Like the other two main operators in Brazil, TIM makes available to its customers the possibility of activating eSIM on compatible cell phones. The technology is based on an additional processor on the smartphone’s motherboard that acts like a physical SIM chip, but is activated and managed in a completely virtual way. Even with a similar activation process, it is important to note that TIM’s eSIM is the only one of the three telephone companies not to have a virtual purchase option.
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Buying the TIM eSIM
On its official website, TIM does not present information about the purchase of eSIM online. The company only indicates that interested users need to go to a physical store, and provides a link listing the units where smartphones compatible with the functionality are available. Although there is no explanation, it is possible that the strategy is a measure to ensure more secure activation.
Another important limitation is that only individuals can request the resource, with no availability for companies at the moment. In addition, unlike Claro and Vivo, TIM does not detail whether or not there is a way to link a smartwatch to the plan that the customer already has, nor does it provide explanations regarding portability or the transition from a traditional SIM card line to eSIM .
The company also highlights the benefits of the technology that may eventually replace the physical chip, such as the easier contracting of plans during travel and the impossibility of being removed, which can speed up searches for a stolen cell phone. The technology also allows the coexistence of lines from multiple operators, with different profiles, even if only one of them can be active simultaneously with a common SIM.
TIM eSIM compatible cell phones
Again, similar to other service providers, a select list of smartphones is supported by the brand, presented below:
apple
- iPhone 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 2020
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone XR
Motorola
- Razr 2019
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Flip 3
- Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
The activation of eSIM on phones that are not listed, even if they have the component integrated, is not discouraged, but as in the case of competitors, it is likely that TIM does not provide a guarantee.
How to activate eSIM in TIM?
After visiting the store and requesting the activation of the eSIM, TIM will provide a QR code required to complete the process. With the code in hand, it is necessary to scan it using the phone’s camera, which will display a message asking if you want to activate eSIM and add the plan embedded in the code. The process is simple and guided by the device itself.
If another type of code is available, or if the camera application is not able to recognize the QR code, it is also possible to activate the feature through the cell phone settings, following the path Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan.
Source: TIM
