Setting up an eSIM in Switzerland: how it works

An eSIM is a SIM card built permanently into the device and written by software. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you scan a QR code. All major Swiss providers now support this.

What you need

• A device that supports eSIM. That applies to current smartphones from recent years; with older models it is worth checking the spec sheet.
• A tariff from your provider that allows eSIM.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection during activation.

Setting it up in four steps

1. Order the profile from your provider. You will receive either a QR code by email or one in the customer portal.
2. Open the mobile network settings and choose to add an eSIM. The exact menu item is named slightly differently depending on the system, but it always sits in the mobile network section.
3. Scan the QR code. The profile is loaded, which usually takes less than a minute.
4. Give it a label, such as private or work, and set which number is the default for calls and for mobile data.

Important: scan the QR code only once. Many profiles can be installed exactly one time. If you need it again, you have to request a new one from your provider.

The big advantage: two numbers in one device

Most current devices can use a physical SIM and an eSIM in parallel, some even several eSIM profiles. That lets you separate private and business use without a second phone, and abroad you can use a local data connection while your Swiss number stays reachable.

When travelling

This is exactly where the eSIM shows its strength: you book a data package for your destination before departure, activate it after landing and need neither to look for a shop nor to remove your Swiss card. Check whether the package includes only data or a phone number as well, and set in the settings which line is used for mobile data. Otherwise you will accidentally make calls abroad over the more expensive line.

The pitfall when changing devices

An eSIM cannot simply be moved to the next phone. It has to be transferred or ordered again. Current systems offer a transfer function between two devices; otherwise you request a new profile from your provider. Do that before you reset the old device. For the rest of the device change, see setting up an iPhone and moving your data and the selling checklist.

Conclusion

Setting it up takes a few minutes, the QR code can usually be used only once, and when you change devices you have to take the eSIM with you actively. If your current phone does not support eSIM yet, you will find tested devices that do under Smartphones.