eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are digital SIM cards that let you use your Aircall French mobile number directly on a physical mobile device without needing a physical SIM card. This article explains what eSIMs are, what they include, and what to consider before getting started.

Important: eSIMs are currently available for French mobile numbers only.

How eSIMs fit into Aircall

An eSIM turns your mobile device into an additional endpoint for your Aircall number. This is what Aircall refers to as convergence: your number works across your native mobile device, Agent Workspace, and any CTI integration simultaneously.

All calls and SMS made or received via your eSIM are fully integrated with your Aircall account, including call recording, AI features, analytics, and CRM integrations.

What is included

eSIMs support the following Aircall features:

  • Call recording
  • Call history and KPIs
  • All Aircall integrations, including CRM and helpdesk tools
  • AI features, including transcription and summaries
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Coaching

The following features are not available for eSIM numbers:

  • International roaming
  • Data packages

When purchasing an eSIM add-on, you can choose from three data options:

  • 0 GB: voice and SMS only, no mobile data
  • 20 GB: voice, SMS, and 20 GB of mobile data
  • 50 GB: voice, SMS, and 50 GB of mobile data
Note: eSIM calls do not require an internet connection. You can make and receive Aircall calls without mobile data or Wi-Fi.

Requirements

Before purchasing or activating an eSIM, confirm the following:

  • The number must be a French mobile number
  • The agent's device must support eSIM technology
  • eSIMs are configured as direct numbers, meaning the number is assigned to one specific user and cannot be used with shared lines or team routing

eSIMs are available as a paid add-on to your Aircall license. See eSIM pricing for details.

eSIM messaging limitation

There are known messaging limitations when using eSIM lines with Aircall, including unsupported messaging protocols and a known duplication issue. 

iMessage and RCS not supported

iMessage and RCS are not supported when using Aircall with an eSIM line. Messages sent or received through these protocols will not appear in Aircall Workspace.

iMessage and RCS do not use the traditional carrier network. Instead, they route messages through Apple or Google servers over a data connection. Because of this, Aircall cannot access or display these messages.

This is a protocol limitation and not a bug. It cannot be resolved by Legos or Aircall.

Important: Agents must disable iMessage and RCS for their eSIM line. If either is active, messages will bypass Aircall and will not be visible in Workspace.

Steps to disable iMessage and RCS

On iPhone:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Messages
  3. Turn off iMessage for the eSIM line
  4. Disable Send as SMS fallback to prevent intermittent routing via iMessage

On Android:

  1. Open the Messages app
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Turn off RCS chats, or set the eSIM line to SMS/MMS only

Troubleshooting for customer-facing teams

If an agent reports that messages are missing from Aircall Workspace:

  1. Confirm whether iMessage or RCS is enabled on the eSIM line
  2. Ensure both are fully disabled

This is the most common root cause of missing messages.