topic Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone in SIM cards & Porting

PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Peadan — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:29:27 GMT

Hi. When I tried to use the iPhone 16 quick transfer to transfer my PAYG eSIM from my old iPhone, I get the error "Your SIM is Not Supported. This phone number can't be transferred because your account is ineligible."

I am currently stationed overseas as well so would prefer not to have to call the hotline. Please advise.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

chistery — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 06:31:49 GMT

EE does not support eSIM on PAYG.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

bristolian — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:05:54 GMT

And even if it did, trying to SIM-swap while abroad runs the risk of you being totally offline until your return to the UK.

A physical SIM swap in these circumstances is straightforward and done in <5 minutes!

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Peadan — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:09:03 GMT

I have been on it for about a year and I signed it up at the airport. I don't have a physical SIM either and it is still working on my old iPhone. Says on my subscription plan page that it is a PAYG, as shown below. Maybe it was discontinued for purchase?

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

bristolian — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:11:51 GMT

"SIM only" generally refers to a pay-monthly contract-based plan without a phone

"Pay as you go" is the opposite, it's a pre-payment top-up based system.

"View topup history" suggests PAYG.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Chris_B — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:23:09 GMT

@Peadan If you got it at an airport then you got an international travellers PAYG esim for the UK. These are not meant to be used long term as they are for visitors to the UK.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Peadan — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:32:01 GMT

Yes, I signed it up at the airport at that time because I had to be in the UK for at least a year and did not want to be bogged down with a contract, while also needing a UK line urgently. Worked fine for the year, then moved away and got a new iPhone. I was planning to hold on to it a little longer until I sorted out some of the OTPs that I had tied to this account. Did not expect this to be such a hassle with an eSIM.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Schockwave — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:37:49 GMT

@Peadan , Esims are only for customers on contract, you need a physical SIM card if on pay as you go, as has already been mentioned.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Peadan — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:46:13 GMT

But I am already on eSIM and it is still working on my old iPhone. I just want it transferred over to my new iPhone.
Unless as @Chris_B mentioned, the international travellers PAYG eSIM has some account restrictions which I may be unaware of.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Michael_D — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:18:08 GMT

Hi @Peadan.

The information you have been given above is spot on. The eSIM was an option on the international travellers card but it is not something that EE support on pay as you go in general, so the eSIM transfer to a new phone will not work.

If you do need to move the number to a new phone, it would need to be a physical SIM, and would need to be done when in the UK for all services to work.

Michael

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Peadan — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:30:05 GMT

Thank you for the clarification, @Michael_D and the others for all your help. It looks like I will have to stick with my old phone first until I have everything settled.

Thank you all. Cheers.

Re: PAYG eSIM Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Schockwave — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 21:04:50 GMT

You are welcome @Peadan , glad we were able to help.