esim not working - getting error

[Jeremygrant167]

I have a new iPhone 17, only supports eSIM and when trying to activate my new eSIM, the app is telling me it is not compatible.  I do have an active eSIM on the phone and I am looking to add a 2nd eSIM so that I have two lines.  My current phone is with Bell, is it possible that Bell has the phone locked to only their carrier?  Looking for help, thank you.  

Jeremy

[Kristine_P]

@Jeremygrant167 

You can follow the instructions in the screenshot below (from Bell’s site) to see if you phone is currently locked- and the number to call to get it unlocked is shown too. Good luck Jeremy!

[Kristine_P]

Ma Bell’s tendency to not care about anyone or anything is why I’m here with y’all at PM

😉

[computergeek541]

@Kristine_P 

I'm not doubting that Bell does lock devices. I know that they do it, but they weren't even supposed to.  The CRTC recently ordered them to stop doing it, and if Bell doesn't stop the practice, there could be regulultory fines imposed on them.

https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/2025/12/04/crtc-slams-bell-for-selling-locked-phones-orders-immediate-...

https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/12/04/crtc-orders-bell-to-stop-locking-smartphones/

[Kristine_P]

I’ve attached a screenshot of the Bell site page

[Kristine_P]

 

[computergeek541]

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@Kristine_P wrote:

Did you buy the phone from Bell?  If you did & it’s been less than 60days, it may still be locked to Bell - the carriers do that for fraud prevention.  As far as I know, you can call them if you need it unlocked sooner (it should automatically become unlocked after 60 days).  Hope this helps - I’m new to PM, so I’m afraid I can’t be much help otherwise when it comes to problems with setting up service.

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I'm aware that Bell has been locking phones, but they weren't supposed to be.  The CRTC has since ordered Bell to stop this practice.

[Kristine_P]

Did you buy the phone from Bell?  If you did & it’s been less than 60days, it may still be locked to Bell - the carriers do that for fraud prevention.  As far as I know, you can call them if you need it unlocked sooner (it should automatically become unlocked after 60 days).  Hope this helps - I’m new to PM, so I’m afraid I can’t be much help otherwise when it comes to problems with setting up service.

[hTideGnow]

hi @Jeremygrant167 

did you use the PM app to subscribe?  Some people got that false negative because they subscribe via the browser