Is it possible to transfer eSIM to a new phone without going instore?

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Is it possible to transfer eSIM to a new phone without going instore?

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943 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#2966528 13-Sep-2022 10:50

Does anyone know if there have been updates (at the Spark end) to make this process more smooth, in light of the new iPhone 14 range launching later this week?

Or is it still a manual process of visiting a Spark store in person and hoping you get someone who knows what they're doing?

Jiriteach

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#2966529 13-Sep-2022 10:56

My understanding is that you still have to visit a Spark store to swop it over which isnt ideal!

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

henrytai

88 posts

Master Geek

#2966748 13-Sep-2022 17:11

Spark really need to improve this manual process. People shouldn’t need to visit a Spark store just to get a QR code. I suppose they are worried about the security aspect.

There is a new “eSIM Quick Transfer” on iOS 16. Could someone test this out and report back?

https://support.apple.com/en-nz/HT212780

Jiriteach

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#2966750 13-Sep-2022 17:13

henrytai: Spark really need to improve this manual process. People shouldn’t need to visit a Spark store just to get a QR code. I suppose they are worried about the security aspect.

There is a new “eSIM Quick Transfer” on iOS 16. Could someone test this out and report back?

https://support.apple.com/en-nz/HT212780

Will try it on Friday when my new iPhone 14 Pro arrives. Carrier has to support it though and I dont think Spark does. Will be awesome - but will let you know.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

beehappy

104 posts

Master Geek

#2966825 13-Sep-2022 18:56

August last year I Purchased a Z flip 3 from Samsung when it arrived I called Spark and they helped me set up my E Sim over the phone using a QR code etc

I cannot remember all the details other than it was not too difficult I think our local store was unmanned (Possibly Covid) give them a call

Pete

henrytai

88 posts

Master Geek

#2966859 13-Sep-2022 21:25

Sounds like there have been mixed experience with eSIM swap for Spark customers.

I visited a 2degrees store and converted my prepaid SIM to eSIM, it took about 5 mins. They gave me printed QR code to keep which I can reuse when I switch phone. I have taken a photo and encrypted it as well :)

IMO this is a much better implementation than Spark. I don't mind going into the store once, but not every time when I switch my phone.

Jiriteach

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#2966861 13-Sep-2022 21:32

henrytai:

Sounds like there have been mixed experience with eSIM swap for Spark customers.

I visited a 2degrees store and converted my prepaid SIM to eSIM, it took about 5 mins. They gave me printed QR code to keep which I can reuse when I switch phone. I have taken a photo and encrypted it as well :)

IMO this is a much better implementation than Spark. I don't mind going into the store once, but not every time when I switch my phone.

BTW - That QR code can only be used once. You'll need a new one when you switch. I tried this previously and it didnt work for me again. Ended up having to go into store.

RE - Phoning - Have tried this as well and they wouldn't do it as they cannot confirm identity or are not comfortable from a security perspective.

Re - Store - Depends on when you go and who you get. Have been before and it took my 5 mins and have been before and it took me 30 mins (staff had no idea and the manager was busy!)

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

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henrytai

88 posts

Master Geek

#2966863 13-Sep-2022 21:40

Jiriteach:

henrytai:

Sounds like there have been mixed experience with eSIM swap for Spark customers.

I visited a 2degrees store and converted my prepaid SIM to eSIM, it took about 5 mins. They gave me printed QR code to keep which I can reuse when I switch phone. I have taken a photo and encrypted it as well :)

IMO this is a much better implementation than Spark. I don't mind going into the store once, but not every time when I switch my phone.

BTW - That QR code can only be used once. You'll need a new one when you switch. I tried this previously and it didnt work for me again. Ended up having to go into store.

RE - Phoning - Have tried this as well and they wouldn't do it as they cannot confirm identity or are not comfortable from a security perspective.

Re - Store - Depends on when you go and who you get. Have been before and it took my 5 mins and have been before and it took me 30 mins (staff had no idea and the manager was busy!)

Just checked their website and you're correct... Pretty sure the staff told me otherwise.

Hopefully I will be able to transfer the eSIM using the new iOS 16 feature. Very unlikely tho.

Jiriteach

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#2969177 16-Sep-2022 15:08

Can confirm that it’s not possible to transfer your eSim on Spark seamlessly. iOS shows it as not being supported by Spark.

Had to pop into a Spark store and provide ID and my new IMEI and EID numbers. Was then sent a QR code to setup on the new phone.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

eracode

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#2969197 16-Sep-2022 15:22

I know 2degrees are planning to add eSIM switch to their app before too long. I’m sure the other two main carriers will be thinking the same - but who knows when it will be implemented.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Dochart

804 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2969214 16-Sep-2022 15:50

eracode:
I know 2degrees are planning to add eSIM switch to their app before too long. I’m sure the other two main carriers will be thinking the same - but who knows when it will be implemented.

Do you have a source for that info about 2degrees planning to add switch to eSIM to their app?

eracode

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#2969234 16-Sep-2022 16:04

Dochart:
eracode:

I know 2degrees are planning to add eSIM switch to their app before too long. I’m sure the other two main carriers will be thinking the same - but who knows when it will be implemented.

Do you have a source for that info about 2degrees planning to add switch to eSIM to their app?

Irrefutable source but sorry can’t divulge.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Obraik

2123 posts

Uber Geek

#2969254 16-Sep-2022 16:48

eracode:

I know 2degrees are planning to add eSIM switch to their app before too long. I’m sure the other two main carriers will be thinking the same - but who knows when it will be implemented.

One of them still needs to add eSIM as an option...

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rapidudead

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2969928 18-Sep-2022 21:52

In OZ and recently changed phone but didn't realize i had to transfer esim, thought icloud will handle it which it didn't. Called spark's roaming and was told i had to visit store :( multiple calls led me to staff mentioning 'change team' can help. I'll call the roaming team again and get them to transfer me to this 'change team' and see if they can help. When I go back to NZ, I'm just gonna switch back to physical sim.

FYI, icloud doesn't back up your google 2FA codes. Don't be a fool like me and back up your codes before changing phone... I lost all my 2FA codes so gotta reset them.

henrytai

88 posts

Master Geek

#2969930 18-Sep-2022 22:11

rapidudead:
In OZ and recently changed phone but didn't realize i had to transfer esim, thought icloud will handle it which it didn't. Called spark's roaming and was told i had to visit store :( multiple calls led me to staff mentioning 'change team' can help. I'll call the roaming team again and get them to transfer me to this 'change team' and see if they can help. When I go back to NZ, I'm just gonna switch back to physical sim.

FYI, icloud doesn't back up your google 2FA codes. Don't be a fool like me and back up your codes before changing phone... I lost all my 2FA codes so gotta reset them.

It’s absolutely ridiculous that you have to visit a store to transfer eSIM. Telcos in NZ need to implement the Apple eSIM transfer solution ASAP.

FYI - Depending on your ecosystem, I highly recommend using iCloud Passwords for storing all your 2FA codes, it’s awesome!! I can use it on any of my Apple devices and they are safe 😄

https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/iphone/ipha6173c19f/ios

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