ACE - Master
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9.1K Messages
Does AT&T support eSIM quick transfer on iPhones?
I’ve been resisting getting a new iPhone because I really prefer keeping a physical SIM, but since Apple doesn’t seem to want to provide new phones with physical SIM slots (at least in the U.S., they do in other countries. Thanks Tim Cook!), it’s time to make the leap. According to Apple, you can use eSIM quick transfer while setting up the new phone from the old phone. I’ve done the Quick start transfer before, and my old phone is a 13 with a physical SIM, and the current iOS, so it possible, or will I have to go through AT&T to transfer/convert the SIM to a new 15?
I bought my phone from Apple, financed through Apple, and had to select AT&T as a carrier. I assumed that meant it would come with an eSIM installed, or waiting to be installed, from AT&T, but the pre-delivery email from Apple said “null” for phone number and plan, which suggests that’s not the case. I can’t figure out the purpose of Apple making you select a carrier if it’s not set up with a SIM.
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*I am not an AT&T employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
*I am not an AT&T employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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113.3K Messages
2 months ago
Yes
https://www.att.com/help/wireless/esim-get-started/
Or
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210216
Apple also offers temporary iCloud storage if you are transferring a large amount of data between an old phone and a new phone. Otherwise using what I call the blue nebula, does a great job of transferring from phone to phone
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dwill05
ACE - Master
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9.1K Messages
2 months ago
I had read the AT&T link, but it doesn’t make it clear.
Have an existing AT&T number? Just turn on your new phone and follow the prompts to download your eSIM.
I wasn’t sure if that applied, or I’d have to use the BYOD option, which means going through them. Also, the eSIM quick transfer process seems to be entirely an Apple iPhone to iPhone process outside of AT&T, which is what I was specifically asking about.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212780
Have you done this, or know someone who has, to know that this process works? I ask because you don’t have or like iPhones, as you keep telling everyone.
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formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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113.3K Messages
2 months ago
Just use the Apple information. The AT&T information is for an AT&T upgrade primarily, but you certainly can follow the bring your own device directions
I don't use iPhone, so no I have not personally done it. But I've passed this information on to others and it works just fine
(edited)
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dwill05
ACE - Master
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9.1K Messages
2 months ago
Well, it worked, but it took a couple of tries to successfully activate the eSIM, likely because the AT&T activation servers were busy, which is somewhat common on new iPhone launch day. When it worked, it was immediate that the eSIM was activated and the physical SIM in my old phone was deactivated.
BTW, ordered from Apple, financed in installments from Apple. No SIM restrictions.
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