Replace/transfer eSIM whilst abroad.

[andy12]

I am thinking of swapping my physical SIM for an eSIM.

If I were to break or lose my phone abroad, is it possible to transfer the eSIM to a different phone whilst still abroad? I was reading on an O2 forum that for O2 the eSIM needs to activated in the UK as it needs a connection to the O2-UK network.

Thanks.

[Andy2]

I started this thread. I got a test eSIM when I started the thread and meant to test transferring it to a different phone whilst abroad. I am in the Domincan Republic now and have just succesfully transferred it to another phone, so I can confirm it does work from here, although I suppose it is possible there are some countries where it will not work.

Activating was not without issues as I was told I would not be sent an email with the QR code etc but needed to log in to the Three app to activate it, which obviously I coould not as the eSIM was deactivated and I could not receive the code sent by text message. I contacted Three by chat and was then sent the QR code etc by email.

[Madeangelo314]

I'm back and forth between the US and UK. I currently have an iPhone 14 [non-US version with sim tray] my e-sim is T-Mobile, physical SIM is 3 pay as you go. I want to upgrade my phone and I know Apple is soon to do away with sim trays in most markets. I know the final verdict is that it does work while abroad [I'm in USA now] but at the same time the contradictory answers are making me terrified to even try, and I can't afford to get back to the UK for a while...are there any tips for making the transfer Fool proof? Or reactivating the physical? 

[PeteG]

Hello there. 

I can confirm the process will allow you to switch over to eSIM and activate the eSIM while abroad. It's understandable that some of the experiences described here would lead you to think that there's a lot of issues for people during the process, but bear in mind that the experiences noted here are a small fraction of the people who have actually activated an eSIM while abroad. 

The majority of these activate without issues. I would recommend though, before you request the eSIM, make sure you can log into your My3 account successfully. If you can't log into My3, and you then request the QR code, you won't be able to log into My3 to access the QR code later. This means you will need to get the QR code by email, and these can sometimes take a while to be delivered. 

Pete. 

[Andy2]

Pete, when I tested transferring my eSIM to a new phone it was deactivated immediately on my old phone, so I could not log into my Three account as I could not receive the security code sent to the deactivated eSIM. I had to request that the QR code etc were sent to my email address.

Was this an error and the normal process is that the eSIM would continue working until I had logged into my Three account and applied the QR code and eSIM confirmation code to my new phone?

Thanks.

[JonathanB]

Hmm I think I see where the issue might be, @Andy2. You should only be prompted for the OTP if you're logging in on a new device/connection, or haven't logged into My3 from that device for a long time. I'm assuming you were initially logged in on the old phone using Three mobile data, then had to use an alternative connection as the SIM deactivated? 

I think the best approach would be to log in to the Three App or website on whichever Wi-Fi network or alternative SIM you're going to use before you start the process of replacing your SIM. This should prevent a further security code being sent after the 1st SIM is deactivated.

I expect that should help prevent this situation from occurring again.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Andy2]

Jonathan,

Thanks. 

"I'm assuming you were initially logged in on the old phone using Three mobile data, then had to use an alternative connection ". No. After I had requested the transfer of the eSIM I tried logging in on the same device and same WiFi network (I am abroad). It was only with a test eSIM. I now know the transfer does work abroad and if there is an issue with logging into my Three account I can request the QR code by email.

[MZone]

Maybe the roaming network doesn’t support eSIM so the activation won’t work?

[Chatty123]

Thankyou. Didnt know this could be an  issue .. wiil check that 

[Chatty123]

Has anybody had success in activating a replacement eSIM when abroad .. ? A relative has spent days on 3 char and tried numerous esims they sent and cannot get one activated . He’s stuck as unable to do any important banking without ability to get the otp