MTN eSIM support for iPhone

[Darren Ray]

Hi

I recently upgraded to an iPhone 13 Pro through MTN as I was sold on the fact that they offered eSIM/dual sim support. My primary number was ported from Vodacom to the MTN network but I have a second data plan through Vodacom which I’m still hoping to use using the eSIM functionality. What I needed is the eSIM for my primary number and a physical sim for my data plan, but when MTN activated eSIM support for my iPhone they just generated a new number for the eSIM, meaning I have to continue using a physical sim for my primary number and therefore can’t use the physical sim for data plan. Does anyone know if this is just how eSIM works for MTN or is it possible to have my primary number (which is an MTN contract sim) activated as the eSIM. Any help would be greatly appreciated as the only reason I transferred to MTN was to access this service.

Thanks

 

[Supercarfan]

Sounds like they created a linked eSim meant for a wearable. Tell them to cancel that esim (so you dont get charged the monthly fee) then go in store and ask for a sim swop to an eSim.

If they don’t know how to do it, just tell them to go through the motions for a sim swop. At some point in the process the system should give them the option to select eSim or physical sim.

Had to explain the whole process to my local store, they kept on insisting they don’t have any eSims in stock….

 

[Darren Ray]

Sounds like they created a linked eSim meant for a wearable. Tell them to cancel that esim (so you dont get charged the monthly fee) then go in store and ask for a sim swop to an eSim.

If they don’t know how to do it, just tell them to go through the motions for a sim swop. At some point in the process the system should give them the option to select eSim or physical sim.

Had to explain the whole process to my local store, they kept on insisting they don’t have any eSims in stock….

That sounds exactly what they did because I got a message to say I would be charged a monthly fee which I know isn’t the case for eSIM. Luckily I realised they had done something wrong in the shop so managed to get them reverse it before any damage was done. Now if I request the sim swap, will it swap to the eSIM while allowing me to keep my current MTN number?

 

[Supercarfan]

Now if I request the sim swap, will it swap to the eSIM while allowing me to keep my current MTN number?

Yes indeed, your physical sim will most likely stop working almost immediately, and it could take an hour or two for the email with the QR code for the eSim to come through. If it doesn’t though, you can just phone customer service and they should be able to resend the QR code mail. Mine didn’t come through initially.

 

[Darren Ray]

Yes indeed, your physical sim will most likely stop working almost immediately, and it could take an hour or two for the email with the QR code for the eSim to come through. If it doesn’t though, you can just phone customer service and they should be able to resend the QR code mail. Mine didn’t come through initially.

Thanks very much for the help. I went into MTN and explained the situation. They initiated the sim swap, the QR code came through immediately and I was able to activate the eSIM while still in the store. Everything now running perfectly with 2 active sims running on my phone. Great success…just wish this information was more easily available.

 

[epah]

Thanks very much for the help. I went into MTN and explained the situation. They initiated the sim swap, the QR code came through immediately and I was able to activate the eSIM while still in the store. Everything now running perfectly with 2 active sims running on my phone. Great success…just wish this information was more easily available.

What a RAY of sunshine. glad you got it sorted.

 

[Supercarfan]

Thanks very much for the help. I went into MTN and explained the situation. They initiated the sim swap, the QR code came through immediately and I was able to activate the eSIM while still in the store. Everything now running perfectly with 2 active sims running on my phone. Great success…just wish this information was more easily available.

Awesome! I just wish they’d train their staff better. Sales people in SA have little to no interest in the products they’re selling and can tell you no more than what is printed in the brochure.