An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. This allows you to activate a mobile plan with Globe without the hassle of using a removable nano SIM card.
Devices that support eSIM come with the SIM already embedded and ready to be activated by Globe. Depending on your device’s capabilities, you may be able to add multiple profiles or mobile numbers and use them one or two at a time.
In fact, Globe was the first to introduce eSIM in the Philippines back in 2018!
Here are some of the key benefits of using an eSIM:
- No More Physical SIMs: No need to carry around or manage physical SIM cards, which helps reduce the risk of loss or damage.
- Quick and Easy Activation: Simply scan a QR code or download your eSIM for a seamless experience.
- Enhanced Security: Enjoy better security with features like remote deactivation and strong encryption.
- Flexibility and Convenience: Easily transfer your eSIM to a new device within minutes.
- Multiple Profiles: Manage multiple phone numbers and data plans on a single device.
For Globe Postpaid and Prepaid customers, eSIM QR codes can be reused and transferred to another device without needing to visit a store. Just make sure you have your eSIM QR code on hand to get started!
Steps for transferring your eSIM:
- On your old device, go to your phone’s settings and uninstall your eSIM.
- On your new device, go to your settings and install the new eSIM.
- Your new eSIM will activate in just a few minutes!
While a physical nano-SIM is removable and can be physically held, an eSIM is embedded within your device, ready to be activated by your network provider.
The eSIM also allows you to manage multiple profiles and mobile numbers on a single device (up to two at a time, depending on the device).
Currently, eSIM is available for Globe Postpaid and Globe Prepaid customers. But don't worry–we’re working on making this feature available for TM customers soon.
For more details on Globe Prepaid Local eSIM, click here.
Before applying for an eSIM, make sure your device supports it. Here’s how you can check:
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Scroll down and look for Mobile Network or Cellular Options.
- Tap on Mobile Network or Cellular Options.
- Look for an option like Add eSIM, SIM Manager, or similar.
- If you see one of these options, your device supports eSIM.
- If you don’t see these options, your device may not be eSIM-compatible.
For new customers:
You can request an eSIM when applying for a new postpaid plan in the New Globe Online Shop. Simply choose “eSIM” when asked about your preferred SIM type, and the eSIM will be sent to your email via a digital QR code.
For existing customers:
If you’re renewing your plan or upgrading to an eSIM, you can follow these simple steps:
- Open SIM Services in the GlobeOne app.
- Select Change SIM.
- Choose Physical SIM to eSIM to start the process.
- Verify your eligibility for the eSIM upgrade.
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number.
- Provide your email address to get your activation instructions.
- Submit your request, and wait for the activation instructions via email.
In Globe Stores:
As a Globe Postpaid customer, you can easily upgrade to an eSIM at any Globe store. With our store teams fully equipped to guide you through every step, your eSIM upgrade will be seamless and hassle-free!
Once you’ve received your eSIM, activating it is quick and easy:
For iPhone:
- Connect to the internet.
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Click "Set Up Cellular" or "Add eSIM."
- Use the QR code scanner to scan the eSIM digital QR code.
- Select “Add Cellular Plan,” and disregard the pop-up message.
- Your eSIM will display with your mobile number, and your device is now ready to use.
For Android:
- Connect to the internet.
- Go to Settings > Connections.
- Select “SIM Card Manager.”
- Click “Add Mobile Plan” > “Scan Carrier QR Code.”
- Scan the eSIM digital QR code.
- Confirm, and your eSIM will display with your mobile number.
If you encounter any issues, you can tap the Help icon inside the GlobeOne app for quick assistance.
Yes, devices that support eSIM can manage between 7 to 10 profiles. You can use one or two profiles at a time, depending on your device.
Absolutely! You can switch back to a physical SIM and keep your number. Simply visit your nearest Globe store, and pay ₱99 for the transaction fee.
If you received your iPhone through Globe, the physical nano-SIM and eSIM are exclusively for use with Globe.
However, if your device is unlocked, you can reach out to your chosen operator for more details about eSIM compatibility.
No worries! You can request a new eSIM code via the GlobeOne app, or visit your nearest Globe store to get a new code—free of charge.
Just make sure your line is temporarily disconnected to prevent unauthorized usage.
To resolve the issue, make sure your device’s cellular data settings are properly adjusted.
For iPhone or iPad users:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Cellular (or Network)
- Under SIMs or Cellular Plans, ensure that Globe eSIM has been turned on
- Under Cellular Data, ensure that Globe eSIM has been selected.
Note: To avoid roaming charges from your primary carrier, ensure that Allow Cellular Data Switching is turned OFF
For Samsung users:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections
- Select Mobile Network
- Check if your eSIM is activated
Yes, you can enjoy Globe’s roaming services using your eSIM while traveling abroad.
For postpaid customers: If you’re unable to finish your eSIM upgrade within 15 days, don’t worry! You can simply try again. The best part? Switching to eSIM is free of charge, and it won’t have any impact on your bill.
Frequently Asked Questions on eSIM and the Native Carrier Activation Feature
Apple’s carrier activation feature lets your iPhone start your mobile plan automatically. You do not need a QR code or manual setup.
The eSIM downloads and installs the profile during setup or when you add a postpaid plan for a faster, seamless experience.
iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and all newer models (for example, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and later models) support carrier activation. If your iPhone supports eSIM and was released in 2018 or later, you can use this easy activation method.
Activation is seamless and happens during your device setup:
- Turn on your NEW iPhone and connect to Wi-Fi.
- During setup, the phone finds the postpaid plan automatically.
- The phone shows a message like "Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed".
- Follow the instructions on the screen to download and activate the eSIM profile.
Carrier activation is fast and easy. The iPhone downloads and installs the eSIM profile automatically. You do not need to scan a QR code or enter details.
You can add the eSIM manually by using the QR code in your email.
- Connect your device to Wi-Fi.
- Go to your phone settings.
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Select Add eSIM.
- Choose the option to Use QR Code and scan the eSIM QR code provided in your email to complete the activation.
If you will not use the new device now, do not activate the eSIM during setup. Find the eSIM QR code in your email. Scan it manually on the device that you want to use. This step makes sure that your service works on the correct device.
Based on the maximum Bluetooth range, it’s 10 meters. You can transfer the SIM within this allowable range.
At least iPhone 11 and higher, with the iOS 26.0 version, support eSIM transfer.
Yes—this works if the old phone has two active SIMs (one dedicated for data), and the new phone has an active SIM for data connection.
Note: The SIM used for data must not be the one being transferred.
Yes, you can transfer all SIMs from devices 1 and 2 to device 3, as long as all devices use the same Apple ID and are connected to Wi-Fi.
No. SIM transfer is only allowed between devices signed in with the same Apple ID. Transfer of a mobile number between devices using different Apple IDs isn’t possible.
The eSIM transfer typically takes a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 15 minutes, depending on device readiness, internet connection, and carrier activation.
Yes. The device must have Two-Factor Authentication enabled on the Apple ID.
No. Your Apple Watch won’t automatically transfer to your new device. After completing the device transfer, unpair the Apple Watch from your old device and then pair it with your new one.
When unpairing, select “Keep Watch Plan” to keep your existing plan active—it will automatically sync once the Apple Watch is paired with your new device.
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