iPhone 12 Pro Upgrading iPhone Question. WiFi setup needed?

[jaybar]

Hi

I want to upgrade from 12 Pro to 13 Pro or Pro Max. I seem to remember that you need WiFi to set up the new phone b/c it ships with eSim. Is that correct?

We are undergoing a home renovation and will not have WiFi access for a few weeks.

should I wait to purchase or is there a way around this? I can wait if need be.

 

[BrettDS]

I believe that it does need wifi, not only to set up the eSIM, but also to download and install your apps when it’s restoring your backup. However, you could use someone else’s phone as a hotspot, or just go somewhere with public wifi for the initial setup.

 

[jaybar]

Thanks

Both myself and my husband are losing WiFi. I may elect to just wait.

 

[BrettDS]

Thanks

Both myself and my husband are losing WiFi. I may elect to just wait.

Right, but if you each have a phone that works, then you can use his old phone as a hotspot to activate your new phone, then when your phone is activated he can use your new phone as a hotspot to active his new phone.

 

[jaybar]

Right, but if you each have a phone that works, then you can use his old phone as a hotspot to activate your new phone, then when your phone is activated he can use your new phone as a hotspot to active his new phone.

Thanks