eSim issues with new iPhone

[Jables]

So I had my new iPhone 16 delivered today.  Before I even turned it on o2 had disconnected my existing Samsung phone so I couldn't make calls or make or receive texts.  I selected eSim as my choice, but never received any further information on it except that all it should take is turning on my new phone and it will prompt me.  Well, it didn't.

So, I try to sign into my o2 but it sends text messages I cannot get because of the deactivated sim.

I can't find anything relating to a QR code.  My question is, if the phone has no account attached to it, how is o2 supposed to send anything to it to let it know it should be associated with my existing number?  

Will I have no choice other than to sit in a queue for o2 customer services on a Saturday morning and waste half my weekend looking for an eSim?  I wish I'd asked for a physical one now.

Anyone else had this and managed to solve it?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Jables 

Quickest way is to go in store with photo ID for a new sim of either variety.

[Enlli]

All because of O2's stupidity with these codes. There are loads of reasons why people need access to MyO2 without access to their phone. They were told, no-one listened.

[MI5]

As usual.... but what do we know?

[Jables]

I called Customer services who said the only way to fix this is to send me a physical sim.  3-4 working days.  So, o2 deactivates my phone (CS said "its not supposed to happen that way" - super helpful!).  I asked them if I went into a store I could get it fixed that way and was told it is OK to do so.

Went into the store (20 miles round trip) and it took about 20 minutes for the Sales assistant to fix this and get it working.  I have to say, this is probably the worst phone switch I've ever experienced, and I go back to the old brick motorola phone of the early 90s, more than 35 years.  Very disappointed in o2.

[Enlli]

1. Stay clear of eSIMs unless absolutely necessary. Far easier to swap a physical SIM if there is a problem than go through a rigmarole with O2

2. In my O2 set another phone number in your contact details  That way the system will give you a choice when it comes to sending codes