ICCID

ICCID is a globally unique 19 or 20-digit identifier assigned to every SIM card and eSIM profile. It serves as the primary key in carrier databases, linking a physical or embedded SIM to a specific account, plan, and subscriber. The number is typically printed on physical SIM cards and accessible in device settings under the cellular or SIM information menu.

How it works

The ICCID is structured according to ITU-T E.118 and encodes the issuing country code (MCC), issuer identifier (IIN), individual account identifier, and a Luhn check digit. When a device registers on a network, the ICCID travels alongside the IMSI to help the carrier correlate the physical SIM to billing and plan entitlements. For eSIM, each installed profile has its own distinct ICCID even when multiple profiles share the same device.

Key facts

• Length: 19 or 20 digits; the leading ’89’ prefix indicates a telecommunications SIM per ITU-T E.118
• Location on device: Accessible via Settings > General > About (iOS) or Settings > About Phone > SIM Status (Android)
• Distinct from IMSI: ICCID identifies the SIM card itself; IMSI identifies the subscriber account tied to that card

For builders

When troubleshooting an eSIM activation that fails to connect, customer support will typically ask for the ICCID to look up the profile in their provisioning system. Keeping a note of the ICCID for each installed eSIM profile speeds up support interactions significantly, especially when traveling and dealing with time-zone gaps between the user and the carrier’s support team.

Sources

• ITU. Recommendation E.118: International telecommunication charge card / ICCID structure. itu.int
• GSMA. eSIM specifications (SGP.21, SGP.22) for consumer Remote SIM Provisioning. gsma.com
• GSMA. The State of the eSIM Market whitepaper. gsma.com
• 3GPP. Mobile network specifications portal. 3gpp.org
• FCC. Consumer guides on wireless devices and unlocking. fcc.gov