iPhone 14 eSIM: How to transfer your number to Apple’s newest iPhone
apples iPhone 14 lineup comes with a host of new features ranging from satellite connectivity to improved cameras, and on the Pro models an always-on display, complete with what Apple calls the dynamic island.
But the four new phones also have another feature that will change the way you transfer your phone number to iPhone 14. Instead of a small plastic SIM card, Apple has bet everything on using an eSIM. The iPhone 14 has no SIM card tray at all; it just doesn’t exist.
When you upgrade to the new iPhone 14, the process for converting your SIM card to an eSIM varies, but in my early experience, the process is straightforward and simple. Below, I’ll explain what an eSIM is and then walk you through how to set it up.
Likewise: The worst thing about an eSIM only iPhone
What is an eSIM?
A SIM card is used by phone manufacturers and carriers as a kind of handshake that tells the carrier what phone you’re using, and in turn tells your phone which phone number and carrier to use.
An eSIM is the digital version of the small plastic card and can be programmed and reprogrammed as often as you like. In fact, the iPhone 14 can store up to 8 different eSIMs, which comes in handy if you travel frequently or have multiple businesses.
For the curious, eSIM stands for “embedded Subscriber Identity Module”.
How to set up the eSIM on your iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 setup process makes the transition from a physical SIM card to an eSIM a simple process. When you order your iPhone, your carrier and phone number are associated with that device. So, in theory, your iPhone 14 should be ready to go through the eSIM carrier activation process.
If this is the case for you, you’ll see a screen similar to the image above, asking you to confirm that you want to activate your phone number on your iPhone, and Apple will take care of the rest. The process worked for me Took about a minute, but that depends on how busy Apple and your carrier’s servers are at the time.
If you skipped transferring your number to your phone during the setup process, you can still transfer your number and eSIM to iPhone 14. To do this, open the settings app, then tap cellular > Set up cellular Then follow the instructions.
Likewise: This is how the major network operators handle the iPhone 14 eSIM
What to do when switching from an Android phone
The process for switching from an Android phone with physical or eSIM to an iPhone 14 and eSIM depends on your carrier and whether or not your number was assigned an eSIM when you ordered your phone.
If you encounter problems during the initial setup or aren’t prompted to port your number to your phone, you’ll need to contact your network operator’s customer service department to obtain a QR code. You then scan this QR code with your iPhone to add your eSIM.