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When you're planning a trip and looking into using an eSIM, you'll likely come across a technical term: EID. So what exactly is an EID, and how can you find your own on different devices?
What Is an EID?
EID stands for Embedded Identity Document. It's a unique 32-digit serial number for your device's eSIM chip. Think of it as the "digital ID card" for your eSIM. This unique number is used by carriers to activate and manage your cellular service without a physical SIM card.
EID can also be understood as the unique and specific serial number of the eSIM chip built into a mobile device. It allows carriers to accurately deliver service to the correct eSIM, enabling your mobile device to use data, make calls, send texts, and more.
How Does an EID Work?
When you buy and install an eSIM, the carrier links your phone's EID to the eSIM profile they provide, which then activates the eSIM functionality on your device.
The carrier also obtains your device's IMEI number to ensure a secure connection between your phone and the eSIM card, thereby activating the correct functions on your device.
If your phone doesn't have an integrated eSIM chip, you won't be able to establish this link with a carrier, which is why you won't be able to install an eSIM. This is a common issue for users who encounter the error "I cannot install an eSIM card."
How to Find Your EID
There are two main ways to find your EID.
Method 1: Check in Your Phone's Settings
This is the most common way to find your EID.
- On Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to About phone or About device.
- Look for an option like SIM status, Status, or a similar menu.
- Your EID will be listed in the eSIM section.
- On iPhone (iOS):
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Select About.
- Scroll down to find the eSIM option to get the EID number.
Method 2: Use a Dialing Code
This method works on many devices to quickly access your EID and other identifiers.
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Open the phone app and switch to the keypad
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Dial *#06#.
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A pop-up window will appear, displaying your device's EID, IMEI, and other related numbers.
Note: The exact method to find your EID may vary slightly depending on your specific device model.
EID vs. Other Identifiers: FAQs
1. What's the difference between an EID and an IMEI?
- An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for a phone's hardware, like its "hardware ID." Every mobile device has one or two IMEI numbers.
- An EID (Embedded Identity Document) is the unique identifier for your phone's built-in eSIM chip. If your device supports eSIM, the EID number will be displayed when you look it up in your phone's settings or by dialing *#06#. If you can't find an EID, it's likely because your phone doesn't support eSIM.
You can think of it this way: the IMEI identifies your phone, while the EID identifies the eSIM chip inside your phone. When setting up an eSIM, the carrier needs the EID to link your service to that specific chip.
2. Why can't I find my EID?
If you can't find the EID in your phone's settings or by dialing *#06#, and only the IMEI appears, your phone likely does not support eSIM functionality. Only devices with a built-in eSIM chip generate an EID.
If you've confirmed that your phone supports eSIM but can't find the EID number, here are a few solutions you can try:
- Restart your phone: The simplest solution is often the most effective. Restarting your phone can fix many temporary software glitches, which may be preventing the EID from displaying properly.
- Check for system updates: Go to your phone's settings and check for available system updates. If there are any, update to the latest version. This can fix known bugs, as an outdated version might be the reason the EID isn't loading.
- Contact your phone manufacturer's customer support: If restarting and updating the system don't solve the problem, the best option is to directly contact the official customer service or technical support of your phone's manufacturer. They can provide detailed guidance for your specific phone model or even remotely diagnose the issue.
3. Does my EID ever change?
No, your EID is a permanent identifier for your device's eSIM chip. It does not change. Carriers need the EID for verification and to link your service securely. They use the EID to:
- Verify Device Compatibility: To confirm that your phone does, in fact, support eSIM.
- Securely Link Service: To ensure that the eSIM profile (containing your phone number and plan information) is accurately delivered to your device, preventing the service from being installed on the wrong phone.
4. Is the EID the same as the ICCID?
No, they are different.
EID is the hardware identifier for the eSIM chip in your device, while ICCID is the software identifier for a specific eSIM profile you have installed.
To put it simply, the EID tells the carrier that you are installing and activating an eSIM, while the ICCID tells you what functions and usage status your installed card has.
If you have any other related questions, you can leave a comment in the section below or contact us via email or our online customer service. Microesim will be more than happy to help you.
