Enterprise activation via EID (aka eSIM) - requires total iOS wipe to work? Unacceptable!

Hi everyone,


We're an enterprise customer, we activate iPhones via EID, no physical SIM. It appears that the ONLY way to get the eSIM activated is the wipe the device - clearly the eSIM is being delivered to the device as part of the iOS activation process and that's just nuts.


Am I missing something, please! Do tell me I'm!


Before the simple move of physical SIM would transfer the cellular subscription, phone number to the new device. No iOS erase was required. Now that's no longer possible with EID


I'm talking about the screens below which can only be triggered by erasing the device. Is there anyway NOT to do that. Have you found a way to activate eSIM on an existing iPhone without having to erase it?


Thank you



Posted on Jul 6, 2023 2:54 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 6, 2023 8:02 PM

When it comes to enterprise activation via EID, the process usually involves provisioning the necessary credentials and settings onto the device's eSIM profile. This can be done either by scanning a QR code provided by the enterprise or by manually entering the required information.


Enterprise activation typically does not require wiping the entire iOS system. Instead, the activation process is usually performed within the device's settings, specifically in the "Cellular" or "Mobile Data" section. This allows for the provisioning of enterprise-specific network settings, security configurations, and other relevant parameters without impacting the rest of the iOS system or user data.


It's worth noting that the exact steps and requirements for enterprise activation via EID can vary depending on the specific enterprise solution or mobile device management (MDM) platform used. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the documentation or support resources provided by your enterprise or MDM provider for detailed instructions on how to activate enterprise services via eSIM without requiring a full iOS wipe.

Probably your have an MDM profile on your device.



Profile options will exist, only if any profile is installed by your corporate / organization/enterprise / School Management then please contact the system administrator of your corporate / organization/enterprise / School Management


  1. Is this your corporate iPhone? Then please contact the system administrator of your corporate
  2. If it is your personal device, in that case, do you have any profile installed by your corporate/organization/enterprise/School Management?
    1. Erase the profile added by you If you have installed a profile on your own --> Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone - Apple ...
    2. Or please contact the system administrator of the organization who provided the profile to you


This depends on the enterprise or your device settings...

  • The iPhone is enrolled in a mobile device management (MDM) solution that requires a total iOS wipe before the EID can be activated.
  • The iPhone is jailbroken, which can prevent the EID from being activated.



Find out which wireless carriers in your country or region offer cellular plans on an eSIM, either activated by eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, or other activation methods. Many carriers also support eSIM activation on prepaid plans, if you want to use a local line while traveling internationally. Worldwide service providers also offer eSIM plans in over 190 countries and regions to use while at home or when you travel. If your iPhone is unlocked, you can also use eSIM plans offered by other carriers.


  • Wireless carriers that support eSIM Quick Transfer
  • Wireless carriers that support other eSIM activation methods
  • Wireless carriers that support eSIM activation on prepaid plans for international travelers
  • Worldwide service providers



Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

  1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
  2. Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone. ... 
  3. Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer.

More items...


About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 6, 2023 8:02 PM in response to Boyan160

When it comes to enterprise activation via EID, the process usually involves provisioning the necessary credentials and settings onto the device's eSIM profile. This can be done either by scanning a QR code provided by the enterprise or by manually entering the required information.


Enterprise activation typically does not require wiping the entire iOS system. Instead, the activation process is usually performed within the device's settings, specifically in the "Cellular" or "Mobile Data" section. This allows for the provisioning of enterprise-specific network settings, security configurations, and other relevant parameters without impacting the rest of the iOS system or user data.


It's worth noting that the exact steps and requirements for enterprise activation via EID can vary depending on the specific enterprise solution or mobile device management (MDM) platform used. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the documentation or support resources provided by your enterprise or MDM provider for detailed instructions on how to activate enterprise services via eSIM without requiring a full iOS wipe.

Probably your have an MDM profile on your device.



Profile options will exist, only if any profile is installed by your corporate / organization/enterprise / School Management then please contact the system administrator of your corporate / organization/enterprise / School Management


  1. Is this your corporate iPhone? Then please contact the system administrator of your corporate
  2. If it is your personal device, in that case, do you have any profile installed by your corporate/organization/enterprise/School Management?
    1. Erase the profile added by you If you have installed a profile on your own --> Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone - Apple ...
    2. Or please contact the system administrator of the organization who provided the profile to you


This depends on the enterprise or your device settings...

  • The iPhone is enrolled in a mobile device management (MDM) solution that requires a total iOS wipe before the EID can be activated.
  • The iPhone is jailbroken, which can prevent the EID from being activated.



Find out which wireless carriers in your country or region offer cellular plans on an eSIM, either activated by eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, or other activation methods. Many carriers also support eSIM activation on prepaid plans, if you want to use a local line while traveling internationally. Worldwide service providers also offer eSIM plans in over 190 countries and regions to use while at home or when you travel. If your iPhone is unlocked, you can also use eSIM plans offered by other carriers.


  • Wireless carriers that support eSIM Quick Transfer
  • Wireless carriers that support other eSIM activation methods
  • Wireless carriers that support eSIM activation on prepaid plans for international travelers
  • Worldwide service providers



Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

  1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
  2. Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone. ... 
  3. Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer.

More items...


About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)

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Enterprise activation via EID (aka eSIM) - requires total iOS wipe to work? Unacceptable!

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