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Prepaid mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Visible, has extended eSIM support for a number of Android phones. Up until now, Visible only supported eSIM on iPhones. But now, users can enable Visible’s eSIM on devices like the Pixel 6, Pixel 5, and Samsung’s Galaxy S22 series.
Visible said it aims to become a “fully” eSIM carrier in the future
The eSIM (embedded SIM) functions as a normal SIM card but without a physical card like micro or nano-SIM cards. While iPhones have supported eSIMs for a while now, Android devices only started making the switch over the last few years. Google’s Pixel lineup, in particular, has been instrumental in bringing eSIM to the Android ecosystem. The Verizon-run MVNO said it wants to become a “fully” eSIM network in the future.
Owners of the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G UW, Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro can now enjoy eSIM services on Visible. The new announcement also enables eSIM support for select Samsung flagships such as the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy S21 series, and the recent Galaxy S22 lineup.
There’s an unexpected inclusion on this list in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Book 5G, a Windows-based laptop. But as 9to5Google points out (via Android Police), devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Z Flip 3 are missing from the carrier’s list.
The MVNO said users who carry a compatible smartphone can switch to Visible in just 15 minutes, courtesy of eSIM. Visible has a dedicated website where users can ascertain if their device is compatible with the carrier.
Visible canceled some user accounts in February over a violation of its “2for22” promotion
Manufacturers barring Apple, Google, and Samsung have been relatively slow with eSIM adoption. Given how convenient the technology is, one would expect more OEMs to favor eSIM over older SIM formats.
The Verizon-owned MVNO got into hot water recently over the cancellation of some user accounts. Visible seemingly removed the accounts of some users who used the “2for22” promotion. This promotion offers unlimited data at 25/month, provided the customer completes two months with the carrier.
Some consumers received messages from the customer service team saying their account won’t be reactivated. Visible later said that it removed the accounts of users who violated the promotion.