Forum Discussion
Int'l trip to US — when to activate eSIM?
- 18 days ago
Thanks for the info. I'm still using my VPN to write this post. The problem is that the entire domain blocked my primary IP. So even if I try to access T-Mobile support pages (which have nothing to do with this forum), my IP is blocked. But for now, the VPN is a work around.
I contacted T-Mobile via Twitter. They said they couldn't access this forum thread (for reasons I don't understand), so I sent them my opening post and select replies from yourself and syaoran . They replied back to say activation can be done while I am still in Japan by way of using WI-FI alone.
Below is a copy/paste of what the T-Mobile support person on Twitter told me...
====================
Here is the guidance for activating your eSIM on an iPhone 15 Pro Max while in Japan before your travel to California:
Pre-Activation Steps:
• Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
• Update your device software to the latest version. • Remove the physical SIM card if you will not be using dual SIM.
Activation Process:
• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM/Set Up Cellular on your iPhone.
• Follow the prompts to download and activate the eSIM profile.
Timing and Cellular Settings:
It’s recommended to activate the eSIM just before your trip. You can do this the morning of your departure while still connected to Wi-Fi in Japan.
To prevent roaming charges:
• Activate the eSIM while Wi-Fi is connected and ensure cellular data is turned off.
• Go to Settings > Cellular and disable Cellular Data or ensure the eSIM line is not set as the primary data line.
• Once your eSIM is activated, you can label it accurately for future ease of use, e.g., "Travel".
Important Considerations:
• Enabling Wi-Fi is crucial during the eSIM download process.
• Make sure not to actively use the eSIM for data or calls until you arrive in the United States to avoid potential roaming charges.
Troubleshooting:
• If activation issues arise, ensure the device is still connected to Wi-Fi and try re-downloading the eSIM profile from the settings.
• Should any errors persist, contact T-Mobile support for further assistance.
For further details, you may refer to: Your device settings and activation tutorials available on T-Mobile’s support page.
You can't activate on a foreign network but if your device supports T-Mobile's WiFi Calling. It usually is poaaiblw to activate it prior to arriving in the US.
syaoranThank you for your quick reply. I honestly didn't know "WIFI calling" was a thing, nor have I any idea how it is used.
Of course I know how to "call" others by using Skype voice, or FaceTime for video and audio, but it seems you are speaking about calling in a somewhat normal way, using your assigned phone number, yet via WIFI rather than cellular, which if true is rather intriguing.
Please note that the specific plan I am considering buying is the $50 unlimited plan shown here, which gives me a phone number and SMS capability (which I think may be needed to get those rather infuriating CODES we have to deal with these days). It also mentions "Wi-Fi calling."
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