eSIM QR code myth

[KingCube9946]

Is it just me, or does it sound like the whole QR code thing with PM is a myth? I'm trying to setup a new Samsung A37 and these new phones don't let you setup without a SIM (so you can't download the PM app on them), so the only way to get an eSIM on them for first setup is with a QR code.

So I used my old phone to create an account and buy the eSIM, but instead of getting a QR code, the app automatically installed the eSIM on my old phone. So now I'm stuck waiting for a reply from customer service since I ended up learning that PM doesn't support eSIM migration and since it's been less than 15 days since the eSIM was activated, I would be charged 5$ for a new one.

And heck, even if I try to buy a new eSIM on a desktop browser (as suggested by PMs own help articles), the system tells me I can't do this and to go to the app instead. It's almost like they're doing on purpose to avoid sending QR codes.

Not really a smooth process I have to say.

[Sansan]

This is indeed a manufacture issue on Samsung and not Public Mobile issue.

I have a Samsung s25 NOT on Public Mobile's network but another network and I could not setup the phone without a physical SIM card first.

The disclaimer is on Samsung to advise people. Yeah it would been nice that the network your on would tell you of the SIM requirement first, but it's back on the manufacture. Offering to send a free card out is also not practical. 

As suggested, the bypass is temporary. It may not be next week or next month... but you don't want to end up with your hands in the air again...

[KingCube9946]

This reinforces the point that PM needs to adapt to new trends (Samsung may be the first, but they are one of the biggest in the market and others will follow). If PMs answer to this situation is simply that someone needs to use a roundabout way to get things to work, then the problem is with PM and not with the phone manufacturers. It would be very easy for PM to just provide a QR code (as they state they do but apparently don't), or at least have a disclaimer when entering the IMEI to check eSIM compatibility. Heck, if this truly is only a limited number of phones that are impacted by this, PM could even offer to send a physical SIM free of charge when it recognises an IMEI that is impacted.

[slusagm]

@KingCube9946 

if the bypass mode works for you, it's great, but I would not suggest to share this with other.  Using another sim card is the way to go

Since Samsung starts this rule like 3 to 5 years ago, people have found various hacks to get around the requirement, and some do work temporarily. However, Samsung consistently closes these loopholes over time.  We have seen people able to bypass the setup without sim/esim.  But once a carrier sim card or eSIM inserted/setup in the phone, the phone will reset itself, ie, phone wiped and eSIM deleted.   So, it is highly recommend to use a physical sim to complete the device setup before setting up Public Mobile eSIM. 

[KingCube9946 · Accepted solution]

This is certainly a limitation to how PM works that should be better advertised. Anyways, PM got back to me and credited 5$ to my account, but gave me no additional help on setting up the device (not very surprised considering past interactions to be honest).

For anyone in the same situation as me, you can either do like others have said and borrow a SIM from someone to do the initial setup, or as I learned you can put the phone in sim bypass mode which will let you finalize the setup.

Regardless, PM needs to be more transparent on the lack of QR code capabilities. This is, in my opinion, a big gap in their operations.

[hTideGnow]

Hi @KingCube9946 

the QR code cannot be used for this purpose.  

Again, you can just get any sim card to complete the device setup , a process required for Samsung phone, the you can download PM app and buy eSIM.  

[KingCube9946]

I don't think it's fair to say that Samsung is the problem here when PM could easily just do what they claim to do and provide a QR code which would be a simple solution that solves the issue. Instead, the eSIM gets installed directly on the phone doing the transaction without so much as a warning to the user and now I'm stuck until I hopefully hear back from an agent with a resolution.

[slusagm]

you cannot buy eSIM on desktop browser.  

you need to get a sim card to setup the phone first.  Once it is setup, you will set up the Google account and download PM app.   Then login the PM app on the new phone, go to Account -> Purchase sim card and choose eSIM

[hTideGnow]

hi @KingCube9946 

not myth, Samsung set it that way. 

And the way you did with eSIM on another phone won't work, you cannot transfer the esim over.   But don't delete that esim on another phone yet, you need it

So, you need to get a sim from a friend to setup the phone first, setup Samsung account and Google Account.  Then download PM app, and login.  The 2FA will send to your other phone with the eSIM and you need the code to login PM app on the Samsung A37.  Once you are logged in, go to Account page, Purchase sim card and choose esim and buy a new one and it will work