topic Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s) in Apple Devices

Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

mbdrake76 — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 20:10:26 GMT

I know that in the US, the iPhone 14 models are all going eSim only. I doubt this is happening in the UK and that we'll still need to swap physical SIMS. But what I'd like to know is whether the process of moving to an eSIM/replacing an eSIM has improved, because it looks like one has to wait on the post for the eSIM QR code.

Is this still the case, or an eSIMs be ordered/replaced/activated via the EE account itself?

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

Chris_B — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 20:20:30 GMT

@mbdrake76 It might quite possible to do it via the Bluetooth method as of iOS 16. Apple have now allowed the transitioning of eSims via Bluetooth.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

mbdrake76 — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 21:25:16 GMT

Thanks @Chris_B - that's a new one on me - will have to take a look when I get the device itself.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

marc00s — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 05:21:54 GMT

I believe you can do everything on device in the my ee app. Under settings and permissions you can request and activate new E sims and you should from there also be able to download the esim instead of waiting around in the post.

While the app has recently been updated to look different, it’s in there I did exactly this when I had to replace my esim last year

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

Leanne_T — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 07:21:01 GMT

Hi @mbdrake76

You can find details in our How do I use Dual SIM with an eSIM for iPhone? Help page.

Leanne.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

mbdrake76 — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 09:56:09 GMT

Well, I managed to muck things up a bit. Should have removed the physical SIM before attempting to replace it with an eSIM as it prompted for a label for the eSIM as a secondary plan. Halted the process and was unable to download the eSIM again once I eventually did remove the physical SIM. The whole process feels extremely messy, to be honest.

I'm back on the physical SIM for now, and will likely be until Apple completely removes the SIM tray from future iPhones sold in the UK.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

Chris_B — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 09:59:03 GMT

@mbdrake76 If you have no reason to use the eSim don’t. eSims are good but only if you really need to use it because you have 2 lines you need to use.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

mbdrake76 — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 11:44:45 GMT

Yep, I think that's good advice. Won't use them until Apple rolls out iPhones in the UK without the physical SIM card after which I won't have any choice 😉

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

marc00s — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 06:45:04 GMT

The change is easy enough to make and having used it for the last few years since its introduction I’ve found it to be reliable. I’d like to see networks make it the standard.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

Chris_B — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 16:37:30 GMT

@mbdrake76 As I said as of iOS 16 you can use Bluetooth to transfer an eSim from one iPhone to another.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

mbdrake76 — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 02:19:42 GMT

Just to update everyone - upgraded to iOS 16 today and used the EE app to replace the current SIM with an eSIM. Everything worked perfectly and now I've removed the physical SIM. So I should be ready to move everything across via Bluetooth as @Chris_B mentioned when the iPhone 14 Pro Max comes.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

Leanne_T — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 06:59:47 GMT

Thanks for coming back and letting us know @mbdrake76

Leanne.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

Chattoe — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:48:38 GMT

I take it both phones .. new and old .. have to be on iOS 16 for this to work as it should?

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

Chris_B — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:50:48 GMT

@Chattoe Yes. It’s an iOS 16 feature

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

uvarvu — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 20:10:19 GMT

Does EE support eSIM Quick Transfer then?

EDIT: Looks like they do! I’m shocked.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

uvarvu — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 11:29:41 GMT

Actually it looks like a no. Account is ineligible when I try the transfer.

EDIT: Worked via the website...

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

FastLaneJB — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:33:24 GMT

Did it work straight away? I downloaded my eSIM from my old iPhone on the EE app, scanned it and after an hour of trying to activate the SIM told me to call EE. I've called but been told up to 12 hours and a text says 24 hours for it to activate.

Honestly I don't blame Apple for this as they've put all the tech in for this to work smoothly but it's been a pain every year I get a new iPhone on eSIM with EE. I have to do eSIM as I use the physical SIM for a work SIM card but also in theory it's a more secure option as if phone ever stolen they cannot just pop the SIM out to take it off the network. Just wish EE did this better.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

uvarvu — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:49:34 GMT

Yep it was instant via the website. Just wish the quick transfer worked directly as well.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

FastLaneJB — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:20:37 GMT

I'd just be happy with it working at all. It's still not activated, I can see on the website it says it needs to be activated and gives me the ability to try it but then says something went wrong. Honestly this shouldn't be that hard.

Re: Transitioning to eSIM (iPhone 14s)

pcfarrar — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:34:10 GMT

I've got the same issue used the app on my old iPhone and selected replace my eSIM. Scanned the QR code on my new iPhone 14 Pro and it's just stuck on activating. eSIM in my old iPhone is still working.

UPDATE - logged into the EE website on my PC and there was an option highlighted "activate eSIM". Did that and it sent a text to my old phone and then it activated on my new one 5 mins later.