--- title: What is eSIM? How to buy an eSIM plan at RedPocket description: Learn what an eSIM is and how it works, including its benefits over a traditional physical SIM card. Find out if your phone is compatible, which iPhone and Android devices support eSIM, and how to order and activate an eSIM plan with Red Pocket Mobile in five simple steps. --- [Skip to content](https://help.redpocket.com/what-is-esim-how-to-buy-an-esim#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a ticket](https://help.redpocket.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![3.svg\]](https://help.redpocket.com/hubfs/3.svg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a ticket](https://help.redpocket.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Go to redpocket.com](https://www.redpocket.com/) [Go to redpocket.com](https://www.redpocket.com/) RedPocket Mobile - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.redpocket.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Learn About Mobile](https://help.redpocket.com/learn-about-mobile?hsLang=en) 3. [About SIMs and Plans](https://help.redpocket.com/learn-about-mobile?hsLang=en#about-sims-and-plans) # What is eSIM? How to buy an eSIM plan at RedPocket ##### What is an eSIM An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your device — no physical card required. Here's why it's worth switching: - **Instant setup** — activate or transfer your cellular plan entirely online - **Dual numbers** — store multiple eSIMs on one device and use two numbers at once - **Better security** — no physical SIM means nothing to steal if your phone is lost RedPocket Mobile supports eSIM across all our networks with flexible monthly plans starting at **$10/month**. Browse plans at [redpocket.com/plans](http://redpocket.com/plans) and select eSIM delivery at checkout. Plans are available for purchase only in the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Do you have a RedPocket physical SIM card, and looking to switch to eSIM? [Learn how](https://help.redpocket.com/changing-or-replacing-the-sim-card-number-iccid-on-your-account?hsLang=en). Quick Note: Plans expire after **90 days** if they are not activated, so be sure to activate your SIM right after you receive it.   ##### Is my phone eSIM compatible? Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use eSIM. Here's what else to know: - iPhones XS, XS Max, and XR, and newer models all support eSIM - iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only — there is no physical SIM tray - iPhone 13 and later can store and run multiple eSIM plans simultaneously - Most flagship Android phones also support eSIM. Not sure about your device? Enter your IMEI number in our [compatibility checker](http://redpocket.com/plans). Select a plan, select Bring My Phone, and then click Need Help Deciding. To see if your phone is compatible with eSIM, [check out our list here](https://help.redpocket.com/what-phones-are-compatible-with-esim?hsLang=en).   ##### Using eSIM on a Dual-SIM phone On dual SIM phones, you have two options: - Use eSIM as your **only plan** - Or, pair a physical SIM as your **primary line** with an eSIM as a **secondary line** Most dual-SIM phones can only run **one** eSIM plan at a time — the exception being iPhone 13 and later, which support multiple simultaneous eSIM plans.   ##### How to order an eSIM from RedPocket 1. Choose a **plan**. 2. Visit [redpocket.com/plans](http://redpocket.com/plans). Plans start at **$10/month** or **$120/year**. 3. Select **Bring My Phone**. 4. Select **Digital Setup Made Simple**. 5. Complete your purchase.   ##### Activate the SIM you purchased You'll receive a [confirmation code](https://help.redpocket.com/confirmation-code?hsLang=en) by email. This code contains your prepaid plan details, so keep it safe.  Once you receive it, activate your plan: 1. Go to [redpocket.com/activate](http://redpocket.com/activate). 2. Enter your **confirmation** **code**. 3. Either **port** **your** **existing** **number** or **get** **a** **new** **one**. 4. Follow the **instructions** sent to your email. Need a step-by-step walkthrough? [Click here](https://help.redpocket.com/how-to-activate-your-esim?hsLang=en) for the full installation guide. - [Learn About Mobile](https://help.redpocket.com/learn-about-mobile?hsLang=en#main-content) - [About SIMs and Plans](https://help.redpocket.com/learn-about-mobile?hsLang=en#about-sims-and-plans) - [About Devices](https://help.redpocket.com/learn-about-mobile?hsLang=en#about-devices) - [Products & Plans](https://help.redpocket.com/products-plans?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Devices](https://help.redpocket.com/products-plans?hsLang=en#devices) - [Plans](https://help.redpocket.com/products-plans?hsLang=en#plans) - [Programs](https://help.redpocket.com/products-plans?hsLang=en#programs) - [Orders & Shipping](https://help.redpocket.com/orders-shipping?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Ordering Online](https://help.redpocket.com/orders-shipping?hsLang=en#ordering-online) - [Shipping](https://help.redpocket.com/orders-shipping?hsLang=en#shipping) - [Activating & Setting Up](https://help.redpocket.com/activating-setting-up?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Activating your line](https://help.redpocket.com/activating-setting-up?hsLang=en#activating-your-line) - [Activated? Time to setup your device](https://help.redpocket.com/activating-setting-up?hsLang=en#activated-time-to-setup-your-device) - [Account Management & Payments](https://help.redpocket.com/account-management-payments?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manage Your Account](https://help.redpocket.com/account-management-payments?hsLang=en#manage-your-account) - [Manage Your Phone Number](https://help.redpocket.com/account-management-payments?hsLang=en#manage-your-phone-number) - [Payments](https://help.redpocket.com/account-management-payments?hsLang=en#payments) - [Federal Programs](https://help.redpocket.com/account-management-payments?hsLang=en#federal-programs) - [Device Support](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Device Compatibility](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#device-compatibility) - [Device Features](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#device-features) - [Roaming](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#roaming) - [Voicemail](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#voicemail) - [Using Your Phone](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#using-your-phone) - [Solving Problems and Troubleshooting](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#solving-problems-and-troubleshooting) - [Contact Support](https://help.redpocket.com/device-support?hsLang=en#contact-support) - [About RedPocket Mobile](https://help.redpocket.com/about-redpocket-mobile?hsLang=en) - [RedPocket.com](https://www.redpocket.com/) - [Privacy Policy](https://privacy.redpocket.com/privacy-policy) - [Your Privacy Choices](https://privacy.redpocket.com/opt-out) - [California Privacy Notice](https://privacy.redpocket.com/privacy-policy#california-privacy-notice) Copyright © 2026, RedPocket Mobile