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Getting Started

This section includes a comprehensive set of introductory guides to help users quickly understand the fundamentals of eSIM and IoT connectivity.

1.1
QUICK GUIDE: Beginner’s Guide to eSIM
What is eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a rewritable SIM chip built directly into a device’s hardware. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIM cannot be removed and does not require a physical slot. Instead, connectivity is activated remotely by downloading digital SIM profiles.

Why eSIM Matters

eSIM is transforming the telecommunications and IoT industries because it:

  • Eliminates the need for physical SIM logistics
  • Improves reliability by removing moving parts
  • Enables global deployments without regional SIM swaps
  • Allows dynamic switching between connectivity provider
  • Simplifies supply chain and manufacturing for OEMs
  • Enhances the customer experience (simple activation)
  • Enables efficient orchestration in large-scale loT fleets
Where eSIM Is Used

Consumer Devices:

  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Smartwatches
  • Connected vehicles

IoT Devices:

  • Routers & CPE
  • Smart meters
  • Point-of-Sale terminals
  • Trackers (asset, vehicle, pet)
  • Medical loT devices
  • Telematics units
  • Industrial sensors
How eSIM Works (Simplified)
  1. A device contains an eUICC (secure element)
  2. A SIM profile is created on an SM-DP+
  3. The profile is downloaded securely over the air
  4. The device installs and activates the profile
  5. The device connects to the mobile network
Key Benefits for Operators and OEMs
  • Lower operational cost
  • Improved customer experience
  • Global reach without multiple SIM SKUs
  • Stronger lifecycle management
  • Faster time-to-market for IoT devices
1.2
QUICK GUIDE: SGP.22 vs SGP.32

The GSMA defines two major eSIM provisioning systems:

SGP.22 — Consumer eSIM Standard

Used for smartphones and devices with user interfaces.

  • User-driven provisioning
  • Activation through QR codes, menus, apps
  • SM-DS mediates profile discovery
  • SM-DP+ delivers the profile
  • Relies on LPA (Android/iOS)
  • Suitable for devices where a human can initiate activation
SGP.32 — IoT eSIM Standard

Characteristics:

  • Fully automated provisioning
  • No QR codes, no user involvement
  • Uses lightweight agents: IPAe or IPAd
  • eIM orchestrates provisioning
  • Designed for IoT devices with no user interface, large deployments
  • Ideal for CPE, PoS, telematics, metering, transport/logistics

Key Differences

FeatureSGP.22 (Consumer)SGP.32
ActivationUser DrivenAutomated
DiscoverySM-DS mandatory for some flows, optional for othersNo SM-DS; discovery handled by eIM orchestration flows
Device TypeUser Interface basedNo User Interface
Flow ComplexityMediumHigh (fleet orchestration)
Common ExamplesiPhone, Galaxy, iPadSmart meters, routers, PoS
Note

SM-DS is used for discovery in certain activation flows but is not mandatory for QR-based activations. Devices may bypass SM-DS entirely depending on the activation method and OEM implementation.

1.3
QUICK GUIDE: eSIM vs Multi-IMSI
eSIM (Remote SIM Provisioning) 

eSIM allows a device to download new SIM profiles remotely.
Each profile contains a full identity, authentication keys, and operator settings. 

Advantages: 

  • Full lifecycle: download, enable, disable, delete 
  • Supports multiple operators 
  • Enables long-term IoT scalability 
  • No physical logistics required 
  • Strong security and interoperability 
Multi-IMSI

A single SIM or eSIM profile containing multiple IMSIs that can switch locally inside the SIM without downloading new profiles. 

Advantages: 

  • Instant network switching 
  • Useful for fallback and roaming constraints 
  • Minimum OTA traffic 
  • Ensures connectivity continuity 
  • Regulatory compliance in permanent roaming markets 

When to Use Each 

  • eSIM → long-term lifecycle management, multi-sourcing 
  • Multi-IMSI → backup, fallback, border-crossing, price optimization 

Both technologies can coexist in advanced strategies. 

1.4
QUICK GUIDE: Understanding eSIM Profiles

An eSIM Profile is a digital representation of a SIM card containing: 

  • IMSI (subscriber identity) 
  • Authentication keys (Ki) 
  • Operator policies 
  • File system and applications 
  • Network access settings 
  • Security credentials 

Profile Types 

  • Consumer profiles: prepaid, postpaid, roaming, operator-branded 
  • IoT profiles: bootstrap, operational, fallback 

Lifecycle States 

  1. Created (on SM-DP+) 
  2. Downloaded 
  3. Installed 
  4. Enabled 
  5. Disabled 
  6. Deleted 

Different GSMA systems manage lifecycle differently (SGP.22 = user-driven, SGP.32 = automated). 

1.5
QUICK GUIDE: Troubleshooting eSIM Errors
Most Common Issues Across All Devices
  • Weak signal during download 
  • Wrong SM-DP+ address 
  • Device firmware incompatibility 
  • Certificate mismatch 
  • Modem or LPA errors 
  • APN misconfiguration 
  • Operator restrictions 
Consumer-Specific Problems
  • QR code cannot be scanned
  • Activation code expired 
  • LPA errors on Android/iOS 
  • Device not supporting eSIM transfer 
  • SIM-lock restrictions 
IoT-Specific Problems
  • Device cannot reach bootstrap network 
  • eIM cannot communicate with device agent 
  • SM-DP+ unreachable 
  • IPA missing or outdated 
  • Inconsistent modem behavior 
Standard Troubleshooting Steps
  1. Confirm device compatibility 
  2. Check signal strength 
  3. Validate SM-DP+ address 
  4. Restart device 
  5. Re-attempt download 
  6. Check firmware / modem logs 
Environmental compensation

In order to make a significant difference and bring a real benefit to our environment and planet, Valid decided to create, together with Plastic Bank, an environmental compensation program.

Plastic Bank is a social enterprise empowering a regenerative society. They build ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocess the materials for reintroduction into the global supply chain as Social PlasticTM.

Their collectors receive a compensation for the materials they collect which helps them to provide basic family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance.

Their certified blockchain platform secures the entire transaction and provides real-time data visualization – allowing for transparency, traceability, and rapid scalability.

Compensation Program

With this goal, Plastic Bank is relying on companies like Valid to support the collection process of the plastic in order to:

Mitigate the impact of many corporations and potentially reduce, offset or decrease the plastic footprint of their operations.

Improve the social and economic situations in different regions of the world by creating job opportunities through plastic waste collection.

Supports environmental stewardship and circular economy.

For every SIM card that our customers sell to their consumers under this program, Valid will collect one plastic bottle from the environment.