Using a business phone with eSIM

There are differences in the use of eSIM depending on the device and provider. This user guide answers basic questions.

Advantages of a physical SIM card and an eSIM

  • Physical SIM card: Supported by all network operators and devices; insert SIM card into (other) device and (continue) telephony immediately
  • eSIM: Online activation – no need to collect or insert the SIM card; with dual SIM devices, the 2nd card slot can be used for other purposes (e.g. for a prepaid card when travelling abroad, memory card)

Determining eSIM capability

You can only use eSIM if your device supports it. To determine whether your device is eSIM-capable, read the manufacturer's product description.

Switching from a physical SIM card to an eSIM

Use the Servicedesk form Tausch-SIM-Karte bestellen (Order replacement SIM card, in German).

  • Select the eSIM entry from the SIM-Typ (SIM type, in German) drop-down menu.
  • Enter the date on which you want the eSIM to be activated under Fälligkeitsdatum (due date, in German). The ZID business phone team will carry out the activation on the selected date.

Activating or changing eSIM

You need an Internet connection for your business phone (e.g. WLAN) and a second device (e.g. PC or laptop) with which you can receive e-mails. You will receive an e-mail with a QR code to activate the new eSIM.

  1. If available, first delete the old eSIM from your business phone.
  2. Then open the e-mail on your second device.
  3. Scan the QR code with your business phone and proceed as described in the e-mail.

Depending on the device, you can then make settings.

Using a dual SIM device with an eSIM

A dual SIM smartphone makes it possible to use 2 tariffs and 2 phone numbers with one device (e.g. work mobile phone number and private mobile phone number).

  • It is always possible to use a physical SIM card together with an eSIM.
  • If you want to use a dual SIM smartphone with several eSIMs, check with the manufacturer in advance how many eSIMs can be activated and whether they can all be accessed at the same time.

Transferring an eSIM

If you want to transfer an eSIM to a new device (e.g. because the old device is defective), you have to request a SIM replacement. Please use the service desk form Tausch-SIM-Karte bestellen (Order replacement SIM card, in German)

  • Select the eSIM entry from the SIM-Typ (SIM type, in German) drop-down menu.
  • Enter the date on which the SIM replacement is to take place under Fälligkeitsdatum (due date, in German). The ZID business phone team will carry out the SIM replacement on the selected date.
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