eSIM / eUICC FAQ

As of May 2023 the emnify IoT eSIM (eUICC) is the standard SIM model sold by emnify. The following article contains information regarding the most common topics involving this new product.

1. Available Form Factors
2. Specifications of the SIM cards
3. Benefits of eSIMs
4. Can i still buy and use the previous SIM model?
5. What is the eID field printed on the SIM?
6. In case of a profile update, what happens to the ICCID, MSISDN, PIN or PUK codes?
7. Why the ICCID has an extra digit when compared to the previous SIM models?

Available Form Factors

The emnify IoT eSIM (eUICC) is available in the following form factors:

• Commercial-grade SIM card, 3FF and 4FF (micro and nano SIM)
• Industrial-grade SIM card, 2FF and 3FF (mini and micro SIM)
• Industrial-grade MFF2 module (Embedded SIM, also known as eSIM)

The term eSIM is most commonly used to refer to the consumer eSIM (QR code) but here we are referring to the IoT/M2M eSIM which provides eUICC technology on a SIM card or a SIM module (MFF2).

Currently, emnify only offers eSIM cards and modules that are based on the M2M/IoT standard, and not the consumer eSIM (QR code).

Specifications of the SIM cards

The specifications of the eSIMs are explained in detail in the following article.

What are the main benefits of the eSIMs?

As a key component of the emnify IoT SuperNetwork service, the new emnify IoT eSIM unlocks a number of benefits for our customers, including:  

• Optimized coverage and network selection: connect to the best range of networks for your specific needs, ensuring you take advantage of expanding coverage options without SIM swaps. 

• Future-proof connectivity: get access to the latest network technologies and have the best possible connection, including satellite NB-IoT and 5G. 

• Streamlined network access to new markets: network regulations are changing continuously. To expand into regulated countries, the emnify IoT eSIM will enable you to comply with local laws without changing your setup.

Note: To do an over-the-Air update, your IoT device and the network needs to support SMS. Please note that devices that only support NB-IoT lack SMS support and therefore, the SIM cannot be updated.

Can I still buy and use the previous SIM model?

The previous SIM versions are still fully functional and can continue to be used. New batches are no longer available in our SIM shop.

What is the eID field printed on the eSIM?

The eID (eUICC identifier) is a 32-digit number used to identify an eSIM. The eID remains the same throughout the life of the eSIM, whereas the ICCID on an eSIM may change. Therefore, you can use the eID as a permanent identifier to keep track of your emnify IoT eSIMs.

This field is the only one that will not change over time. Please use this field to identify your SIMs.

In case of a profile update, what happens to the ICCID, MSISDN, PIN and PUK?

In case of a profile swap, the ICCID, the MSISDN as well as the PIN/PUK of the SIM change. The eID field will never be updated. The details of the eSIMs will be available in the Analytics/Reports section of the portal. If you need the new PIN / PUK, please contact our Customer Support team.

Why does the ICCID have an extra digit when compared to the previous SIM models?

It is a checksum digit. When contacting our Customer Support team, you may refer to the SIM ICCID with or without this digit.

For API users, you can retrieve both the  ICCID with the checksum digit (iccid_with_luhn) and without the checksum digit (iccid).

The eID will always be referenced with the checksum digits. 

Further information in:

• Endpoint / emnify REST API
• SIM / emnify REST API