how do I add a new phone and get an e-sim

[Joala]

I got a new (to me) iphone SE 3rd generation which I want to use on my public mobile account. My old phone used a physical SIM card which doesn't work in my new phone so I have been trying to purchase an e-SIM for my new phone but it only gives me the option of buying a physical SIM. I believe it thinks I'm buying a SIM for my old phone.  How do I get it to recognize my new phone and allow me to buy an e-SIM? I have downloaded the app and followed the usual method but it only shows the option of buying a physical card. Help please and thankyou. 

[hairbag1]

@Joala 

that's odd as I use an SE3 and use the Public Mobile sim card. I like the hard sim as I don't have to get a new esim every time I change phones...I just take sim outta old phone and install in other phone. Never had the same symptoms as you've experienced.

[softech]

@Joala uninstall and reinstall the app with a Reboot and try again 

[Joala]

I had already tried your suggestion and it didn't work. My new phone with the old sim card displayed "no sim" still, even after powering off and on. A little research on the internet said the SE 3rd gen was different from the SE 2nd gen in that it could use both or only the eSIM. But when I go through the steps of downloading the app, go to my account, go to buy a sim, choose the eSIM it won't let me actually purchase it. It sends me around to download the app again - the circle just continues but it never lets me actually buy the eSIM

[hairbag1]

@Joala 

your old sim should work just fine in your SE-3. Simply remove the sim from old and install in SE. Should work without any other changes.

[softech]

@Joala 

you need to buy the esim using the PM  app.  And the option says Purchase Sim card, but after you click on it, it gives you the option "esim'

So, simply download the app on your new phone and login.  If you have problem with receiving 2FA code, click "Didn't Receive code" or "Resend code" and choose either Send email or Send voice message

Once logged in, Click Account from the bottom, then click Purchase SIM Card and select eSIM. 

Once it confirms your phone is eSIM compatible, click Pay $  and Install (the system will check and apply a $5 credit to bring the total price back to $0 at checkout), and follow the prompt to complete and purchase and install eSIM on your device