How to Set up eSIM on a New iPhone

The new iPhone 14 lineup will ship without normal SIM trays, but only in the United States. They will be able to use two eSIMs at the same time (and save more than that), but is the lack of a physical tray a big deal? Or an unfriendly and stupid employee?

First, a reminder about eSIMs: they are SIM cards, but electronically, not physically. This means your phone can be provisioned instantly – no need to go to the store to get a normal SIM card. This makes it easier (in some ways) to switch networks or try one – T-Mobile is using eSIM now and allows people to try its network for three months.

Starting with iOS 16, you can transfer your eSIM between iPhones via Bluetooth, which should make it as easy as a physical SIM card – as long as you’re within Apple’s ecosystem. It’s clear.

iPhones Can Store Multiple eSIMS though Only Two Can Be Used at Once

Most US carriers, and many others around the world, support eSIMs, and iPhones have supported them since 2018, including the ability to use two SIM cards at the same time. Until the iPhone 13, this means an eSIM and a normal SIM card.

The iPhone 13 family introduced the ability to use two eSIMs at the same time. Removing the physical SIM card – and the slot in place – is the next logical step. At least for Apple, at least in the US – the iPhone 14 still has a SIM tray everywhere else.

During the launch event, Apple spokespersons told The Verge that the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro can store at least eight eSIMS, with up to two working at the same time. Global eSIM vendor, Airalo, said previous iPhones could hold five to ten, depending on the model.

This can reduce the loss of a normal SIM tray, although not all international carriers support eSIM. (I haven’t used Airalo and can’t afford it, but being able to issue a remote local eSIM when traveling abroad can save you having to find a local SIM card.

The ability to have more than one SIM card works well for frequent travelers, people who live in areas where the same network has spotty coverage, or people who have different services and home numbers. I bought my iPhone 11 while living in the Netherlands, and it has both a Dutch eSIM and a regular Verizon SIM card. This means I can use a local SIM card whether I’m in Europe or the US without having to access my number again or change my iMessage or WhatsApp settings

A physical SIM card makes it easy to transfer your phone to another carrier or transfer your number to a new phone. They are everywhere, work on all phones, and are easy to use (but also easy to lose; ask me how I know). Most of my colleagues are not happy about giving up the SIM slot. Moving an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android phone is not necessary.

I don’t think removing the SIM card is necessarily user-friendly for most people; Most people don’t change carriers or phones every few weeks. But it depends on the ease with which providers make it easy to install and migrate eSIMs between platforms. We will see how it goes.

How To Set up new eSIM on a New iPhone ?

If you buy an iPhone 14 series phone in the US, you’ll notice that it’s missing one key feature: the SIM tray. That’s because Apple is saving money on eSIM, which is a digital version of a small card that allows you to use wireless service providers’ networks.

There is good news and bad news here. If you’re switching from an old iPhone, activating an eSIM on your new iPhone is pretty easy. If you’re switching from an Android phone to an iPhone 14, well, it’s not easy.

Whichever way you want to go, we have some tips for you.

iPhone with Physical Sim to iPhone 14

To switch from an iPhone with a normal SIM card to an eSIM on iPhone 14. These are guidance for you :

• Make sure your old iPhone is in iOS 16 or later, Bluetooth is on and already set up the passcode for biometric unlocking.
• Enter eSIM setup process on your new iPhone. You can go through initial setting or you can follow Setting > Cellular > Set Up Cellular. 
• Choose option Transfer From Nearby iPhone. 
• Make sure your old iPhone near your new iPhone. Enter the Verification Code display on your new iPhone.
• On new iPhone, select your phone number you want to transfer from options on-screen.
• Confirm your phone number both on old iPhone and new iPhone.
• Keep both your phone close until the Cellular Setup Complete. 
• Confirm it by seeing the carrier’s icon and service bars in on condition.

Android with Physical SIM to iPhone 14

To switch from android – Whether you are using normal SIM or eSIM – you still need help from your wireless carrier.

• If you using T-Mobile, you can go to T-Mobile website to change your SIM in your account.
• If you use AT&T, You can follow this instruction on their website.
• Verizon still working on it.

No matter which one you use, you need to turn off the RCS on your Android device before swap it so you don’t miss any messages. You can do this by :

• Tapping the Profile Icon on your Google’s Messages App.
• Tap Message Setting > Chat Features > Toogle Off Enable Chat Features.

If you want to call your carrier to transfer your number to your new iPhone, make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and, if possible, call from another phone line. If you can’t do this, let the customer service representative you’re calling from the line you want to change know, as you may be disconnected. They will be able to email you a QR code so you can complete the process yourself.