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Unlocked iPhones do not come with a SIM card. You will need an existing SIM from a current account if you have one or you will need to sign up for service with a carrier of your choice, AT&T included. If you have a currently active SIM, just put it in the new phone and you'll be ready to go.
 
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Title sums it up. Thanks.
You can set up an unlocked iPhone on AT&T via eSIM, right from the iPhone. You'll just sign into your AT&T account via Cellular settings in the phone, and follow the prompts.
 
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Thanks for the replies.

You can set up an unlocked iPhone on AT&T via eSIM, right from the iPhone. You'll just sign into your AT&T account via Cellular settings in the phone, and follow the prompts.

Can a new iPhone be activated via eSIM if the iPhone it's replacing was using a physical SIM? Thanks.
 
That’s generally going to be up to the carrier. If you still have the old phone then use it to transfer info to the new phone and it will give you the option to do exactly that. If you don’t have the old phone just contact the old carrier (AT&T). Should not be a problem for them. Be aware they might try to charge you an activation fee. They’re greedy that way.
 
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Thanks. How does this work? Do you have to call in or can you use the Online Activation page?
I did it myself, but don't recall the exact steps. You can do it within the iPhone Settings. You'll select AT&T as the carrier, and you'll be prompted to sign into AT&T and confirm your info and the line.
 
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