eSIM vs Physical TM SIM Registration: Key Differences

If you’re getting a TM SIM in the Philippines, you might see two options: an eSIM or a physical SIM card. Both let you make calls, send texts, and use data — but the way you register them can feel a bit different. I’ll explain the key differences in the easiest way possible, like I’m talking to a friend.

What Is an eSIM vs a Physical SIM?

Before we compare registration, let’s clear up what each one is:

Physical SIM – A tiny plastic card you insert into your phone.

eSIM – A digital SIM built into your phone. No physical card needed.

Both serve the same purpose — connecting you to TM’s mobile network — but they work a little differently.

How You Get the SIM

Physical TM SIM:
You get this at a store or from a kiosk. It’s a small card that you physically insert into your phone

TM eSIM:
You request this online or in a TM/Globe store, and you get a QR code or digital activation instead of a card

Registration Process — What’s the Same

For both eSIM and physical SIM, you still need to:

Enter your mobile number
Upload a valid ID
Take a selfie for verification
Input the OTP (One‑Time PIN) sent to your number

The identity verification steps are the same because the law requires it.You can also read: How to Fix TM SIM Registration Link Not Working

Registration Differences

Here’s where things can feel a little different:

A. How You Activate the SIM Before Registration

Physical SIM: Put the SIM card into your phone first, then start the registration.
eSIM: You scan a QR code or follow an installation link to activate the eSIM before you register.

So with eSIM, you do activation first, then registration — which is just one extra step compared to physical SIM.

Receiving OTP

Both versions still use SMS for the OTP.
But with an eSIM, your phone gets connected to the network as soon as the profile is installed, so you may receive the OTP faster.
With a physical SIM, you need good network signal on the slot where the SIM is inserted.

Device Compatibility

Not all phones support eSIMs yet.
So:

Newer phones often support eSIM registration easily.
Older phones may only work with physical SIM cards.

This doesn’t affect the registration law, it only affects whether your phone can use eSIM.

Why the Registration Looks Slightly Different

With eSIM, you activate the SIM digitally — so you might do the activation and registration steps back‑to‑back in the app or online.

With a physical SIM, you insert the card and then open the portal or app to register.

The good news? The identity requirements — your name, ID, selfie, OTP — are the same for both.

Tips for Smooth Registration

Here are some helpful tips so your registration goes through without problems:

Use stable internet (Wi‑Fi or good mobile data)
Double‑check your ID details before submitting
Take your selfie in good lighting
If the OTP doesn’t arrive quickly, switch to a stronger signal area
If online registration fails, you can go to a TM or Globe store for help

What Happens After Registration

Once you finish all steps:

Your number becomes active

You can make calls, texts, and mobile data

You get access to TM promos and services

This is true whether you used eSIM or a physical SIM.

FAQ’s

No. It just has one extra step for installation, but the registration requirements are the same.

Do both eSIM and physical SIM use OTP for verification?

No. Only phones that support eSIM technology can use it.

Yes. Valid ID and selfie verification are required for both.

Then you should use a physical TM SIM card.

Final Words

In short, both eSIM and physical SIM registration follow the same legal requirements — you still need to verify your identity, upload a valid ID, take a selfie, and enter an OTP. The main difference is how the SIM is activated. eSIM is digital and quick, while a physical SIM needs to be inserted into the phone.
Either way, once registration is done right, your TM number will be active and ready for use. If you want an easy step‑by‑step checklist you can follow on your phone, just let me know!