eSIM Glossary: 40+ Terms Every Reseller Should Know

eSIM comes with a lot of acronyms. Keep this page handy for you, your team and your customers.

Technical terms

• eSIM — An embedded SIM chip inside a device that stores downloadable mobile profiles. What is an eSIM?
• eUICC — The technical name for the eSIM chip and its software that can hold several profiles.
• EID — The 32-digit unique identifier of a device's eSIM chip. Dial *#06# to see it.
• ICCID — The identifier of an individual SIM or eSIM profile, usually 19–20 digits.
• eSIM profile — The downloadable mobile plan stored on the eSIM chip.
• SM-DP+ — Subscription Manager Data Preparation: the secure server that stores and delivers eSIM profiles.
• SM-DP+ address — The server address a phone contacts to download a profile; used in manual installation.
• Activation code — The code that identifies a profile on the SM-DP+; the content of the eSIM QR code.
• Matching ID — The part of the activation code that identifies the specific profile.
• LPA — Local Profile Assistant: the software on the phone that downloads and manages eSIM profiles.
• QR code — The image encoding the activation code, scanned to install an eSIM.
• One-tap install — An install link that opens the phone's eSIM setup with the details filled in.
• APN — Access Point Name: network setting for mobile data; usually configured automatically.
• IMEI — The phone's hardware identifier (different from the EID).
• Carrier lock — A restriction that stops a phone using other providers' SIMs or eSIMs.
• Dual SIM — A phone that uses two lines at once, e.g. a home SIM and a travel eSIM.
• 4G / LTE / 5G — Mobile network generations; speed depends on the network and the phone.

Network and plan terms

• MNO — Mobile Network Operator: a company that owns and runs a mobile network.
• MVNO — Mobile Virtual Network Operator: a provider that uses another operator's network under its own brand. eSIM for MVNOs
• Roaming — Using a network other than your home operator's, typically abroad. eSIM vs roaming
• Data roaming (setting) — The phone setting that must be on for a travel eSIM line to connect.
• Data-only eSIM — A plan with mobile data but no local phone number. Explained
• Country plan — Data for one country.
• Regional plan — One plan for several countries, e.g. Europe. Regional vs country
• Global plan — A plan covering many countries across continents. Global eSIM
• Validity — How long a plan can be used, e.g. 7 or 30 days.
• Unlimited plan — Unlimited data volume, usually with conditions. Unlimited explained
• Fair use policy — Rules that limit abusive use of a plan, especially unlimited ones.
• Throttling — Reduced speed after a usage threshold.
• Hotspot / tethering — Sharing the phone's data with other devices.

Business terms

• Reseller — A business that buys eSIMs at wholesale and sells them to its own customers.
• White-label — Selling a product under your own brand while another company provides it. White-label eSIM
• Wholesale price — Your cost per eSIM before your margin. Pricing
• Pricing tier — A level of wholesale price that improves with volume.
• Margin — Retail price minus wholesale cost.
• Attach rate — The share of your customers who buy an eSIM with their booking.
• Top-up — Adding data to an existing eSIM without reinstalling. Top-ups
• Prepaid balance — Funds deposited in advance and spent as you order.
• Install page — A web page with the QR code, one-tap install and manual details. Delivery

API terms

• API key — A secret credential your server uses to call the eSIM API; test and live keys are separate.
• Sandbox — A test environment with sample data where nothing is charged. Sandbox
• Webhook — A signed HTTP call the platform sends you when an order or eSIM changes. Webhooks
• Idempotency key — A unique key on a request so a retry never creates a duplicate order.

FAQ

What is the difference between EID and ICCID?

The EID identifies the eSIM chip in the device; the ICCID identifies one eSIM profile installed on it. One chip (one EID) can hold several profiles (several ICCIDs).

What is SM-DP+?

The secure server that stores eSIM profiles and delivers them to phones when the QR code is scanned or the install link is tapped.

What does white-label eSIM mean?

eSIM data sold under the reseller's brand while a wholesale platform provides the service behind the scenes.

What is an activation code?

The code, usually in a QR code, that tells the phone which SM-DP+ server to contact and which profile to download.