can I activate eSIM while in roaming?

Hello @AndySich, we're happy to help with information about activating your eSIM while in roaming.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that connects some newer devices to the AT&T network. If you are out of range of the AT&T network your device may be unable to process the activation of the eSIM to your device. 

You’ll need a Wi-Fi connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from AT&T. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, point the camera at the QR code, and follow the prompts.

If you can’t scan the QR code with your camera, follow these steps:

1.  Open Settings. 
2.  Select Connections. 
3.  Select SIM card manager. 
4.  Select Add mobile plan. 
5.  Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from AT&T.

If your Samsung smartphone still doesn’t have wireless service, activate your device.

@ATTHelp If you are out of range of the AT&T network your device may be unable to process the activation of the eSIM to your device. 

Is that a NO?  Because that's literally the question they want to know the answer to...

ATTHelp - I was not asking how to activate - I asked if I can activate / convert while in roaming / not in ATT network - could you please answer this question?

Thank you for reaching back out @AndySich.

If you are out of range of the AT&T network or in roaming your device will be unable to process the conversion or activation to an eSIM on your device.  

If additional assistance is needed, to best serve you while out of the country; please call +1.314.925.6925 (free from device). We're here if you have any questions. Thank you for visiting  AT&T Community Forums.

Alasani, AT&T Community Specialist

HMMM - I spoke with couple of AT&T representatives  - they told me opposite... could you please double-check?

Hello, @AndySich! We understand your question about the E-Sim being activated while in roaming!

As previously stated, if you are out of range of the AT&T network or in roaming your device will be unable to process the conversion or activation to an eSIM on your device.  

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for reaching out to AT&T Community Forums!

Rachel, AT&T Community Specialist

I have spent more than 7 hours on the phone with ATT, including the 314 number, who have tried to help me activate my eSIM with overseas. Nothing has worked.  I cannot get my text message so I cannot complete two factor authentication. I cannot access my banking, etc., because of this. 

any suggestions? I am not going to be back in the states for 6 months. 

@Jack318 You must be connected directly to AT&T towers, not via a foreign carrier to convert your AT&T SIM to eSIM. Also to use another carrier’s SIM or eSIM your phone has to be to unlocked. Does the foreign carrier you are trying to use have the capability of providing an eSIM or SIM To eSIM conversion?

I'm guessing that AT&T representatives are not allowed to use the two letter, "No" word. (which is the correct answer to this question) 

🤦🏼‍♀️

If it's not a wrong answer, it's a lack of a straight answer.

It is not possible to activate any SIM card physical or esim unless you are connected to the network.