This year’s iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air only have an eSIM this time around in Canada, finally killing off the physical SIM card.
If you’re a Telus-owned Public Mobile customer with a physical SIM card, here’s a quick guide on how to switch over to an eSIM on an iPhone 17 series or iPhone Air.
First, on your new iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, download the Public Mobile iPhone app and sign into your account.
Next, click on the Account tab, then go to Purchase SIM Card and then tap Continue With eSIM ($5), as seen in the screenshots below:
You’ll have to pay $5 for an eSIM unless you have a credit balance. Once you get to the Order Summary, tap Place Order. Next, tap Install eSIM Now, and then on the next screen, tap Install eSIM.
Next, a pop up will say Activate Your eSIM and explain, “iPhone will share your EID with the carrier or provider to activate your eSIM. iPhone may temporarily connect to a network to do this.” Tap Activate.
Next, you’ll see the screen say, “connecting to your carrier. This may take a few minutes.” It happens fairly quickly and then you’ll see, “your new eSIM from Public Mobile is ready to activate.” Tap Continue.
After, you’ll see the message, “your Public Mobile eSIM is now activate on this iPhone.” That’s it. You’ve successfully switched over from your Public Mobile SIM card to an eSIM on your iPhone 17 series or iPhone Air.
Last week, Public Mobile revamped its plans and also brought back its $10 referral bonus for a limited time.
How was your process switching over to an eSIM from a physical SIM on Public Mobile?
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Another free option is to use your previous iPhone and go to settings and convert your physical sim to eSIM…then get the new iphone and you can transfer it wirelessly for free using the iPhone settings
Did you try it? Friend said they tried to do transfer and wouldn’t work. Had to do it through app but I didn’t witness it.
Converted from physical SIM to eSIM on Telus without any issues. I guess it's different with Public?
Indeed, unlike some other carriers like Bell, there is no option to transfer the eSIM to the new iPhone.
I just got the new iPhone 17, after setting up the new phone you can open the Public Mobile app, login, go to your Account and Purchase SIM Card. Once you login, the system knows you are a current subscriber and won't you charge you anything for the new eSIM. Follow the instruction to install the eSIM and your current plan will be transferred to the new phone instantly.
It took me only 5 minutes to complete the transfer without any problem.
eSIM Transfer doesn't work with iPhone. You need to download the Public Mobile app on your new device and then follow the steps in the article above. The system will automatically recognize that you have an existing eSIM and then waive the replacement cost. Your existing eSIM will then be transferred to your new device. https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/esim-faqs
Your information is incorrect. You don't need to pay $5 if you have an existing eSIM with Public Mobile. The system will automatically recognize this and waive the cost. https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/esim-faqs