An eSIM (short for “Embedded SIM”) is a digital replacement for the traditional plastic SIM card. Instead of inserting a physical chip into your phone, you download a small software profile directly onto your device. This profile contains all the credentials needed to connect to a mobile network, your ORA travel plan or local carrier bundle is securely stored in your phone’s built-in eSIM chip (also called an eUICC).
🌐🔑 How Does an eSIM Work?
Built-In Hardware
Modern smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches come with a tiny eUICC chip soldered onto the motherboard.
This chip is designed to hold multiple eSIM profiles, each representing a different carrier or travel plan.
Downloading a Profile
When you purchase an ORA eSIM, you receive a QR code, which acts as a secure digital key.
Scanning (or tapping) that QR code tells your device exactly where to fetch the eSIM data from—no CDs, no mail, no plastic card.
Activation
Once your device downloads the eSIM profile, it installs alongside any physical SIMs or other eSIMs you’ve already added.
You can enable or disable each profile right in Settings → Cellular (iOS) or Settings → Connections → SIM card manager (Android).
When turned on, your phone automatically registers on the best local network that supports your plan.