eSIM transfer between 2 operational iphones - process? (not new phone scenario)

[Rokko]

Background

I have an iphone 12 with an active EE eSIM on a monthly SIM-only plan. The EE app is installed on this phone, and the eSIM is linked to my account.

I have retained the eSIM activation information originally provided by EE, which I think was for one-time-only use.

I also have an iphone 13, which contains a physical SIM from a different UK mobile network. The EE app has not yet been installed on this phone.

Neither phone was purchased from EE. Both phones are unlocked, and are both fully operational, with the iphone 13 in particular being configured with multiple apps. This is not a 'set up a new phone' type of scenario.

My intention is to move the eSIM (retaining the original number) from the iphone 12 to the iphone 13, so that I can operate it in dual-SIM mode (EE eSIM + physical SIM from another network).

I may have missed something but the guidance on eSIM / dual- SIM on the EE website (https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/getting-started/esim/dual-sim-for-iphone), does not appear to cover my scenario, or at least does not do so clearly.

I expect that the process will be along these lines:

- deactivate / delete the eSIM on the iphone 12. It's not clear to me whether should be done via the EE app (I can't readily see an option), or if it should be done via IOS.

- then activate the eSIM on the ipone 13. It's not clear to me whether the original activation info can be re-used (I rather expect not), or whether it is necessary to go through the 'Replace your SIM / eSIM' process, and if so how long that takes.

However before starting the process, I would like to have a clear view of the steps involved and the timeframe, so any comments would be appreciated.

[Matt_124 · Accepted solution]

Do not deactivate or delete the eSIM on the old device until the process has been completed and the SIM is active on the new phone, as doing so will mean you have to order a SIM replacement from EE or go in-store.

You will need both phones and I would do it in these steps:

1. Download and sign into the EE App on the new device.

2. Go to the Profile icon in the top right.

3. Choose Settings and scroll down to Replace my SIM/eSIM.

4. This will bring you into the SIM replacement tool where you can select the number you wish to replace, and then choose e-SIM - Instant Download.

5. This will send a verification code/one time passcode through to the old phone SIM.

6. After entering the Passcode, this will initiate the change and allow you to download the e-SIM Profile to your device.

7. Once this has activated, ensure it is working fully with a test on a call and using some data on 4G/5G.

8. Only once you have confirmed functionality, should you now delete the deactivated SIM on the old device.

[Rokko]

Hi Matt_124 

That looks great.  I could certainly not locate this clarity within the official help material.  I will give this a try by the end of today and report back, hopefully with confirmation of success.  

Much appreciated !   

[Matt_124]

Not a problem @Rokko,

If you're having any issues and need any clarification feel free to come back to the thread and I'll try to get back to you in good time.

Other than that, hopefully it's a report of success!

[Chris_B]

@Rokko  You should be able to transfer the eSIM from the old to new device upon setup.    Your even given the option to do this.

[Matt_124]

@Chris_B 

The OP specified that the phone is not being set up from new, that option is only offered with the Quick Setup on a factory reset iPhone.

Besides I have personally found the App route to be more stable and consistent, seen a number of cases where customers have been left without a working SIM when doing e-SIM transfers through the Apple method.

[Rokko]

I would like to apologise for the long delay in providing an update / conclusion for this thread.

Unfortunately, I missed the 'window of opportunity' which I had to follow the process which Matt_124 kindly specified.  The iphone 12 which I mentioned was on a temporary loan, and I was obliged to return it after sourcing a replacement. 

I decided that it was best to install the EE eSIM on that replacement phone (serving as a backup to my primary phone, the 13 mini), rather than on the loaned phone.  

So I ended up in the typical 'new setup' scenario, which is well documented, rather than the scenario which I initially outlined.   The transfer went smoothly, and the eSIM is working satisfactorily on the (new) target phone.

However I have now created a pdf download of the 8-step transfer process, in case I again find myself in a scenario where it is needed, and if the situation arises will report back on the outcome.   

Many thanks again.