How to setup eSIM without physical SIM card?

[maanikko]

I got from my friend an iPhone 12 for free because the physical SIM card slot got broken. The phone supports eSIM but you can't activate it bacause the "Cellular" setting is disabled without physical SIM card. How do I get around that?

• Could I use Another iPhone with a Functional SIM Slot?
• Could I use Apple Configurator to configure eSIM profile?
• Could I jailbreak the iPhone and that way to activate the eSIm and if I can how do I that after I have jailbreaked it?

Or is there a simpler way?


Thank for all your answers.

 

[chabig]

You don’t need a physical SIM to set up an eSIM. Just go to your carrier store. They will help you install the eSIM. It’s all done over the air.

Or try Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM

 

[Kottu]

Don't know where you live but in many countries, if you have a valid subscription/pre paid, you can login to your account and order an eSim. It takes hardly 5 minutes for the whole process

 

[maanikko]

You don’t need a physical SIM to set up an eSIM. Just go to your carrier store. They will help you install the eSIM. It’s all done over the air.

Or try Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM

I went to Apple Store and I they said they can't do anything. And as I said setting "Cellular" is disabled bacause I don't have physical SIM card, it's grayed out.

 

[Kottu]

Strange. You mean you can’t select mobile services in settings?

Make sure that your phone is updated to the latest version. If you can, reset it from a Mac or PC.

 

[Brooke795]

You have to be on Wi-Fi to activate cellular. But make sure your carrier has the new IMEI number because the EID number will auto populate and that will allow for quick activation. That has to be updated with your carrier first then you can set up cellular when in Wi-Fi. Good luck!

 

[Ameer_1]

If you have T-mobile all you have to do is call them and they'll ask for IMEI or Eid.

 

[chabig]

And as I said setting "Cellular" is disabled bacause I don't have physical SIM card, it's grayed out.

I think your assumption is incorrect. It isn't grayed out because of the SIM slot. It's likely something else.