How To Transfer An Existing Telus SIM Card To eSIM On iPhone?
So you want to know how to transfer a Telus SIM Card to eSIM on iPhone? Telus and Koodo recently launched support for eSIM for iPhone and Android phones bringing support for Dual SIM. This means wireless users can have two phone lines on their smartphones—one physical SIM card and a digital eSIM.
Table of Contents
According to Telus, the company stated that eSIM was only available as a secondary line for iPhone users, and eSIM as a primary line for Android users. But it’s actually possible to switch your physical Telus SIM card to eSIM for iPhone users and use the latter as your main line.
Apple’s iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later devices like iPhone 11, and iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max support eSIM. Some iPhone in Canada readers is able to switch over their physical Telus SIM cards (BYOD plans) to eSIM only on an iPhone as their mainline, switching their phone number tied to a physical SIM card over to eSIM.
Doing this frees up your physical SIM slot, so if you’re an avid traveller, you can pop in a local SIM card for cheaper data rates, while retaining your main line on eSIM. Vice versa, eSIM travel options are available too, if you are saving your eSIM for travelling such as Airalo.
How do Dual-Sim Telephones work?
When you are able to utilize two sims at once in a single device, then you have grabbed yourself a dual-sim mobile. It can be quite useful when you need two separate numbers, one for work and home and the other for whenever you are travelling somewhere out of the city in a different one or a country too.
Something that needs to be mentioned is that there are 3 different types of Dual-Sims, with DSDS being the most famous:
- Dual SIM Passive (DSS):
A Dual SIM Passive phone can utilize two multiple SIM cards, however, only one of them can be activated at one time. This implies that while one is functioning, you cannot reach the other one. To make use of the second SIM card, you need to manually activate it after which the first SIM will deactivate.
- Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS)
A cross between the Dual SIM Standby as well as Dual SIM Dual Active. Both of them can be activated only when you are not using them. In standby modes, both SIM cards can be used to make and receive calls on either of them. Although, once you pick up a call on either of the two SIM cards, the other one is deactivated until the first card isn’t being used anymore.
- Dual SIM Dual Active (DSFA)
This version permits you to make phone calls from either of the SIM cards in-built into your smartphone. You can also receive calls on any one of the two SIM cards, at the same time. Both these SIM cards are permanently active.
To transfer an existing Telus SIM Card to eSIM on iPhone
- First, go to the Telus store to purchase an eSIM voucher for $20 (give them a ring to ensure they have stock before you head down)
- Then use online self-serve to make the switch.
- You will need to ensure you have Wi-Fi available before you start this process Wi-Fi is available at Telus stores so set this up beforehand if you’ll be switching in stores.
To transfer your existing Telus SIM Card to eSIM on an Apple iPhone
Buy an eSIM voucher from a Telus store for $20. Tell the store you’ll do self-serve for the switch.
Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Once you make the switch from physical SIM to eSIM, your data connection will be cut temporarily.
Log in to My Telus online, then go to Mobility plans & devices > Devices > Swap your SIM card and follow the steps.
Launch the
For some final steps, you should ensure Wi-Fi Calling (Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling > ON) and VoLTE (Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > ON) are enabled still on your iPhone.
You’ll also want to double-check your iMessage and FaceTime settings on your iPhone.
For iMessage, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and make sure your number is set under “You can receive iMessages”.
For FaceTime, go to Settings > FaceTime and double-check your number and Apple ID is selected in the “You can be reached by FaceTime at” section.
You can try this or plan to switch your Telus BYOD plan physical SIM card over to eSIM Many over on Reddit were also successful in doing so.
Swapping your SIM
If you already have your new phone and it uses the same SIM card size as your current one, you can simply transfer your SIM into it.
If you’re switching to a new phone that requires a new SIM card or you wish to replace your current SIM card with a new one, you can do so online in My TELUS.
You must be an Owner or Manager of the account, and you’ll need the following:
- A new TELUS SIM card and its 19-digit SIM number
- An active phone (on which you are swapping the SIM)
To swap your SIM card online:
- Log into My TELUS. If you don’t have an account, register now
- Go to Mobility plans & devices
- Select the Device tab
- Select Swap your SIM card
- Rest Follow the steps
Telus and Koodo will finally support eSIM for iPhone and Pixel devices. With eSIM, select iPhones are able to support Dual-SIM alongside the traditional nano SIM. This means with the digital eSIM, you’ll be able to activate a cellular plan without using a physical SIM. This can be handy when travelling, as various eSIM providers offer data plans cheaper than traditional roaming options (such as GigSky or Airalo).
TELUS Stores and Koodo Shops on both TELUS and Koodo (prepaid and postpaid) will be able to purchase an eSIM voucher for $20.
For iPhone users, eSIM is only available as a secondary line. For Android smartphones on Telus (3a/3a XL; 4/4 XL; Moto Razr), eSIM can be either the primary or secondary line.
FAQ
1. What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is an electronic SIM card that is embedded in your device and can be activated with a carrier service plan. Unlike a traditional physical SIM card, you don’t need to physically swap out the SIM card in your phone when changing carriers or plans.
2. Can I transfer my existing Telus SIM card to eSIM on my iPhone?
Yes, you can transfer your existing Telus SIM card to eSIM on your iPhone. However, not all Telus plans support eSIM, so it’s best to check with Telus to confirm your plan’s eligibility.
3. How do I know if my iPhone supports eSIM?
Most newer iPhones (iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE 2nd generation, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max) support eSIM. You can check if your iPhone supports eSIM by going to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If you see an option to scan a QR code or enter a confirmation code, your iPhone supports eSIM.
4. How do I transfer my Telus SIM card to eSIM on my iPhone?
To transfer your Telus SIM card to eSIM on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Contact Telus and request an eSIM activation code.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Tap “Enter Details Manually” and enter the eSIM activation code provided by Telus.
- Follow the prompts to activate your eSIM.
5. Will I lose my phone number when transferring my Telus SIM card to eSIM on my iPhone?
No, you won’t lose your phone number. Your phone number is tied to your Telus account, not your SIM card. When you activate your eSIM with Telus, your phone number will be transferred over.
6. Can I use both my physical SIM card and eSIM at the same time on my iPhone?
Yes, if your iPhone supports dual SIM (eSIM and physical SIM), you can use both at the same time. This is useful if you want to have two different phone numbers on one device, such as a personal and work number.
7. How do I switch between my physical SIM card and eSIM on my iPhone?
To switch between your physical SIM card and eSIM on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Under Cellular Plans, tap the plan you want to use.
- Toggle on “Primary” to make that plan the primary line for calls, messages, and data.
8. Can I transfer my eSIM to a new iPhone?
Yes, you can transfer your eSIM to a new iPhone. The process is similar to transferring your Telus SIM card to eSIM on iPhone. Contact Telus and request an eSIM activation code, then follow the steps to activate your eSIM on your new iPhone.
9. Can I use eSIM with other carriers besides Telus?
Yes, you can use eSIM with other carriers besides Telus, as long as the carrier supports eSIM and your iPhone is compatible. Contact the carrier for an eSIM activation code and follow the steps to activate the eSIM on your iPhone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transferring an existing Telus SIM card to eSIM on an iPhone is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. While not all Telus plans support eSIM, most newer iPhones do, so it’s worth checking with both Telus and your iPhone to confirm eligibility. Once you have the necessary eSIM activation code, activating your eSIM is as simple as entering the code and following the prompts. Dual SIM capabilities allow you to use both your physical SIM card and eSIM simultaneously, making it easy to have two different phone numbers on one device. Overall, eSIM technology provides a more convenient and flexible option for managing carrier service plans on your iPhone.