--- title: "eUICC: What is it and do you need it for IoT?" url: "https://onomondo.com/blog/euicc-iot-what-is-it/" description: "Explore the eUICC, from definition to business case: What it is, where it came from and why, the benefits, and the impact for IoT" date_published: 2025-12-11 date_modified: 2026-03-10 content_type: Post site_name: Onomondo site_url: "https://onomondo.com/" --- # eUICC: What is it and do you need it for IoT? > Explore the eUICC, from definition to business case: What it is, where it came from and why, the benefits, and the impact for IoT ###### IoT SIM ###### 11.12.2025 # eUICC: What is it and do you need it for IoT? In this article, we cover eUICC, from definition to business case: What is eUICC, where it came from and why, its relationship with its predecessor UICC, its game-changing benefits, its impact –or lack thereof– for IoT, and the road to the next frontier: eSIM IoT (SGP.32). ![Sofia Pyrgioti](https://cdn.growth.onomondo.com/app/uploads/2025/12/10100716/Sophie-portrait.jpeg) ###### Sofia Pyrgioti Content lead [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-pyrgioti/ "See Sofia Pyrgioti Linkedin profile") ![eUICC for IoT - What is it and should you use it?](https://cdn.growth.onomondo.com/app/uploads/2025/12/10130813/eUICC-featured-1024x536.png) ## Table of Contents ## What is eUICC? [eUICC](https://onomondo.com/glossary/euicc/) stands for Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card. eUICC is a logic architecture (software) that runs on a chip in SIM cards –the physical object– and stores multiple subscriber identities. eUICC is **not** the physical object itself. It is the software on the card that stores **multiple profiles** and enables users to **manage them remotely** and digitally. #### Important note: eUICC **should not be confused with the embedded SIM card**, the non-removable physical form factor, known as MFF2, that is soldered onto a circuit board. eUICC is the **software** that stores multiple profiles and enables users to control them remotely. The *e* in eUICC refers to the *embedded* functionality of storing and enabling management of multiple profiles – not the embedded chip. Dive deeper: [eUICC vs eSIM](https://onomondo.com/blog/multi-imsi-vs-esim-vs-uicc/) The eUICC is the technical evolution of the [UICC](https://onomondo.com/blog/multi-imsi-vs-esim-vs-uicc/#what-is-uicc). Understanding the benefits and limitations of the UICC, reveals why eUICC was pivotal for IoT, and can help guide your decisions in IoT projects. ## What is UICC? UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is the logic (software) that stores a **single profile** in a **chip** on a **removable** SIM card. This profile logic consists of [IMSI](https://onomondo.com/blog/iccid-number-explained/#imsi) (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), security keys, and network access data, among other things. ![lte-m sim, lte m sim](https://cdn.growth.onomondo.com/app/uploads/2025/07/17122336/lte-m-sim.avif) *The golden chip on the plastic card carries the UICC logic.*The differences between UICC and eUICC are already evident from their definitions. UICC stores a **single carrier profile** and the entire chip needs to be **physically removed** to change profiles. ## What works well with UICC While it is an older technology, the UICC still delivers many benefits. It is a **lean and simple** **logic** with a singular path to execution and a unique identity. It doesn’t require too much memory and it supports all networks from 2G to 5G. This simplicity makes the UICC SIM highly standardized with well-earned longevity. ## Limitations of UICC – Introducing eUICC The rigidity that comes with a single carrier profile along with the physical intervention required to swap profiles is what brought eUICC to life. In 2014, the eUICC architectural standard was introduced to remove these obstacles and give users more flexibility. As a result, the main functionalities and benefits of eUICC are that it affords to carry multiple profiles that can be controlled over-the-air. ## UICC vs eUICC: Key characteristics ![UICC vs eUICC key differences](https://cdn.growth.onomondo.com/app/uploads/2025/12/16105652/UICC-vs-eUICC-2.png) *UICC vs eUICC: Key characteristics and differences*The UICC has a simple logic: it holds a **single operator file** called International Mobile Subscriber Identity ([IMSI](https://onomondo.com/blog/iccid-number-explained/#imsi)), the card identifier ([ICCID](https://onomondo.com/blog/iccid-number-explained/#what-is-an-iccid-number)), the list of preferred networks to connect to ([PLMN](https://onomondo.com/blog/improve-coverage-with-automatic-network-selection/#what-is-a-plmn) list), and the subscriber’s keys. To support remote SIM provisioning and multiple profiles, the eUICC uses a more complex architecture based on several parts: - **ISD-R**: The component that manages profiles and communicates with the other parts of the eUICC. - **ECASD**: The management application that stores the credentials for authorization purposes. - **ISD-P**: Contains a unique profile and each profile has its own IMSI, ICCID, PLMN list, and keys. **UICC****eUICC**What is it?Logical architecture & softwareLogical architecture & softwareProfilesOne profile / FixedSeveral profiles / Can be swappedProfile swapPhysicallyRemotely programmableMemory requirements64KB / 128KB512KBSupply current\* \*In active mode, depending on voltage class[10,000–60,000](http://etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/102200_102299/102221/14.00.00_60/ts_102221v140000p.pdf) µA[4,300](https://www.infineon.com/assets/row/public/documents/30/49/infineon-datasheet-optiga-connect-iot-datasheet-en.pdf?fileId=5546d462749a7c2d01749b3873b90f57)–[21,000](https://my.avnet.com/wcm/connect/5059ed3d-44f4-4348-8d88-80cb1c3bf712/AVeUICC3200BICS-datasheet-v1p12.pdf?MOD=AJPERES)\* µA, maximum [60,000](https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/103300_103399/103383/13.02.00_60/ts_103383v130200p.pdf) µA \*Based on technical spec sheets of chip manufacturersVoltage classesClass A: 4.5-5.5 V Class B: 2.7-3.3 V Class C: 1.62-1.98 VClass A: 4.5-5.5 V Class B: 2.7-3.3 V Class C: 1.62-1.98 V## Benefits of eUICC Simply put, **without eUICC, there would be no remote SIM provisioning**. Most of us have at least some personal experience of swapping profiles on our phone eSIM. eUICC enables users to avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad or to change carriers easily. Users can enjoy the benefits and cost savings of changing profiles simply by flashing a QR code – no waiting times, no SIM card logistics. This flexibility and the smooth digital user experience have changed the network carrier paradigm for consumers as well as the B2C business model for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs – MNO resellers). ## eUICC challenges, limitations, and gaps in IoT While the eUICC has been transformative for consumer connectivity, over the years, it presents large gaps for IoT. Over-the-air remote SIM provisioning and profile swaps –the very benefits of eUICC in B2C use cases– don’t work as well for remote devices with time-bound connectivity. ### 1. SIM profile swapping for IoT with eUICC Let’s go back to the experience of swapping profiles and providers on a phone eSIM. - A mobile phone user provisions the SIM profile remotely via a user interface. **IoT devices usually don’t have an interface**, thus complicating remote provisioning. - In addition, many **IoT devices are not connected at all times** – they may wake up at regular intervals to send or receive data packets. As a result, swapping profiles on an IoT device is not as flexible as it is for the consumer. - Finally, the remote SIM provisioning experience is simple and straightforward on a phone because it happens for one device. **IoT devices come in fleets** – remote SIM provisioning for hundreds or thousands of devices is not as streamlined. It requires coordination between the current and future operator for the security key exchange to happen in bulk. This process is so cumbersome that not many businesses see value in initiating. ### 2. Data and power requirements for profile swapping Swapping profiles is an extremely power- and data-hungry function. In the case of phones and other consumer-facing devices, this appetite for data and energy isn’t a problem. If the device is not on WiFi but on the data plan when it swaps profiles, the data pool will fill up again next month. If the phone battery drains quicker due to the profile swap, the user can access a charging station quickly and easily. This isn’t the case for IoT. To start with, IoT devices may be scattered across the world – the opportunity to proactively charge them isn’t handy. In fact, the very lifespan of many devices out there depends on the battery life and how energy-efficient the device is programmed to be. Simply put, i**n IoT, there’s no voltage to spare – especially for such a high-power function** as profile swapping. Moreover, data consumed by IoT is a highly cost sensitive area for its operators. Whether the device is roaming or not, downloading a profile is a significant data packet – often many times larger than what the device consumes over months. Multiply that by hundreds, and you have **a cost that makes a real dent** in the budget. Finally, profile swapping is a long process – sometimes too long for many IoT devices that may experience intermittent connectivity or do not stay connected long enough for the process to be completed. The relevant GSMA specifications and architecture ([SGP.22](https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/esim/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SGP.22-v2.2.2.pdf)) for swapping profiles were designed for devices with stable connectivity and without constraints. ## eSIM IoT SGP. 32 – bridging the eUICC gaps for IoT The limitations of eUICC for IoT devices became evident rapidly. Simply put, IoT devices could not reap the benefits of the eUICC architecture in the same way consumer devices did. That is when GSMA introduced the eSIM IoT architecture and requirements specification, formally known as [SGP.32](https://onomondo.com/blog/what-is-gsma-sgp-32-esim-iot-standard/). [eSIM IoT](https://onomondo.com/blog/what-is-an-esim/) is an improved take on the eUICC option for IoT as it outlines the architecture of remote profile swapping for IoT devices specifically. According to [SGP.32](https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/esim/gsma_resources/sgp-32-v1-2/), the entity managing the device (eIM) also manages the profiles, as opposed to the previous eSIM specification, SGP.22, where the user still has to ask the operator to push the profile into the eUICC. The SGP.32 standard for eSIM IoT introduces the processes and architectural components for independent user profile management, for IoT devices without a user interface and outlines the data and power constraints to swap profiles in a quick and easy way. While the details of SGP.32 merit a few thousand words of their own, the key takeaway in the context of eUICC for IoT is this: It’s no wonder that eSIM IoT is anticipated with excitement. When eUICC was introduced, the IoT world was looking forward to the opportunities of [remote SIM provisioning](https://onomondo.com/blog/optimizing-iot-esim-gsma-sgp-32/), but experienced the limitations quickly. In 2026, eSIM IoT is still in the very early stages of rollout. The demand is high but the supply is not at corresponding levels yet. ## What type of SIM should I choose for IoT devices in 2026? Today, a [global IoT SIM](https://onomondo.com/global-iot-sim/) with multiple IMSI technology can deliver on the eUICC value of **swapping networks remotely**. Global IoT SIMs support **connections with several carriers** as they simply store several subscriber identities. A tried and tested technology that is highly beneficial for IoT devices, a global IoT SIM card is a closed system that comes loaded with multiple carrier subscription profiles. These profiles can’t be altered, but the user can still swap carriers via their provider’s platform. The difference with eUICC is that **parts of the logic are moved onto the core network**, to relieve the device from running redundant logic and still deliver the **flexibility to select operators and avoid roaming charges**. Moreover, moving the logic from the SIM card to the core network keeps IoT devices leaner and more efficient, and makes the SIM form factor and logic architecture questions far less relevant. ## Wrapping up Two points stand out from the history of eUICC: - Users –regardless of whether they operate IoT devices or not– **need the flexibility to swap networks** – and do it as easily as possible. They want flexibility and control of their connectivity. - IoT Connectivity has been a bit of an afterthought in the telecom industry. That’s perhaps why IoT users cherish all the technological developments focused on IoT and are very quick to seek out the next new thing – be that eUICC in 2014 or SGP.32 in 2026. However, the IoT space is made up of resourceful, persistent engineers who *will* find a way – we’re speaking from experience here! So, when it comes to enjoying the benefits of different networks in IoT fleets, there is a solution that enables you to deploy lean, flexible devices globally tomorrow: Global IoT SIMs. ## Ready to try Onomondo’s IoT SIMs? Enjoy full control and ownership of your connectivity infrastructure across your fleet. Onomondo’s IoT SIMs offer global connectivity without roaming charges, non-steered network selection, and remotely programmable connectivity. Start your free trial and put our claims to the test! [ Start free trial ](https://onomondo.com/pricing/) ## FAQs about eUICC ###### What is eUICC? eUICC is a logic architecture (software) that runs on a chip in SIM cards –the physical object– and stores multiple subscriber identities. eUICC is not a physical object and it’s not the same as the embedded SIM, the physical form factor. ###### What is UICC? UICC is the logic (software) that stores a **single profile** in a **chip** on a **removable** SIM card. It consists of IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), security keys, and network access data, among other things. ###### What are the differences between the UICC and the eUICC? **UICC****eUICC**What is it?Logical architecture & softwareLogical architecture & softwareProfilesOne profile / FixedSeveral profiles / Can be swappedProfile swapPhysicallyRemotely programmablePositionRemovableSolderedMemory requirements64KB / 128KB512KBForm factorsFull-Size (FF1), Mini-SIM (FF2), Micro-SIM (FF3,) Nano-SIM (FF4)MFF2, Full-Size (FF1), Mini-SIM (FF2), Micro-SIM (FF3,) Nano-SIM (FF4)Power consumption\* \*In active mode, depending on voltage classUp to [50,000–60,000](http://etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/102200_102299/102221/14.00.00_60/ts_102221v140000p.pdf) µABetween [4,300](https://www.infineon.com/assets/row/public/documents/30/49/infineon-datasheet-optiga-connect-iot-datasheet-en.pdf?fileId=5546d462749a7c2d01749b3873b90f57)–[21,000](https://my.avnet.com/wcm/connect/5059ed3d-44f4-4348-8d88-80cb1c3bf712/AVeUICC3200BICS-datasheet-v1p12.pdf?MOD=AJPERES) µA*Key differences between UICC and eUICC* ###### What are the benefits and limitations of eUICC? - **Benefits**: The eUICC offers the flexibility to swap SIM profiles and do so remotely. A SIM card that runs on eUICC is more energy-efficient than UICC. - **Limitations**: Remote SIM provisioning doesn’t work as smoothly in IoT devices as it does in consumer-facing devices. It is cumbersome to provision SIMs in bulk for IoT fleets. The over-the-air aspect for SIM provisioning is also difficult for remote IoT devices that don’t stay connected for long and the process takes a toll on the battery of the device. ###### Which SIM logic should I choose for IoT in 2026? Onomondo recommends [global IoT SIMs](https://onomondo.com/global-iot-sim/) for IoT users in 2026. It allows for similar flexibility in profile swapping as an eUICC SIM. Plus, it can be easily and economically controlled remotely. ## Related articles ![Remote SIM Provisioning for IoT](https://cdn.growth.onomondo.com/app/uploads/2026/04/21115413/Remote-SIM-Provisioning-featured-1024x536.png) Articles###### Remote SIM Provisioning: What is it and how it works for IoT Connectivity Basics IoT SIM Learn what Remote SIM Provisioning is, how it works, and why it matters for IoT deployments – from eUICC fundamentals to SGP.32, form factors, and real-world benefits. [ Read more ](https://onomondo.com/blog/remote-sim-provisioning-iot/) ![iSIM](https://cdn.growth.onomondo.com/app/uploads/2026/03/01092112/iSIM-1024x536.png) Articles###### What is an IoT iSIM? How it works, benefits, and why it matters IoT / M2M SIMs If you’re building IoT devices today, you’re likely looking at traditional, physical SIM form factors, and possibly embedded SIMs. But there’s a newer form factor starting to reshape how connectivity is designed: iSIMs. So what actually changes with iSIMs—and when do they make sense to use? We break it down in this article. [ Read more ](https://onomondo.com/blog/what-is-an-iot-isim/) ![SGP.32 eSIM IoT interview with Henrik Aagaard](https://cdn.growth.onomondo.com/app/uploads/2026/03/31085742/eSIM-IoT-Henriks-interview-1024x576.png) Articles###### “eSIM IoT isn’t connectivity – it’s a device capability”. An interview about SGP.32 with Henrik Aagaard Future-proofing IoT IoT SIM You’ve probably heard a lot about eSIM IoT, SGP.32 – how much of it is substance and how much is noise? Henrik Aagaard separates the wheat from the chaff. [ Read more ](https://onomondo.com/blog/esim-iot-isnt-connectivity-its-a-device-capability-an-interview-about-sgp-32-with-henrik-aagaard/) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is eUICC?** eUICC is a logic architecture (software) that runs on a chip in SIM cards –the physical object– and stores multiple subscriber identities. eUICC is not a physical object and it's not the same as the embedded SIM, the physical form factor. **What is UICC?** UICC is the logic (software) that stores a single profile in a chip on a removable SIM card. It consists of IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), security keys, and network access data, among other things. **Which SIM logic should I choose for IoT in 2026?** Onomondo recommends global IoT SIMs for IoT users in 2026. It allows for similar flexibility in profile swapping as an eUICC SIM. Plus, it can be easily and economically controlled remotely. --- *This is a machine-readable version of [eUICC: What is it and do you need it for IoT?](https://onomondo.com/blog/euicc-iot-what-is-it/).* *Last updated: March 10, 2026* ## About Onomondo Onomondo is a global cellular IoT connectivity platform providing IoT SIM cards, eSIM, and SoftSIM with a management platform, real-time diagnostics, and cloud integrations. Operates across 680+ networks in 180+ countries. Founded 2012, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. ISO 27001:2022 certified. - Website: https://onomondo.com - Documentation: https://docs.onomondo.com - Knowledge Base: https://help.onomondo.com