Switching to eSIM? Here’s How You Can Keep Your Current Number (2024)

FAQs

Switching to eSIM? Here’s How You Can Keep Your Current Number? ›

You don't need to turn off your primary SIM card when using an eSIM. Many phones allow you to choose which SIM card you want to use for calls, texts, and data. This enables you to keep your local number active while using the eSIM for travel data.

With an eSIM, do I have access to my regular phone number? Absolutely! As long as you keep your device supports dual SIM (two SIMs) and you leave your primary SIM switched on, you'll have full access to your regular phone number while you're using an eSIM.

You won't get a new local phone number for every eSIM data plan. But if you have dual SIM enabled on your phone, you can continue to use your own phone number while using the data from your eSIM. If you don't have Dual SIM abilities, you can still make phone calls using WhatsApp, Telegram, or another popular service.

Contact your carrier to move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code. Tap Convert Cellular Plan. Tap Convert to eSIM. Wait for your eSIM to activate.

eSims offer additional flexibility over traditional physical Sims – the key benefits include: You can switch between different providers and data/calling plans. eSims can let you switch between providers and change your data/call plans without the need to remove an old physical Sim and replace it.

Limited device compatibility

This limitation can restrict your options if you're not using the latest smartphones and technology. Even if a phone has an eSIM card, that doesn't mean it'll work with every network. At least in the US, you'll find that only the most popular phones are supported by most carriers.

While eSIMs support multiple profiles and can give you a phone number, whether or not it does depends on your eSIM plan.

Your eSIM phone number is either a phone number included with your eSIM data package, or an internet phone number you're using with your eSIM. Some people use their regular phone number for calls and texts, while using an eSIM for data.

You are not required to pay any charges to upgrade to Jio eSIM.

No, each SIM card, whether a physical card or an eSIM, supports one unique phone number. So you can ask your network provider to convert your SIM to an eSIM or vice versa, but the two different SIM cards cannot have the same number.

Can I transfer my number to a new eSIM? ›

Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile > Add Mobile Plan. Choose a mobile plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Another iPhone.

If you convert your physical SIM card to an eSIM, your SIM card will stop working. Other than that, nothing else will change, except now you won't need to open the SIM tray to switch network carriers.

An eSIM is internal to your device and built into its hardware. On its own, it doesn't do anything to drain your battery life. In fact, it's more energy-efficient than a traditional SIM!

Changing devices might not be straightforward

If you are using an eSIM and you need to change phones, chances are that you will need to contact your local provider to enquire how to transfer your eSIM. While Android and iOS have eSIM transfer tools, not all carriers allow an eSIM transfer.

Now, let's address the burning question: does installing an eSIM change your phone number? The answer is generally no. When you install an eSIM, it doesn't directly alter your phone number. Your phone number remains the same, and you can continue to use it as you normally would.

What Happens to Your Physical SIM Card When You Switch to eSIM? When you switch to eSIM, your physical SIM card becomes obsolete. Your mobile device will no longer recognize the physical SIM card and you will no longer be able to use it to connect to a cellular network.

Mobile FAQ

The old phone's eSIM will get deactivated and the new phone's eSIM will get activated with the same Jio number. Activation of eSIM from self-care process through SMS is very easy and can be done at your convenience from home anytime.