Moving a Spark eSIM when upgrading iPhones

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Moving a Spark eSIM when upgrading iPhones

jmosen

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#261587 5-Dec-2019 06:02

General info on this from Apple Support seems very vague.

Can Spark, or anyone whose done this recently, describe Spark's process for transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone, for example if you upgrade from XS to 11?

Some on overseas carriers say that if you keep the original QR code, it's as simple as scanning it on the new device after removing the eSIM from the old one, while others report this hasn't worked for them.

Before jumping on the eSIM bandwagon I'd like an assurance that if I continue my practice of buying from Apple I can transfer the eSIM pretty easily, without having to visit a Spark store.

Thanks for any info.

Jonathan

BlinkyBill

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#2368557 5-Dec-2019 07:49

why not contact Spark?

Geese

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#2368559 5-Dec-2019 08:01

BlinkyBill:
why not contact Spark?

If my experience of the last few days is anything to go by, it is because there is inconsistency of advice/information, and no solution.

I find posting here gets past the B/S and straight to the solution.

BlinkyBill

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#2368561 5-Dec-2019 08:06

I don’t know the Spark process, but thinking about it logically, I can’t see why it would be any different from setting up a brand new iPhone from scratch.

geekiegeek

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#2368562 5-Dec-2019 08:11

I did it when upgrading to 11pro from X and it was a pretty crappy experience. Went instore and the first guy didn’t really listen, did some stuff on his terminal and said it would transfer shortly. A day later it still hadn’t done anything. Went back and spoke to someone else. The first guy had put it through as a SIM to eSIM by mistake. Second guy did the correct move and it transferred instantly. The morale of the story, go in store and don’t leave until it’s transferred.

jmosen

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#2368578 5-Dec-2019 08:44

BlinkyBill:

I don’t know the Spark process, but thinking about it logically, I can’t see why it would be any different from setting up a brand new iPhone from scratch.

It's different because the eSIM isn't backed up, either in an encrypted iTunes backup or an iCloud backup.

Of course with a physical SIM it's a simple swap.

Jonathan

Scotdownunder

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#2368579 5-Dec-2019 08:44

replaced a stolen phone with eSim (iphone Xr) and simply took the new phone to a Spark shop and the had the eSim installed. Took about 5 mins.

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

jmosen

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#2368582 5-Dec-2019 08:47

geekiegeek: I did it when upgrading to 11pro from X and it was a pretty crappy experience. Went instore and the first guy didn’t really listen, did some stuff on his terminal and said it would transfer shortly. A day later it still hadn’t done anything. Went back and spoke to someone else. The first guy had put it through as a SIM to eSIM by mistake. Second guy did the correct move and it transferred instantly. The morale of the story, go in store and don’t leave until it’s transferred.

Thanks, this mirrors other experiences I'm reading online. Makes eSIM less attractive until there is a clear process for transfer that doesn't require carrier intervention.

I typically upgrade my iPhone every year and just want to be up and running when I get it from Apple on launch day.

Jonathan

geekiegeek

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#2368644 5-Dec-2019 09:51

I update yearly as well. And whilst it wasn’t as quick and easy as I would have liked, I expect that now I know the process it will be a lot smoother next time. I’m ordering a LTE watch from Apple tomorrow so let’s see how getting that added works out