Telus looks to have added support for the ‘Convert to eSIM’ feature on eligible iPhones.
Apple added electronic SIM (eSIM) cards starting with the iPhone XS lineup and iPhone XR in 2018. This allows iPhone customers to skip using physical SIM cards, while also adds an option to subscribe to eSIM lines such as for data roaming.
The Convert to eSIM feature switches a phone number on a physical SIM to an eSIM. This feature is carrier dependent says Apple, and recently Telus added support for this in iOS 16.4 beta 3, noted users on Reddit, as seen in a screenshot below shared by u/Mintymattheson:
The steps to Convert to eSIM are as follows according to Apple, and are only available if supported by your wireless carrier (if the option isn’t shown then your carrier doesn’t support it):
By converting to eSIM, you can free up your physical SIM card slot for another number or to pop in a local SIM card while travelling. Telus customers on iOS 16.4 beta have noted the feature already works, but some cautioned they would wait for the final release of iOS 16.4 for the masses before giving it a try.
Apple made iOS 16.4 Release Candidate builds available for developers earlier this week, signally a public release for the masses will be coming soon.
Update April 1, 2023: Telus has updated its website in the section where it explains how to set up an eSIM for Apple users, while also noting iOS 16.4 is required for eSIM Quick Transfer.
How do I convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same phone?
Existing customers:
If you are converting a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone using eSIM Quick Transfer:
How do I transfer my existing number to the eSIM on a newer phone?
Existing customers:
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One drawback of switching your “main” carrier to eSIM is when it’s time to upgrade (or replace should it break) your phone.
Whereas it’s free & easy to swap your SIM into your new phone, good luck getting a new eSIM from your Canadian carrier for free
If it’s iPhone to iPhone, the process of migrating eSIMs from a technical perspective is seamless (it’s part of the new phone migration process on iOS)…. assuming there isn’t any issues with Telus’ implementation… which I believe someone else commented as an issue.
I would prefer eSIM both for the reduced risk of sim-swapping attacks as well as the security benefits (Find my iPhone becomes less effective when a SIM card is physically removed, but would remain fully active even when phone is turned off with eSIM).
Did they also enable transferring of eSIMs between devices? Or do you still have to go buy a new QR code every time?
This is the question that needs to be answered, yes!
I noticed this feature a few weeks back, much better than $10 for new eSIM
I noticed this feature a few weeks back, much better than $10 for new eSIM
Telus has officially made the change with regards to esims and iPhones. I have verified with them multiple times, and there is no charge when transferring a esims from one iPhone to another iPhone.
If you have android, unfortunately, you do need to purchase an eSIM card each and every time for transfers. Telus technical support does not know when android will be supported without the need of a new Telus eSIM card each and every time your need to transfer it.
If you have an iPhone, then there is no charge. You are free to transfer the eSIM from one iPhone to the other as many times as you want. Again, no charge.
The advise their main website still has all the information on it. They are aware they need to update it. When that happens who knows.
It looks like they have updated the website now.
https://www.telus.com/en/support/article/esim-voucher
Under set up an eSIM for Apple users, it now says:
“How do I transfer my existing number to the eSIM on a newer phone?
Existing customers:
If you are upgrading or replacing a device, learn how to change your SIM
If you are transferring a physical SIM or an eSIM from a previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone using eSIM Quick Transfer, go to: Settings > Set Up Cellular > Tap on Phone Number > Approve Transfer Request
Note: Apple eSIM Quick Transfer requires iOS 16.4 or later.”
thanks Chris!