Main navigation
Can an eSIM be hacked? Dangers, signs, and protecting your eSIM
Hackers can target your eSIM, though only under very specific circumstances. Most eSIMs are actually safer to use than physical SIM cards. Still, understanding their vulnerabilities will make you even more secure. In this article, we cover what the potential risks associated with eSIMs are and how to protect yourself and your devices.
Table of Contents
Can eSIMs be hacked?
Your eSIM can be hacked, but the risks are low. Because it’s embedded inside a device, an eSIM is safer than a normal SIM card — it can’t be removed from your phone and stolen. eSIMs are still vulnerable to SIM swapping, malware attacks, software exploits, and password theft, but you can take steps to reduce these risks significantly.
How can eSIMs be hacked?
Hackers can target eSIMs in many ways, though most involve some form of social engineering. Here’s a quick summary of the attacks eSIM users should be aware of.
eSIM swapping
SIM (and eSIM) swapping is an attack in which someone tricks your phone company into moving your phone number to a new SIM that they control. The attackers then have your phone number, which can be used to access accounts, reset passwords, and launch phishing scams against other people.
Hackers often use social engineering to learn about their victims before calling up the network and pretending to be them. For example, they might use phishing emails to get the user to provide personal details, account numbers, and even passwords. If the user falls for the ruse, the hackers will have enough information to contact the network provider and ask for a transfer of the eSIM profile to a new device.
Ultimately, the risk here comes down to the authentication process on the network provider’s end. The more rigorous the authentication process, the harder it will be for hackers to convince the network they’re the real user.
Malware attacks
A malware infection won’t always lead to eSIM hacking, but having malware on your device can make it easier for hackers to access and tamper with your eSIM.
Malware infections can happen in many ways, from opening an infected email attachment to visiting a malicious website. When the malware is installed on a user’s device, it typically targets the weak spots in the operating system and can eventually let attackers gain control over the eSIM.
Firmware security gaps
Updating operating systems and software is essential for eSIM safety. While eSIM updates are typically carried out remotely by the provider, users are still responsible for installing firmware updates on their device. If they forget to do so or keep putting it off for weeks, an attacker could use unpatched security gaps to hack into the eSIM.
Phishing attacks
Phishing is one of the easiest ways for hackers to go after eSIM users. Instead of attacking the eSIM itself, they trick people into handing over sensitive information, compromising the user’s eSIM account.
These scams usually show up as emails, texts, or fake websites pretending to come from your network provider or some other service you trust. They’ll push you to click a link, “verify” your account, or fix some made-up security problem.
If you fall for this trick and hand over your login details, personal information, or verification codes, the fallout can be severe. Attackers may get into your mobile account, transfer your eSIM profile to another device, or mess with your settings. Sometimes these scams also sneak malware onto your device.
Be wary of unexpected messages, don’t click sketchy links, and if something seems off, contact your provider directly before sharing any sensitive information.
How safe are eSIMs?
eSIMs haven’t been around for as long as physical SIM cards, but security has always been a central part of this technology. So are eSIMs safe? Yes, this technology is very safe to use, because eSIMs have:
Better physical security. While traditional SIM cards can be removed from your device, an eSIM is embedded in your phone and cannot be physically extracted — that’s one of the biggest benefits of an eSIM. If a bad actor steals your phone but doesn’t have a way to bypass your device’s security systems (passwords and biometrics, for example), they can’t just pull out the SIM card and put it into their own device.
Strong encryption. Some network providers use encryption to safeguard data while it travels. Encryption is a sophisticated process that scrambles your data to make it unreadable to hackers and snoopers. Not all providers use this technology, but the ones that do massively improve eSIM user security.
Strong authentication. eSIM providers typically use advanced authentication methods to verify that the user is who they claim to be. These authentication methods may include passphrases, security tokens, or biometric data (like facial recognition). If a hacker tries to activate your eSIM on a new device, the provider is more likely to catch this in the authentication process.
Secure over-the-air (OTA) updates. Your eSIM is managed remotely by your carrier, meaning you get updates for it securely over the air (OTA). The provider will update your eSIM and patch up security gaps without you having to do anything. And that’s great because, let’s face it, most people only install updates when they can no longer ignore the annoying pop-ups.
What can a hacker do with your eSIM?
Hacking into an eSIM is a tough job — so why would a hacker go through all the trouble? Well, taking control of your eSIM could unlock doors to several accounts at once, giving hackers better chances of succeeding in future attacks. Here’s what someone may be able to do with a hacked eSIM:
Access your authentication codes. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is meant to protect your accounts from hackers, but it’s not a perfect solution. If a hacker has managed to hack into your eSIM, they may be able to access your one-time codes and unlock your accounts (such as banking, social media, and email).
Get your texts. Someone hacking into your eSIM is a huge privacy risk because they may be able to receive texts, photos, and videos meant for your phone number. You may think: “Who sends text messages these days? It’s all about instant messaging!” Well, because those are also tied to your phone number, your messaging apps would be accessible, too.
Steal your identity. Unfortunately, having your eSIM hacked may also put other people at risk. Armed with your phone number and “identity,” hackers could reach out to your contacts, asking for money. Of course, faking someone’s voice is tricky, so they’ll most likely try to communicate via messages, which some people may not fall for. That said, with phone calls in decline, it’s possible that someone would ask for bank transfers over instant messaging, making it easier for hackers to fool people.
A note about eSIMs: eSIMs are generally safe for banking and offer added convenience compared to physical SIM cards — when comparing an eSIM vs. a physical SIM card, that convenience is usually what gives eSIMs the edge. However, be aware that scammers sometimes try to trick users into transferring their phone number — even from an eSIM — to a different SIM card in what’s known as a SIM swap scam. If you receive messages about changes to your mobile service that you didn’t request, contact your carrier immediately.
Signs that your eSIM may be hacked
How do you know if your eSIM has been hacked? Sometimes, it can be hard to tell because the signs are so easy to miss. However, it’s worth knowing what to watch out for. These are the most common signs that your eSIM has been hacked:
Security alerts from the carrier. If you receive an alert about account changes you didn’t request, someone may have hacked into your eSIM. It’s wise to contact your carrier directly to ask for more info.
A text asking you to restart your device. If you’ve received a restart request from your network carrier or another source, get in touch with your eSIM provider. It may be that someone’s got hold of your eSIM.
Unusual charges on your bill. If the hackers managed to hack into your eSIM and are helping themselves to your texts and minutes, you’re likely to see some unusual charges on your bill.
Suddenly losing service. If you’ve suddenly stopped receiving texts and calls, something may be off. The lack of service may indicate someone else has control of your phone number.
Your phone appears somewhere else. Got one of those “find-my-phone” apps? Check your phone’s location using another device. If your phone appears to be somewhere else, get in touch with your eSIM provider.
Getting locked out of your accounts. If you suddenly can’t log in to the accounts you were able to access without problems before, the hackers may have managed to gain access and have changed your passwords. While this sign is not exclusive to eSIM hacking, it should definitely ring alarm bells.
What to do if your eSIM is hacked
If you think your eSIM has been hacked:
Contact your eSIM provider. Let your provider know that you suspect someone’s hacked into your eSIM. Its support team will be able to look into the situation and advise you on the next steps.
Change your passwords and PINs. Update your passwords on your network provider’s account, mobile devices, and other linked accounts. Create long and complex combinations — they are much harder to guess.
Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA). The next step is to make it even harder for hackers to get into your accounts. Turn on MFA — but be careful not to use your phone number in case hackers have access to your calls or texts. Instead, use a security question or biometrics like facial recognition.
Keep a close eye on your account. Watch out for suspicious activities like strange calls, texts, or unauthorized changes to your settings or phone plan. If you spot anything after having informed your network provider, it’s best to contact its support team again.
How to protect yourself from eSIM hacking
Keeping yourself safe from eSIM hacking comes down to good cybersecurity habits. If you’re generally careful and skeptical online, then hackers will have a hard time hacking into your eSIM. But remember — your eSIM is just one part of the bigger picture. Your phone is a vault for photos, accounts, and private chats, and all of it deserves protection. To lock it down better, see our guide on how you can protect data on a mobile device for 11 simple, effective tips.
Keep your software up to date. The good thing is that the devices you use have plenty of security features and protocols to defend against cyberattacks. The teams behind each device, operating system, and app are always working to address outstanding security gaps — so when an update is available, take it. Install it on your device right away so that you’re protected.
Know what phishing looks like. Phishing is one of the most common ways for cybercriminals to steal personal information. Don’t let hackers fool you — always be cautious. If you receive an email asking you to click on a link, open an attachment, or provide personal information, give yourself some time to think. Does it tick all the boxes of a legitimate email — or does something feel off? Keep in mind that companies will never ask you for sensitive information over email or by phone, so if you receive a request like that (especially if it sounds urgent), look into it before you do anything.
Use strong authentication. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is great for making your accounts more secure. If someone tries to log in to your account with your stolen credentials, they’ll be asked to confirm their identity with a second authentication step (for example, a one-time password, email verification, or facial recognition). However, if cybercriminals have managed to break into your eSIM, they may be able to complete SMS verification on your behalf. That’s why it’s a good idea to set up an MFA method that doesn’t rely on text messages or calls, like using an authentication app.
Create strong passwords. Long and complex passwords with a good mix of lowercase and uppercase letters and symbols are the way to go. Strong passwords make it much harder to break into your accounts and are the number one rule when it comes to online security. Keep your passwords unique — don’t reuse the same password for different accounts. It’s bad enough to find out that a hacker’s broken into one of your accounts, but it’s even worse if all your accounts are then accessible with the same login details!
Regularly back up data. If your phone or eSIM is hacked, you may be at risk of losing the data stored on your device. It could be your photos, videos, notes, or contacts. These days, we keep so much information on our phones that surviving without it may seem nearly impossible. Keep your data backed up, and you’ll always have a plan B should something go missing because of a hack.
Choose an eSIM app with strong security features. All eSIM apps offer the same core feature — mobile data while you’re traveling — but only a few include extra eSIM security features with their apps. If you use Saily, for example, you automatically have access to built-in cybersecurity systems, including the ad blocker and web protection. Thanks to these features, you’ll be safer online, and the risks of eSIM hacking will be lower.
Can eSIMs be hacked? Key takeaways
eSIMs can be hacked, much like regular SIM cards. The risks aren’t exceptionally high, however, and with some simple precautions, you can make full use of your eSIM and avoid any major security problems.
Make sure you understand eSIM vulnerabilities and how to mitigate them proactively, and be aware of the signs of hacking, so you can respond quickly if it happens. If possible, use an eSIM app that comes with security features (like Saily’s web protection). Stay alert when dealing with emails, texts, and other communications, especially if they’re asking for sensitive information and trying to create a sense of urgency.
Most eSIM users have no problems with hacking or other eSIM-related threats, and actually enjoy a greater level of security than people relying on traditional SIM cards. Download an eSIM app, get connected, and stay safe.
Enjoy safer browsing with the Saily eSIM app
Saily is the only eSIM app with built-in online security features.
FAQ
Yes, an eSIM can be tracked just like a traditional SIM card, mainly by two parties: your network provider and cybercriminals. Your carrier can track your eSIM for legitimate reasons, like delivering service or helping locate a stolen phone via cell tower triangulation, even if GPS is off. Hackers can track it too, though it takes real skill to pull off — and eSIMs aren’t the only way they can do it, since GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, and cellular data are all potential tracking vectors as well.
eSIMs carry many of the same risks as physical SIM cards, like tracking and phishing, but with a few twists of their own. Because an eSIM is a digital profile rather than a physical card, attackers who gain access to your account may be able to request an eSIM transfer and hijack your number without ever touching your phone. eSIMs can also be vulnerable to malware or device theft, since anyone with access to your unlocked phone could potentially manage or transfer your eSIM profile.
Physical SIMs are generally easier to hack via SIM swapping, since a convincing call to your carrier (or a bribed insider) can often be enough to get your number moved to another card. eSIMs make that kind of low-effort swap harder because the transfer process typically requires account verification through an app or carrier portal. That said, eSIMs aren’t hackproof — if someone compromises your account credentials directly, they can still trigger an eSIM transfer, so the real vulnerability shifts from the SIM card to your account security.
Yes, an eSIM on an iPhone can be hacked, though not by attacking the eSIM hardware itself — the risk lies in the account and software around it. If a hacker gains access to your Apple ID or carrier account through phishing or credential theft, they can request an eSIM transfer or make changes to your mobile plan, just as they could on any other device. Keeping your Apple ID secure with a strong password and two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect your iPhone’s eSIM from this kind of attack.
Yes — eSIMs are harder to physically steal or swap out of your phone, and the transfer process usually requires stronger identity verification than a quick call to your carrier. But eSIMs aren’t automatically safer overall, since the real weak point for both is account security rather than the SIM itself. So while eSIMs close off a few attack methods, like physical theft and old-school SIM swapping, they’re still vulnerable to phishing, malware, and account takeovers just like physical SIMs.
Stay online, wherever life takes you
Enjoy secure and effortless internet access with the Saily eSIM app.
