MTN Launches eSIM Service in Nigeria — Here is how to Activate it for Free on Eligible Phones

After launching 5G service in South Africa earlier this month, MTN has taken another great step ahead of other telecom companies by launching eSIM service in Nigeria. eSIM (Embedded/Electronic SIM) is not entirely new in the tech space, if you’ve been reading tech news for some times now, you probably should have read about it and how it works.

This technology became popular with the launch of the iPhone Xs, Xs Max and Xr which launched in 2018. With eSIM, you don’t need a physical SIM card to use your smartphone or browse the internet. We’ve already seen company’s like SIMOWIRELESS offer free internet service using built-in eSIM on new smartphones.

With MTN eSIM service, you can make and receive calls normally as you would on a physical SIM, however, it requires a mobile network to work. You can use a physical SIM (SIM 1) to activate the eSIM and use it as your second SIM or activate it over a Wi-Fi connection. The eSIM is also used wearables (smartwatches).

I recently used something quite similar to the embedded SIM on the Infinix Note 7 via SIMO app which is based on the virtual sim technology and it works flawlessly.

This technology may finally put an end to the stress of retrieving a lost SIM card from a stolen/lost phone as you won’t need to put your physical SIMs into your smartphone. You only need to register your SIM on the eSIM and then hide the SIM pack somewhere safe so you can always have it whenever you need to use it on another device if required.

Some Benefits of eSIM includes;

• It allows you to have more than one phone number associated with your smart device. They are particularly useful for people who want to manage personal and business lines.
• The possibility of losing or damaging your SIM is reduced because it is built into your device.
• You no longer have to deal with cutting SIM cards or finding adapters.
• It is extremely convenient for frequent travellers, making it easier to switch between network operators.

❝The eSIM trial will run for one year and is open on a first come first served basis to a limited number of subscribers who own compatible devices,❞ MTN.

How to activate MTN eSIM Service

To activate the MTN eSIM service, your device most offer this built-in technology. See a list of the eligible device below. If your comes with eSIM technology, all you need to do is visit the nearest MTN stores and an agent will walk you through the setup process.

List of devices with eSIM technoloy

• Pixel 3, 3 XL
• Pixel 4, 4 XL
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, XS Max
• iPhone XR
• Samsung S20 Series

You can also take your phone to any MTN store near you to confirm if your phone supports this technology. What do you think about this the SIM technology? tell us in the comments below.