Finding eSIM carriers in the US and Canada is more difficult than you might think. If nothing else, the major carriers haven’t done much work marketing their new eSIM plans. Considering the technology has been around since 2016, you’d expect it to be everywhere by now.
In this article, we’ll run through the top eSIM carriers in the US and Canada. First, let’s look at eSIM phones so you can know whether this information is relevant to you.
As mentioned, eSIM technology was first introduced in 2016. This means the chances are high that your phone supports a virtual SIM card. Here’s an up-to-date list of eSIM phones.
It’s also worth noting that any 4G-enabled tablet made after 2017 will likely have eSIM compatibility. The same is true for some laptops, and eSIMs are becoming increasingly common in smart wearables. However, we’re focusing on eSIM phones here.
To get an eSIM plan, you first need to choose a carrier that offers them. If you plan to use a carrier different from your main SIM provider, make sure your phone is unlocked first.
Here are the main carriers of eSIM USA and Canada. It’ll be worth keeping track of eSIM carriers because more are added every day.
There are numerous other eSIM carriers in different countries. Apple has helpfully compiled a list of all eSIM carriers across the world. You can also use this list if you’re on an Android phone.
Providing your phone is unlocked or you’re using the same carrier as your standard SIM, activating eSIM on your phone isn’t difficult. Here’s how you set up eSIM plans on either iPhone and Google Pixel.
Setting up eSIM plans on iPhones is super easy. The phone will pretty much guide you through the process, much like it does when you set up a physical SIM card. Here’s the steps you’ll need to take:
The carrier might also give you an app that allows you to purchase eSIM plans and transfer data. Of course, you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection or existing cellular plan when activating eSIM.
You can also convert and transfer physical SIMs to eSIMs when switching phones. On your new phone, go to Settings, tap Mobile Data and select Add Data Plan. The instructions are incredibly clear, so just do what it tells you.
Like Apple, Google is well known for its easy-to-use products and operating systems. Setting up eSIM plans on a Google Pixel is pretty straightforward:
If for any reason you can’t scan the QR code, you can manually enter it. At the Add Plan screen, select Add Manual Code. Then, enter the code that’s included with the QR, which will likely be below it. This process also works for iPhone or any other device that accepts eSIM plans.
Again, you’ll need an internet connection to set this up. As with an iPhone, switching between plans (if you’ve got more than one on your device) involves going to Settings and then Mobile Network. In the Operator menu, you can switch between plans.
Textr will soon launch its own eSIM plans that’ll provide all the functionality and convenience you’ve come to expect from our products. Better yet, they’ll be a greater range of plans than with mainstream eSIM carriers, and they’ll be much cheaper!
You’ll be able to call and text using Textr Team with an eSIM while traveling. It’s perfect for businesses, but tourists will find plenty of useful features in it, too.
The Textr Team app allows you to text and call from the same app using VoIP. Also, you can set up multiple numbers in different countries, reducing the massive fees you have to pay when using your domestic phone number internationally. You get unlimited SMS and MMS messages and high-quality call minutes, so what’s not to love?
Start your 7-day free trial today to see how Textr Team can work for you. Download it now on iOS, Android, and for web browsers.
