Explained: SIM card, eSIM and SD card in Xperia smartphones

What is the difference between SIM and eSIM?

• SIM Card: A physical chip located in the card tray inside the phone holding mobile plan details. The number of SIM cards that can fit in your phone depends on the card tray in your phone.
• eSIM: Not a physical chip you can touch, but a digital SIM card version. An eSIM doesn't take up any space in the card tray and is usually distributed through a QR code by your operator. You can have up to 10 digital eSIMs on your phone. You can switch between eSIMs using software.

What cards can go in my Xperia smartphone's card tray?

There are various combinations of card slots in the card tray depending on your Xperia smartphone, for example: 

• One SIM card + SD card 
• Dual SIM + SD card: Your phone has two card slots, each of which accepts a SIM card (2 SIM cards total). You can use two different plans simultaneously.

Check the table below for model-specific information 

What is an SD card?

An SD card is like a small hard drive for your phone. It can store photos, videos, and apps, giving your Xperia more space. This is great for keeping all your memories and apps without running out of space.

Moving information from your SD card to your computer or a new phone is easy. You can add an SD card to all Xperia smartphones.

How do I access the card slot on my Xperia smartphone?

To access the card slot on your Xperia smartphone:

1. Locate the gap on the side of your device.
2. Gently insert a fingernail into the gap. (Do not use any metal ejection tools!)
3. Carefully pull the tray out to access the card slots.

The tray usually has 'SD' or 'SIM' written on it to show you where to put your SIM card or SD card. The number and type of slots in your smartphone might differ depending on the model.

Visit your smartphone’s Help Guide (Web Manual) on Sony’s support website for model-specific information. 

1. IMEI number
2. Year and Week of production (e.g., 20W21 = the phone was produced in 2020 in week 21)
3. Article number (e.g., 43033896)

Why would I use an eSIM rather than a standard SIM card?

Here's why it's convenient to use an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card:

• You don't need to wait for a physical SIM card to be posted to you. An eSIM is easy and quick to get (e.g., a QR code sent by email).
• You can have up to ten eSIMs on your phone, and you can only have one or two physical SIM cards (depending on the Xperia model).
• You can add or switch plans without changing cards. This is great for travellers, as you can add a local plan without swapping SIMs.

How do I get an eSIM? 

Curious about getting an eSIM for your Xperia smartphone? Here's how you can do it.
NOTE: Some carriers might charge a fee for activating an eSIM. Checking with your carrier about potential costs beforehand is a good idea. 

1. Check Compatibility: First, ensure that both your carrier and phone support eSIM functionality.
2. Contact Your Carrier: Reach out to your carrier's customer support and request eSIM activation. They'll provide you with a QR code.
3. Easy Setup*:
   1. Find and tap [Settings] → [Network & internet] → [SIMs]. If you have a SIM card inserted or eSIM already downloaded, tap + (Add icon).
   2. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code provided by your network operator.
4. eSIM Activation: Your Xperia smartphone will set up the eSIM using the QR code.

*The procedure for setting an eSIM differs depending on the network operator. If the setting cannot be completed with the procedure described here, refer to the setting procedure provided by your network operator.