eSIM in Switzerland: Everything about the virtual SIM card and compatible providers

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

The eSIM, short for embedded SIM (integrated SIM), is a chip that is soldered directly into your phone during manufacturing. Unlike a traditional SIM card that you insert manually, this digital SIM remains fixed in the device and is programmed remotely.
The process is simple: your provider sends you an eSIM profile in the form of a QR code. After scanning, this code immediately activates your mobile plan without any physical handling. Management is done entirely through your phone’s settings, allowing you to add, change, or delete profiles with just a few clicks.
Modern smartphones widely integrate this technology. Apple has offered the eSIM since the iPhone XS, Samsung introduced it with the Galaxy S20 and later models, and Google has included it in its Pixel phones since the third generation. Smartwatches such as the Apple Watch use this technology exclusively for their cellular connectivity.

The eSIM providers in Switzerland

The Swiss market has reached an important milestone: all providers now offer the choice between eSIM and physical SIM cards, giving consumers maximum flexibility. Each provider has developed its own activation processes and specific features.
Swisscom eSIM leads the market with simplified activation through the My Swisscom app. The traditional operator consistently offers the choice between eSIM and physical SIM for all postpaid and prepaid plans. Apple Watch support remains a major advantage, enabling smartwatch use independently from the iPhone. Activation takes only a few minutes directly through the mobile app.
Sunrise eSIM focuses on simplicity with activation via Sunrise ID. During signup, users can freely choose between a digital QR code or a traditional SIM card. The orange operator ensures extended roaming compatibility for both formats, which is especially appreciated by business travelers.
Salt eSIM offers this option for all of its plans. Activation is done through the online customer account, where users can generate their QR code or request postal delivery of a physical card. Salt stands out with competitive prices on unlimited eSIM plans, attracting a young and connected customer base.
Yallo has integrated eSIM across its entire offering, allowing instant activation or the choice of a traditional SIM. Wingo follows the same strategy with youth plans compatible with eSIM. Coop Mobile also offers both formats, aligning with market standards. M-Budget provides the dual option in its affordable plans, helping to democratize access to eSIM technology.
Digital Republic, a new data-focused provider, strongly promotes eSIM with instant activation, while keeping the physical SIM option for customers who prefer it. This universal availability of eSIM reflects the maturity of the Swiss mobile market and meets the diverse expectations of consumers.

How do you activate an eSIM in Switzerland?

The activation of a virtual SIM card follows a standardized process that varies slightly depending on the provider and device. During signup, simply select “eSIM” instead of “physical SIM card.”
General activation process:
Order your plan with the eSIM option
Receive your activation QR code (via email, SMS, or app)
Open your phone’s settings
Go to “Mobile Data” or “Connections”
Select “Add mobile plan”
Scan the provided QR code
Name your eSIM profile (personal, business, travel)
Restart your device to complete activation
Activate eSIM on iPhone in Switzerland: On iOS, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add mobile plan. The iPhone automatically guides the user through the steps. All Swiss providers support this activation, and some even offer direct activation through their app without scanning a QR code.
Configure eSIM on Android: The process on Android varies slightly by manufacturer. On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan. Google Pixel simplifies this through Settings > Network & Internet > SIM. The interface remains intuitive with clear visual instructions.

eSIM Switzerland: advantages and limitations

The eSIM in Switzerland offers significant advantages, but also some limitations to consider before choosing this format instead of the traditional physical card.
Main advantages: The ecological aspect is key, as it eliminates the plastic of traditional SIM cards and their packaging. Managing multiple profiles allows you to easily switch between personal and professional life on a single device. When traveling abroad, the immediate activation of a local plan avoids excessive roaming charges. Dual SIM technology becomes accessible without compromising your smartphone’s water resistance. Instant activation eliminates postal delivery times, ideal for urgent needs.
Current limitations: Compatibility remains restricted to newer devices and excludes many low-cost smartphones – fortunately, all providers still offer the physical card option for these cases. Switching phones requires a new activation, which is more complex than simply transferring a physical SIM. Some providers charge for eSIM replacement, unlike the free replacement of a damaged physical SIM card. Recovery in case of phone loss or theft requires additional administrative steps.

eSIM Switzerland for travelers

The eSIM is revolutionizing the mobile experience for Swiss travelers abroad. The instant activation of a local data plan eliminates the hassle of searching for carrier shops upon arrival.
Specialized international providers offer tailored solutions. Airalo covers 190 countries with affordable prepaid data plans and instant activation via app. Holafly focuses on unlimited data in selected destinations, ideal for heavy users. Truphone targets business travelers with multi-country plans and premium network quality. Ubigi offers economical regional plans, especially for eSIM Europe Switzerland, enabling service continuity within the Schengen area.
The Swiss eSIM data for travelers supports several configurations: keep your Swiss number for urgent calls while using inexpensive local data at the same time. Activate a temporary plan before departure and avoid stress upon arrival. Easily switch between providers depending on the network quality observed on site.

Frequently Asked Questions (eSIM Switzerland FAQ)