Activating eSIM or Changing from Physical SIM to eSim (XS, XS Max & XR)

[bd94s10]

I helped a friend activate eSIM with Verizon Wireless so I thought I'd make a post to help others out and possibly clear up any confusion. His example was combining 2 numbers into 1 phone. This is also the process if you want to change from a physical SIM to an eSIM to free up your physical SIM slot to be used with an international carrier, etc.

• Verizon Wireless began supporting eSIM activations around iOS 12.1.1 rollout early December
• To change from physical SIM to eSIM simply contact Verizon Wireless via call or chat
• Let the representative know you want to perform a change from physical to eSIM
  • Provide rep with Digital SIM IMEI via Settings > General > About
    • Note: must use Digital SIM IMEI (exactly how it is labeled in the iPhone)
  • At this point Verizon Wireless' system will generate an electronic ICCID (SIM number)
  • Verizon Wireless will then request an email address to send a QR code to
    • You MUST scan the QR code to finalize the change. e.g. use your iPhone to scan the code via your email on a computer or tablet
  • To scan the QR code, on your iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
    • Once the QR code is scanned, the change will complete
• If your not a Verizon Wireless user and want to activate a line of service on eSIM you can do so by downloading My Verizon app (so I'm told)
  • Follow the instructions there to process your own activation

• Dual SIM with an eSIM FAQs | Verizon Wireless
  • Note #5 speaks to combining two phone numbers into a single Dual SIM device including if one line is on a business account
• Dual SIM with an eSIM Support Overview | Verizon Wireless

Good luck.

[BigSeanSEA]

One important caveat is this: if you plan to travel internationally and get a SIM for the local area you're traveling to, activate your eSIM BEFORE you go.  You can not activate  any Verizon service outside the USA.  

[electricianjoel]

I just talked to Verizon and as long as Verizon is the primary provider, they cannot change to eSim.  I wanted to try another provider's service and compare side to side.  I guess I am out of luck.

[vzw_customer_support]

electricianjoel,

We don't want you to feel like you're out of luck in terms of taking advantage of the eSIM capabilities. Can you tell us more about what exactly you're trying to do? You mentioned "cannot change to eSim", what do you mean by this? The more details you can provide, the better. We'll be standing by to address your needs.

RyanC_VZW

[GianPi24]

I have been going thru the same problem. I have been to Verizon twice hoping this wasn't so, but I guess this is to be true. My coworker who travels international a lot like myself said he had no problem doing this same process with At&T. Now I am exploring all my options and possibly leaving verizon, evn though I really don't want to 😞

[3039215599]

General question:  Is the service any different if I am on eSIM within the US? 

International question(s):

So can you still do TravelPass if your on eSIM?   

Can you use international sim cards in conjunction with eSIM?  As an example get a traveler sim card from Vodafone and use it?

Can you use TravelPass with an international sim card?

With regards to the other comments on this feed ?  Am what I read is ... if my primary provider is Verizon (on eSIM) can you get a local sim card in other countries to use or am I reading that you can only use eSIM if you are wanting 2 phone numbers from Verizon?  Guess there is a mis-match in this feed as to what you can and can't do via eSIM?

[vzw_customer_support]

@3039215599 ,

It's always good to know what to expect when using a Dual SIM feature, so let's check that out. For your general question, the qualify of your service depends on which SIM is acting as your primary line, since that controls which line is making a data connection. More often than not, customers with Dual SIM options will use the Verizon line for their primary while in the U.S. simply because we have much more coverage than other carriers. If your other SIM is with a non-U.S. carrier, then you're going to want to use the U.S. carrier to avoid long-distance charges as well.

As for your international questions, my experience with customers has had them use the physical SIM with an international carrier, then have Verizon service on the eSIM. This lets them use the physical SIM as the primary line while traveling outside of the U.S., which helps keeps international costs down. If you wanted to use TravelPass, that would only cover usage with the Verizon line, not the non-Verizon line. Also, to use the Dual SIM feature with other carriers, your phone will need to be unlocked first (auto unlock after 60 days of activation with Verizon devices). Does that help with your questions? For more info on Dual SIM and eSIM usage, please check out this link: https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/dual-sim-with-esim-faqs/#devices

RussellM_VZW

[Clint345]

I have tried several times to be able to use my Dual Sim feature, but have been told that it can not be done if both lines are Verizon. What I am trying to accomplish is to have my personal line paid by me and my work line on the company's business account on the same phone. I hate carrying two phones and I am currently using the Message+ app to forward my work phone and messages to my Iphone 11 but it is very buggy and a lot of calls, text, and voicemails don't come through ever to my personal phone. Why can't I get my personal line on the ESim and then just put my work phone Sim in the physical slot?

[vzw_customer_support]

I understand not wanting to carry two mobile devices. The benefit of the Dual Sim feature is that you can use one device for two separate phone numbers. Please refer to this link for FAQs for this service: https://apple.co/2AiTJs8. Have you confirmed with your company that their business account supports this feature for your line? 

SheritaH_VZW

[thatstrudeau]

@Clint345 I have the same exact issue.  Did you end up getting this sorted out?