[Guide] eSim from iPhone-to-iPhone: Sep 2023 method

[jimthing0]

I know this has been asked before a lot, but I want to check the current Sep 2023 options available for O2 customers. This is important this year for the 15-series iPhones as they might be eSim-only models, as the 14-series iPhones sold in the US were already eSim only. 

Q: Which of Apple's approved eSim swapping methods currently work? 

See here where they describe them: "About eSIM on iPhone"

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT212780 

That article describes the several methods:

1. eSIM Carrier Activation 

2. eSIM Quick Transfer 

3. Scan a QR code or use a network provider app 

4. Enter the eSIM information manually 

Am I correct in thinking all O2 users still have to use method 3. "Scan a QR code or use a network provider app" – more precisely the beginning bit of that sentence "Scan a QR code"? And to be clear, the only way to do this is by getting a new physical eSim pack (from either an O2 Store or phoning O2 customer services to post you one)? 

Also, please note here that the O2 Help currently has place-holder info here: https://www.o2.co.uk/help/device-and-sim-support/esim 

Which says this: 

"We’re making some improvements to our systems and you may notice some changes once this is complete. We may ask you to provide your phone number so that we can help you access the most relevant support content." 

^ This answer can be seen under many questions on that page including these ones: 

- "Upgrading my device with esim?" 

- "Can I use the My O2 app to install an esim on my Android or iPhone device?" 

- "How do I download an esim onto my iPhone?" 

- "I’ve accidently deleted my esim from my phone, what do I do?" 

- "Can I reuse my QR code?" 

- "Can I use my QR code with another phone?" 

- "What do I need to do when I upgrade or change my phone?" 

- "How do I move my current mobile number onto my new esim?" 

Please be as precise as possible in answering so those unfamiliar with the whole process are not left with lingering questions. Thanks!  🙂 

[jimthing0]

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@jonsie wrote:

How has a series of questions become a guide

The questions need to be answered before it's a guide

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Because of my second post which explains how it contains the answers to all the questions after I entered my phone number. 

Why... Do you have something to add that is not in the second post above?

Please let us know, as it'd help other iPhone eSim users moving iPhones this year. 

[jimthing0]

More regular users, anyone answer this related question: 

Are O2 still cutting-off users current eSim as soon as they order (or get in-store) any new eSim pack... or has that been fixed so it doesn't happen now? 

[MI5]

Still happening.

[jimthing0]

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@MI5 wrote:

Still happening.

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Thanks! Can users get O2 to reconnect them? 

Just to clarify, is it just users who've moved to the new 360 system who also have an additional in-app/website method for swapping eSims between devices now? 

[MI5]

Yes to both questions although getting hold of O2 to reconnect can be challenging.

[jimthing0]

@MI5 - Many thanks for clarifying these points (I don't hang-around the forums keeping up with the day-in day-out changes happening, so good to know!). 

Now other users can see that later on in this rough 'guide' thread, and if they're 360 users can instead try the My O2 app/website to do this eSim swap between devices. 😉 

Anyway, it clearly looks like I'm not on 360 system myself yet(?), as the answers I got after entering my mobile number that I mention on the second post didn't mention that option; except to say 'coming soon' here: 

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@jimthing0 wrote

- Can I use the My O2 app to install an esim on my Android or iPhone device? 

We are working on adding support to install esims on devices using the My O2 app. In the meantime please use one of the other methods to install your esim.

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I wonder what rough percentage of users are on the 360 system yet, given it's been around since Jan 2023? Am I in a minority or a majority of users still on the legacy system? 

[jonsie]

It seems that customers are only being changed to the new system at weekends so I'm guessing it will be months or even a year before we are get answers to the new favourite clause that you and I are seeing, namely 'We are working on adding support .......' to many questions flooding the O2 support pages

The main reason I was asking why this thread was a guide

[jimthing0]

Oh you're legacy too! Seems like we're both in the same boat then if wanting to eSim swap devices. 

(readers on 360 can see the additional notes further down on their options – as I cannot edit the thread opener anymore as timed out. ) 

[jonsie]

No worries @jimthing0 

Apart from only a couple of the regulars on here we are all still on legacy outdated systems

[jimthing0]

Oh OK, looks like most users are still on it then – so will need the old physical eSim pack method I did in the second post after all. Hey-ho.