Can't an eSIM be activated to an already personalized phone? - Google Pixel 4a Questions & Answers

I am reaching here because I have exhausted all other resources and I suspect the most knowledgeable people
are here.
For the last 2-3 weeks I've been stuck with a problem that I am unable to resolve, for which reason I cannot use my new phone. It has a technical aspect, that's why I'm here.
I have a new Pixel 4a 5G. A TMo agent botched the eSIM activation -- sent me a "blank" Apple eSIM that did not work in an Android device -- I had to erase it. Thus I spent those weeks personalizing the phone without an active SIM and, thus, no mobile account, using just the WiFi, believing I can install a eSIM later.
All TMo stores in SF are closed. After I talked to about 4-5 clueless agents, I reached a manager (in the Philippines!) who told me that the only solution is to factory reset the phone and activate an eSIM properly, which means I would have to repeat all that personalization -- I cannot afford that.
1. Isn't there a way to activate a SIM without a reset? Does this hold for both eSIM and physical SIM? I have
an old SIM I could transfer from the old phone.
2. Is all the personalization recoverable from backup? Anything that's lost?
I don't trust TMo anymore and would drop it, but it has the plan that suits me best and in my experience the
other carriers are not much better.
Please advise. Thanks.
FP

Related

[Q] ROM to make smartphone into basic (dumb) phone?

Not even sure how to search for this and tried Google and some other forums, but settled on asking the question here when I couldn't find an answer.
To be specific: I have a Droid Incredible that is left over once a member of family plan upgraded to iPhone. We are on Verizon. Another member of the family plan has a basic phone (enV3) which is breaking so we need a non-data replacement. Since I have this extra Droid, I am trying to understand why we can't use it...
I know that Verizon requires a data package with any smart phone. My understanding of the magic you all do here is limited, but I have a vague thought that it has to do with ESN or MEID that tells Verizon what make & model phone you have, alerting them to the fact that you activated a smartphone on the line, and giving them the signal to slam some charges on the account for monthly data.
My question (finally) is why can't I just flash a ROM on the phone that disables the 3G antenna thing and makes the phone look like a basic phone to Verizon? Ideally I'd like to still have the ability to get on WiFi and use the phone features, just not the 3G data side of it. We already use it as an "iPod" like device. Even though it isn't activated, I can connect to Google Play and Amazon App Store over Wifi and install apps. I can check email. I can play games. I can even dial and get the operator where they say I can make a call if I enter a credit card. Why cant I keep all that functionality I already have and just hook it up to my family plan to make calls with it too? Maybe the answer is that it IS possible, but nobody is interested in creating such a ROM. Maybe there is some technical problem making it not feasible. Or maybe it does exist, but searching couldn't find it cause people rarely want to do such a thing...
I just want to learn why this cant be done, so someone enlighten me. If it actually can be done, all the better. Again, specific details are Droid Incredible on Verizon Wireless family plan.
jmb.filter said:
Not even sure how to search for this and tried Google and some other forums, but settled on asking the question here when I couldn't find an answer.
To be specific: I have a Droid Incredible that is left over once a member of family plan upgraded to iPhone. We are on Verizon. Another member of the family plan has a basic phone (enV3) which is breaking so we need a non-data replacement. Since I have this extra Droid, I am trying to understand why we can't use it...
I know that Verizon requires a data package with any smart phone. My understanding of the magic you all do here is limited, but I have a vague thought that it has to do with ESN or MEID that tells Verizon what make & model phone you have, alerting them to the fact that you activated a smartphone on the line, and giving them the signal to slam some charges on the account for monthly data.
My question (finally) is why can't I just flash a ROM on the phone that disables the 3G antenna thing and makes the phone look like a basic phone to Verizon? Ideally I'd like to still have the ability to get on WiFi and use the phone features, just not the 3G data side of it. We already use it as an "iPod" like device. Even though it isn't activated, I can connect to Google Play and Amazon App Store over Wifi and install apps. I can check email. I can play games. I can even dial and get the operator where they say I can make a call if I enter a credit card. Why cant I keep all that functionality I already have and just hook it up to my family plan to make calls with it too? Maybe the answer is that it IS possible, but nobody is interested in creating such a ROM. Maybe there is some technical problem making it not feasible. Or maybe it does exist, but searching couldn't find it cause people rarely want to do such a thing...
I just want to learn why this cant be done, so someone enlighten me. If it actually can be done, all the better. Again, specific details are Droid Incredible on Verizon Wireless family plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple answer is that changing the ESN of a phone is illegal and will not be talked about on XDA. Can it be done. Maybe but you won't any info here on it. A search for change ESN would have told you this.
Thread closed

[Q] AT&T: How do they recognize IMEI of smartphones?

I'm hoping to get a smartphone (either a Moto-G or Nexus 5) without having to pay for a data plan. Yes, I know there are dozens of topics asking whether or not this can be done; I've read everyone--that's why I'm making this new thread.
There are a lot of different things I see stated on ways to get around AT&T automatic application of expensive data-plans when they detect that you're using a smartphone. Some people have said that all you have to do is turn off 3G Data Use from the menu of the new phone BEFORE inserting a new SIM card, and then insert the old dumphone sim card and everything will work. Some people make vague allusions to changing the IMIE--to which some people claim that's illegal, and others claim AT&T or random clerks at Radio Shack will do this for you upon request. Still others claim that all you need to do is install a "data blocker" program onto the smartphone before switching SIM cards, and it will do the trick.
The basic goal seems to be "hiding" the IMEI number from AT&T.
So, my question: how does AT&T recognize the IMEI number? Will they see it only if the phone is active on their 3G/4G/LTE networks? Or do they see it "through" the normal dumbphone calling networks?
My apologies if this is a stupid question. I really don't know anything about phones are anything about non-PC electronics or software in general. Basically, I'd like a smartphone but refuse to pay an exhorbitant monthly fee for a feature I'd never use (wifi is everywhere I go), and am not in a position where I can switch carriers, and it's like I'm part of a(n evidently sizable) demographic that no one wants to market to.
If times haven't changed too much from when I tried the same thing 2 years ago, you should just be able to request that all data on your line be blocked. I would try calling them before you switch the SIM to the smartphone and ask for all data to be disabled to your line, then swap the SIM. I would also leave the data turned off on the smartphone for good measure. This is basically how I got around your same issue with AT&T, and it doesn't have to necessarily come down to illegally changing the IMEI or "hiding" the IMEI from the carrier. Eventually they'll cross-check your device and figure out it's a smartphone and add your data. But to my knowledge, the adding of the data is all automatically done by computers; so if the system sees that all data is disabled for you, it shouldn't attempt to add anything.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

SM-G970U Refuses to Work on Carrier Network

So, I have an S10e (SM-G970U) that was bought from Verizon a while back. The phone was set up on a Verizon post-paid plan, but was later switched to prepaid. The phone worked fine for months, but about a week ago, the phone randomly stopped making and receiving calls, texts, and the ability to use mobile data. It was taken to Verizon, and they tried "all they could" in their words, which included a new SIM card, resetting network settings, and eventually a factory reset from settings. Nothing seemed to work, and they gave up, claiming it "seemed like a bad antenna." They did call their "tech support" who claimed the most recent Android 11 update supposedly caused an issue with mobile network connection with the Verizon S10e devices, which I haven't heard of, but didn't know. He claimed a reset would fix it.
Since none of that fixed it, it was taken to a shop to be inspected. They claim the phone has nothing wrong with it. So, that, in theory, rules hardware issues out. Their only claim was that when an AT&T SIM was inserted, it was able to connect to the network, but never tried to make any calls due to the SIM not being activated. I assume this is due to someone trying to "help" inserting an activated AT&T SIM into the slot when testing, which I assume ended up installing the carrier branded version of the firmware. They gave a couple possible reasons, but neither seemed to make sense.
Since it had the AT&T bloatware and was working with only AT&T SIMs, I decided to flash both the VZW G970U firmware (the earliest version I could to ensure the supposed "issue" from Verizon support wasn't a problem) and the G970U1 firmware. Both firmware flashes have seemed to have done nothing, as the phone is still having the issue. Most times, it will connect to the Verizon network, but the signal seems to rise and fall quickly (like the bars going from 5 to 1 to 3).. Still no calls, texts, or data, though. I have no idea what's going on, at this point, honestly. Any ideas?
Hardware problem
iBowToAndroid said:
Hardware problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LanGar21 said:
Since none of that fixed it, it was taken to a shop to be inspected. They claim the phone has nothing wrong with it. So, that, in theory, rules hardware issues out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the people it was taken to were competent and did their jobs correctly (one of the best around, according to reviews and carrier recommendation), their diagnostic results show no hardware damage to the phone. Then again, their explanation for the problem was that it had been locked to ATT network (a Verizon bought phone that never had any affiliation with another carrier, aside from Verizon and a month-long stint with Straight Talk). Some idiot she knows that used to work for a Verizon retailer popped his ATT SIM in there, and it flashed ATT firmware.. Their POSSIBLE solution was to try and have it network unlocked from ATT. As we know, though, the IMEI obviously did not change, and the process of confirming the identifier is done on the mobile network level. Therefore, flashing a different carrier's firmware won't do much (permanently), aside from changing the boot screen and bloatware apps. We even tried to explain to the guy that the ATT SIM had never been popped in until after the problem began, as there was no reason to beforehand. I also mentioned I had flashed firmware multiple times before I ever came to him, to no avail. I should've pushed harder, but I had been out all day, frustrated and ready to go home.
It's been over a month since that issue began, and I haven't thought much of it lately.. We've since found her a new phone (and stowed the other one in a drawer). Those guys did blurt some moronic statements.. In hindsight, I'm not too sure I should trust their judgement after hearing what I did. Maybe it was an antenna issue or otherwise hardware, but I sort of assumed if anyone can happen to keep a repair shop open, they'd at least be able to complete the simple tasks fairly easy. I don't know. I'm not paying another repair shop to find out, though.
I had a very similar problem where my phone would just randomly lose all connection for about a minute, then it would reconnect I would start doing whatever I was and it would do it again and this one on for months. I took it to AT&t and they told me to replace the SIM which I did and it didn't work. after a couple updates it fixed itself.

Question PSA: It's looking like the Unlocked Pixel 7/7 Pro & Straight Talk/Tracfone's Verizon BYOP service are not compatible.

If you're using either Straight Talk, or Tracfone with their Verizon SIM, I would avoid the Unlocked Pixel 7 & 7 Pro for right now. I'm not sure if it's the phones themselves, or an issue with the carrier, or a combination of both, but it seems they're not compatible. I got my 7 Pro on Wednesday and tried using my ST Verizon SIM and it wouldn't work. I'm coming from a Oneplus 9 Pro and the SIM works just fine.
I say it could be an issue with either the phone, or with ST/TF because when I contacted Google Support to initiate an exchange, the only phone they would let me order with my RMA was the Google Fi version. I contacted support again about not being able to order the Unlocked version. I sent them a screenshot of my order email and a picture of the phones box with the SKU, all of which pointed to the phone being the Unlocked version. They agreed and I'm now waiting for them to resolve the issue of me not being able to buy the Unlocked version through my RMA request. So maybe there could be an issue on Googles end with the Unlocked version of the pixel 7/7 Pro.
I also say it could be an issue with ST/TF, becasue Verizon has recently bought Tracfone and all of their subsidiaries, Straight Talk being one of them. Because of this, I'm not sure if they've basically merged the services to the point where you would need the Verizon version of the phone in order for it to work. This is just speculation on my part though. I did contact Straight Talk support first, where they checked my IMEI/ICCID numbers, which matched what they were seeing on their end. They also ran me through the usual troubleshooting list, with nothing fixing the issue.
Here's a link to a couple threads with people having the same issue. The first one is one I posted the other day:
https://reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/y2erhe/is_anyone_else_using_a_straight_talk_verizon_sim/
https://reddit.com/r/StraightTalk/comments/y3cq9s/upgrading_to_pixel_7_byop/
If anyone is actually using a Straight Talk/Tracfone Verizon SIM in their P7/P7 Pro, please, leave a comment and let me know how you got it to work..
wellkevi01 said:
If you're using either Straight Talk, or Tracfone with their Verizon SIM, I would avoid the Unlocked Pixel 7 & 7 Pro for right now. I'm not sure if it's the phones themselves, or an issue with the carrier, or a combination of both, but it seems they're not compatible. I got my 7 Pro on Wednesday and tried using my ST Verizon SIM and it wouldn't work. I'm coming from a Oneplus 9 Pro and the SIM works just fine.
I say it could be an issue with either the phone, or with ST/TF because when I contacted Google Support to initiate an exchange, the only phone they would let me order with my RMA was the Google Fi version. I contacted support again about not being able to order the Unlocked version. I sent them a screenshot of my order email and a picture of the phones box with the SKU, all of which pointed to the phone being the Unlocked version. They agreed and I'm now waiting for them to resolve the issue of me not being able to buy the Unlocked version through my RMA request. So maybe there could be an issue on Googles end with the Unlocked version of the pixel 7/7 Pro.
I also say it could be an issue with ST/TF, becasue Verizon has recently bought Tracfone and all of their subsidiaries, Straight Talk being one of them. Because of this, I'm not sure if they've basically merged the services to the point where you would need the Verizon version of the phone in order for it to work. This is just speculation on my part though. I did contact Straight Talk support first, where they checked my IMEI/ICCID numbers, which matched what they were seeing on their end. They also ran me through the usual troubleshooting list, with nothing fixing the issue.
Here's a link to a couple threads with people having the same issue. The first one is one I posted the other day:
https://reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/y2erhe/is_anyone_else_using_a_straight_talk_verizon_sim/
https://reddit.com/r/StraightTalk/comments/y3cq9s/upgrading_to_pixel_7_byop/
If anyone is actually using a Straight Talk/Tracfone Verizon SIM in their P7/P7 Pro, please, leave a comment and let me know how you got it to work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same issue with the phone reading the SIM Data just fine but will not connect to any cell towers, I did a bunch of research and there are several people with this same issue and some report doing a software update on the phone resolved their problem. I have not been as lucky as these people as I still have the issue with my phone.
As for the "Verizon" version of the phone there is no such thing for the P7P as the unlocked version and verizon version are the same model number for the phone which includes the 5G mmWave.
The update takes over an hour so be prepared for that
Anubis366 said:
I am having the same issue with the phone reading the SIM Data just fine but will not connect to any cell towers, I did a bunch of research and there are several people with this same issue and some report doing a software update on the phone resolved their problem. I have not been as lucky as these people as I still have the issue with my phone.
As for the "Verizon" version of the phone there is no such thing for the P7P as the unlocked version and verizon version are the same model number for the phone which includes the 5G mmWave.
The update takes over an hour so be prepared for that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yea, I already tried the update(didn't fix the issue) the other day, and yes, it took over an hour to install.
There are lots of compatibility issues. I tried signing up for eSIM on a bunch of MVNOs and prepaid plans last night and to my amazement the only one that worked was AT&T Prepaid -- and it's not supposed to work with Pixels on the activation portal.
wellkevi01 said:
If you're using either Straight Talk, or Tracfone with their Verizon SIM, I would avoid the Unlocked Pixel 7 & 7 Pro for right now. I'm not sure if it's the phones themselves, or an issue with the carrier, or a combination of both, but it seems they're not compatible. I got my 7 Pro on Wednesday and tried using my ST Verizon SIM and it wouldn't work. I'm coming from a Oneplus 9 Pro and the SIM works just fine.
I say it could be an issue with either the phone, or with ST/TF because when I contacted Google Support to initiate an exchange, the only phone they would let me order with my RMA was the Google Fi version. I contacted support again about not being able to order the Unlocked version. I sent them a screenshot of my order email and a picture of the phones box with the SKU, all of which pointed to the phone being the Unlocked version. They agreed and I'm now waiting for them to resolve the issue of me not being able to buy the Unlocked version through my RMA request. So maybe there could be an issue on Googles end with the Unlocked version of the pixel 7/7 Pro.
I also say it could be an issue with ST/TF, becasue Verizon has recently bought Tracfone and all of their subsidiaries, Straight Talk being one of them. Because of this, I'm not sure if they've basically merged the services to the point where you would need the Verizon version of the phone in order for it to work. This is just speculation on my part though. I did contact Straight Talk support first, where they checked my IMEI/ICCID numbers, which matched what they were seeing on their end. They also ran me through the usual troubleshooting list, with nothing fixing the issue.
Here's a link to a couple threads with people having the same issue. The first one is one I posted the other day:
https://reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/y2erhe/is_anyone_else_using_a_straight_talk_verizon_sim/
https://reddit.com/r/StraightTalk/comments/y3cq9s/upgrading_to_pixel_7_byop/
If anyone is actually using a Straight Talk/Tracfone Verizon SIM in their P7/P7 Pro, please, leave a comment and let me know how you got it to work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel 7 with the Straight Talk Verizon SIM here. Works fine on my Pixel 6.
I also tried the latest Pixel 7 software update, and it did not resolve the issue.
For what it's worth, I just contacted Google support. The representative told me they did not have any reports of this issue yet. I directed them to this post as well as another under the GooglePixel subreddit and one under the StraightTalk subreddit. I submitted all of my information to them and sent screenshots of the SIM not connecting. They are escalating the issue.
jidoohanbaiki said:
Pixel 7 with the Straight Talk Verizon SIM here. Works fine on my Pixel 6.
I also tried the latest Pixel 7 software update, and it did not resolve the issue.
For what it's worth, I just contacted Google support. The representative told me they did not have any reports of this issue yet. I directed them to this post as well as another under the GooglePixel subreddit and one under the StraightTalk subreddit. I submitted all of my information to them and sent screenshots of the SIM not connecting. They are escalating the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just took my phone back to Best Buy. They had some more in stock so I tried another one straight out of the box without doing the update and that one is not reading my SIM and connecting to the towers either..
Google Fi sim has issues for me. Flashed latest Oct factory and BL unlock and root. Let sit overnight and installed sim. Looks like at moment of sim registration to cellular enabling it causes a reboot. Tried a few times and sometimes airplane mode would be on, and no sim (blank) or times just bootloop cycling. Removing sim, bootloop cycling stopped. Then airplane mode, but wifi can be on. So reflash latest again, no root. Same thing happening.
Support still clueless and escalation has begun.
Sim back in my 6a and all is fine.
I do know some data is pushed into system upon a Fi sim insertion been that way since my pixel 3. My local coverage is us cellular which requires a locked BL, but fortunately on Fi it works without a locked BL.
So thought to add, likely we need a immediate G side update...
https://www.reddit.com/r/TotalWireless/comments/xzfacx/pixel_7_pro/
https://www.reddit.com/r/TotalWireless/comments/y405wm/pixel_7_pro_issues/
Same issues with Total by Verizon (Total Wireless, another former tracfone) on my Pixel 7 as well as many others. Multiple sims and another carrier sim verified working in my phone.
Cross-posting this from reddit-
Brief update for everyone in the thread or lurking- Talked to Google support just now.
The tech I spoke explained that this is now a known widespread issue that has been escalated and is "top priority" (his words) for the engineers.
He documented my IMEI and added it to the ongoing ticket. I should be getting a follow-up email sometime in the future when a workaround is found.
I'd recommend calling to do the same ASAP to make sure that they are aware how widespread the issue is.
kkjb said:
Google Fi sim has issues for me. Flashed latest Oct factory and BL unlock and root. Let sit overnight and installed sim. Looks like at moment of sim registration to cellular enabling it causes a reboot. Tried a few times and sometimes airplane mode would be on, and no sim (blank) or times just bootloop cycling. Removing sim, bootloop cycling stopped. Then airplane mode, but wifi can be on. So reflash latest again, no root. Same thing happening.
Support still clueless and escalation has begun.
Sim back in my 6a and all is fine.
I do know some data is pushed into system upon a Fi sim insertion been that way since my pixel 3. My local coverage is us cellular which requires a locked BL, but fortunately on Fi it works without a locked BL.
So thought to add, likely we need a immediate G side update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using it on Fi coming from my Pixel 4 XL. Instead of moving the sim card from my old phone I decided to use eSIM with this one and leave the card in the old one and it's working perfectly.
Excellent news ....for some.
I have many many devices on at any one moment and using the SIM vs eSIM allows me to keep the other non-phone devices on. Yes I could disable eSIM and still leave on. Unfortunately since I also reboot, flash different modules, roms, and in general leave only one as the sim activated device... Honestly if this is now a new thing, disclosure would be nice. No other pixel I've owned requires eSIM only. I will have to rethink my G. Fi future. Fortunately I'm now free of Fi device payments for purchase.
Edit update-- Seems on a Google Fi SIM that was used on my pixels 3, 4a, 4a5g, 6, 6a (2) working just fine...was the problem with 7 pro.
No good answer from Fi CS but they said to use a never used Fi sim. Which I had on hand.
Normal first SIM start and log in, works fine on 7 pro. Removed and now back on my 6a and working correctly. I guess... something is provisioned on carrier/sim/ install?
My answer is likely only helpful for Fi user base.
Total by Verizon (formerly total wireless). Having same issue. Pixel 7 won't connect to network, I've worked with their tech support for the past 18 hours with no luck. At this point I've reverted back to using my old phone and if this doesn't get resolved in the next week or so, I will be returning my pixel 7 as it's no use to me in its current form.
Semi-interesting thing.
I found an old straight talk AT&T SIM so I tried to activate that.
The Straight talk site accepted the SIM card number, but my IMEI was rejected. Either they are flat out saying it is incompatible now or ST has temporarily stopped Pixel 7 devices from attempting to activate until it's fixed. At least they seem to be aware?
Here's the message-
Our system shows that your phone will not work with Straight Talk’s service. Do you have another handset you would like to try? Or you can always check out our phone store to see what's available for purchase.
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Go to prepaidcompare.net and find a new MVNO. All the TracFone brands have gone to hell since Verizon took them over.
I know some will not care to hear this, but it's probably worth posting (for the sake of those readers who might be wondering) that prepaid Verizon is indeed working without issue.
This isn't a vote or an ad for VZW.
I usually go with whatever is least expensive that meets my needs (Red Pocket, Straight Talk, Mint, Google Fi, Visible have all gotten my business at some point) but VZW is the only carrier with decent coverage at my current workplace.
I'm in the same boat of needing Verizon. I plan to check out US Mobile. Good pricing and esim capable (working with P7P, not with P7 right now) alont with a 10 day trial.
reaper000 said:
I know some will not care to hear this, but it's probably worth posting (for the sake of those readers who might be wondering) that prepaid Verizon is indeed working without issue.
This isn't a vote or an ad for VZW.
I usually go with whatever is least expensive that meets my needs (Red Pocket, Straight Talk, Mint, Google Fi, Visible have all gotten my business at some point) but VZW is the only carrier with decent coverage at my current workplace.
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Are you locked or unlocked? Would be nice to know, unlockable device is my requirements. Having another good signal provider for my home would be nice, currently Verizon is one.
I couldn't in the past get Verizon because of the locked part...
reaper000 said:
I know some will not care to hear this, but it's probably worth posting (for the sake of those readers who might be wondering) that prepaid Verizon is indeed working without issue.
This isn't a vote or an ad for VZW.
I usually go with whatever is least expensive that meets my needs (Red Pocket, Straight Talk, Mint, Google Fi, Visible have all gotten my business at some point) but VZW is the only carrier with decent coverage at my current workplace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, US Mobile Warp 5G SIM uses Verizon (and even gets the same priority Verizon postpaid customers get if you use a 5G device unlike Verizon prepaid which is deprioritized to last network priority) and I was even able to activate my eSIM on their service with no problem.
Unfortunately, Verizon sucks here, so the trial is going to go to waste, but I tried a bunch of MVNO and carrier prepaid options and only AT&T Prepaid and US Mobile worked.
kkjb said:
Are you locked or unlocked? Would be nice to know, unlockable device is my requirements. Having another good signal provider for my home would be nice, currently Verizon is one.
I couldn't in the past get Verizon because of the locked part...
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Click to collapse
The Pixel 7 Pro supports all of Verizon's bands including mmWave no matter if you get it locked from them or unlocked elsewhere. Verizon added the Pixel 7 Pro to their database from day one because of that mmWave support.
I might have used the wrong word, I meant can the bootloader be unlocked and multiple devices. My problem with Verizon was imei dependent. Could not use a Verizon sim on multiple devices.

Question Question regarding eSIM

Hello guys. I'm awaiting my eSIM code from my phone provider shortly and I'd like to ask a question (since I'm new to modding eSIM phones) if eSIM is saved in a designated read-only chip.
Example: I'm currently in an unsupported for Google country (where they neither sell Pixels nor support 5G, only VoLTE/WiFi) and would like to flash Calyx into the phone (and also patch ModemFix to unlock 5G capabilities in my country) at some point; Will I lose my eSIM profile? It will cost to retain my number back (10 euros for a new profile). Thank you for your answers!
RemoveKebab said:
Will I lose my eSIM profile?
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Click to collapse
What do you mean by that? Even if wiping your device removes the eSIM number (which it should), can't you just re-enter the number again? These aren't tied to devices, you should be able to use them in as many devices as you want (not simultaneously, of course).
Lada333 said:
What do you mean by that? Even if wiping your device removes the eSIM number (which it should), can't you just re-enter the number again? These aren't tied to devices, you should be able to use them in as many devices as you want (not simultaneously, of course).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure that it's one time code; Once you download it, it's gone. That's what I know.
Another issue is that I can't physically use my sim because it doesn't work anymore, so my option is to go with an esim or a physical card. And I already have physical card in place...
RemoveKebab said:
Pretty sure that it's one time code; Once you download it, it's gone. That's what I know.
Another issue is that I can't physically use my sim because it doesn't work anymore, so my option is to go with an esim or a physical card. And I already have physical card in place...
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Click to collapse
Yup, you seem to be right. Not sure where I got this information from that an eSIM code can be used as many times as you want.
If you know you'll be tinkering with your device a fair bit, I'd recommend you try to use a physical SIM card. Even if there is a way to carry your once registered eSIM through ROMs, should you brick your device at some point or apply an upgrade that wipes your eSIM, you'll be SOL.
That being said, I've not carried an eSIM registration through multiple ROMs, so I'm none the wiser.
Thank you for correcting me on the reusability of eSIM codes though!
Lada333 said:
Yup, you seem to be right. Not sure where I got this information from that an eSIM code can be used as many times as you want.
If you know you'll be tinkering with your device a fair bit, I'd recommend you try to use a physical SIM card. Even if there is a way to carry your once registered eSIM through ROMs, should you brick your device at some point or apply an upgrade that wipes your eSIM, you'll be SOL.
That being said, I've not carried an eSIM registration through multiple ROMs, so I'm none the wiser.
Thank you for correcting me on the reusability of eSIM codes though!
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No problem. That being said, I can order a physical card so I can also manually enable 5G capabilities (because in order to get the 5G patch in place, I have to use a spare 5G certified device by my provider to be able to access 5G speeds, I happen to have spare phones).
And in the future, I'll be switching to eSIM because yeah; idk if it will even stay on the phone after completely wiping it. Initially I thought it's saved in some chip but whoever knows please let me know.

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