eSIMratICCID (the SIM serial number)
by RonyThe ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) is the unique serial number of a SIM card or an eSIM profile: 19 or 20 digits, always starting with 89. It identifies the plan with the carrier, not the phone. On a physical card it is printed on the back; with an eSIM, each installed profile has its own ICCID, visible in the settings.
Why it matters when travelling
The ICCID is the reference a travel eSIM provider's support asks for when something goes wrong: it links your installed profile to your purchase. With several eSIMs installed (one per destination, say), it is also the reliable way to tell which profile is which when the names look alike.
When buying a local physical SIM abroad, the ICCID printed on the card sometimes serves the mandatory registration (with your passport). Keep the card holder for the whole stay.
It also serves to identify yourself without giving your number. Several prepaid carriers ask for the last four digits of the ICCID when activating a line or contacting customer service: proof you actually hold the card, without exposing the full identifier.
The misconception
“The ICCID is the SIM's phone number.”
It is not: the phone number (MSISDN) is assigned by the carrier and may change or not exist at all (data-only eSIM). The ICCID is the serial number of the support itself, like a car's chassis number compared to its licence plate.
In practice, device by device
On iPhone
- Settings, General, About.
- Scroll down: each line (physical SIM and eSIM) shows its ICCID under its name.
- Long press the number to copy it.
On Android
- Settings, About phone, SIM card status (the path varies slightly by brand).
- The ICCID shows per line; on some models it sits in Settings, Connections, SIM manager.
- The eSIM provider's app shows it too, in the plan details section.
Without turning the phone on
- On a physical card: the number is printed on the back of the card and on the original plastic holder.
- On an eSIM: it appears in the purchase confirmation email and in the provider's customer area.
- It is the only method that works if the device is broken, lost or flat.
How an ICCID breaks down
| Segment | What it encodes | French example |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 digits | The telecommunications sector, invariable | 89 |
| Next digits | The country, mirroring the dialling code | 33 for France, giving 8933 |
| Next group | The carrier that issued the card or profile | specific to each carrier |
| Body of the number | The unique serial number of the support | assigned at issue |
| Last digit | A check digit, computed from the previous ones | catches typing errors |
What it changes when you compare
No role in choosing a plan, but a role in after-sales: a provider whose app clearly shows each profile's ICCID saves you time with support. It is one of the small experience details the esimrat comparisons look at.
Compare eSIM plans by destination
The rat's tip: Rename every eSIM at install time (“Japan April”, “Europe summer”) in the SIM settings. You will avoid comparing 20-digit ICCIDs to work out which to delete when you get home.
See also
Frequently asked questions
What is a SIM card's ICCID?
It is its serial number: 19 or 20 digits uniquely identifying the card or eSIM profile with the carrier. It designates the support of the line, not the device it sits in, and not the phone number either.
Where can I find my ICCID?
On iPhone in Settings, General, About; on Android in Settings, About phone, SIM card status. For a physical card it is also printed on the back and on the plastic holder; for an eSIM it appears in the purchase email and the provider's customer area.
How do I retrieve my SIM card's number?
The simplest is reading it in the phone settings, where it appears line by line. If the device no longer turns on, get the card's plastic holder, where the number is printed, or sign in to your customer area: the carrier shows the ICCID attached to your line.
Why do all ICCIDs start with 89?
That is the international prefix for telecommunication chip cards, set by the standard. The following digits encode the country (33 for France, hence numbers starting 8933) and the issuing carrier, then come the serial number and a check digit.
Why am I asked for the last 4 digits of my ICCID?
Because it is simple proof you actually hold the card, without circulating the whole number. Several prepaid carriers, Lycamobile among them, request them for online activation, usually alongside the line number and the PUK code printed on the card holder.
Does the ICCID change when I reinstall an eSIM?
If the provider issues you a new profile, yes: it is a new logical support, therefore a new ICCID. That is why support asks for the active ICCID again after a reinstall.
Is sharing my ICCID risky?
On its own it allows neither placing a call, nor accessing your account, nor billing you anything. Give it to your carrier or your eSIM provider's support, like a serial number, but avoid publishing it online: combined with other personal information, it can feed an impersonation attempt with customer service.
ICCID, EID, IMEI: which one do I give support?
Depends on the problem: the ICCID identifies your plan (data or top-up issue), the EID identifies your phone's chip (install issue), the IMEI identifies the device (compatibility issue). Support usually states which one it needs.