Why does my iPhone SE 2022 think I'm activating a travel eSIM?

[Faize]

I just switched carriers a few minutes ago, and for some reason while going through the eSIM activation process for the new carrier the phone started asking a bunch of questions about traveling, like whether it's a data only plan, whether I want to use the new carrier only for roaming, and whether or not I want to enable low data mode.

What exactly is the phone (erroneously) picking up on here that would cause it to think that I'm trying to activate a travel eSIM rather than just adding an eSIM for a different (domestic) carrier?

 

[BigMcGuire]

I just switched carriers a few minutes ago, and for some reason while going through the eSIM activation process for the new carrier the phone started asking a bunch of questions about traveling, like whether it's a data only plan, whether I want to use the new carrier only for roaming, and whether or not I want to enable low data mode.

What exactly is the phone (erroneously) picking up on here that would cause it to think that I'm trying to activate a travel eSIM rather than just adding an eSIM for a different (domestic) carrier?

I’ve activated secondary esims a handful of times over the years. If you have a primary eSIM - those questions are normal. I’ve had a secondary line for work and as a backup over the years. Those questions seem normal to me. <shrug>

 

[goldmac2006]

I’ve activated secondary esims a handful of times over the years. If you have a primary eSIM - those questions are normal. I’ve had a secondary line for work and as a backup over the years. Those questions seem normal to me. <shrug>

It’ll also be applicable if the eSIM is used for roaming or the carrier added international or overseas calls on it, right sir?

 

[Faize]

I’ve activated secondary esims a handful of times over the years. If you have a primary eSIM - those questions are normal. I’ve had a secondary line for work and as a backup over the years. Those questions seem normal to me. <shrug>

So basically, in order to avoid these kinds of hassles I should never select the "Primary" label for any eSIM line?

 

[BigMcGuire]

So basically, in order to avoid these kinds of hassles I should never select the "Primary" label for any eSIM line?

I have custom names for my esims so I get the questions regardless of which one I choose when adding a new eSIM. Primary included.

 

[BigMcGuire]

It’ll also be applicable if the eSIM is used for roaming or the carrier added international or overseas calls on it, right sir?

I’ve never installed an international eSIM but I’ve used my eSIMs internationally and yeah - I just turned on roaming and it worked perfectly for me in Germany and Japan. My wife same for Canada and Scotland.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I’ve used Mint Mobile, Visible Wireless, and now US Mobile for my backup or secondary eSIMs. Always get asked those questions after adding a sim even locally. Every time.

 

[rui no onna]

I just switched carriers a few minutes ago, and for some reason while going through the eSIM activation process for the new carrier the phone started asking a bunch of questions about traveling, like whether it's a data only plan, whether I want to use the new carrier only for roaming, and whether or not I want to enable low data mode.

What exactly is the phone (erroneously) picking up on here that would cause it to think that I'm trying to activate a travel eSIM rather than just adding an eSIM for a different (domestic) carrier?

iOS 26 feature. On the upside, that allows you to keep iMessage enabled on your primary number even if you turn off the primary SIM to prevent roaming charges.

Mind, even before, if you install a second SIM, the OS would ask you to label the SIMs. The questions about data-only, roaming and stuff are likely new additions with 26.

 

[goldmac2006]

I’ve never installed an international eSIM but I’ve used my eSIMs internationally and yeah - I just turned on roaming and it worked perfectly for me in Germany and Japan. My wife same for Canada and Scotland.

That’s great to hear. Did it charge any extra fees for roaming?

 

[BigMcGuire]

That’s great to hear. Did it charge any extra fees for roaming?

Yeah - Verizon Wireless has a TravelPass - $10/day thing 😛 - But we were able to use our phones as if they were locally at home (and we didn't spend a ton of time overseas (a week or so)).

 

[goldmac2006]

Yeah - Verizon Wireless has a TravelPass - $10/day thing 😛 - But we were able to use our phones as if they were locally at home (and we didn't spend a ton of time overseas (a week or so)).

T-Mobile does also promote international calling and data. $15 monthly for calls made outside the us to 70 overseas countries and pay per call if it’s not in the 70 countries list. But for Canada 🍁 and Mexico 🇲🇽 calls and texts are free with no roaming charges or restrictions