Transfer phone number/plan from physical SIM to eSIM

[kk223]

Hello I currently have an iPhone 11 with a physical SIM and I am planning to upgrade to an iPhone 17 which does not have a physical SIM slot.

I have read the FAQ around switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM, however, those instructions do not make it clear as to whether the phone number and plan will transfer over. The FAQ talks about transferring a phone number from eSIM to eSIM, but not from physical SIM to eSIM. 

Can someone please explain whether I can transfer my current phone number and plan from my physical SIM to an eSIM and how to best go about this once I get the new phone.

[Dunkman · Accepted solution]

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@kk223 wrote:

Thank you, I have 2 questions. 1) Does it matter if I keep my physical SIM in my iPhone 11 while purchasing the eSIM on the new phone - or do I need to take my physical SIM out? 2) Will the PM app on the new phone know to transfer the phone number and plan associated with my account to the eSIM or do I need to take any further steps after buying the eSIM on the app?

I am just very concerned as I do not want to risk losing the number as I need it for 2FA. I want to ensure by purchasing an eSIM I do not run the risk of it immediately disabling/losing my current phone number. 

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@kk223 

It might be easler just to keep the physical SIM card in the iPhone 11, since you will need 2FA text code when you install PM app on your new iPhone and need to login into your PM account. 

Yes, when you download the PM app on your new phone and login into your PM account, you will then purchase eSIM from your PM account. The app will know to install the eSIM into new phone with your original number, etc. No further steps needed after purchasing new phone. 

[kk223]

Thank you, I have 2 questions. 1) Does it matter if I keep my physical SIM in my iPhone 11 while purchasing the eSIM on the new phone - or do I need to take my physical SIM out? 2) Will the PM app on the new phone know to transfer the phone number and plan associated with my account to the eSIM or do I need to take any further steps after buying the eSIM on the app?

I am just very concerned as I do not want to risk losing the number as I need it for 2FA. I want to ensure by purchasing an eSIM I do not run the risk of it immediately disabling/losing my current phone number. 

[Dunkman]

@kk223 

Yes, you can transfer your number/plan from old phone (with physical SIM card) to new phone (with eSIM).  

You will need to download the PM app on your new phone.  Login into your account and then purchase an eSIM (for $5).  Then the eSIM will be installed on your new phone and then your physical SIM card in old phone will not work anymore.