Since launching it in 2018, Movistar has been incorporating new functions into the eSIM for customers who have an iPhone, an iPad and/or an Apple Watch. The last of them is the possibility of go from physical SIM to eSIM without having to request a QR code or go to a store.
The change can be made directly from the device thanks to the eSIM Quick Transfer function (Quick transfer to eSIM) and is now available for both Movistar users and O2 customers, as long as they have an iPhone Xs or later updated to at least iOS 17.2.
How to change your physical SIM to eSIM from your iPhone
Movistar is the first operator in Spain to offer eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone, a feature that allows Movistar and O2 customers to transfer the SIM from one iPhone to another iPhone digitally (eSIM), without having to go to a store or contact Movistar.
In addition, this function also allows you to convert an iPhone SIM card into an eSIM directly and at no cost. This means that all Movistar and O2 customers who have an iPhone with iOS 17.2 or later will be able to switch themselves from a physical SIM card to a digital eSIM for free and directly from the phone.
In this way, it will no longer be necessary for Movistar customers to go to a store to buy a QR code to make the transition to the eSIM, in the same way that O2 users will not have to request a QR code over the phone. If this is your case, you just have to follow these steps:
- On your iPhone, go to 'Settings' > 'Mobile Data'.
- Press 'Convert to eSIM'.
- Tap 'Convert to eSIM' again to confirm.
- Wait for the eSIM to be activated so that the physical SIM card is deactivated.
- Remove the physical SIM from the iPhone and restart the iPhone.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, the eSIM or virtual SIM does not need physical support, but is integrated within the device. Once the change is made, the eSIM will keep the phone number of the customer's mobile line and will replace the old physical SIM card.
With the eSIM on the iPhone, it is possible store multiple eSIMs on iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time. In addition, the eSIM makes it easy to change networks without having to purchase a physical SIM card, making it easier, for example, to access local rates when traveling abroad.
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