don't support eSIM.
Things to keep in mind:
- You need a SIM kit in hand before you can activate.
- You can switch a line to a different physical SIM for free from your account if you already have a new kit.
Which should I choose?
- Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you want to activate today.
- Choose a physical SIM if your phone doesn't support eSIM, or you swap phones often.
Not sure what your phone supports? Enter its IMEI on our Bring Your Own Phone page. Dial *#06# to find the IMEI.
Switching later
You can switch between eSIM and physical SIM at any time from More > Line settings > SIM > Replace SIM. See Replacing Your SIM or eSIM.
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