What is Eid number? The Complete Guide to Understanding eSIM EID

If you recently purchased a device like the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy and noticed something called EID in the device information, you may be wondering – what is this new Eid number? With cellular-enabled smart devices increasingly adopting eSIM technology, EID numbers will become more commonplace.

What Does EID Stand For?

EID stands for "Embedded Identity Document". It is a unique 32-digit number that is assigned to the embedded SIM (eSIM) in a mobile device. Just like your device has an IMEI number to identify it, the eSIM has an EID number to identify it.

This 32-digit EID number enables carriers to provision and activate cellular plans on eSIM-based devices. So if you wish to use the cellular connectivity of your dual SIM phone or smartwatch, you will need to provide your device‘s EID to the mobile carrier.

How is EID Different from IMEI?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code used to identify the physical mobile device. On the other hand, EID (Embedded Identity Document) is a 32-digit code used to identify the embedded SIM specifically.

While IMEI is tied to the hardware, EID is tied to your eSIM profile. Your device will have only one IMEI but if it supports multiple eSIM profiles, it will have multiple EID corresponding to each profile.

For example, the latest iPhones with dual SIM support have both IMEI and EID. The IMEI identifies your iPhone device. The EID identifies your particular cellular plan profile on the eSIM.

Why is EID Required?

For activating cellular service on eSIM, the EID number is an important identifier. When you sign up for a cellular plan on eSIM, the carrier will take your EID and IMEI to essentially "marry" your device with your cellular plan profile.

The mobile carrier maintains a database that matches EID with subscriber profiles. This ensures that the cellular service is correctly provisioned and mapped to the right device. Without the unique EID, activating service on eSIM would not be possible.

So in summary, the EID number is critical for carriers to provision and activate the right cellular plan on your device eSIM. It functions like a "serial number" for your eSIM profile.

How to Find EID on Your Device

The way to find your device‘s unique EID number will vary by make and model. Here are some common ways to locate it:

On iPhone

Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down. The EID will be listed under the heading "EID".

On Android

Dial *#06# on your phone dialer. The EID will be displayed along with IMEI.

On Smartwatches

Check the device info/about section in the companion app. For example, EID on Apple Watch can be found in the Watch app connected to your iPhone.

On iPads or Tablets

Follow the same steps as iPhone to go to Settings > General > About. The EID will be located in this section.

If you still have trouble finding the EID, you can contact your device manufacturer or carrier for assistance. Share your IMEI and they should be able to provide your matching EID.

Example EID Usage Scenarios

Here are some common scenarios where you may need your device‘s EID:

Activating cellular plan on eSIM – As mentioned already, you will need to give carriers your EID when signing up for service on an eSIM line. The EID links your device to your new cellular plan.

Switching carriers on eSIM – If you want to change your eSIM cellular provider, you‘ll need to share your EID again to activate the new service and deactivate the old one.

Adding a secondary plan – On dual SIM devices, you can use EID to add a secondary cellular plan from another carrier by provisioning the second eSIM.

Provisioning a smartwatch – To activate cellular service on a smartwatch with eSIM, providing the EID will be required to pair it with your existing phone plan.

Travel eSIM – When using an eSIM service optimized for travel, you may be asked to enter the EID to activate the temporary cellular profiles.

How eSIM and EID Works

Understanding the technology behind eSIM and EID helps appreciate why this new identifier is required:

• The EID number is embedded into the eSIM hardware at the time of manufacturing. It does not change for the lifetime of the eSIM.

• Having a unique EID enables remote provisioning of cellular plans. Instead of needing to insert physical SIM cards, digital eSIM profiles can be downloaded to devices.

• The EID allows quick activation of cellular plans by scanning a QR code. eSIM makes switching plans and carriers entirely digital.

• EID also enables having multiple active profiles on the same eSIM. This allows dual SIM functionality with two lines active at the same time.

• Carriers assign EID to a user account when provisioning eSIM service. This links the subscriber to a specific device.

• Look for EID usage to grow exponentially as more smart devices adopt eSIM technology and eliminate physical SIM cards.

So in summary, the 32-digit EID has made the transition to eSIM and remote provisioning possible. It provides a secure bridge between devices and cellular accounts.

Conclusion

EID or Embedded Identity Document is a unique 32-digit identifier used for cellular activation on eSIM. It identifies your eSIM profile, just like IMEI identifies your hardware. As more smart devices adopt eSIM technology, users will need to know the device‘s EID number to activate cellular plans remotely. The EID links your phone, smartwatch or tablet securely to your cellular provider account, enabling out-of-the-box cellular connectivity.