Ordering, activating and transferring a Swisscom eSIM
How to order a new Swisscom eSIM for your existing subscription or prepaid device, activate an eSIM or transfer it to a different device.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM works just like a physical SIM card. However, an eSIM is completely digital and means you do not need a physical SIM. Any device that you want to connect to your Swisscom Mobile subscription or use on a prepaid basis needs an eSIM or SIM card.
Benefits of an eSIM
- Secure: The eSIM is digital and therefore cannot be broken or stolen.
- No waiting: You don’t need to have the eSIM delivered or collect it from a Swisscom Shop — it’s ready to use as soon as you order it.
- Multiple numbers: You can activate multiple eSIM profiles with different numbers on one device.
- Environmentally friendly: The eSIM does not produce any plastic waste.
You will also save the CHF 40.– SIM card activation fee because eSIMs are currently provided free of charge.
Ordering a new eSIM
How to order a Swisscom eSIM for an existing subscription, prepaid device or a new subscription:
For an existing subscription
You can order and set up a new eSIM for your existing subscription in My Swisscom.
For Swisscom prepaid
You can order and set up a new eSIM for your prepaid in My Swisscom.
1. select eSIM
When you order your mobile subscription, select the eSIM option
2. QR-Code in My Swisscom
Once your mobile subscription is activated, you can find your eSIM profile as a QR code in My Swisscom(opens in new tab).
3. Installation
Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera. You will need to be connected to the Internet.
If you change provider, you will receive your eSIM profile the day before your new Swisscom subscription is activated. This means it can be set up on your device in advance. Any notification on the device about a lack of service can be ignored. Once the subscription is activated, the eSIM you have set up will work. If you encounter problems, try restarting the device.
Transferring an eSIM to a different device
The eSIM does not have a SIM PIN by default. However, you can set one at any time:
With eSIM transfer, it’s easy to change from your old device to a new one, either during setup or later in the settings.
- Apple: Apple(opens in new tab) instructions or video from Swisscom
- Samsung and Google Pixel: Samsung(opens in new tab) instructions
Not all devices support automatic eSIM transfer. In this case, you can order and set up a new eSIM in My Swisscom.
Activating a SIM PIN on an eSIM
The eSIM does not have a SIM PIN by default. However, you can set one at any time:
1. Open your settings
Go to device settings.
2. Enter an incorrect PIN
Enter the wrong PIN incorrectly three times.
3. Enter your PUK
You now need your PUK. You’ll find this in My Swisscom.
4. Enter your SIM PIN
Set a new SIM PIN now.
FAQs
How much does a Swisscom SIM cost?
Swisscom eSIMs are currently free of charge.
Do eSIMs work with Swisscom prepaid?
Yes, eSIMs also work with Swisscom prepaid.
How does the dual SIM function work with eSIM?
How to use the dual SIM function on your device:
Go to Apple instructions(opens in new tab)
How does WhatsApp work with eSIM or dual SIM?
WhatsApp works in the same way with the eSIM as it does with a conventional SIM card.
However, with the dual SIM, you can only register and use one phone number for WhatsApp on the device.
What do I need to do before giving my device with an eSIM to someone else?
Reset the device to factory settings. This will delete your eSIM profile from the device.
How do I convert an existing SIM card into an eSIM?
With an Apple and Samsung mobile, you can easily change to eSIM in the device settings. This deactivates your old SIM card and activates the new eSIM.
- Apple: Settings Mobile data select relevant SIM Convert to eSIM Apple instructions (opens in new tab)
- Samsung: Settings Connections SIM-Manager select relevant SIM (e.g. SIM 1) Convert to eSIM
Samsung instructions(opens in new tab) - Important: Please remove the old, deactivated SIM card.
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