Got a broken smartphone with an eSIM? Google is working on a solution
Google is working on a new feature that could make eSIMs even more viable.
While the concept of having a virtual SIM card is an appealing one – no annoyingly archaic shards of plastic to transfer between phones – it can be quite problematic in practice if you ever find yourself with a broken or otherwise accessible phone.
In such occasions, switching your eSIM to a new phone becomes a lot more complicated, and requires you to get your network operator involved. Google might just be working on a solution.
eSIM backup discovered
Android Authority has been performing one of its APK deep dives, and has uncovered evidence that your Google One backup could soon included an eSIM.
The Google Play Services v25.16.33 beta mentions in its code “backup_settings_devicedata_data_type_sims”. SIMs are also mentioned in the new device backup screen, promising to let you “Back up… SIMs to your Google account” alongside the usual contacts, call history and the like.
This is the first time that SIMs have been mentioned within a Google backup context. Given that traditional SIM cards, by their very nature, don’t require backing up, this can only be referring to eSIMs.
Android Authority
What use would backing up eSIMs be?
With a backed up eSIM, you’d be able to restore an eSIM from a previous save on a new device, just as you do with all your other basic phone settings.
There are plenty of occasions where this would be useful, as you don’t always have both phones available and in full working order when you buy a new phone.
We don’t have any indication as to when this eSIM backup feature might be rolling out on Android, but we’ll keep you posted as and when we hear any more.
