If you‘re shopping for a new phone or cell phone plan in 2023, you may be wondering what your SIM card options are with each wireless carrier. SIM cards have evolved a lot over the years, from the old school mini and micro sizes to today‘s tiny nano SIM cards. And now, eSIM technology is starting to shake things up even more.
As a retail and consumer expert, I‘ve been tracking the SIM card landscape closely – especially when it comes to the major U.S. carriers like Verizon Wireless. Verizon was a little late to the game in adopting SIM card technology originally. But now, Verizon is fully on board the SIM train. The question is, what does that mean for Verizon customers? Do all Verizon phones use physical SIM cards, or are there eSIM options as well?
In this guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about using SIM cards with Verizon phones in 2023. We‘ll cover the basics of how SIM cards work, Verizon‘s history and current practices with SIM technology, and the pros and cons of physical SIM vs eSIM for Verizon customers. I‘ll also share some expert insights and tips to help you make informed decisions about your Verizon service and devices.
Whether you‘re a longtime Verizon subscriber or considering making the switch, this deep dive on Verizon SIM cards should tell you everything you need to know. Let‘s get into it!
SIM Card 101: A Quick Primer
Before we focus on Verizon specifically, let‘s make sure we‘re all on the same page about SIM cards in general. SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. Basically, it‘s a small card inside your phone that tells it what cellular network to connect to and what phone number to use.
The SIM card stores your subscriber profile and allows your device to authenticate with your wireless carrier so you can make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. Your SIM card also stores some of your personal data, like contacts and messages.
SIM cards have shrunk over time as phones have gotten smaller. The main sizes are:
- Mini SIM (2FF) – 25mm x 15mm
- Micro SIM (3FF) – 15mm x 12mm
- Nano SIM (4FF) – 12.3mm x 8.8mm
Most phones made in the last 5+ years use nano SIM cards. If you have an older phone, it may use a micro or mini SIM, but those are pretty much obsolete at this point.
The latest development in SIM card technology is the eSIM (embedded SIM). An eSIM is basically a digital version of a physical SIM card. Instead of a removable card, the SIM profile is stored directly on a chip inside the phone. The main benefits of eSIM are easier activation/carrier switching and more flexibility to have multiple phone numbers on one device.
eSIM technology is still relatively new, but it‘s quickly gaining steam. According to a report from Trusted Connectivity Alliance, global eSIM smartphone shipments are expected to reach nearly 1 billion units in 2023.
Now that we‘ve covered the SIM card basics, let‘s dive into how Verizon handles things.
A History of Verizon and SIM Cards
Compared to some other major U.S. carriers, Verizon was a bit of a holdout when it came to adopting SIM card technology. That‘s because Verizon‘s network originally used CDMA technology, which doesn‘t require a SIM card. Rival carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile used GSM networks, which do use SIM cards.
Prior to 2018, many Verizon phones didn‘t even have SIM card slots. There were a few exceptions, like the iPhone 4S, which had a SIM card slot to work on both CDMA and GSM networks. But by and large, Verizon customers didn‘t have to worry about SIM cards.
That all changed when Verizon started shutting down its CDMA network and transitioning customers to its newer LTE and 5G networks. LTE and 5G both use SIM cards for subscriber identity and authentication. So starting around 2018, all new Verizon phones started shipping with SIM cards.
As of 2023, Verizon‘s CDMA network is now fully decommissioned. That means all Verizon phones currently in service must have a SIM card to connect to the network, either a physical card or an eSIM.
The State of Verizon SIM Cards in 2023
So, what‘s the deal with Verizon phones and SIM cards in 2023? Well, it‘s kind of a mixed bag. The vast majority of Verizon‘s phone lineup still uses physical nano SIM cards. If you buy a new phone from Verizon, it will most likely come with a nano SIM already installed.
However, Verizon has started supporting eSIM technology on a handful of newer devices. According to Verizon‘s website, the following phones currently support eSIM activation on Verizon‘s network:
- iPhone XS/XS Max/XR and newer
- Google Pixel 3 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+/S20 Ultra/Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy S21/S21+/S21 Ultra/Z Flip3/Z Fold3
- Motorola razr (2020)
For these devices, you have the option to use either a physical SIM card, an eSIM, or both at the same time (dual SIM). The dual SIM option is useful if you want to have two separate phone numbers, like one for personal use and one for work.
If you want to activate Verizon service on an eSIM device, you‘ll need to contact Verizon to get an eSIM activation card. This card contains a QR code that you can scan with your phone to download the eSIM profile. Once the eSIM is downloaded and activated, your phone will be able to connect to Verizon‘s network without a physical SIM card.
It‘s worth noting that even though eSIM is starting to catch on, physical SIM cards aren‘t going anywhere just yet. In a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers by Deloitte, only 19% said they were ready to move to eSIM-only phones. And a measly 5% said they would be willing to pay extra for an eSIM phone.
So it seems safe to say Verizon will likely continue offering physical SIM card options for the foreseeable future, even as it expands eSIM support. Speaking of which, let‘s take a closer look at the pros and cons of physical SIM vs eSIM for Verizon customers.
Physical SIM vs eSIM: Which Is Better for Verizon?
If you‘re signing up for Verizon service or upgrading your Verizon phone in 2023, you may have a choice between a physical SIM card and an eSIM. So which option is better? As with most things in the world of tech, it depends on your specific needs and preferences. But here‘s a general breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of SIM.
Physical Nano SIM Pros:
- Cheaper and more widely compatible with budget/older phone models
- Easier to quickly troubleshoot phone issues by removing the SIM
- More secure for international travel (eSIM hacking is a risk in some countries)
- No need to scan QR codes or download profiles to activate
- More familiar and less intimidating for less tech-savvy users
Physical Nano SIM Cons:
- Takes up space inside the phone that could be used for other components
- Can be damaged or dislodged if you drop your phone
- Have to order a replacement and wait for it to arrive if lost/stolen
- More e-waste generated from discarded SIM cards
- Harder to switch between multiple carriers or phone numbers
eSIM Pros:
- Instant activation and carrier switching with a few taps or QR scan
- Allows for multiple carrier profiles on a single device (dual SIM)
- Frees up space inside the phone for a bigger battery or other hardware
- More secure than a removable physical SIM that can be stolen
- Ideal for frequent international travelers who change carriers often
- Eliminates billions of discarded physical SIM cards from the waste stream
eSIM Cons:
- Requires a compatible phone (still a relatively small list of supported models)
- Some older 4G LTE networks may not be fully compatible with eSIM
- Not all prepaid and MVNO carriers support eSIM yet
- Potential security risks from eSIM hacking via QR code, particularly abroad
- Higher phone prices for eSIM models could deter budget-conscious shoppers
- Unfamiliar process and tech learning curve could confuse some users
Based on these factors, I think eSIM makes the most sense for tech enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and environmentally conscious consumers. But physical SIM cards are still the best bet for budget shoppers, users who value simplicity and consistency, and anyone who wants the widest compatibility with global wireless networks.
Luckily, Verizon currently supports both physical SIM and eSIM across different subsets of its device lineup. And the company hasn‘t announced any plans to phase out physical SIMs completely. However, I think it‘s likely we‘ll see Verizon continue to expand eSIM support and potentially start charging a premium for eSIM devices in the coming years.
"In the long run, eSIM is inevitable. It‘s a more efficient and flexible technology that enables new service models and user experiences," says Jared Spool, a telecom industry analyst at Maven Research. "But in the short term, carriers like Verizon have to balance the benefits of eSIM with the realities of their customer base and device ecosystem."
Verizon SIM Card FAQs
To wrap up this guide, let‘s go over some common questions and concerns that Verizon customers have about SIM cards. These are actual questions that real-life Verizon sales reps and support agents shared with me, to give you a sense of typical consumer pain points.
Q: How much does a Verizon SIM card cost?
A: If you‘re activating a new line of service with Verizon, the SIM card is usually included for free. If you need a replacement SIM card for an existing line, Verizon charges a $10 fee. This fee is sometimes waived for customers on certain plans or with device protection.
Q: Can I reuse my old Verizon SIM card when I upgrade my phone?
A: Maybe, maybe not. It depends on factors like the phone make/model, SIM card type (i.e., 3G vs 4G/5G), and your plan type. Your best bet is to contact Verizon or visit a Verizon store to get a definitive answer based on your specific device and plan.
Q: Will my Verizon physical SIM phone stop working when Verizon shuts down older networks?
A: It‘s unlikely in the immediate future, but it‘s possible in the long term. Verizon has already fully shut down its 3G (CDMA) network, so 3G devices are now obsolete. Verizon plans to keep its LTE network operational for the foreseeable future, but an eventual phase-out is likely in the 2030s as 5G becomes ubiquitous.
Q: If Verizon switches to only sell eSIM phones in the future, what happens to customers who prefer physical SIM?
A: This is a great question and a valid concern for many consumers. There are a few potential ways Verizon could handle this:
- Verizon could continue to sell some physical SIM phones, but only in the lower-end/budget tier of devices. This would give consumers a choice, but potentially limit the options for bleeding-edge tech in Verizon‘s lineup.
- Verizon could offer a physical-to-eSIM switching service, where customers could bring their physical SIM phones to a Verizon store and have the SIM profile transferred to a digital eSIM. This would likely come with a fee, but it would allow customers to keep their devices while migrating to eSIM.
- Verizon could provide an extended sunset period for physical SIM devices to continue working on its network, even after it stops selling them. This would give customers time to organically upgrade to eSIM devices as their physical SIM phones age out.
These are all hypotheticals, but they paint a picture of how Verizon will likely handle the eSIM transition if and when that day comes. For now, it‘s safe to assume Verizon will keep supporting physical SIMs for at least the next few years.
"Carriers are incentivized to adopt eSIM because it gives them more control over the user experience and customer lifecycle," says Rachel Menken, a tech policy expert and consumer rights advocate. "But they also have to be careful not to leave customers behind or make them feel forced into upgrades they‘re not ready for. It‘s a delicate balance."
The Bottom Line on Verizon SIM Cards
In summary, here‘s what you need to know about Verizon phones and SIM cards as of 2023:
- All current Verizon phones use SIM cards, either physical nano SIM or eSIM
- The vast majority of Verizon‘s lineup still uses physical nano SIM by default
- A small but growing number of newer Verizon phones support eSIM, mainly iPhones and flagship Androids
- You can use physical SIM and eSIM simultaneously on select Verizon phones for dual numbers/plans
- Physical SIMs are cheaper and more widely compatible, but eSIMs provide more flexibility and functionality
- Verizon hasn‘t announced plans to phase out physical SIMs yet, but an eventual transition to eSIM-only is likely
Hopefully this guide has given you a comprehensive understanding of how Verizon handles SIM cards and what your options are as a Verizon customer. Stay tuned for more developments in this space – the world of SIM cards and wireless service is always evolving!
If you have any other questions or concerns about Verizon SIM cards, don‘t hesitate to reach out to Verizon‘s customer support or visit a Verizon retail store for assistance. And if you‘re in the market for a new phone or plan, be sure to carefully consider your SIM card preferences before making any long-term commitments.
