Rogers looks to be supporting Apple’s ‘Convert to eSIM’ feature right from the iPhone.
That’s according to changes made in the latest iOS 18 beta 4, notes iPhone in Canada reader Ahsan. When you head to Settings > Cellular on iPhone, there’s a new option for ‘Convert to eSIM’.
To convert to eSIM on your iPhone, just tap ‘Convert to eSIM’. Next, tap Convert Cellular Plan and then Convert to eSIM. Wait for the eSIM to activate, during which your previous SIM card will be deactivated. Once the cellular plan on your iPhone activates, remove the physical SIM card and restart your iPhone. If the option isn’t shown, it means your carrier does not support eSIM conversion.
Why do this? Well, it allows you to free up your physical SIM card slot, which can be handy if you want to use a local SIM card while travelling outside of Canada.
Last fall, Rogers and Fido let customers switch from physical SIM cards to eSIM online. The company still does not support eSIM Carrier Activation, like Telus/Koodo, Bell/Virgin Plus/Lucky Mobile, Eastlink and SaskTel, which lets you assign an eSIM when you activate your iPhone.
Back in March 2023, Telus added support for Convert to eSIM, which requires carrier support to be made possible on the iPhone. Bell followed suit with the same feature in July. Now, Rogers has caught up with its rivals in offering Convert to eSIM, coming in iOS 18.
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Easy way for someone to quickly steal your ph # by swapping sim card into their own iPhone.
It's not that easy. Besides, the first thing that people do in such situations is call their provider and their SIM is blacklisted.
No thank you. eSIM is more hassle than it's worth, especially with Android. Here are just a few reasons why:
Compatibility and Support Issues
Providers often don’t support swappable eSIMs. If your phone needs repair or replacement, leading to a complete wipe, your eSIM may not be restored automatically from the Cloud. This situation forces you to endure the inconvenience of calling customer service, which can involve incredibly long wait times.Then of course the added fee.
Limited Flexibility and Additional Costs
There are restrictions on how frequently you can change eSIMs. Each change often comes with additional costs, turning it into a potential money grab. Unlike physical SIMs, which you could reuse after deactivation (as long as you hadn't canceled your service), eSIMs lack this flexibility. This means that every switch could lead to extra charges and complications.
Device and Network Restrictions
Some devices and networks still have limited support for eSIMs. This can make it difficult to use eSIMs if you frequently travel or switch between carriers. Compatibility issues can lead to further complications and limitations in your phone’s functionality.
Troubleshooting and Activation
Activating an eSIM can be a more complex process compared to inserting a physical SIM. Troubleshooting activation issues often requires more steps and technical knowledge, adding to the potential hassle.
Practicality of Dual SIM Phones
If you have a "world" dual physical SIM phone, the practicality of physical SIMs is unmatched. Physical SIMs allow for straightforward swapping and usage without the complications associated with eSIM management.
Most major carriers in Canada now provide esims free of charge that can be activated through your online account via QR code. It used to be a hassle but far more seamless today.
For whatever reason (theft/loss/damage) you cannot receive a verification code to transfer your number to a new issue esim the procedure to verify your identity to get a new esim is the same as a physical sim i.e. you need to call in or visit a store and provide them with various identifying documents.
In 2018 only 10 countries supported the eSim standard meaning that it could be a problem as a frequent traveller. But installing an eSim for in your home country even in 2018 meant that you freed up your physical slot for a second sim for whichever country you travelled to. This is now 2024 eSim is a globally recognized standard and very few countries are behind. China being the biggest one.
Activation issues can be an issue but increasingly this is a low propensity problem given how easy it is to issue a new eSim.
Most modern phones let you install 5+ esims with any 2 active at the same time. Can't beat that for convince especially if you are a frequent traveller.
eSims are going to be the standard moving forward. In the US iPhones don't even come with a physical sim slot for a couple of years now. They are eSim only.
No thank you. eSIM is more hassle than it's worth, especially with Android. Here are just a few reasons why:
Compatibility and Support Issues
Providers often don’t support swappable eSIMs. If your phone needs repair or replacement, leading to a complete wipe, your eSIM may not be restored automatically from the Cloud. This situation forces you to endure the inconvenience of calling customer service, which can involve incredibly long wait times.Then of course the added fee.
Limited Flexibility and Additional Costs
There are restrictions on how frequently you can change eSIMs. Each change often comes with additional costs, turning it into a potential money grab. Unlike physical SIMs, which you could reuse after deactivation (as long as you hadn't canceled your service), eSIMs lack this flexibility. This means that every switch could lead to extra charges and complications.
Device and Network Restrictions
Some devices and networks still have limited support for eSIMs. This can make it difficult to use eSIMs if you frequently travel or switch between carriers. Compatibility issues can lead to further complications and limitations in your phone’s functionality.
Troubleshooting and Activation
Activating an eSIM can be a more complex process compared to inserting a physical SIM. Troubleshooting activation issues often requires more steps and technical knowledge, adding to the potential hassle.
Practicality of Dual SIM Phones
If you have a "world" dual physical SIM phone, the practicality of physical SIMs is unmatched. Physical SIMs allow for straightforward swapping and usage without the complications associated with eSIM management.
”it allows you to free up your physical SIM card slot, which can be handy if you want to use a local SIM card while travelling outside of Canada”
Technically true. Except it is easier these days to obtain and use a local eSIM while travelling.