Still carrying a tiny plastic card in your phone just to stay connected? You're not alone, as most of us in Pakistan grew up with physical SIMs and never questioned it. But things are changing fast, and if you've been hearing about eSIM and wondering what it is (whether your phone supports it) and how to actually switch, you're in the right place.

And no, no tech background is needed for you to understand. Let’s get to it!

Why Should You Switch from Physical SIM to eSIM?

With a physical SIM, if someone gets hold of your SIM card (whether your phone gets snatched or the card gets lost), they can pop it into another device and potentially access your calls, OTPs, and accounts.

An eSIM is built directly into your phone's hardware. Nobody can take it out. It can't be cloned the way a physical SIM can, and it can't be handed to someone else.

Your number stays locked to your device, giving you a meaningful layer of protection that a plastic card simply cannot offer.

Most eSIM-supported phones let you run two numbers at the same time, that is, your eSIM and a physical SIM in the tray.

Now, this is a game-changer if you want to keep a personal and work number on one phone, or if you're travelling and want a local number without removing your main SIM. No more carrying two phones. No more juggling SIM cards.

With an eSIM, you can activate a local data plan before you even board your flight, that too entirely from your phone. No queues, no counters, no scrambling at the airport.

What You Should Check Before Switching to an eSIM in Pakistan?

Switching to eSIM is simple, but there are two things you must check before switching:

1. Does My Phone Support eSIM And How To Verify?

If you don't see any of these options, your phone likely doesn't support eSIM and you'll need a newer device.

In Pakistan, all phones used on local networks need to be PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) registered.

You can find your IMEI by dialling *#06# on your phone.

If your phone is not PTA registered, you may face issues activating any SIM, be it physical or eSIM, on Pakistani networks.

Here's a step-by-step process for switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM in Pakistan:

How to Convert Physical SIM to Onic eSIM? (Step by Step)

Here's a side-by-side comparison of what you get with a physical SIM versus an Onic eSIM:

Once you have your QR code, activation takes just a few minutes.

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi during the eSIM activation process.

Will My Apps Still Work After Switching to eSIM?

This is one of the most common worries people have. But the good news is that switching to eSIM doesn't change your number. Everything stays the same.

Will WhatsApp Still Work After Switching to eSIM?

Yes, WhatsApp will still work after switching to eSIM.

WhatsApp is tied to your phone number, not your SIM type. As long as your number stays the same, your WhatsApp account, chats, and contacts remain untouched.

You may need to re-verify your number in WhatsApp after the switch, it will simply send you an OTP to confirm.

Will My Mobile Banking Apps Still Work After Switching to eSIM?

Yes, your mobile banking apps will still work after switching to eSIM.

Banking apps are linked to your account credentials and phone number. Switching to eSIM does not affect them. However, some banking apps may send a verification OTP to your number after detecting a SIM change.

This is a normal security step. Just complete the verification and you'll be back in as usual.

Yes, absolutely. You will still receive OTPs after switching to eSIM.

OTPs are sent to your phone number, not to the physical SIM card. Since your number stays the same when you switch to eSIM, all OTPs (for banking, shopping, social media, or anything else) will continue to arrive normally.

Do I Need to Update My Number Anywhere After Switching to eSIM?

No, you don’t need to update your number anywhere after switching to eSIM.

Because you're keeping the same phone number, you do not need to update your number with any app, bank, or service.

The switch is super smooth from the outside as only the technology delivering your calls and data has changed.

eSIM is a great fit if you have a recent smartphone (iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer), want a cleaner and more secure mobile experience, or travel frequently and want the flexibility to add data plans without swapping SIM cards.

It's also the smarter choice if you want both a personal and a work number active on a single device, or if you simply want the ease of managing everything like your number, your plan, your usage, from a single app without ever stepping into a store.

If your phone is older and doesn't support eSIM, or if you prefer the familiarity of a physical card, a traditional SIM still works perfectly fine for now.

Common eSIM Issues in Pakistan and How to Fix Them?

eSIM profile disappeared after a software update?

eSIM activation can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the network, device, and how busy the system is at the time of activation.

With Onic eSIM, activation completes within minutes of scanning the QR code. In rare cases, usually during peak hours or due to a slow Wi-Fi connection, it may take a little longer. If your eSIM has not been activated after 2 hours, contact Onic support through the app and they will sort it out promptly.

2. Can I convert my SIM to eSIM without changing my number?

Yes, you can convert your SIM to eSIM without changing your number. You can simply port your existing number to an eSIM. Your number stays exactly the same, only the SIM format changes.

3. Can I use eSIM and physical SIM together?

Yes you can use physical SIM and eSIM together, as long as your phone supports Dual SIM functionality. Most modern smartphones allow you to run your eSIM and a physical SIM from another network simultaneously on the same device.

Still using a plastic SIM? Learn how to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM in Pakistan with this simple step-by-step guide. No franchise visit needed.

How to Convert Your Physical SIM to eSIM in Pakistan?

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eSIM activation can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the network, device, and how busy the system is at the time of activation. With Onic eSIM, activation completes within minutes of scanning the QR code. In rare cases, usually during peak hours or due to a slow Wi-Fi connection, it may take a little longer. If your eSIM has not been activated after 2 hours, contact Onic support through the app and they will sort it out promptly.

How long does eSIM activation take?

Can I convert my SIM to eSIM without changing my number?

Can I use eSIM and physical SIM together?

Yes, you can switch back to your physical SIM after converting to eSIM. Contact your network support to request a reversal. They will guide you through the process of deactivating the eSIM and issuing a physical SIM for the same number if needed.

Can I switch back to a physical SIM after converting to eSIM?

No. In Pakistan, all phones need to be PTA registered to access local mobile networks, and this applies to eSIM as well. If your phone is not PTA registered, you will not be able to activate an eSIM or use any local network services on it, regardless of which operator you choose. To check whether your phone is PTA registered, dial *#06# to find your IMEI number, then send it via SMS to 8484. If your phone is not registered, you can complete the registration process through the PTA's official website or designated approval channels before proceeding with your eSIM activation.

Can non-PTA phones work with eSIM?

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what an eSIM is, its availability across major networks, and how you can activate it.

By shifting to an eSIM, Pakistani users can enjoy seamless network switching, enhanced security, and the convenience of multiple numbers without the hassle of physical trays, becoming part of a fast-paced community of digital natives.

For decades, we relied on physical SIM cards to tell our phones which network to join. These cards were prone to getting lost, getting stuck in trays, or simply wearing out.

With an eSIM, you bypass all these physical frustrations. The tech is on a tiny, permanent chip soldered onto your device's motherboard. It’s essentially a rewritable piece of hardware that can store multiple network identities.

Imagine your phone has a digital mind that can operate on different phone numbers. When you want to join a network, you don't need a physical card to tell the phone who your provider is. Instead, the network gives you a digital profile (usually delivered via a QR code).

Once you scan that code, your phone's internal chip "downloads" your plan details. It’s a bit like downloading an app, but for your cellular service. This makes it incredibly easy to switch plans or add a second line for work without ever touching a SIM tool or fumbling with a fragile plastic tray.

Because it’s digital, you can actually switch between different network profiles in your phone’s settings menu within seconds.

Yes, eSIM technology is fully functional and widely available in Pakistan. Since the first rollouts in 2019, the infrastructure has matured significantly, moving from a "luxury feature" to a standard offering for tech-savvy users across the country.

As of 2026, the ecosystem has expanded beyond just flagship phones to include many mid-range devices, and the network towers across Pakistan's major cities are fully optimized to handle the digital handshakes required for eSIM activation.

Currently, all leading mobile network operators (MNOs) in Pakistan offer eSIM services, each bringing something slightly different to the table:

PTA Regulations and eSIM Status in Pakistan

In Pakistan, your digital identity is tied to your biometric data.

To activate an eSIM, you must provide your thumbprint (biometrics) at a onic franchise or a designated pickup location.

This ensures the SIM is registered to your CNIC and prevents unauthorized usage.

Every eSIM-capable phone has a unique EID (Embedded Identity Document) and usually a second IMEI number specifically for the eSIM slot. To stay active in Pakistan, your device must be PTA-approved.

When you activate an eSIM, the DIRBS system registers that specific IMEI to your identity, ensuring your phone doesn't get blocked.

The law remains the same: an eSIM counts toward your legal limit of 5 active SIM cards per CNIC.

Whether it's physical or digital, the PTA tracks the total number of lines registered in your name to maintain national security standards.

To join the digital revolution, your hardware must have the built-in chip required for eSIM. Most flagship and high-end mid-range devices released from 2019 onwards support this tech.

Activating an eSIM in Pakistan is a simple, three-step process designed to get you connected quickly:

Physical SIM vs. eSIM: What’s the Difference?

While they both connect you to the internet, the experience is quite different. Physical SIMs are removable plastic cards. While they are easy to move between phones manually, they can be lost, damaged, or worn out. You are also limited by physical slots (usually just one or two).

eSIMs, on the other hand, are built-in and cannot be physically damaged. Because they are digital, you can store multiple numbers on a single chip and switch between them in your settings.

However, moving an eSIM to a new phone isn't as simple as swapping a card; it requires a digital "re-issue" from your network provider for security.

What are the Benefits of Using eSIM in Pakistan?

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using eSIM?

The biggest advantage is convenience. You can change your network or add a line with ease. It also protects your identity; since the SIM is digital and locked to your device, it is much harder for scammers to "swap" your SIM without your permission.

The main drawback is flexibility when changing phones. If your battery dies and you need to put your SIM in a friend's phone to make an emergency call, you can't do that with an eSIM. Also, if your hardware gets damaged, you’ll need to visit a service center to get your number transferred.

Want an eSIM in Pakistan? Here's How Onic Does It Differently

Onic brings a digital-first approach to the eSIM experience in Pakistan, making it easier to order and manage your connection through the Onic app. While biometric verification requires a visit to a designated location, the rest of the journey is designed to be simple and convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM in Pakistan

1. How much does an eSIM cost in Pakistan?

Expect to pay between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,500 for an eSIM activation or conversion. While some networks offer promotional discounts, the high-tech nature of the service usually carries a premium over standard plastic SIMs.

2. Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?

Yes! This is the most popular way to use it. You can have your main number on the eSIM and keep the physical slot open for a secondary network or a temporary SIM when traveling.

3. Can I transfer my current number to eSIM?

Absolutely. You don't need a new number. You can take your current number to a service center and ask them to convert it into an eSIM profile.

4. What happens to my eSIM if I change my phone?

You cannot "transfer" it yourself. You must delete the profile from your old phone and get a fresh QR code from your network provider to install it on your new device.

Yes, it is very secure. Because it is embedded in the phone, it cannot be easily removed. Combined with PTA’s strict biometric requirements, eSIM is currently the most secure way to stay connected in Pakistan

A complete guide to understanding eSIM in Pakistan, including how it works, supported devices, networks, benefits, and activation steps.

New to eSIM? Find out what eSIM is, how it works in Pakistan, supported phones, benefits, and how to activate it. A complete beginners guide on eSIM in Pakistan

What is eSIM in Pakistan? Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)

New to eSIM? Find out what eSIM is, how it works in Pakistan, supported phones, benefits, and how to activate it. A complete beginners guide on eSIM in Pakistan.

How much does an eSIM cost in Pakistan?

Yes. You can use an eSIM and a physical SIM simultaneously on supported dual SIM smartphones. Many users keep their primary number on eSIM while using the physical SIM slot for another network or travel SIM.

Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?

Yes. Users can convert their existing mobile number into an eSIM profile by visiting their telecom provider’s service center and requesting an eSIM conversion.

Can I transfer my current number to eSIM?

When changing phones, users must remove the eSIM profile from the old device and request a new activation QR code from their telecom provider to install the eSIM on the new phone.

What happens to my eSIM if I change my phone?

Yes. eSIM technology is considered highly secure because the SIM is embedded inside the device and cannot be physically removed easily. Combined with PTA biometric verification requirements, eSIM offers strong account security.

Is eSIM secure in Pakistan?

What is an eSIM in Pakistan? Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)

Remote work in Pakistan is booming. But your productivity is only as good as your internet connection.

The objective of this blog is to break down the best mobile internet plans for remote workers, what to look for before subscribing, and which plan suits your work style.

Whether you're a freelancer, a full-time remote employee, or a digital nomad, here's everything you need to make the right call.

What to Look for in a Mobile Internet Plan?

Video calls need at least 5 Mbps upload. Aim for 25+ Mbps for smooth work.

Remote workers typically burn 30GB – 100GB a month. Unlimited is ideal.

Compare cost per GB and any throttling after a data cap.

Monthly rolling plans work better than long lock-in contracts.

4G LTE is baseline. 5G is the future…and it's arriving fast!

Best Mobile Internet Plans for Remote Workers

Here's a quick comparison of what's available in Pakistan right now across major carriers:

That means any unused data from this month doesn't vanish at midnight on the 30th, it carries forward and stacks on top of next month's 200GB! For remote workers who have heavy weeks and lighter ones, that's genuinely useful.

Why Remote Workers Need Reliable Mobile Internet?

Pakistan's remote work scene has grown significantly over the last few years. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr rank Pakistan among the fastest-growing freelance markets globally.

But one thing consistently holds people back: connectivity.

Unstable internet doesn't just cause frustration, it costs money. A dropped video call with a client, a missed deadline because of slow uploads, or a laggy screen share can all directly impact your income and reputation.

Mobile internet has become the go to backup (and increasingly, the primary connection) for remote workers across Pakistan. It's portable, relatively affordable, and increasingly fast.

With 5G now rolling out in the country, the gap between mobile and broadband is closing fast.

Types of Mobile Internet Plans in Pakistan

Understanding the plan types available helps you choose smarter:

There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It really comes down to how you work:

If your day is back-to-back Google Meets or Zoom calls, you need speed above all else. Look for a plan that offers strong upload speeds, not just download. This is where 5G shines.

If you're moving between cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, network coverage becomes your priority over raw speed. Ufone, Telenor and Jazz have some of the broadest coverage footprints nationally. Consider keeping a secondary SIM as a backup.

If you're mostly stationary and use mobile internet as a backup to your broadband, a mid-tier monthly bundle from any major carrier works fine. Focus on value per GB and reliability during peak hours (typically 8 PM – 11 PM in Pakistan).

Designers, video editors, and developers pushing large files to the cloud need serious data. Unlimited plans (or at minimum 100GB monthly bundles) are non-negotiable. Check whether your plan throttles speed after a certain threshold, as some "unlimited" plans do.

Tips to Optimize Mobile Internet for Work

Choosing the right mobile internet plan as a remote worker in Pakistan isn't just a utility decision, it's a career decision. The right connection keeps you reliable, professional, and productive. The wrong one costs you clients, deadlines, and sanity.

Start by auditing how you actually work: how much data you use, whether you travel, and how speed sensitive your tasks are. Then match that to a plan, not the other way around.

Pakistan's mobile internet landscape is improving fast. With 5G now a reality and competition pushing all carriers to offer better value, there's never been a better time to be a remote worker here.

The only thing left to do? Stop buffering on the decision.

1. Which mobile internet plan is best for remote workers in Pakistan?

The best plan depends on your usage and location. For speed heavy work in 5G-covered cities, Onic 5G is a strong choice. For broad national coverage, Ufone and Jazz are reliable. Always prioritise high data caps and consistent speeds over headline prices.

2. How much mobile data do remote workers need per month?

Most remote workers need between 30GB and 100GB per month. If your day involves multiple video calls, cloud uploads, and streaming, aim for 100GB or an unlimited plan to avoid throttling during work hours.

3. Is mobile internet reliable for working from home in Pakistan?

Yes, especially in major cities. 4G LTE is stable enough for most remote work tasks, and 5G availability is growing. It is advisable to test your network speed during work hours before relying on it as your sole connection.

4. Are eSIM plans better for remote workers?

eSIMs offer flexibility. You can switch carriers without a physical SIM swap, which is great for frequent travellers. Support is growing in Pakistan, making it an increasingly practical option for mobile professionals.

5. Which SIM is best for freelancers and remote workers?

For freelancers in 5G-covered areas, Onic 5G offers excellent speed for video calls and file uploads. Jazz and Zong are strong alternatives for those who work across multiple cities and need broad coverage.

If you're in a 5G-covered city, see what Onic has to offer. Fast, flexible, and built for how Pakistan works today.

A complete guide to choosing the best mobile internet plan for remote work in Pakistan, including what to look for, plan types, and optimization tips.

Discover the best mobile internet plans for remote workers in Pakistan. Compare data, speed, and flexibility to find the right option for your work needs.

Top Mobile Internet Plans for Remote Workers in Pakistan

Which mobile internet plan is best for remote workers in Pakistan?

How much mobile data do remote workers need per month?

Is mobile internet reliable for working from home in Pakistan?

Are eSIM plans better for remote workers?

Which SIM is best for freelancers and remote workers?

Most of us use mobile data every single day without really knowing what it is or how it works, we just expect it to be there whenever we need it. This article breaks all of that down in simple terms, covering what mobile data actually is, how it works, what uses it up on your phone, how much you actually need, and how to make the most of it here in Pakistan.

Mobile data is simply the internet you get through your SIM card instead of a Wi-Fi router. It travels through your mobile network's signal, the same signal you use for calls and texts, and lets you browse, chat, stream, and scroll wherever you are, as long as you're within your network's coverage.

Think of it as your own personal internet connection that moves with you. No router, no cables, no password to remember, just your phone and a working SIM. Wi-Fi ties you to one location, but mobile data goes wherever you go, which is why it's become such a normal part of daily life for pretty much everyone in Pakistan, whether it's staying in touch with family, running a small business from a phone, or just scrolling through reels.

It sounds technical, but the idea behind it is actually pretty simple once you break it down. There's no need to understand the engineering, just the basic flow of what happens when you tap on an app.

When you open an app or a website, your phone sends a request out through the air to the nearest cellular tower. That tower is connected to your network's larger system, which fetches whatever you asked for and sends it back in small chunks called packets. All of this happens in a fraction of a second, which is why it feels instant.

The closer you are to a tower and the stronger your signal, the smoother this process runs. That's why your internet often gets slower inside a basement or a building with thick walls, the signal simply has a harder time reaching you.

Mobile data basically powers everything you do on your phone once you step away from Wi-Fi. That includes:

Basically, if it needs the internet and you're not on Wi-Fi, mobile data is what's making it happen.

What is the Difference Between Mobile Data and Wi-Fi?

They both get you online, but they work quite differently.

At the end of the day, mobile data is about freedom to stay connected anywhere, while Wi-Fi is about a stronger, often cheaper connection in one fixed spot.

Most people end up using both, relying on Wi-Fi at home or the office to save data, then switching to mobile data the moment they step outside.

How Much Mobile Data Do You Actually Need in Pakistan?

This really depends on how you use your phone day to day. Someone who mostly texts will need a lot less than someone who streams video all day, and there's no single number that works for everyone.

If a good chunk of your day involves video calls, sending large files, or working from home, lean toward the higher end of this range.

If you're watching a lot of videos on your commute or constantly on calls for work, it's worth picking a plan on the higher end so you're not caught off guard halfway through the month.

Not every app eats up data at the same rate, and it helps to know what's actually draining your balance so you can figure out where it's going each month.

If your data seems to be finishing faster than expected, video and downloads are usually the biggest reason why.

Short videos on apps like Instagram or TikTok might look harmless, but scrolling through them for an hour can quietly use up more data than you'd expect, simply because you're loading a new video every few seconds.

Your phone uses mobile data anytime it needs to connect to the internet and it isn't linked to Wi-Fi. This includes browsing or watching a video, but it also happens quietly in the background, apps checking for updates, sending notifications, or syncing photos, which is why data can run out faster than expected.

How to Check Your Mobile Data Usage in Pakistan?

Most phones let you check your data usage right from the settings menu, usually under something like "Mobile Data" or "Network Usage." It'll show you how much you've used this billing cycle and often breaks it down by app.

A few small habits can make your data last a lot longer without you having to give up using your phone the way you normally would:

Small changes like these add up fast, especially if you tend to run out of data before the month is done.

Mobile Data Plans in Pakistan: What Are Your Options?

Mobile networks in Pakistan usually offer a range of data plan options so you can pick something that fits how you actually use your phone.

Daily plans are great if you just need data for a day, maybe you're traveling or don't want to commit to anything bigger.

There are also plans built around specific needs, like ones focused on social media apps, or bundles that combine data with call minutes and SMS. The right one comes down to your habits and whether you'd rather pay a little every day or settle the whole month in one go.

Even with a good plan, a few issues tend to come up often for mobile users across the country:

Most of these can be managed with the tips mentioned earlier, but signal and congestion issues usually depend on your provider's coverage in your specific area.

Mobile data is the internet connection you get through your SIM card, letting you go online without needing Wi-Fi.

Yes, that's exactly what it's for. As long as your SIM has an active data plan and you're within network coverage, you can use the internet anywhere without Wi-Fi.

No, mobile data needs an active SIM card with a valid data plan to work. Without a SIM, your phone can't connect to a mobile network.

4. What is the difference between mobile data and the internet?

The internet is the global network that connects everything online, while mobile data is simply one way of accessing that internet, through your mobile network instead of Wi-Fi or a cable connection.

Yes, mobile data comes with a cost, usually through a prepaid or postpaid plan from your network provider. Prices vary depending on how much data you need and the duration of the plan.

6. How do I know if I am using mobile data or Wi-Fi?

Understand mobile data in simple terms. Learn how it works, what uses it, how much you need, and how to manage it effectively in Pakistan.

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