I am curious how the physical sim works after you get an e-sim. My phone is unlocked, I have an att postpaid account I want to put on e-sim. Do I just put my tmobile(secondary number) physical SIM card in and the phone recognizes it?
I am curious how the physical sim works after you get an e-sim. My phone is unlocked, I have an att postpaid account I want to put on e-sim. Do I just put my tmobile(secondary number) physical SIM card in and the phone recognizes it?
This thread will focus on all the questions not covered by Apple. Thanks to njcyx6649250 for the help!
Here are a few things you may want to know before diving in the Q&A:
- There are three ways of activating an eSIM. Know which method your carrier uses, because that will determine how you get eSIM working on your phone:
- Method #1 involves the carrier having physical QR Codes with an ICCID (just like a normal SIM card). When you activate via this method, all the carrier need is the ICCID on the card. The eSIM swap process is identical to a normal SIM's. AT&T does that.
- Method #2 involves the carrier collecting your EID (eSIM ID) and the secondary IMEI. Then, you need to scan the QR Code or enter manually your carrier's SM-DP+ address, and your phone will automatically retrieve the SIM profile. (Verizon and T-Mobile do that).
- Method #3 involves using a carrier app. T-Mobile USA, Verizon, Gigsky and Truphone do that. The process is easy and transparent for the user.
The following devices have an eSIM: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR; iPad Pro (2018)
- Any carrier that supports one of the activation methods above (or GSMA methods) can support the iPhone, even if Apple does not list them officially. (eSIM+ is an example)
Here are the support documents by Apple:
Read more about the eSIM GSMA standard here.
- Using Dual SIM with an eSIM
- Using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards (Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau)
- Use Dual SIM with Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)
- Find wireless carriers that offer eSIM service
- Get help with Dual SIM with an eSIM
This post is a wiki, so if you have an eSIM, see a question and know the answer, feel free to add the question and the answer.
General QuestionsQ: Does the eSIM survive a restore?
A: Yes.
Q: Does that mean I can always locate a lost iPhone?
A: No. In fact, Apple missed what could have been the greatest feature of all time: as per these screenshots and video, an iPhone with eSIM activated has the eSIM profile persist restores, even DFU restores. That means that a thief can’t just throw away your SIM and call it a day.
BUT… It can’t be located. It won’t get past Activation Lock, but you won’t be able to locate it either even though your lost phone is technically connected to the internet.
Fix that, Apple.
Q: Can you set up eSIM out of the box?
A: No. iOS 12.1 doesn’t allow an eSIM to be set up out of the box: the iPhone needs to be set up to scan a QR Code (tried on iPhone XR restored with 12.1 beta).
Q: Can you re-use a eSIM QR code card to transfer the service on another phone (like swapping a physical SIM)?
A: No. Once it has been activated with a phone, it can't be used on another phone.
Q: Can you use the same QR code to add your eSIM account back, if you accidentally delete your eSIM account?
A: Yes but only for a limited time. I was able to delete and re-add an AT&T eSIM, but after two days it wouldn't
Q: If I mistakenly lost my eSIM QR card, which has been used to activate my current line, do I need to worry about?
A: No. It can only be used with your phone.
Q: Can I use Wi-Fi calling on both lines?
A: Yes.Q: Any special tips to activate eSIM card?
A: Your phone must be connected to Wi-Fi when activating the eSIM, because it needs internet to retrieve the profile.Q: Why does my iPhone have two different IMEI/MEID?
A: the "Primary" IMEI is the IMEI of the physical SIM slot, and the "Digital SIM IMEI" is for the eSIM. Because the iPhone XR/XS is dual-standby (can be connected to two carriers at the same time), the IMEI can't be the same for two active SIMs.
Q: Is there a hidden dual-SIM tray on iPhone XS Max and XR sold outside of China?
A: No.Q: How many eSIMs can I store on my phone?
A: More than 3 for sure, but the limit is unknown.Q: Can I use dual-sim with two eSIMs?
A: No. Dual-SIM is only with one eSIM and one physical SIM.Q: Is it better to use eSIM or a physical SIM with my main carrier?
A: It depends. If when you travel, you want to set-up a GigSky plan on your phone, you won't be able to use both your home carrier and GigSky because you can do dual-SIM only with one eSIM and one physical SIM.
On the other hand, having your main carrier on eSIM means that someone can't just take the SIM out of your phone to get 2FA codes.
There are many variables to consider.
Q: Can I turn off the eSIM?
Q: Can I use WhatsApp with two phone numbers?
A: No.Q: Does the Apple Watch support Dual-SIM too?
A: Yes! But not Dual-Standby and:Q: Can the eSIM roam?
- The keypad dialer will always use the default line
- When dialing using Contacts or recent calls, it will respect the tags assigned (Primary or Secondary for example)
- The Apple Watch can have more than one eSIM plan: if your secondary SIM provider supports the Watch, then you can add it too (it's greyed on my screenshots because I am roaming).
A: Yes.Q: Can I send an iMessage/SMS to the same person from different line?
A: Yes, but before you can start using a different line for an iMessage/SMS conversation, you need to delete the existing conversation and start a new one.
Q: What happens if someone sends an iMessage/SMS to a different line?
Q: My phone is locked. What do I do?
A: If your phone is locked, you must unlock both IMEIs (the Physical SIM IMEI and the eSIM IMEI). Unlocking only one of them doesn't work.Q: How to permanently remove the eSIM profiles?
A: Restoring your device does not erase the eSIM.
If you're planning to sell your eSIM device (iPhone or iPad Pro 3rd Gen), do not simply restore your phone. Restoring your phone through iTunes will not erase the eSIM!
The only way to erase the eSIM profiles is in the device's settings.
You need to go in Settings > General > Reset.
There, you have two choices:
- Tap Remove All Data Plans, then restore by any method or;
- Erase All Content and Settings, and click "Erase All" when prompted.AIS Thailand
Carrier Specific Questions
3HK Roaming
T-Mobile USA (Travel to USA, Voice, Data and SMS)
Truphone (International Travel)
Gigsky (International Travel, data only)
eSIM+ (International Travel, data only)
Ubigi (International Travel, data only) (thanks @OpenTeq )
Bell Canada
EE UK eSIM Activation Page / EE Support Page
Globe Telecom
Ooredoo Qatar eSIM Page
T-Mobile USA (also see this post)
Verizon Dual-SIM page (thanks @rbalkun)
Virgin Mobile Canada eSIM Page
Vodafone Germany eSIM Page
Vodafone Qatar (thanks @M.Rizk)
Yes, that's exactly right.
You can designate either cellular plan as primary for data and primary for voice, and they don't have to be the same.
There is a minor quirk in iOS that will tend to view your physical SIM cellular plan as "Number 1" and this can sometimes cause some applications to identify services incorrectly.
For example, as of right now, the popular application Open Signal will report that you are using whatever plan is in your physical SIM even though it's very clear that it is really pulling data from the eSIM.
There's no harm done, just some minor reporting issues for *them* not you.
On my iPhone XS I have an eSIM from EE in the UK and a physical SIM from SKY in the UK. E-mails (three mail-accounts on Exchange 2016) are not pushed immediately when I have mobile data active through the eSIM, the phone is locked and on battery. When using mobile data on the physical SIM and Wi-Fi, e-mails are pushed through just fine. Any ideas for why not pushed when only using the eSIM?
So my question is what happens when a device is blacklisted since it's lost, can the thief/finder delete the e-sim profile and the carrier is totally unable to track it or re-add it back? The thing is I don't use Face ID protection or any iCloud lock since it's like for the family and no we just won't do it. so answer that, can that happen or not once it's blacklisted? once it's blacklisted, the carrier is probably going to disallow esim profile deletion because they are actively tracking it down? I mean, I don't have a lot of my personal data on there or anything since my iCloud isn't synced to it. But I do worry honestly speaking of it. Please answer all these questions.Here are some other inputs:
(Disclaimer: the above and following information are based on our ATT eSIM card tests and discussions (forum link). unofficial. only for your reference. maybe significantly changed later)
Q: Can you use the same QR code to add your eSIM account back, if you accidentally delete your eSIM account?
A: Yes. You can use your same phone to scan the same QR code, then it will add the previous eSIM account back. Please note if your phone has been changed (IMEI changed), or if you have switched your account from this eSIM to standard SIM card, the activation on this eSIM card including this QR code will be expired. Then you need to obtain a new eSIM card from the carrier. By the same reason, it is recommend to take a picture of your original QR code, and save it for future use.
Q: If I mistakenly lost my eSIM QR card, which has been used to activate my current line, do I need to worry about?
A: No (at least for ATT). This QR code has already been used to activate your line. Even a bad guy obtains this QR card somehow, he cannot use this card to activate any lines or transfer your line out of your phone. This QR card can only be used to activate 1) this specific activated phone and 2) your number.
Q: Can this eSIM card (ATT) be used to activate prepaid account? Or does it require a postpaid account?
A: Based on multiple DPs, eSIM card can be activated on postpaid ATT account. Based on DeanLubaki's test, eSIM card can also be activated on prepaid ATT account (Yeah!). He uses ATT prepaid phone automated system to update ICCID & IMEI. Online updating may also work. Needs more DPs.
Q: I ordered this iPhone through carrier and this phone is locked, can I still use eSIM card?
A: (Needs more DPs). If your phone is locked, you may still use eSIM card feature, but you can only use the same carrier for eSIM account and standard SIM account. For example, if your phone is ATT locked, you can only use ATT for eSIM and ATT for standard SIM. You cannot use tmobile for eSIM. ATT prepaid or MNVO may also work in locked phone.
Q: Is there any difference for unlock process?
A: (Needs more DPs). You need to submit two unlock requests. One for standard SIM IMEI. Another for eSIM IMEI. See Post #22.
Q: Can I use WIFI calling on both lines?
A: Yes, if your line supports WIFI calling. See picture in Post #25.
Q: My nearby ATT doesn't have eSIM. What can I do?
A: 1) Show the ATT agent eSIM picture, then ask for it gently. 2) Try a different store. It doesn't matter it is company store or authorized retail store. 3) Book a ticket then fly to the closest store which has eSIM (I'm kidding). 4) Wait. More and more ATT stores are getting this eSIM card.
Q: I got the eSIM card from store, but the ATT agent doesn't know how to use it.
A: Teach that ATT agent how to use it (LOL). Ask him/her to update your IMEI (for eSIM), and also update the ICCID number on that QR card. Then you just scan the QR code and activate your line.
Or you can grab an unused eSIM card and contact ATT customer service via online chat or phone support, to update these two information. You can just mention that you want to switch your SIM card. You don't need to mention it is eSIM which may cause some troubles.
Please be nice to the ATT agents. iPhone eSIM function has not been officially released, and you may encounter some issues. ATT agents haven't been trained for this function yet. (I have been using 12.1 beta 5 OS and also eSIM for couple days. No issues found. But you are at your risk.).
Q: Any special tips to activate eSIM card?
A: Your phone MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET WHEN YOU SCAN YOUR QR CODE! Otherwise it will show errors like "Can not activate cellular plan at this time" (See Post #156) or "Cannot change your data plan now". When you request to update your ICCID and IMEI, your old standard SIM card will be expired (no service), and you cannot connect to cellular internet then.
To be continued...
So my question is what happens when a device is blacklisted since it's lost, can the thief/finder delete the e-sim profile and the carrier is totally unable to track it or re-add it back?
Ive had an issue with my max for a while. I have a contract EE sim as esim and a payg EE sim as the physical secondary line.
About once a week it can’t find the second line and asks me if I want to change my settings for dialling defaults (or something like that) I just restart the phone and I’ve got my two lines back. If I don’t the phone continues with the main line until I do restart.
It’s not that annoying, although it can be if I forget to restart my phone.
I’ve got an old three sim sitting around and I’m going to throw that in and see if it has the same issues.
Sounds like a defective physical SIM to me.
Any updated TMobile guide? Is it still working
Activated my free 3rd line, which previously had no phone at all, as a secondary e-SIM line through T-Mobile chat a few weeks ago. Took me a whole 5 minutes.Any updated TMobile guide? Is it still working
What did you do?Activated my free 3rd line, which previously had no phone at all, as a secondary e-SIM line through T-Mobile chat a few weeks ago. Took me a whole 5 minutes.
I just started a chat through the imessages app. I said “I need to update the SIM for 480-XXX-XXXX, the new SIM number is ‘digital SIM ICCID’” and the rep updated it no questions asked.What did you do?
Where do we get the digital Sim IccidI just started a chat through the imessages app. I said “I need to update the SIM for 480-XXX-XXXX, the new SIM number is ‘digital SIM ICCID’” and the rep updated it no questions asked.
I just started a chat through the imessages app. I said “I need to update the SIM for 480-XXX-XXXX, the new SIM number is ‘digital SIM ICCID’” and the rep updated it no questions asked.
How do you have a Digital SIM ICCID before the cellular plan is added? 0_o
Still a little confused about the procedure outlined a few posts above for a T-Mobile account, whereby the poster said he simply gave the CSR a Digital SIM ICCID before the cellular plan is added.
Did he mean the "Digital SIM IMEI"??
As far as I know, you still need the URL for the SM-DP+ Address and you would not have the ICCID until after the cellular plan is created.
What am I missing, and has T-Mobile changed its procedures now?
I think he meant the eSIM EID. AT&T half activated my iPhone using that, CS Rep didn’t know the system wouldn’t let him go all the way with it, and I have activated more than one iPad using that EID. If T-Mobile is setup for it you could give them that in chat and be on your way.
Anyone having any WiFi calling issues after activating T-Mobile postpaid eSIM? I live in an area where I heavily rely on WiFi calling.
Also, what happens to the physical sim after eSIM activiation. I presume it would be dead after eSIM switch but what if I want to switch devices (non eSIM device)? Do I have to pay sim fees to get a new T-Mobile sim?
[doublepost=1552840166][/doublepost]I guess I can save my old physical SIM and call up T-Mobile CS to re-activate my old SIM, but I bet T-Mobile will find ways to charge me something, somehow..In the time my main T-Mobile cellular plan has been on an eSIM with an XS Max, I have had zero issues with WiFi Calling.
The physical SIM is not exactly dead, but it is waiting for you to have another cellular plan installed via that physical SIM. The only weird thing I can think of is an iOS related issue that will tend to view the physical SIM as #ONE in the firmware. It is a categorization weirdness that does not affect you in any way, but might affect some polling in particular applications.
For example, my primary cellular plan is the T-Mobile eSIM. My secondary cellular plan is Xfinity Mobile physical SIM.
When using OpenSignal, the application reports that I am testing Verizon (Xfinity Mobile), regardless of the fact that it is really pulling the cellular information from T-Mobile. I can even turn off the physical SIM plan completely, and it will still act like T-Mobile is Xfinity Mobile.
:shrug:
I've reported it. It's their problem and does not affect the user in any way.
Yes, if you are moving from an eSIM to a physical SIM using the same cellular plan, you might have to pay for a SIM card if you do not already have one, and you might pay an activation fee if you are using a T-Mobile store to do it.
If you tend to change devices often, you might want to consider just staying on a physical SIM. T-Mobile thinks that your main cellular plan should be on a physical SIM, and that your temporary travel numbers should be eSIM. The iOS oddity that I mentioned hints that T-Mobile are correct about this.
I think the reason why T-Mobile doesn't provide more support for eSIM is that it's just a very small percentage of their customers who will want to do it, but they're afraid that these customers will need more help while doing it.
If that makes sense.
Yes, if you are moving from an eSIM to a physical SIM using the same cellular plan, you might have to pay for a SIM card if you do not already have one, and you might pay an activation fee if you are using a T-Mobile store to do it.
If you tend to change devices often, you might want to consider just staying on a physical SIM. T-Mobile thinks that your main cellular plan should be on a physical SIM, and that your temporary travel numbers should be eSIM. The iOS oddity that I mentioned hints that T-Mobile are correct about this.
I think the reason why T-Mobile doesn't provide more support for eSIM is that it's just a very small percentage of their customers who will want to do it, but they're afraid that these customers will need more help while doing it.
If that makes sense.