iPhone 16e Upgrading from iphone 13 to iphone 16e with Esim, need advice

[goldmac2006]

When I got my sim card transferred to my old phone, for example, I never had an app to activate the phone.

They don’t have it yet. Let’s continue our discussion from my iPhone 16e action button thread. Can you try converting the SIM to an eSIM on your current iPhone 13 for testing? Alternatively, you can call the carrier to get a QR code for eSIM activation. Just point your iPhone camera at it during setup, and it’ll pair up.

 

[SilverSpooned]

They don’t have it yet. Let’s continue our discussion from my iPhone 16e action button thread. Can you try converting the SIM to an eSIM on your current iPhone 13 for testing? Alternatively, you can call the carrier to get a QR code for eSIM activation. Just point your iPhone camera at it during setup, and it’ll pair up.

I tried converting the sim to eSIM on my current phone to test but it kept saying the IMEI was invalid.

 

[aihpcfl]

@SilverSpooned I missed some of the responses and also lost track of the course of the discussion.

The reason for the repeated advice to talk to your carrier is its customer service is in the best position and most knowledgeable to understand your situation, answer your questions, and set you up with th service you need and desire.

As far as buying a phone with the "carrier installed", that is the purpose of the SIM (or eSIM in this case). In times past, you could generally have a GSM phone and use it on any GSM carrier by just using the carrier's SIM. I use the qualification generally because sometimes it wasn't as simple as that as different carriers used somewhat different combinations of bands and a phone built for one carrier might not be 100% compatible on a different GSM carrier. Also, the phone would need to be carrier unlocked. But this is only my way of answering the question "carrier installed".

FWIW I looked up some information out of curiosity. So, Straight Talk is an MVNO (mobile vertual network operator) on the Verizon network. The iPhone is designed to operate on multiple networks and will operate on Verizon. However, the caveat, if you are bringing your own device, it cannot be carrier locked to another network.

Some other FWIW information:

I understand now what you mean by loading your physical SIM each month. This is a pre-paid method and you do not need an account, as you said. There is a different process with a phone using an eSIM. That process is generally as follows: (1) Purchase a Straight Talk eSIM activation kit online or from retail stores. (2) Follow the kit instructions to active the eSIM. (3) Instead of loading a physical SIM card, you will add service to your eSIM each month by purchasing a refill card or adding a plan online. You can enter the refill PIN or code through the Straight Talk app, website, or by calling customer service.

Hope this helps. Obviously, there are many details in those few words, but perhaps it will at least give you an idea of what is involved and help you figure out what to do next. I think you are probably still going to want to talk with a customer service representative at Straight Talk, assuming you are going to keep using Straight Talk.

 

[goldmac2006]

I tried converting the sim to eSIM on my current phone to test but it kept saying the IMEI was invalid.

Does it show an error while attempting to convert it? Had you got a chance to call the carrier?

 

[SilverSpooned]

@aihpcfl

I will reply more in depth later when I can. Also curious, does Verizon or the other providers have a prepaid system of using physical cards, putting the code in each month to reload the plan? Is that possible with other carriers if I want to setup an ESIM with another carrier. How do carrier plans work?

 

[goldmac2006]

FYI y’all OP’s out of the party, so he is unable to respond despite getting his 16e launch day. But Verizon has prepaid for 5g with eSIM, that is compatible with these modern iPhones if y’all are lurking 👀 here to get answers.

 

[SilverSpooned]

FYI y’all OP’s out of the party, so he is unable to respond despite getting his 16e launch day. But Verizon has prepaid for 5g with eSIM, that is compatible with these modern iPhones if y’all are lurking 👀 here to get answers.

I didn't purchase any phone yet since I need to understand how to setup an eSIM on the phone once I get it. What I want is the following:

New phone number, set up a brand new Esim, not transferring any numbers, and to use the prepaid phone reload cards, input the pin/code each month to renew service. No paying through accounts, contracts or plans.

Verizon is out of the question for me as of right now due to the blatant lies I got told when I went to the carrier, it put a real bad taste in my mouth.

 

[goldmac2006]

I didn't purchase any phone yet since I need to understand how to setup an eSIM on the phone once I get it. What I want is the following:

New phone number, set up a brand new Esim, not transferring any numbers, and to use the prepaid phone reload cards, input the pin/code each month to renew service. No paying through accounts, contracts or plans.

Verizon is out of the question for me as of right now due to the blatant lies I got told when I went to the carrier, it put a real bad taste in my mouth.

So, you don’t intend to use the Verizon network, right? Which other carriers are you considering switching to, my friend? AT&T also offers a prepaid option.

 

[SilverSpooned]

So, you don’t intend to use the Verizon network, right? Which other carriers are you considering switching to, my friend? AT&T also offers a prepaid option.

Any carrier, really. I currently have a 35 dollar a month prepaid thing with Straight Talk. I could just get a new esim with them, but I will have to see how that would work. I just want something cheap, something simple, no contracts, no accounts, no nothing - just a prepaid physical reload card for an Esim.

 

[goldmac2006]

Any carrier, really. I currently have a 35 dollar a month prepaid thing with Straight Talk. I could just get a new esim with them, but I will have to see how that would work. I just want something cheap, something simple, no contracts, no accounts, no nothing - just a prepaid physical reload card for an Esim.

I also skimmed through the Verizon prepaid plan webpage, and it’s literally $50-60 for an unlimited plan for one line, without any multi-line deals or discounts applied. That’s double the price of my Go5g plan, my friend.

Have you heard of Mint? It’s another prepaid 5G plan that offers unlimited data with 5G UWB for 12 refill cards for a year. I noticed this one a lot and saw them advertise it heavily on YouTube, unlike Visible. They have a limited-time offer for a year of prepaid cards with unlimited data for each refill card at $25 per month. Sale price is the same as their regular price of the 20gb option. You need to get a 16e GSM-unlocked device, Mint is under T-Mobile and their budget brand Metro. Their website dropdown menu states that 16e is compatible with their network.

After you purchase with the eSIM option, the refill cards will be emailed to you. You can set up service via their website or download their app on the App Store. It’s quick and easy to do from the comfort of your home, although it lacks brick-and-mortar stores and services. Don’t worry, they do have customer service available via chat and phone. Here’s the link: https://www.mintmobile.com/phone-pl...e=1&gbraid=0AAAAADRVoWWLmMZbEgdp6RoeQplKX9scX

Remember, you need to pick the device off the listing page that you’ll activate the service on. So, only purchase it once you order the iPhone or after buying it from the store if you’re at the Apple Store.

BBY does sell it too.

 

[SilverSpooned]

I also skimmed through the Verizon prepaid plan webpage, and it’s literally $50-60 for an unlimited plan for one line, without any multi-line deals or discounts applied. That’s double the price of my Go5g plan, my friend.

Have you heard of Mint? It’s another prepaid 5G plan that offers unlimited data with 5G UWB for 12 refill cards for a year. I noticed this one a lot and saw them advertise it heavily on YouTube, unlike Visible. They have a limited-time offer for a year of prepaid cards with unlimited data for each refill card at $25 per month. Sale price is the same as their regular price of the 20gb option. You need to get a 16e GSM-unlocked device, Mint is under T-Mobile and their budget brand Metro. Their website dropdown menu states that 16e is compatible with their network.

After you purchase with the eSIM option, the refill cards will be emailed to you. You can set up service via their website or download their app on the App Store. It’s quick and easy to do from the comfort of your home, although it lacks brick-and-mortar stores and services. Don’t worry, they do have customer service available via chat and phone. Here’s the link: https://www.mintmobile.com/phone-pl...e=1&gbraid=0AAAAADRVoWWLmMZbEgdp6RoeQplKX9scX

Remember, you need to pick the device off the listing page that you’ll activate the service on. So, only purchase it once you order the iPhone or after buying it from the store if you’re at the Apple Store.

BBY does sell it too.

Interesting. I haven't ever heard of this. I don't know if this Company has physical reload cards for sale at the nearby store here, I went there, and I am not sure if I remember seeing it there or not. This seems like a very new company as well.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Interesting. I haven't ever heard of this. I don't know if this Company has physical reload cards for sale at the nearby store here, I went there, and I am not sure if I remember seeing it there or not. This seems like a very new company as well.

Mint Mobile was owned by Ryan Reynolds and has been around years. It was succesful enough to be purchased by T-Mobile last year. I switched from att a few years ago and wouldn’t go back to any of the normal cell plans. It’s literally half as much and I don’t notice any drop in quality, etc. People will say that you are deprioritized by being on a T-Mobile MVNO so your calls may not work or go through but the same thing happened to me on att all the time.

Mint is cool in that they have a 7-day trial which uses the eSIM. Download the app, walk through the process, and it just works. I used it as a second line while trialing it and it worked as good or better than att at the time so I switched over. I’ve been on it since. Typically you can get the best rate by paying for a full year up front. It’s not necessary though as they do have month/month options.

 

[SilverSpooned]

Mint Mobile was owned by Ryan Reynolds and has been around years. It was succesful enough to be purchased by T-Mobile last year. I switched from att a few years ago and wouldn’t go back to any of the normal cell plans. This is literally half as much and I don’t notice any drop in quality, etc.

Mint is cool in that they have a 7-day trial which uses the eSIM. Download the app, walk through the process, and it just works. I used it as a second line while trialing it and it worked as good or better than att at the time so I switched over. I’ve been on it since. Typically you can get the best rate by paying for a full year up front. It’s not necessary though as they do have month/month options.

Now I am running into another thing I don't understand at all.

Let's say I activate the Esim through At&T and it works out. New number and all, which is my intention. Let's say I pick this plan for example. Which of the refill cards am I supposed to buy?

 

[QuarterSwede]

Now I am running into another thing I don't understand at all.

Let's say I activate the Esim through At&T and it works out. New number and all, which is my intention. Let's say I pick this plan for example. Which of the refill cards am I supposed to buy?

Mint is month to month so you pay $25 for the entire month of unlimited. No clue on att prepaid since I don’t use them.

 

[SilverSpooned]

Mint is month to month so you pay $25 for the entire month of unlimited. No clue on att prepaid since I don’t use them.

What do you mean by month to month? When you buy the prepaid each month, do you do it on a physical card?

 

[QuarterSwede]

What do you mean by month to month? When you buy the prepaid each month, do you do it on a physical card?

No, it’s all online. Mint Mobile’s app does it all.

 

[SilverSpooned]

No, it’s all online. Mint Mobile’s app does it all.

Ah, that's a pretty big turn off for me. I don't want to deal with Apps, accounts, etc.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Ah, that's a pretty big turn off for me. I don't want to deal with Apps, accounts, etc.

I’m not sure you’ll find any company that does it differently now that eSIM is big (and honestly 10x better).

 

[QuarterSwede]

For what you want you will almost certainly just need to call the carrier and ask them. No one else is going to be able to tell you.

 

[goldmac2006]

Mint Mobile was owned by Ryan Reynolds and has been around years. It was succesful enough to be purchased by T-Mobile last year. I switched from att a few years ago and wouldn’t go back to any of the normal cell plans. It’s literally half as much and I don’t notice any drop in quality, etc. People will say that you are deprioritized by being on a T-Mobile MVNO so your calls may not work or go through but the same thing happened to me on att all the time.

Mint is cool in that they have a 7-day trial which uses the eSIM. Download the app, walk through the process, and it just works. I used it as a second line while trialing it and it worked as good or better than att at the time so I switched over. I’ve been on it since. Typically you can get the best rate by paying for a full year up front. It’s not necessary though as they do have month/month options.

I’ve heard of this. The trial can be added as a secondary SIM, but I didn’t know about it until I saw it in a YouTube advertisement two years ago.

Best Buy’s listing for Mint mobile prepaid shows that they are only available in digital format for the eSIM option, regardless of the data requirements. The physical SIM option is the only one available for purchase that you can get it mailed to your home or pickup in store. Additionally, you can purchase a physical SIM trial at the shops for $2 each.

I’m curious to know if it’s possible to get a physical SIM prepaid AT&T or mint trial card from a store, insert it into an iPhone 13, and attempt to convert it to an eSIM shortly after activation. If you have the opportunity, @SilverSpooned please let me know if you’ve tried this.

Ah, that's a pretty big turn off for me. I don't want to deal with Apps, accounts, etc.

I’m not sure you’ll find any company that does it differently now that eSIM is big (and honestly 10x better).

I understand that you don’t want to manage it all on apps which I also manage my phone bill 🧾 on my carrier’s own app that is now an all in one app for their customers to get exclusive coupons and discounts for restaurants, online shops, etc. But to AutoPay for your billing you do still need to use the web to check the bill and put in your refill cards on it.

Now I am running into another thing I don't understand at all.

Let's say I activate the Esim through At&T and it works out. New number and all, which is my intention. Let's say I pick this plan for example. Which of the refill cards am I supposed to buy?

A $50 card should be enough for two months on the plan you selected. All these cards have an expiration date of 3 months so the max amount you can get is $75 enough for the entire tenure of the card for three billing cycles.

 

[SilverSpooned]

I’m not sure you’ll find any company that does it differently now that eSIM is big (and honestly 10x better).

I am not sure if I think any of this is better. Nothing is easier than simply swapping a Sim card from phone to phone and not having to deal with accounts, or anything. I am pretty much forced to do this process of looking into an eSIM because it's the only way to reliably get a new phone.

I’ve heard of this. The trial can be added as a secondary SIM, but I didn’t know about it until I saw it in a YouTube advertisement two years ago.

Best Buy’s listing for Mint mobile prepaid shows that they are only available in digital format for the eSIM option, regardless of the data requirements. The physical SIM option is the only one available for purchase that you can get it mailed to your home or pickup in store. Additionally, you can purchase a physical SIM trial at the shops for $2 each.

I’m curious to know if it’s possible to get a physical SIM prepaid AT&T or mint trial card from a store, insert it into an iPhone 13, and attempt to convert it to an eSIM shortly after activation. If you have the opportunity, @SilverSpooned please let me know if you’ve tried this.

I understand that you don’t want to manage it all on apps which I also manage my phone bill 🧾 on my carrier’s own app that is now an all in one app for their customers to get exclusive coupons and discounts for restaurants, online shops, etc. But to AutoPay for your billing you do still need to use the web to check the bill and put in your refill cards on it.

A $50 card should be enough for two months on the plan you selected. All these cards have an expiration date of 3 months so the max amount you can get is $75 enough for the entire tenure of the card for three billing cycles.

At this point in time I am not going to try anything until I feel fully confident in understanding that what I want to do will work. I am not going to put myself into a position to where I have a new phone and an eSIM ordered, without understanding how to do it. Last year I tried to switch to T mobile on my iphone, had the sim card and everything, and didn't understand how to release my phone number from straight talk and just got frustrated so I stopped trying and just threw out the Sim card.

This time I am just going to do an all new phone number no matter what I do here, I'm not dealing with the hassle, mess, and frustration of trying to transfer a number.

I will not use Autopay either.


When you activate an eSim how long will it last until, like, how long do I have until I need to pay monthly with the refill card?

 

[goldmac2006]

I am not sure if I think any of this is better. Nothing is easier than simply swapping a Sim card from phone to phone and not having to deal with accounts, or anything. I am pretty much forced to do this process of looking into an eSIM because it's the only way to reliably get a new phone.


At this point in time I am not going to try anything until I feel fully confident in understanding that what I want to do will work. I am not going to put myself into a position to where I have a new phone and an eSIM ordered, without understanding how to do it. Last year I tried to switch to T mobile on my iphone, had the sim card and everything, and didn't understand how to release my phone number from straight talk and just got frustrated so I stopped trying and just threw out the Sim card.

This time I am just going to do an all new phone number no matter what I do here, I'm not dealing with the hassle, mess, and frustration of trying to transfer a number.

I will not use Autopay either.


When you activate an eSim how long will it last until, like, how long do I have until I need to pay monthly with the refill card?

Once the trial ends if you plan to use a trial eSIM from a prepaid carrier.

 

[dave006]

They have a limited-time offer for a year of prepaid cards with unlimited data for each refill card at $25 per month.

The only downside to the Mint offer you linked, is you are actually pre-paying for a year of service. It is not monthly as @SilverSpooned is looking for.

Dave

 

[goldmac2006]

The only downside to the Mint offer you linked, is you are actually pre-paying for a year of service. It is not monthly as @SilverSpooned is looking for.

Dave

MB I thought it was prepaid as you are getting the service, no wonder there isn't any refill cards on it. No wonder the OP is not interested in it despite the rates being the same as AT&T's unlimited prepaid.

 

[SilverSpooned]

MB I thought it was prepaid as you are getting the service, no wonder there isn't any refill cards on it. No wonder the OP is not interested in it despite the rates being the same as AT&T's unlimited prepaid.

I will look into getting AT&T prepaid and see if it is possible for me to first get an Esim installed on my iphone 13. I will call AT&T for information tomorrow, and if satisfactory, I might purchase an activation kit.