Ordering and activating an eSIM

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Find out how to order and activate your Swisscom eSIM or switch from a SIM card to an eSIM.

Benefits of an eSIM

With the eSIM (an “embedded” or integrated SIM), the SIM is integrated in the device, so you no longer need a physical SIM card. We load the subscription and phone number information directly onto the device via the eSIM profile.

  • Secure: the eSIM cannot be stolen or broken.
  • No waiting: you don't need to collect the eSIM and it is quick to activate.
  • Environmentally friendly: the eSIM does not produce any plastic waste.
  • Multiple numbers: you can store multiple eSIM profiles on your device.

Setting up an eSIM

Ordering and setting up an eSIM

  1. When you order your Mobile subscription, select the eSIM option for SIM type.
  2. As soon as your Mobile subscription goes live, you can find your eSIM profile as a QR code in My Swisscom(opens in new tab)
  3. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera. You need to be connected to the Internet for this.

For an iPhone, you install your eSIM directly in the My Swisscom app without using the QR code.

If you are changing provider, you will receive the QR code as soon as your new Swisscom subscription is activated. Make sure that your device is connected to the Internet on the day of the transfer.

Changing from a SIM card to eSIM

With an Apple and Samsung mobile, you can easily change to eSIM in the device settings. This deactivates your old SIM and activates the new eSIM.

  • Apple: Settings  Mobile data select relevant SIM  Convert to eSIM From iOS13, the iPhone must be connected to WLAN
    Apple instructions (opens in new tab)
  • Samsung: Settings Connections SIM manager  select relevant SIM (e.g. SIM 1)  Convert to eSIM - SIM card is in SIM card slot 1.
    - From Android 13 with OneUI 5.1.1 (check software version: Settings > About phone > Software information)

    Samsung instructions
    (opens in new tab)
  • With all other devices or if you no longer have your device, order a new eSIM in My Swisscom.
    Go to instructions

eSIM for an additional device

Order and activate an additional eSIM with Multi Device for your additional device (e.g. smartwatch)

Go to instructions

Transferring the eSIM is easy

To transfer the eSIM profile from your old to your new mobile phone:

Important eSIM information

By default, the SIM PIN is deactivated on the eSIM. If you want to activate the SIM PIN, go to the device settings and enter the wrong PIN three times. Using the PUK code, you can then order a new PIN.

View PUK (opens in new tab)

So übertragen Sie Ihr eSIM Profil auf Ihr neues eSIM-Gerät:

Um von einer SIM-Karte zu einer eSIM zu wechseln, gehen Sie wie folgt vor:

Before you switch to an eSIM, you must have a Mobile ID recovery code ready (www.mobileid.ch/recovery(opens in new tab)). After switching, you can use this code to reactivate your Mobile ID.

You can only use the QR code once. If you want to use your SIM on another device, you need a new QR code. You can order the replacement eSIM for free in My Swisscom(opens in new tab).

You will need a new eSIM if your eSIM profile was deleted during a device reset or by mistake. You can order the replacement eSIM for free in My Swisscom(opens in new tab).

Frequently Asked Questions

The eSIM is integrated in every eSIM-enabled device and is therefore free of charge. You can exchange your SIM card for an eSIM profile free of charge.

So übertragen Sie Ihr eSIM Profil auf Ihr neues eSIM-Gerät:

Um von einer SIM-Karte zu einer eSIM zu wechseln, gehen Sie wie folgt vor:

If you want to pass on your device to someone else, you must reset the device settings. This will also delete your eSIM profile.

Whether you can use your mobile phone (including a prepaid subscription) with an eSIM depends on the device. The following devices in the Swisscom range can currently be used with an eSIM:

Discover devices

WhatsApp works in the same way with the eSIM as it does with a conventional SIM card. However, with dual SIM you can only register one phone number for WhatsApp and use it on the device.

Help from the Swisscom Community

Know more together: Our community with over 10,000 active users will be happy to support you.