Swapping SIM cards used to be easy, and then came eSIM

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Carrier Control vs. User Freedom

  • Many see eSIM as intentionally reducing user autonomy compared to physical SIMs.
  • Key complaint: moving an eSIM between phones usually requires carrier approval, online access, and often SMS-based verification to the old device.
  • This breaks the “pop SIM into new phone in 10 seconds” workflow, especially if the old phone is broken, lost, or abroad.
  • Carriers can block or complicate transfers, charge fees, or even lock eSIMs to a device, which users view as a power grab reminiscent of pre-SIM CDMA days.

Real-World Failure Modes

  • Numerous anecdotes:
    • Broken phone abroad, unable to receive SMS verification, stuck without number or 2FA for weeks.
    • Carriers requiring in-person store visits, postal QR codes, or bizarre ID checks to reissue or move eSIMs.
    • Travel eSIMs failing due to unsupported phone models, one-time QR codes, or poor customer support.
    • Horror stories of transfers getting stuck and numbers temporarily “lost.”
  • These are contrasted with physical SIMs that generally survive device damage and can be moved instantly.

Where eSIM Shines

  • Strong praise for travel:
    • Buy and provision data/voice before landing, often via apps; avoid language barriers, store visits, and local KYC hassles.
    • Easy to try new carriers or temporary plans; some MVNOs make eSIM swaps trivial via web portals with TOTP.
  • Useful for multiple lines (work/personal, multiple countries) on one device without juggling plastic SIMs.

Technology vs. Policy

  • Several argue the core eSIM tech is fine; problems stem from carrier and manufacturer choices and GSMA rules.
  • Spec allows carriers to block removal/transfer, supporting subsidized-lock business models.
  • Apple and other OEMs dropping SIM slots removes the physical “escape hatch” and amplifies bad carrier behavior.

Broader Pattern: Removed User-Friendly Hardware

  • Thread links eSIM to removal of headphone jacks, microSD, and other physical affordances.
  • Some users deliberately choose phones that retain physical SIM, SD, and 3.5mm jack, seeing these as last defenses against lock-in and hardware fragility.

Emerging Workarounds

  • “Physical eSIM” smartcards (eSIM-on-SIM) let users load eSIM profiles then move them like regular SIMs, but are seen as niche and pricey.
  • Consensus: best current setup is physical SIM for primary line, eSIM for travel/secondary use, and strong regulation to curb carrier abuses.