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.
This thread will focus on all the questions not covered by Apple, and for iOS 12. Head here for iOS 13.
Here are the support documents by Apple:
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 and Optus 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.
Read more about the eSIM GSMA standard here.
- 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)
The following devices have an eSIM:
- iPhone XS and later (XS Max, XR)
- iPad Pro 2018 and later
- iPad Air (3rd gen.) and later
- iPad Mini (5th gen.) and later
(
Do not get eSIM and Apple SIM Embedded confused)
General Questions
Q: 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?
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 the physical SIM be turned off too?
A: Yes, with iOS 12.1.1.
Q: Can I use WhatsApp with two phone numbers?
Q: Does the Apple Watch support Dual-SIM too?
- 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).
Q: Can the eSIM roam?
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.
International Travel eSIM Providers
esimdb - database for finding travel eSIMs by region/country
3HK (Data Only)
eSIM+ (Data only)
Flexiroam (Data only)
Gigsky (Data only)
MTX Connect (Data only)
Truphone (Data only)
Ubigi (Data only) (thanks
@OpenTeq )
Thanks to
njcyx6649250 for helping building this Q&A!
