In mobile telephony, eSIM is a significant innovation, offering a practical and modern solution to traditional physical SIM cards. If you have a compatible device and want to activate a digital SIM card with the Iliad provider, it is natural to want to fully understand the process, associated costs and available options. This guide has been created to provide you with all the necessary information, accompanied at every stage of the request, whether you are already a customer or wish to become a customer.
eSIM: Operation and Benefits of Digital SIM
The eSIM, or embedded SIM card, is a digital version of the physical SIM card. Instead of being a small chip to be inserted into the phone, eSIM is integrated directly into the hardware of the device. This means that you do not need to physically replace the card to change operator or activate a new tariff plan.
The advantages are multiple: greater comfort, elimination of the risk of losing or damaging the physical SIM, and the possibility to quickly activate new services or offers without expectations. For devices that support Dual SIM functionality, eSIM allows you to manage two phone numbers (one physical and one digital, or two digital) on the same smartphone, offering flexibility for both personal and professional use. The activation takes place by scanning a QR code provided by the operator, which downloads and configures the SIM profile directly on your device.
Check the compatibility of your device with eSIM
Before proceeding with the request of an eSIM, it is essential to ensure that your smartphone or tablet is compatible with this technology. Although the list of supported devices is constantly expanding, at present, numerous recent models support eSIM.
Among the best known devices that include eSIM support we find: iPhones from the XR model and later, the Fairphone 4, and the latest models produced by leading brands like Samsung (e.g. the Galaxy S and Z Fold/Flip series), Sony, Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, Google Pixel (from Pixel 3 and later) and OnePlus. It is always advisable to consult the technical specifications of your device or the manufacturer's official website for a definitive confirmation of compatibility, since the list may vary and include many other models.
Costs and Conditions for the Activation of Your eSIM with Iliad
Costs for activation of an eSIM with Iliad vary depending on whether you are already a provider customer or a new user who intends to subscribe to an offer.
For Existing Customers Iliad
If you already have an Iliad offer and want to switch from a physical SIM card to an eSIM, economic conditions will depend on your current tariff plan:
- Offers with monthly cost equal to or greater than € 9.99: In this case, the request and activation of eSIM are completely free of charge. There will be no additional activation costs.
- Offers with a monthly cost of less than € 9.99: The activation of eSIM entails a one-time cost of € 9.99. Alternatively, you can decide to make a free offer change, passing to a price plan equal to or greater than € 9.99 monthly, and thus get your eSIM at no additional cost. The offer change will be effective from the date of the next renewal of your current plan.
For New Iliad Customers
If you are not an Iliad customer yet and intend to activate a new offer with an eSIM, the procedure is simplified:
- ESIMs are available with all mobile offers offered by the provider.
- There are no additional costs specific to eSIM as well as those already established for the mobile phone choice. You will pay the cost of the offer and the possible activation cost of the offer, but not a surcharge for the digital SIM.
How to Apply for Your eSIM Iliad Online
The online option is the most convenient and quickest solution to get your eSIM, whether you are already a customer or want to activate a new number.
Online Request for Customers Register
If you are already an Iliad customer and have an active offer, you can request your eSIM directly from your personal area:
- Access the Personal Area: Connect to your provider's website and enter your credentials (User ID and Password) to access.
- Browse the Offer Section: Once you log in, search and select the “My Offer” item in the section dedicated to your mobile offer.
- Start the Replacement Process: Within “My offer”, you will find the option “Pass from physical SIM to eSIM”. Select it to start the procedure.
- Choice Cost/Change Offer (if applicable): If your offer is less than € 9.99/month, you will be asked to choose between activation at € 9.99 (maintaining the current offer) or free activation through a change to a higher offer. In case of exchange, you will have to accept the contractual conditions.
- Documents: You will be required to upload a photo of your tax code and your current physical SIM card. Make sure the images are clear and readable.
- Digital signature: After uploading the documents, proceed to the validation. You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) code by SMS on your Iliad number. Enter the code in the special field and confirm to digitally sign the SIM replacement operation.
- Activation of eSIM: Once you complete the signature, you will see a message indicating that your eSIM will be ready soon. After a few minutes, a QR code will appear on the screen. You will need to scan this code with your smartphone's camera to download and activate the profile of your new eSIM.
Online Request for New Subscribers
If you are still not an Iliad customer and wish to activate a new number or carry out portability while keeping your current number, you can request an eSIM directly during the subscription process:
- Choose the Offer: Visit the provider’s website and select the mobile offer that best suits your needs. Click the button to activate it.
- Number and Personal Data: Specify whether you want to keep your current number (portability) or if you prefer a new number. Subsequently, fill out all the fields required with your personal data.
- Select eSIM: During the configuration of your offer, among the available options for the SIM type, select “eSIM”.
- Acceptance Terms: Apply check marks to accept service terms and privacy policy. You will also have the option to authorize the provider to activate the service before the 14 days provided for the right of withdrawal.
- Payment and Download: On the payment screen, enter your credit or debit card details. Complete the transaction, you can download your eSIM, usually via a QR code that will appear on screen or receive via email.
Request of eSIM At a point of sale
If you prefer a personalized service or do not have the option to complete the online procedure, you can go to a physical store of the provider to request your eSIM. This option is available for both existing customers and new subscribers.
To locate the nearest store, you can see the section dedicated to the points of sale on the provider's website. Generally, simply enter your city or postcode (CAP) to view the list of shops, with addresses, opening hours and more details.
Referring to a store in person, you will have the advantage of being able to receive direct support from an operator, who can answer all your questions and guide you step by step through the request and activation procedure of eSIM. If you are already a customer and want to replace your physical SIM card with an eSIM, remember to bring your tax code and your current provider's physical SIM card, as they will be necessary for the identification and finalization of the transaction.
Conclusions
Requesting and enabling an eSIM with Iliad is an accessible and well structured process, both online and in person. Regardless of your situation – that you are a new enthusiastic user to embrace digital technology or a loyal customer who wants to modernize their experience – the provider offers different solutions to meet your needs. By carefully following the steps described in this guide and ensuring you have the necessary documents at hand, you will enjoy all the benefits offered by the digital SIM in a short time.
