Are eSIMs Safe? Everything you need to know about eSIM security
Our in-house expert researchers and journalists conduct independent, unbiased testing of eSIM services, assessing their real-life effectiveness and usability.
By staying current with industry developments and openly sharing our transparent testing methodologies, we ensure readers receive accurate, up-to-date insights so they can make informed choices about eSIM solutions.
Learn more
Anyone who has ever purchased an eSIM knows how convenient, flexible, and easy to use they are. People more commonly rely on them for traveling abroad, but they have a plethora of other applications.
Their popularity is growing exponentially, as is evident from Statista’s research, which shows there were around 600 million eSIM connections in the world in 2024, more than three times the figure recorded just two years prior.
However, are eSIMs safe? Many question their security, whether they are safe and secure from hacking, swapping or tracking, which is why I’ve made this article with clear and practical answers that will put those worries to rest.
Are eSIMs more secure than physical SIM cards?
Switching to an eSIM can certainly feel risky and confusing. It’s understandable, as the technology is not simple, so it can be hard to grasp how these virtual SIMs work and what would make them safe.
To explain whether eSIMs are reliable and secure, I’ve broken down the key security questions and provided clear answers below.
Can an eSIM be tracked?
Yes, of course it can. Still, it’s important to understand that tracking is actually a mobile device issue, so it’s not unique to eSIMs. In fact, having an eSIM in your smartphone doesn't make tracking your phone any easier than it would be if you only had a physical SIM.
This is because mobile device tracking relies on the international mobile equipment identifier (IMEI), a number that is unique to the device itself and has nothing to do with the SIM or eSIM used. This identifier lets the authorities or network operators track the phone.
If you’re still worried about privacy, you can turn off location services on your devices, which will prevent apps on your phone from tracking you. Moreover, you can use a VPN to mask your IP address. This applies whether you are using a physical SIM or an eSIM while abroad.
Can eSIMs be hacked?
No SIM, physical or virtual, is hack-proof. However, eSIMs use robust security measures that make them harder to compromise than physical SIMs.
eSIMs rely on a secure element for storing sensitive data safely. It’s an added security layer that prevents a large portion of hacking attempts or unauthorized access. Reputable eSIM providers like Nomad use strong encryption and advanced security protocols during activation, as well.
However, remember that eSIMs, like all other software connected to the internet through a device, are prone to phishing, social engineering, and malware. Still, it has to be emphasized that these vulnerabilities stem from the device itself, not some insecure element in the eSIM.
To help you stay protected from these cyberthreats, here are a few tips:
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Don’t open files or download apps from questionable sources
- Update your device regularly
- Invest in anti-malware software for added security
- If available, set a PIN on your eSIM
- Be wary of seemingly official communications since hackers tend to impersonate official institutions and companies
Can an eSIM be cloned?
eSIM cloning may occur, but it’s highly unlikely, if not impossible. eSIM cloning is extremely rare and much harder than cloning a physical SIM since eSIMs are remotely provisioned and stored in encrypted environments.
To do so, the cloner would need to have physical access to it. Since eSIMs are embedded and managed from a remote location, this can’t happen. Moreover, because operators robustly protect the setup and management of eSIM profiles, cloning from a remote location is hardly a viable option.
Cloning also requires having your international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI) and replicating it. Carriers use this number as an encryption key to identify the phone line. In essence, to get the IMSI, a hacker would need to get it from the mobile network operator, meaning they would need to contact the operator and complete various authentication steps.
With all this being the case, it’s clear that cloning is not something eSIM users need to worry about at all.
Is an eSIM safe from swapping?
Even though an eSIM can’t be physically removed and exchanged for another one, swapping eSIMs is still possible. The good news is eSIMs offer more resistance to SIM swapping fraud than physical SIMs.
SIM swapping happens when a hacker impersonates you with your network provider and manages to get it to activate a new SIM and disable the current one.
Once the hacker gets control of the SIM, they can use your phone number. Consequently, they are able to go through verification procedures, which could help them gain access to your financial accounts through two-factor authentication (2FA).
This form of fraud and identity theft is just as dangerous with eSIMs as it is with physical ones. However, eSIM swapping is still less likely because most eSIM activations require added steps like account verification and QR code scanning, making it harder to accomplish.
To lower this risk, you can use PINs and stronger passwords to protect your carrier account, and you can pick eSIM providers that require complex verification steps, as it would make it harder for someone to impersonate you.
eSIM vs. physical SIM security
To compare the level of security and safety features between eSIMs and physical SIMs, I’ve prepared a detailed table containing the key aspects you need to know about. Here’s the scoop:
| Security risks | eSIM | Physical SIM |
| Removability | Embedded into the device, which makes it much harder to remove or lose | May be physically removed from the device and transferred to another one |
| Theft protection | Very hard to steal because there’s no physical card to take | Can be stolen with ease or swapped for another if the thief gets hold of your phone |
| Cloning risk | Very low risk because activation is controlled by the provider | High risk since physical access to the card increases the chance of cloning |
| Hacking risk | Encrypted and uses strong security measures like secure elements, but the risk of phishing and malware is still there | Almost the same risks as with eSIMs, especially if the device is compromised |
| SIM swapping risk | Unlikely because it usually requires several verification steps with the provider | More common than with eSIMs because it’s easier to trick the carrier due to a lower number of verification steps |
| Overall security | High protection, due to the absence of a physical card and thanks to more robust control from the provider | Depends largely on your own vigilance and the physical safety of your card and device |
It’s clear that there are fewer eSIM security risks, especially when it comes to swapping, cloning, and theft, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take basic security steps. Set strong passwords, be wary of scams, and be careful with what you do online, for example, which links you click and pieces of software you download.
How to use eSIMs safely
As you’ve seen, eSIMs offer a lot more convenience and even improved security over physical SIMs. However, you must still take certain steps to protect your eSIM, especially in terms of your data and identity. Let’s review what you should do to keep your eSIM security at the highest level.
1. Protect your mobile carrier account
Securing your carrier account is critical because it protects you from SIM swapping, 2FA issues, and unauthorized access to your personal info.
You need to use strong and unique PINs while also turning 2FA on whenever you have the option. If you don’t, the risk of SIM swapping becomes greater because it’s easier for hackers to impersonate you.
2. Keep your eSIM activation details private
During the eSIM activation process, you’ll get QR codes and setup links, and you’ll need to set profile credentials. Never share any of these, even after activation.
Hackers and other fraudsters can use one or more of these sensitive pieces of information to access your eSIM remotely, which is why they need to stay private.
3. Lock and secure your phone
Keeping your phone safe is as important as ensuring your eSIM is secure.
You need to use adequate and unique PINs and preferably a biometric lock like fingerprint or face ID. You should also have the Find My Device feature activated because it will help you remotely erase data from your phone if it’s compromised or stolen.
4. Use trusted eSIM providers
Even though eSIMs are quite safe, you still need to get them from trusted sources. You should never download an eSIM from an unknown website or a third-party platform, especially when you’re traveling internationally and can’t afford to have issues with your connection and security.
One of the trusted providers is certainly Nomad, which is often hailed for having a very user- and beginner-friendly app, short duration plans with only 7 or 15 days, no hidden costs, and unlimited data plans in select countries.
5. Watch out for phishing and scams
Phishing is a cyber threat where hackers impersonate trusted sources to get you to voluntarily give them personal or financial information. These scams affect eSIMs too because scammers can impersonate your provider, set up fake carrier login pages, and provide malicious links and QR codes.
That’s why it’s crucial to stay vigilant and avoid these while also always checking that you’re on the right site when it comes to your carrier. It’s best to bookmark it or enter it straight from the browser, not by clicking links from emails or other sites.
Final thoughts: Are eSIMs safe?
Yes, eSIMs are definitely safe, secure and can be more reliable than physical SIM cards, as you’ve seen from my answers. Although issues may arise, eSIMs are still a better option than physical ones because they are built into the phone, which makes them harder to copy or steal.
Still, it’s key to stay vigilant and keep both your eSIM and device protected, while also sticking to reliable and trusted eSIM providers like Nomad. This will help you stay safe during travel and everyday use.
FAQ
Is an eSIM safe for travel and online banking?
Yes, eSIMs are secure for international travel and online banking. eSIMs offer enhanced security features like robust encryption, which lowers the risk of your SIM getting swapped. Naturally, you must take standard precautions and follow the best security practices.
What are the security risks of using an eSIM?
The dangers of using an eSIM are effectively the same as with physical SIMs, like hacking and phishing. However, certain risks are lower, like the chances of getting your eSIM swapped or cloned. In other words, they are less risky than physical SIMs.
What happens if I lose my phone with an eSIM?
What happens is the same as when you lose a phone with a physical SIM, or in other words, there’s a risk of your data and information getting compromised. It’s best to remotely erase data if possible, while also suspending your eSIM service immediately to keep your phone number safe.
