Gadget Reviews

What is eSIM, and How to Activate it in Ghana on MTN and AirtelTigo

The eSIM technology has been a blessing to mobile phone users in recent years. It allows you to connect to cellular networks without using the physical network cards provided by telecommunication network companies.

The first eSIM standard was released in 2016; That same year, Samsung debuted the new technology in its Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch series, making it the first device to successfully implement an eSIM.

What is eSIM

E-sim is a digital cellular network standard that allows you to connect your smartphone to mobile networks without any physical sim card provided by telecommunication networks.

E-Sim means electronic Sim Card.

The new technology uses a form of a programmable sim card that is embedded directly in your mobile device’s chipset permanently. 

It uses an eUICC (electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Chip) which is activated with a software, instead of a UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Chip) that needs physical sim cards to be inserted before it’s activated. 

In summary, the electronic Sim technology opens the door for mobile device owners to use several sim cards in their smartphones instead of being limited to the one slot offered by smartphone companies.

Are eSIM services currently available in Ghana?

Currently, only two telecommunication providers in Ghana provide eSim services support. They are MTN and Airteltigo Ghana. iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel users in Ghana can enjoy uninterrupted eSim support when they activate it on these networks.

How to activate eSim in Ghana

Activating eSim on your mobile device requires three(3) steps. They are;

  1. Check whether your current device supports eSim services
  2. Activate for eSim support from your network provider
  3. Add eSim on your mobile device

Step 01: How to check whether your phone supports eSim

  • Open the phone or call App on your smartphone
  • Dial Ussd code *#06#
  • If your mobile phone supports eSim services, you will see the EID code along with IMEI numbers.

Step 02: Register eSim support from your network provider

2A. How to register and activate eSim on MTN Ghana

  1. Open the myMTN App.

  2. Wait for the App to update, and click on the menu bar on the right top corner of the screen.

  3. Select eSim. A new in-app browser will open.

  4. Enter your phone number to activate it.

  5. You will receive an OTP message to verify your information(email address, ID card, etc.).

  6. Follow the additional prompts to complete the activating process of your eSim on MTN Ghana.

 For more information, kindly visit MTN Ghana’s website.

2B. How to register and activate eSim on AirtelTigo

To activate eSim on airteltigo, you first need to visit a relationship officer at any airteltigo shop to register and get a QR code. You will then scan this QR code to activate eSim on your smartphone.

Step 03: How to Activate eSim on your mobile devices

After your eSim request has been processed, you may be given a code to manually insert or a QR code to scan in order to activate your eSim. You can add E-Sims on your smartphone by;

3A: How to add Esim on iPhone

  • Unlock your iPhone and head to Settings
  • Select Cellular >> Add Cellular Plan
  • Tap on Add eSIM
  • Follow the prompts to complete

3B: How to add eSIM on Android

  • Unlock your Android smartphone and head to Settings
  • Select Connections >> SIM Card manager
  • Tap on Add Mobile Plan
  • Follow the prompts to complete setting up eSIM on your Android smartphone.

Mobile Phones that support eSim

Android: Google pixel 3XL later, Samsung S20 and later, Huawei P40 and later.

Apple: iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can I use eSIM on my locked iPhone?

No, eSim can only be activated on unlocked iPhones

How many cellular networks can I activate with my esim

An eSim allows you to activate up to ten(10) networks. However, you will be only allowed to use two(2) numbers at a time.

Are eSims going to replace physical sim cards?

Yes, definitely. E-sim is the new standard for sim cards in future phones. For example, the iPhone 14 comes with no physical sim tray. It only supports eSim.

Will I get my contacts moved to my eSim when I migrate from my physical sim card to eSim?

Yes, your telecommunication provider will move all contact information on your physical sim card to the eSim during the activation stage

Conclusions

E-sim is the new sim card standard that is accepted globally. It helps you use several networks on your smartphone without having to change sim cards every time you want to call someone. 

Also, an eSim will help you retrieve contact information anytime, without worrying about missing Sim card dilemmas.

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Joseph Appiah-Duku

Joseph Appiah-Duku is a Digital Marketing Specialist at NALO Solutions, leveraging his IT background to excel in PPC, SEO, and content marketing. His career began in IT, but extensive training in digital marketing facilitated a seamless transition. Joseph's expertise has driven significant month-on-month increases in traffic and sign-ups at NALO Solutions. He has authored articles on SEO algorithm changes, guiding businesses in adapting to industry shifts. In addition to his writing, Joseph hosts video shows and webinars, engaging audiences and promoting NALO Solutions as a passionate brand ambassador. His commitment to the company's values and solutions is evident in all his endeavors. Outside of work, he enjoys watching sci-fi movies and learning new languages, showcasing his love for continuous learning.

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