An embedded SIM (eSIM) is just a physical SIM gone digital. Like a physical SIM card, an eSIM provides your connection to the network. An eSIM is built into your device, and you activate it with your account information rather than inserting a physical SIM. 

A SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card is a specially programmed microchip that stores network identification data. It helps Sprint's network identify you as a customer. 

SIM cards are small, removable smart cards used to store data like your mobile phone number and the phone carrier you use. When you bring your phone to Sprint, you’ll need to replace your existing SIM card with a Sprint SIM card so that our network can identify you as a customer. We’ll walk you through the steps of popping out your old SIM and inserting ours. 

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a 15-digit serial number that identifies your wireless device. It is important to have the correct IMEI number for your device registered with Sprint to ensure that your device can be activated on our network.

Got a new phone you want to swap for one already on your account? It's easy. First:

1. Charge your new phone. Be sure to keep the box.
2. To get your activation code, you can either dial *#06# or find it on the box.
3. Changing phones? Back up and Transfer your content. Go to sprint.com/backup and follow the steps in our how-to guides. 
4. Sign into My Sprint. If you don’t have an account, one must be created.
5. Please note: Some services connected to your current device may not transfer to your new one. You may need to take action to re-establish those services after you finish activation.

Typically, you'll be able to use the device within a few minutes. However, it may take up to 24 hours.

You can visit the check compatibility page to for instructions how to check your device and confirm if it is eligible to activate. 

You can manually program your device or chat on sprint.com. Look for the yellow icon on the right side of the screen. We can help you 24/7. 

Your eSIM must be activated BEFORE it can be downloaded. Activate your eSIM online by doing the following:

• Select the Activate Device button above if you are setting up an eSIM on a new device.
• Select the Activate SIM button above if you are setting up an eSIM on a device you already have.

You can also activate your eSIM by speaking with a T-Mobile expert via Chat or dialing 1-800-937-8997. After you have activated your eSIM, visit Download your eSIM and follow the steps prior to scanning the QR code.

• Postpaid customers with iPhones will automatically be prompted to download the eSIM if connected to Wi-Fi. Just select the notification to install.

If you purchased a Samsung Galaxy Fold4/Flip4, you'll need to activate it on a SIM card. We're shipping one to you as soon as possible, free of charge!

• If your current phone has a SIM card, you can swap it to your new Samsung to get started.
• Using the SIM card we sent will make sure you get the most out of our 5G network, as well as future network enhancements.
• Once you get the SIM card we shipped, log onto your My Sprint account and change your SIM.