LordArchie
macrumors demi-god
Didn't see this posted, but if it helps anyone, hers'a a iOS Shortcut to switch/toggle between eSims. I have mine in control center
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I should say, this is a problem with VZW (they enable international roaming and I haven't found a way to disable it). But MVNOs, even some of the post-paid ones, can configure their service for USA-only service and should in theory use wi-fi calling over cellular data when out of country. One of several reasons I'm ditching VZW for an AT&T-network MVNO.
LordArchie
macrumors demi-god
Didn’t realize this was an issue with Verizon. I was actually considering switching to them for a better coverage, I use AT&T currently and I can disable roaming before I leave the US and use my travel eSIM. Works really well never had a single roaming fee and I can still make calls when traveling abroad. Maybe I should just cut to the Chase and switch back to T-Mobile, coverage is so so, but I won’t have to think twice about anything when traveling
brgjoe
macrumors 6502a
Hokay...someone will probably have to explain this to me like I am 5 years old.
I currently have a 13PM with the SIM card tray. I wish I could just take the card and put it into a new iPhone (should I decide to upgrade to the 17 this year). If I do upgrade to a new phone though, how would one go about doing this?
Since I am in the US there will be no iPhone 17 with a SIM card tray. So...what do I do? I am guessing I convert my physical SIM to an eSIM. And then when that is done, am I ready to transfer everything from the old phone to the new phone via iCloud? Do I need to do another step (grrrrrr!)?
I am on Verizon, btw. I would rather not have to talk to anyone to get it to work though. Thanks!
I currently have a 13PM with the SIM card tray. I wish I could just take the card and put it into a new iPhone (should I decide to upgrade to the 17 this year). If I do upgrade to a new phone though, how would one go about doing this?
Since I am in the US there will be no iPhone 17 with a SIM card tray. So...what do I do? I am guessing I convert my physical SIM to an eSIM. And then when that is done, am I ready to transfer everything from the old phone to the new phone via iCloud? Do I need to do another step (grrrrrr!)?
I am on Verizon, btw. I would rather not have to talk to anyone to get it to work though. Thanks!
rui no onna
Contributor
It's very easy. No need to convert to eSIM first. The number will transfer to the iPhone 17 eSIM during initial setup. You just have to follow the prompts.
adrianlondon
macrumors 604
That doesn't seem likely, unless it's documented as a supported method by the network operator.
You're saying Verizon supports this? I wish all our European operators did.
rui no onna
Contributor
eSIM Carrier Activation and eSIM Quick Transfer
Find wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service on iPhone - Apple Support
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile data plan from your network provider without having to use a physical nano-SIM. Find out which wireless carriers in your country or region offer cellular plans on an eSIM, either activated by eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick...
Verizon and AT&T have supported this since iPhone 13 or 14 at the latest.
T-Mobile also supports it but I think they might have been later to the game compared to the big 2.
The "Other method" is usually QR codes.
rui no onna
Contributor
Do you call AT&T customer service to disable roaming?
I can disable data roaming on iPhone settings but still trigger international day pass when I accidentally make or answer calls on my AT&T line.
ChoiMinji
macrumors 6502
Enable WiFi calling before departure and disable roaming and remove sim or put in airplane mode until you can connect with WiFi at destination. When arriving at destination connect to WiFi in airplane mode and select the Verizon number in the cellular settings then select Network Selection and select a service provider that doesn’t operate/connect on the same system as Verizon. Example: while in Thailand my Verizon sim defaults to connect to True network that operates partially on cdma, I change the Network Selection from automatic to the AIS cellular provider which is gsm. This way the phone doesn’t send a signal to Verizon indicating that the phone is abroad and can make and receive WiFi calls through cellular data.
rui no onna
Contributor
I tried this (manually select a non-roaming partner) but it drained my battery like crazy.
LordArchie
macrumors demi-god
This is my note...
Attachments
rui no onna
Contributor
Manual network selection doesn't show up an option on my iPhone on my AT&T eSIM.
LordArchie
macrumors demi-god
Now that you mention it, I believe I had to call AT&T and have that done. I called billing and ask that it be "provisioned" and that "International Care" suggested I call them and have it done
ChoiMinji
macrumors 6502
I'm the opposite - AT&T does show, Verizon doesn't allow/offer network selection.
Note that it's dependent on COUNTRY - i.e. I cannot select carrier in LatAm, but can everywhere else (Europe/Asia).
Ditto for me.
My son got (or replied to) a text message on a cruise and we got slammed with 3x roaming / international day pass.
Hey guys, I am getting the international version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which has support for one nano-SIM and one eSIM. I’ve read that iPhones can store up to 8 eSIMs, but I’m not sure about simultaneous use on this model.
Can I run two eSIMs at the same time (and leave the nano-SIM slot empty), or is it limited to one eSIM + one nano-SIM active?
Can I run two eSIMs at the same time (and leave the nano-SIM slot empty), or is it limited to one eSIM + one nano-SIM active?
rui no onna
Contributor
Yes, you can run two eSIMs at the same time. All iPhones starting from the iPhone 13 can use dual eSIMs (the non-China/HK models at least).
zombierunner
macrumors 68000
anyone in UK with O2, what's the e-sim experience like? how easy/diffcult is it to go from physical to esim and transferring esim to a new device?
Can I set up a new iPhone using Quick Start and not (attempt to) transfer the eSIMs from the old phone? I'm switching carriers, so I'll set up a new cellular plan on the new iPhone, but I otherwise want to use Quick Start for everything else.
Just transferred two eSIM 15 PM > 17 PM last night.
Process changed a little - it happens after data transfer, you can select which ones go over, and then it takes 3-5 minutes.
The actual screens are all buggy/unreadable before and during transfer like dark grey on black.
I got one confirmation email from AT&T (and maybe had to enter a code - I forgot) but nothing from Verizon.
All devices using WiFi calling then asked to do it again because the SIM move does a network reset.
Process changed a little - it happens after data transfer, you can select which ones go over, and then it takes 3-5 minutes.
The actual screens are all buggy/unreadable before and during transfer like dark grey on black.
I got one confirmation email from AT&T (and maybe had to enter a code - I forgot) but nothing from Verizon.
All devices using WiFi calling then asked to do it again because the SIM move does a network reset.
LordArchie
macrumors demi-god
The whole process has become so easy. I actually transferred my AT&T automatically, I have another line with USMobile (my old number) that I keep for stragglers that haven't updated contacts. Anyhow, I did that one manually and it could not have been easier. Website, transfer line, new QR comes and away you go.
Why didn't I transfer them both automatically? Well.. on my 16PM my AT&T was line 2 and USM was line #1... the OCD wouldn't let me do that again when AT&T is my primary.
My AT&T line was primary, then after a restore, it became secondary, but no real problem.
Until Apple wanted me to designate/assign Verizon as my main carrier when I purchased it.
With iOS 26 on my new 17 Pro, it became #1 again.