eSIM
Convert a Physical SIM to eSIM in the Philippines
Current same-number conversion routes for Globe, Smart and TNT, DITO’s present limitation, and the checks that prevent lost access during migration.
Globe currently supports same-number physical-SIM-to-eSIM conversion for eligible Prepaid and Postpaid lines through GlobeOne. Smart currently supports Smart Prepaid/TNT conversion through MySmart and also publishes a Smart Store route. DITO’s official eSIM FAQ says physical-to-eSIM conversion is not currently available. GOMO sells local eSIMs, but its public pages do not document a universal same-number physical-to-eSIM conversion; use GOMO’s official app/help before acting.
Conversion, a new eSIM and porting are different
| Action | Number | Registration and process |
|---|---|---|
| Physical SIM to eSIM conversion | Keeps the same number with the same carrier. | Uses the carrier’s replacement/upgrade identity controls. Globe expressly says an already registered same-number conversion does not need registration again. |
| Buy a new local eSIM | Creates a new local mobile number. | The new local SIM/eSIM must be registered under RA 11934 through the issuing carrier. |
| Mobile-number portability to eSIM | Keeps the number but moves it to another carrier. | Uses the receiving carrier’s MNP and eSIM process, not a same-network conversion. |
| Travel-data eSIM | Usually provides a separate travel profile and may not provide a Philippine number. | Uses the travel provider’s rules; it does not convert your local physical SIM. |
Compare the products in eSIM versus physical SIM for a new line, local versus travel eSIM and MNP and SIM registration.
Current conversion route by carrier
| Carrier | Same-number physical-to-eSIM route | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Globe Prepaid / Postpaid | Globe’s current FAQ directs eligible users to GlobeOne: SIM Services → Change SIM → Physical SIM to eSIM, followed by OTP, email and activation steps. | The line must be eligible and the mobile number must be set as the primary number in GlobeOne for the app conversion. Globe says a previously registered number does not need registration again. |
| Smart Prepaid / TNT | Smart’s current help documents conversion through MySmart using mobile and email OTP verification, followed by an eSIM QR delivered to email. Smart also publishes an assisted Smart Store route. | Smart says the current physical SIM is deactivated once the eSIM QR is issued. Follow the live result before removing anything. |
| Smart Postpaid | Smart’s official eSIM page directs physical-SIM-to-eSIM requests through Smart Stores. | Plan/account eligibility and assisted identity requirements apply. |
| DITO | Not currently offered, according to DITO’s official eSIM FAQ. | Buying a new DITO eSIM creates a separate product/number; it does not convert the old physical line. |
| GOMO | No universal same-number conversion flow is published on the current public product pages. | Local eSIM and Easy Switch offers should not be treated as proof of a physical-GOMO-to-eSIM conversion. Confirm in the official GOMO PH app or Help Center. |
Pre-conversion checklist
- An eSIM-capable device approved or supported by the carrier;
- An unlocked device, unless it is being used with the locking carrier under supported terms;
- The current physical SIM working well enough to receive the carrier OTP;
- Access to the email address that will receive instructions or the QR code;
- Stable trusted WiFi for downloading and activating the profile;
- A current official carrier account/app session;
- A valid ID and the physical SIM if using a Smart Store or another assisted route;
- Backups of contacts and a list of critical accounts that use the number for recovery; and
- A second way to contact the carrier if the old SIM stops before the eSIM works.
Check the exact phone variant, not only the model family. Region-specific versions of the same phone can differ in eSIM support.
Globe physical SIM to eSIM
Open the official GlobeOne app
Make sure the number being converted is the primary number as Globe requires for this route.
Choose the conversion service
Open SIM Services, select Change SIM and choose Physical SIM to eSIM.
Complete eligibility and OTP checks
Use the OTP sent to the physical line and provide the email requested by the official flow.
Follow the eSIM activation instruction
Stay on stable WiFi. Save the carrier receipt/instructions and protect the QR code.
Test the migrated line
Confirm calls, texts and data on the eSIM. Globe says the old physical SIM deactivates when the eSIM activates.
Globe’s current eSIM FAQ also says that an already registered same-number conversion does not require a second SIM registration. Do not create a duplicate registration unless Globe support specifically instructs you to.
Smart Prepaid or TNT physical SIM to eSIM
Open MySmart through Smart’s official route
Sign in to the account that controls the Smart Prepaid or TNT number.
Select Upgrade SIM
Follow the current MySmart physical-to-eSIM option.
Verify the mobile number and email
Smart’s current guide uses an OTP to the mobile number and a separate email verification step.
Submit and wait for the official QR delivery
Smart warns that the current SIM will deactivate once the eSIM QR is received, so keep WiFi and email access ready.
Install on stable WiFi
Scan the carrier-issued QR only on the intended compatible device, then test voice, SMS and data.
If the online route is unavailable or the line is not eligible, Smart’s eSIM page also describes a Smart Store route. Bring the requirements listed by Smart for that transaction.
QR-code and account security
- Never send the eSIM QR to a buyer, helper or chat support account.
- Protect the email inbox receiving the QR with a strong password and multifactor authentication.
- Confirm the phone before scanning; do not install the profile on a borrowed device.
- Do not delete the new eSIM while troubleshooting unless the carrier confirms the recovery sequence.
- Do not discard the physical SIM or transaction record until service is verified and the carrier instructions allow it.
- Treat unsolicited conversion OTPs as a possible account-takeover attempt and report them.
The National Privacy Commission has warned about SIM-swap fraud and identity theft. A conversion request should be initiated only by the registered subscriber through the verified carrier channel.
If conversion does not finish
| Problem | Safe next step |
|---|---|
| Conversion option missing | Check number ownership/primary status, plan eligibility, app version and device support through the carrier’s current help. Do not use an unofficial QR seller. |
| OTP does not arrive | Keep the physical SIM active and follow the OTP guide. Do not begin multiple conversion sessions. |
| QR never reaches email | Check the verified email and carrier confirmation, then contact official support. Do not ask a stranger to resend it. |
| QR is invalid or already used | Stop scanning and ask the issuing carrier about recovery/reissue. QR reuse rules differ. |
| Physical SIM stopped, eSIM not active | Stay on WiFi and contact the carrier with the conversion reference, email and device details through a verified channel. |
| eSIM installed but no service | Check profile enabling, carrier lock, network selection and provisioning. See registered but no service. |
| Phone lost after conversion | Report the line immediately, secure linked accounts and use the carrier’s lost-device/eSIM replacement process. |
After conversion
Test calls, SMS and data separately
Make sure the number works for the services you rely on.
Confirm account access
Check the official carrier account and important recovery services without sharing screenshots of the QR.
Store the transaction record securely
Keep the reference, receipt and carrier instructions. Follow the carrier’s policy for storing or reusing the QR.
Dispose of the old card safely
Only after the carrier confirms migration and the new eSIM works, destroy the inactive chip so it cannot be confused with an active SIM.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my number when converting to eSIM?
Yes, where the carrier supports same-number conversion. Globe and Smart/TNT currently publish such routes.
Can I keep the physical SIM active too?
No. A conversion moves one line to an eSIM; it does not create a second active copy.
Do I register again after converting?
Globe expressly says an already registered same-number conversion does not need registration again. For other carriers, follow the conversion result and official support rather than assuming.
Do I need the old SIM to work?
Online conversion normally needs access to the current line for identity/OTP checks, so resolve a lost or damaged SIM through the carrier first.
Should I delete the eSIM if activation fails?
Not before asking the carrier. Deletion and QR-reuse policies differ and can complicate recovery.
Is a conversion the same as MNP?
No. Conversion stays with the same carrier; MNP moves the number to another carrier.
What if my phone is carrier-locked?
Check the device and carrier’s eligibility rules before converting. A profile from another carrier may not work on a locked phone.
What if the phone is lost after conversion?
Report the eSIM line immediately, secure linked accounts and follow the carrier’s replacement or transfer process.