An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows consumers to activate a mobile plan from their network provider without the need for a physical SIM card.
MTN Nigeria was the first to make virtual SIM cards, also known as eSIM cards, accessible in Nigeria. The virtual SIM cards will have the same capabilities as traditional SIM cards. The virtual SIM, eSIM, is embedded into the phones and hence cannot be lost or destroyed by the owner.
This article will provide you with information about phones and mobile networks in Nigeria that accept eSIM.
Related:
How to Link Your Nigerian NIN to Your Phone Number
How to Check/Recover Your NIN on Phone in Nigeria
Contents
Benefits of Using eSIM in Nigeria
- It saves numerous cellular profiles and hence functions globally.
- You no longer have to worry about SIM card cutting or adaptor searching.
- Unlike SIM cards, no special slot is required.
- Because the card is linked to the device, it cannot be lost.
- It gives the same degree of protection as a detachable SIM card and makes switching between network carriers easier.
What Phones support eSIM?
The following is a list of suitable devices or phones that support eSIM in Nigeria without the usage of third-party software.
| Samsung | Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold |
| Apple | iPhone XR, iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro 11‑inch, iPad Pro 12.9‑inch |
| Google Pixel | Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 5a, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 3 & 3XL (Limited support), Google Pixel 2 |
| Microsoft | Microsoft Surface Duo, Windows 10 PCs |
| Huawei | Huawei P40 and P40 Pro |
| Oppo | Oppo Find X3 Pro |
| Sony | Sony Xperia 10 III Lite |
Mobile Networks that support eSIM in Nigeria
Currently, MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile are the only two telecommunications companies in Nigeria that enable the usage of eSIM. MTN Nigeria eSIM was introduced in July 2020, while 9Mobile was introduced in early August 2020.
- MTN Nigeria
- 9mobile
How does the eSIM work in Nigeria?
In 2016, the eSIM was introduced internationally. It is considered the next generation of SIM cards following the announcement of Nano SIMs in 2012.
If you have a smartphone with two SIM slots, the eSIM operates just like a second SIM card. It gives you a second phone number without requiring you to purchase another SIM card; all you have to do is activate it with your account profile and you’re ready to go. Compatible phones are used to scan a QR code provided to the eSIM during the initial phase of the activation procedure.
How To Register and Activate MTN eSIM in Nigeria
To register the MTN eSIM, go to any of your local MTN outlets, and the activation procedure will take place there. To use eSIM cards, they must first be enabled on your phone. A customer service person must activate the phone in an MTN shop. According to MTN, the process is free of charge to the subscriber.
Once the device is validated as compatible with the MTN eSIM, an account profile is established for the subscriber, and the integration process is completed with the user. When the integration is complete, a subscriber will discover that using the virtual card is virtually identical to using the present sim. There are, however, fresh additions. MTN eSIM cards can hold more than 200 contacts, however traditional sim cards can store up to 200.
How To Activate and Use 9Mobile Nigeria eSIM
Customers can go into any of the selected 9mobile Experience centers to request an eSIM activation, after which a QR code will be issued to scan and download an eSIM profile and execute the standard SIM registration.
Customers who visit any 9Mobile Experience Centre and activate the eSIM can receive up to 7GB of free data. If you currently have a standard SIM card and wish to switch to an eSIM, all you have to do is swap SIM cards.
How to activate eSIM on Apple iPhones
To activate eSIM on your iPhone follow these instructions.
- First, obtain the QR code from a customer service representative at your network provider.
- Navigate to Settings>Cellular.
- Select Add a Cellular Plan.
- Scan the QR code you received from the customer service representative.
- If a confirmation code is required to activate the eSIM, enter the number supplied with the QR code.
How to activate eSIM on Android phones
- Using a QR code scanner app
- Scan your eSIM QR code
- Touch the Cell Plan Detected notification when it appears.
- Click the Continue button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Add a Cell Plan.
- Enter the number supplied by your operator if requested for a confirmation code to activate the eSIM card.
How to activate eSIM on Android phones using SIMO App in Nigeria
You can also activate eSIM on other phones using a third-party app called SIMO (on Android). SIMO is an app that allows users to connect to their eSIM with ease.
List of phones in Nigeria where you can download and use SIMO for MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile eSIM. Infinix Hot 9 series, TECNO Camon 12 Pro, TECNO Camon 12, and Infinix Note 7.
- Launch SIMO.
- Create an eSIM profile.
- To connect to the internet, click “Connect.”
- Purchase data. Choose the best plan for you.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful. Share with us your experience of using an eSIM in Nigeria and the telecom company that worked best for you.