Activating a device with eSIM

To activate your eSIM device with PTCI, you need:

  • A data connection.
  • An eSIM profile is set up for your device.
  • A QR code is required to complete eSIM activation. Scan this QR code using your device’s camera.

Before completing the steps below, verify:

  • You have an iPhone capable of supporting eSIM and is on the latest software version:
  • Have a data connection, either WiFi or cellular on the physical SIM.
  • If your phone wasn’t purchased from PTCI, make sure it’s unlocked:
    • iPhones purchased directly from PTCI are locked unless requested.
    • iPhones purchased directly from Apple are always unlocked.
    • For iPhones purchased from another carrier, refer to their lock policies.

Only unlocked devices are eligible for the dual SIM functionality.

  • Your eSIM activation has been processed, and you’ve received the QR code via email:
    • If you’re an existing PTCI customer:
      • For a new line of service, contact Customer Solutions at (800) 562-2556, or visit www.ptci.net and chat with a representative to activate your eSIM.
      • For an existing line, contact Customer Solutions at (800) 562-2556, or visit www.ptci.net and chat with a representative to activate your eSIM.
    • If you’re a new PTCI customer:
      • For a new line of service, contact Customer Solutions at (800) 562-2556, or visit www.ptci.net and chat with a representative to activate your eSIM.
  • Your device is connected to the PTCI wireless network or has a WiFi connection.

Activating your eSIM device

1. From a Home screen, tap Settings.

        a. If an app isn’t available on your Home screen, swipe left to access the App Library.

2. Tap Cellular

3. Tap Add Cellular Plan

        a. From the ‘Add Cellular Plan’ screen, do one of the following:

4. Scan the provided QR code using your iPhone’s camera.

        a. The QR code is sent via email.

5. If you have an activated physical SIM card in your iPhone, do the following:

6. From the “Cellular Plan Labels’ screen, tap Primary.

7. Tap the desired label, then tap Done in the upper left corner.

8. Tap Secondary

        a. This is the newly added cellular plan.

9. Select the desired label, then tap Done in the upper left corner.

10. Tap Continue.

11. Tap the default line (e.g., Primary, Secondary, etc.) used to call or send messages to people who aren’t in your contacts, then tap Continue.

        a. It is designated when a checkmark is visible.

12. Tap (check) the cellular plan(s) you want to use for iMessage® and FaceTime®, then tap Continue.

13. Tap the default line (e.g., Primary, Secondary, etc.) used for cellular data, then tap Done.

14. Tap the Allow Cellular Data Switching switch to allow your phone to use cellular data from both lines depending on coverage and availability.

You can find additional support with this Apple article.

Support Page Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eSIM? 

An eSIM is a digital SIM that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. With eSIM, you can quickly and easily transfer an existing cellular plan or get a new cellular plan, all digitally. You can even store multiple eSIMs on the same device and use two phone numbers simultaneously.  And it’s more secure – someone can’t remove the physical SIM card if your iPhone is lost or stolen. In just a few simple steps, you are ready to make calls, send messages, and browse the web.

Which iPhone models support eSIM? 

iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. If you purchased an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro model, your iPhone does not have a physical SIM tray and will only activate with an eSIM.

How do I activate a PTCI eSIM on iPhone? 

Activating an eSIM on iPhone is easy. Your eSIM QR code will be emailed to you. Please call 800-562-2556, or chat with us to activate your eSIM.

How do I transfer my phone number to my new iPhone 14? 

You will receive a QR code, which will be emailed to you. Please call 800-562-2556, or chat with us to activate your eSIM.

How do I move my phone number from my Android device to an eSIM on my new iPhone 14?

If you’re switching to iPhone, contact PTCI for a QR code. Please call 800-562-2556, or chat with us.

How do I activate an iPhone with eSIM if I don’t have access to a Wi-Fi network?

If you have an eSIM only iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro model and don’t have a Wi-Fi network, Apple has a new solution to activate your eSIM. During the Set Up process, you can choose to continue without Wi-Fi. This allows you to set up your new eSIM without Wi-Fi —at no cost to you.

Are all PTCI customers able to use an eSIM on iPhone?

Yes, all PTCI customers with compatible devices can use eSIM on iPhone.

How do I get a PTCI eSIM if I am not purchasing my iPhone from PTCI?

Please call 800-562-2556, or chat with us to receive your QR code and activate your eSIM. You will receive a QR code, which will be emailed to you.

How do I know if my iPhone is unlocked?

  1. Go to Settings > General, and tap About.
  2. Under Carrier Lock, you should see a message that says, “No SIM restrictions.” If you don’t see that message, contact your carrier.

Will activating an eSIM lock my iPhone to PTCI?

Your device’s lock status is not impacted by the use of an eSIM.

What should I do if my iPhone is lost or stolen with an active eSIM? 

If your iPhone with an active eSIM is lost or stolen, please contact PTCI. Chat with us online, or call PTCI at 800-562-2556.

What happens to my cellular plan if I erase my eSIM?

If you delete your eSIM, your cellular plan has not been canceled. Contact PTCI for assistance.

What is Dual SIM?

Dual SIM allows users to use two phone numbers at the same time. For example, you can use one number for business and another number for personal. Or you can add a local data plan when you travel outside of the country or region.

You can learn more about Dual SIM with an eSIM here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044

Texting
With an eSIM, you can send and receive text messages like on a traditional SIM card. If you are using dual SIM, choose which phone number you want to use before sending a text or MMS. You will receive messages from either number at any time.

Using data
You may have to toggle between default services on some devices. Other devices may offer the option to switch services based on the SIM used for active calls. You can find this option in your device settings.

If you’re connected to WiFi, your device will use it for both numbers, even if you’re on a call.

Calling
You’ll have to choose the number you wish to use before making a call. You can also set the phone to default to the last number used. Additionally, place a call on hold for one number and place a call from the other.

If you’re already on a call, you’ll get a notification for incoming calls on the number you’re using. Incoming calls will ring on your second line.

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