You may soon have access to a built-in eSIM conversion tool on your Google Pixel

Google could be working on a new option to facilitate the process of migrating from a physical SIM to an eSIM for your Pixel device. It is likely that everyone will have to do it in the future, so the company wants there to be no complications.

The problem with migrating from SIM to eSIM is that each carrier may have its own method, which can lead to confusion for some. With that in mind, Google could be working on the SIM to eSIM conversion system exclusive to their Pixel devices.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the latest Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3 update includes some hints about the new feature in development. It could be integrated into the SIM Manager app, and for now, it only includes references to SIM conversion for when you change phones, like the following description:

You can convert your SIM card into an eSIM and transfer it to this phone. After it’s been converted, your SIM card can’t be used again

There are also some phrases or messages that the function will show once it is ready to use. In the list below, the ‘xxx’ represents the name of the carrier whose SIM you are trying to convert to an eSIM:

• ‘SIM converted’
• ‘Can’t convert SIM’
• ‘Your xxx SIM card can’t be converted to an eSIM. You can contact T-Mobile for help’
• ‘Something went wrong with converting your eSIM. To fix the problem, contact xxx’

While the ‘Convert to eSIM’ option is visible in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3, it does nothing when you activate it. However, it is possible that the final rollout will occur in March with the arrival of the next Pixel Feature Drop update.

eSIMs aim to be the best option to replace the current small pieces of plastic that we insert in our smartphones. Its future widespread use will help both to reduce electronic waste and to change carriers without having to go to a physical office.

That said, most smartphone brands are taking the transition ‘calmly’, probably trying not to make it too aggressive for users. The vast majority of current launches in the segment are compatible with the traditional SIM, and some even offer dual compatibility (SIM port + eSIM support). Notably, Apple completely removed the SIM port on the iPhone 15 series, but only from the US models.

Surely options like the ‘Convert to eSIM’ option will be valuable tools for that future. Of course, a high adoption rate among carriers worldwide will also be essential.

Is your device using SIM or eSIM? If you use the latter, do you feel that it was difficult or complex to make the change? Feel free to share your experience in the comment box below.

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