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)
- A device contains an eUICC (secure element)
- A SIM profile is created on an SM-DP+
- The profile is downloaded securely over the air
- The device installs and activates the profile
- 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
| Feature | SGP.22 (Consumer) | SGP.32 |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | User Driven | Automated |
| Discovery | SM-DS mandatory for some flows, optional for others | No SM-DS; discovery handled by eIM orchestration flows |
| Device Type | User Interface based | No User Interface |
| Flow Complexity | Medium | High (fleet orchestration) |
| Common Examples | iPhone, Galaxy, iPad | Smart 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
- Created (on SM-DP+)
- Downloaded
- Installed
- Enabled
- Disabled
- 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
- Confirm device compatibility
- Check signal strength
- Validate SM-DP+ address
- Restart device
- Re-attempt download
- 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.
Download our "The Future of PoS Devices" White Paper
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Talk to our experts
We inform you that the data you provide will be included in files owned by Valid Soluciones Tecnológicas, S.A.U. (“Valid”) for the purpose of sending you our publications and other information. The legal basis for this data processing is your explicit consent to receive such information by completing and submitting this form. Your data will be retained until you unsubscribe from this service using the methods indicated below.
At any time, you may unsubscribe from this free service by clicking the link provided at the bottom of each information email. Additionally, you can exercise your rights to access, rectify, delete, object, restrict processing, and request data portability, where applicable under the relevant regulations, by contacting Valid at trustedconnectivity@valid.com.
At any time, you may unsubscribe from this free service by clicking the link provided at the bottom of each information email. Additionally, you can exercise your rights to access, rectify, delete, object, restrict processing, and request data portability, where applicable under the relevant regulations, by contacting Valid at trustedconnectivity@valid.com.
Talk to our experts
We inform you that the data you provide will be included in files owned by Valid Soluciones Tecnológicas, S.A.U. (“Valid”) for the purpose of sending you our publications and other information. The legal basis for this data processing is your explicit consent to receive such information by completing and submitting this form. Your data will be retained until you unsubscribe from this service using the methods indicated below.
At any time, you may unsubscribe from this free service by clicking the link provided at the bottom of each information email. Additionally, you can exercise your rights to access, rectify, delete, object, restrict processing, and request data portability, where applicable under the relevant regulations, by contacting Valid at trustedconnectivity@valid.com.
At any time, you may unsubscribe from this free service by clicking the link provided at the bottom of each information email. Additionally, you can exercise your rights to access, rectify, delete, object, restrict processing, and request data portability, where applicable under the relevant regulations, by contacting Valid at trustedconnectivity@valid.com.
Our locations
Spain
Avenida de Manoteras, 20
Edificio Tokyo – Planta Baja
28050
Madrid, Spain
Singapore
67 Ubi Avenue 1,
Starhub Green #06-01
Singapore 408942
Present in more than 15 countries