ICCID at a Glance:

  • ICCID is the unique identifier assigned to a physical SIM card that is commonly used by connectivity platforms to provision, track, and manage SIMs throughout their lifecycle. 
  • In IoT, ICCIDs are essential for SIM provisioning, activation, lifecycle management, and troubleshooting.
  • Understanding ICCID helps organizations scale IoT deployments efficiently and maintain visibility across large device fleets.

What is an ICCID?

An Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) is a globally unique identification number assigned to every SIM card, including IoT SIMs and embedded SIMs. It allows mobile network operators (MNOs) and connectivity platforms to recognize, provision, and manage individual SIM cards within a cellular network.

For IoT deployments, SIM cards represent the foundational building block of cellular connectivity. In order for an IoT device to connect to a network, the network must be able to identify and authenticate the SIM it is using. The ICCID helps to identify the SIM hardware itself – independent of the device or modem it is installed in.

Although the ICCID is not the only identifier associated with an IoT SIM, it is one of the most important for inventory control, activation, and ongoing lifecycle management.

Why Identifiers Matter in Cellular IoT

At a basic level, a cellular network could theoretically identify devices using only hardware-based identifiers. However, tying connectivity directly to device hardware limits flexibility and scalability—especially in IoT environments where devices may be replaced, upgraded, or redeployed.

This is where Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) come in. SIM cards separate the subscription credentials from the identity of the hardware. By associating connectivity with a SIM rather than a specific modem, organizations gain the ability to:

  • Move SIMs between devices
  • Replace or upgrade hardware without re-provisioning service
  • Maintain consistent billing and connectivity profiles

This same principle that enables consumers to move a SIM between smartphones is even more valuable in IoT deployments, where hardware lifecycles and deployment environments vary widely.

ICCID Structure Explained

The ICCID is typically a 19-digit numeric code (including one randomized digit called a check digit),  often printed on the SIM card or its packaging. Each segment of the ICCID provides specific information about the SIM.

Example ICCID:

8942310000012345678

The components include:

  • Major Industry Identifier (MII): The first two digits are always 89, indicating telecommunications.
  • Country Calling Code (CC): One to three digits identifying the country of the issuing organization, assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
  • Mobile Network Code (MNC): One to four digits identifying the issuing mobile network operator.

Together, these sections form the Issuer Identification Number (IIN).

  • Individual Account Identification: The remaining digits uniquely identify the SIM card itself, except for EUICC SIMs, which just identifies the profile.
  • Check Digit: The final digit is calculated using the Luhn algorithm, allowing systems to validate the ICCID’s accuracy.

This structure provides a globally unique identifier that systems can use to track SIMs or eSIM profiles anywhere in the world.

ICCID vs Other SIM and Device Identifiers

While ICCID is essential, it works alongside several other identifiers in IoT deployments:

  • IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): Identifies the subscriber and is used for network authentication and billing. Unlike ICCID, IMSI determines how a device accesses cellular networks.
  • IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): Identifies the cellular modem hardware installed in the device, not the SIM.
  • MSISDN: A phone-number used when voice or SMS services are involved.
  • EID: A unique identifier associated with eUICChardware. Each eSIM profile on the eUICC has its own ICCID.

In simple terms: ICCID identifies the SIM card itself, while IMSI and IMEI govern network access and hardware identity.

Why ICCID Matters for IoT Deployments

In large-scale IoT deployments, ICCIDs are a common operational identifier for inventory and provisioning. They are used to:

  • Activate and deactivate SIMs
  • Track SIM inventory across thousands of devices
  • Associate devices with data plans and billing
  • Diagnose connectivity issues
  • Automate lifecycle management through APIs

Because IoT deployments often involve long-lived, remotely deployed devices, having clear ICCID-level visibility can speed up troubleshooting, simplify operations, and support scalable growth.

How Soracom Uses ICCID to Simplify IoT Connectivity

Soracom’s IoT connectivity platform is built around SIM-level management, where ICCID serves as a primary identifier for provisioning, monitoring, and automation. With Soracom SIMs, available in multiple form factors including embedded SIMs, organizations can:

  • Manage SIMs and devices centrally using ICCIDs
  • Automate provisioning and lifecycle workflows via APIs
  • Maintain visibility across global deployments
  • Easily scale from pilot to production

By combining standardized identifiers like ICCID with cloud-native management tools, Soracom helps teams deploy secure, flexible, and globally scalable IoT solutions, starting with the SIM card itself.