As eSIM technology becomes more common among travelers, many wonder: Can eSIMs be tracked? The short answer is yes, but it is not as straightforward as it might seem. eSIMs don’t make your phone more vulnerable than a regular SIM card. In fact, the ways tracking works are mostly the same, regardless of the type of SIM you are using. In this guide, we will break down how eSIM tracking works, who can track you, and what you can do to protect your privacy.
In this article
To understand tracking, we first need to know what an eSIM is and how it works.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built directly into your smartphone or tablet. Unlike traditional SIM cards that you physically insert, eSIMs are activated digitally, allowing you to switch mobile carriers without swapping cards. This makes them especially convenient for international travelers who want flexible and fast connectivity.
Yes, eSIMs can be tracked – just like regular SIM cards. Tracking does not happen because you are using an eSIM. It happens because your phone connects to mobile networks, the internet, and apps that may use your location. This is the same for both eSIMs and physical SIMs.
When you use an eSIM to connect to a mobile network, your phone sends signals to cell towers and internet servers. These systems can figure out where you are or how you’re using your data — but this is normal and happens with all mobile phones.
So, using an eSIM does not make you easier or harder to track. What matters is how your phone connects and what services or apps you use.
An eSIM does not make your phone any more trackable than a regular SIM. In fact, tracking works the same way for both. Here are five common ways your location or device activity can be tracked:
Every time your phone connects to a nearby cell tower, your mobile carrier can estimate your location. This helps with providing service, billing, and preventing fraud.
Your phone has a unique ID called an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Authorities and mobile networks can use this number to track your phone, whether it is using a physical SIM or an eSIM.
Apps like Google Maps, Uber, and others use GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth to figure out where you are. These methods don’t depend on your SIM, but if you’re using mobile data (including from an eSIM), that data can be used to send your location.
Some apps ask for permission to access your location. If you allow it, they can track your movements while you’re using the app — or even in the background, depending on your settings. This is controlled by your phone’s privacy settings, not the eSIM.
In certain situations, authorities can request access to your mobile data and location from your carrier. This applies to all phones, whether they use a physical SIM or an eSIM.
An eSIM can be tracked in the same ways as a regular SIM. Here are the main parties who might be able to access your location or data:
While eSIMs don’t eliminate tracking, they do offer some security advantages over traditional SIM cards.
Even though tracking is possible, you can take steps to protect your privacy while using eSIMs — especially when traveling.
For most travelers, eSIM tracking is not a serious risk — especially if you are using a trusted provider and follow basic privacy practices. The tracking that does occur is typically for connectivity, billing, or legal compliance.
That said, travelers who are privacy-conscious or visiting countries with strict surveillance laws might want to take extra precautions.
When you are traveling or relying on a limited data plan, every megabyte matters. Low Data Mode on iPhone offers a simple way to manage and reduce data usage without sacrificing essential features. It’s especially helpful when using a travel eSIM. In this guide, you will learn what does Low Data Mode on iPhone mean, […]
When traveling abroad, we need Internet to open Maps, book a ride or text family that we arrive safely. Using a plastic SIM card either travel or local, is a regular option among travelers, but it is not the only way or the easiest. This guide shows simple, proven ways to get the Internet while […]
When you pick an eSIM for your next trip, one tiny code does all the work: the IMEI. Those 15 digits act like a passport for your phone – proving its identity, showing if it is unlocked, and letting carriers or police block it if it is lost. This guide explains “What is an IMEI […]
Setting up an eSIM on a Huawei phone is straightforward and eliminates the need to swap physical SIM cards. This guide explains how to install and activate an eSIM on Huawei phones – both local and travel profiles. I. Which Huawei phones are compatible with eSIM? Only four models of Huawei have an eSIM chip […]
eSIMs are popular with travelers because they’re both convenient and secure. When you land in another country, getting online right away is essential for maps, ride-hailing, and work, so it helps to know how long activation really takes. This article tackles the question “How long does an eSIM take to activate?” so you can plan […]
If you love to travel with your iPhone, get ready for a change. Rumor has it that the iPhone 17 won’t have a slot for a physical SIM card anywhere – not just in the U.S., but in every country. That means you will rely only on eSIMs to get mobile service when you are […]
