What is the EID Number, and How Can You Find It?

15 November 2024 / 4 Minute Read

Ah, the marvels of modern communication! The EID number, a silent companion within our devices, has revolutionised how we stay connected worldwide.

An Enchanting Introduction to EID Numbers

Embedded Identity Documents (EIDs) have gracefully entered the realm of technology, making connectivity as effortless as a stroll in the park. But what exactly are these elusive EID numbers?

Imagine a world where staying connected doesn't require fiddling with tiny pieces of plastic or enduring the tedium of swapping SIM cards. This is our delightful reality, thanks to eSIM technology and the EID number that orchestrates its magic, relieving you from the hassle of managing physical SIM cards.

Demystifying the EID Number

An EID number is a 32-digit identifier elegantly integrated into devices that support eSIM technology. It serves as the unique signature of the embedded eSIM chip within your device—a chip that exists even if it has yet to be activated.

What Purpose Does the EID Number Serve?

Mobile providers utilise the EID number to activate and manage eSIM profiles on your phone or other gadgets. Think of it as the key that unlocks a world of seamless connectivity.

eSIMs are the modern answer to the clunky physical SIM cards of yesteryear. They reside serenely inside your phone, awaiting activation—often through a simple QR code—eliminating the hassle of juggling physical SIMs. By using eSIMs, you're part of the technological advancement in mobile connectivity.

With eSIMs, there's no need for a physical card cluttering your device. Your phone embraces a wireless ethos, free from the bothersome manual processes of old. These smartphones, endowed with eSIM capabilities, come equipped with EID numbers to facilitate a smooth connection with new virtual SIM cards. In essence, those antiquated external SIM cards are rendered delightfully obsolete.

It's worth noting that the EID is essential for activating your eSIM, allowing you to connect to your carrier's service without a hitch. Depending on your device, you can juggle up to five phone numbers, using at least two simultaneously. Several smartphones rely solely on eSIMs, heralding a new era of streamlined communication.

Unearthing Your EID Number

Finding your phone's EID number is akin to discovering a hidden gem, and there are two primary avenues to locate it:

1. Consult the Box: The EID number is often elegantly printed on the packaging your phone arrived in or nestled within the user manual.
2. Delve into Your Phone Settings: The method varies slightly depending on your device's make and model. 

Here's how to uncover it on some common platforms:

For the Discerning iPhone User

Should you possess an iPhone, your EID number might be inscribed on the back of the box, amidst other identifiers like the serial number and IMEI? If the box has long since departed, or you wish to verify your device's eSIM compatibility, follow these simple steps:

• Open Settings.
• Scroll down and tap General.
• Select About.
• Scroll until you find the Digital SIM section—there resides your EID.

Apple Watch Enthusiasts

• To locate the EID on your Apple Watch:
• Press the Digital Crown to access the app menu.
• Open Settings.
• Tap General, then About.

Scroll to discover your EID among the device details.

For Our Android Companions

Android devices, such as those from Samsung, often display the EID number on the box—how considerate! To find it within the device:

Open Settings.

• Navigate to About Phone or About Device.
• Tap on Status or SIM Card Status.
• The EID will be listed in the eSIM or SIM-related information.

Google Pixel Admirers

If you own a Google Pixel:

• Open Settings.
• Scroll down to About Phone.
• Look for SIM Status or Status Information.
• Your EID awaits in the eSIM section.

The EID might also be visible in newer Android versions under SIM Cards in the Network & Internet section.

EID vs. IMEI: A Tale of Two Identifiers

One might wonder if EID and IMEI are the same. Alas, they are distinct characters in our technological narrative.

• EID (Embedded Identity Document): This unique identifier excludes devices supporting eSIM technology. It's instrumental in managing and activating eSIM profiles—your gateway to digital SIM cards.
• IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): This number identifies the physical device itself, regardless of whether it uses a physical SIM or an eSIM. Providers primarily use it to identify and track devices on their networks.

The EID is essentially intertwined with eSIM functionality, while the IMEI is the hallmark of your device's hardware.

EID and SIM: Not Quite Kindred Spirits

EID isn't the same as a SIM, though they share a familial connection in mobile connectivity.

• EID: Specific to eSIM technology, the EID facilitates remote activation and management of digital SIM profiles. It embodies the evolution of connectivity—no physical card is required.
• SIM (Subscriber Identity Module): This traditional physical card stores your mobile network details, such as your phone number and carrier information, enabling your device to connect to the network.

In summary, the EID is the maestro behind eSIMs, while the SIM card is the venerable old guard of mobile connectivity.

Concluding Our EID Exploration

Whether you own an iPhone, a Samsung device, or an Apple Watch, uncovering your EID number is straightforward. Having this number at your fingertips is invaluable for troubleshooting any eSIM quirks, particularly during setup if automatic activation takes an unexpected detour.

Armed with your EID and perhaps your SM-DP+ address, you're well-prepared to activate an eSIM and manually embrace the future of connectivity.

Embrace Effortless Connectivity with eDataSIM

If you're searching for a reliable virtual SIM card to connect you on your journeys, look no further than eDataSIM. Offering a splendid array of affordable eSIMs for destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, eDataSIM ensures you remain in touch wherever your adventures whisk you away.

With eDataSIM, you can swiftly activate your eSIM—no app required—and stay connected without the fuss of physical SIM cards. Why grapple with outdated technology when a seamless alternative awaits?

Embark on your next escapade confidently, knowing that eDataSIM has elegantly handled your connectivity.

Discover the ease and sophistication of eSIM technology with eDataSIM. Your journey towards effortless global connectivity begins here.