SETTING UP ESIM ON APPLE DEVICES.
For a newly purchased device
If an eSIM was reserved on your iPhone or iPad when you bought it from us, turn on your device and follow the initial setup prompts to complete setting up your eSIM.
If you are switching to a new Apple device, follow these instructions to transfer your existing Mobility service.
For a new or existing Mobility line on your own device
If you activated an eSIM on a line on a Virgin Plus phone number, simply follow the steps below to set up your service.
If you are bringing your phone number to Virgin Plus from another carrier, transfer your phone number first.
Setting up eSIM via notification sent to your device
After activating your Virgin Plus mobility line on eSIM, you should receive a notification on your device that says your cellular plan is ready to be installed. Tap on the notification and follow the prompts to set up your eSIM. You can also find the notification by going to Settings on your device.
Setting up eSIM via QR code or activation code
If you did not receive the eSIM notification, follow the instructions below to set up your eSIM. Make sure your Apple device is on iOS 13.0 or above and connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network):
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan)
- Select Use QR Code
- The Camera application will open. Scan the QR code below:
If you are viewing this on your iPhone:
- Copy the SM-DP+ Address: bmc.prod.ondemandconnectivity.com
- Select 'Enter Details Manually',
- Paste it into the "SM-DP+ Address" field. Activation Code field should be left blank.
For more information, watch this YouTube video from Apple: How to set up and use Dual SIM.
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Can I use dual eSIM mode with both lines on my Dual SIM phone?
- Yes, if you have an Apple iPhone 13 or 14 series device or an iPhone SE (3rd generation) you can activate both lines on eSIM.
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What iPhone models are eSIM-compatible?
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and iPhone 11 or later support eSIM.
Note: if your iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro doesn’t have a physical SIM tray (if purchased in the U.S.), you will have to activate with an eSIM.
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Can I transfer my physical SIM to my eSIM or my eSIM to my physical SIM on my iPhone?
- To transfer your physical SIM to an eSIM, manage your SIM settings by logging into My Account or by visiting a Virgin Plus store.
Note: Apple eSIM Quick Transfer is not supported in Canada yet.
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Can I transfer my phone number from my Android device to an eSIM on my new iPhone?
- You can transfer a physical SIM from an Android device to an eSIM on a new iPhone by logging into My Account or by visiting a Virgin Plus store.
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What rate plans are available for the two lines on Dual SIM?
- Either line can be activated on a 2-year smartphone plan or BYOP plan.
- You can choose to have a talk and text plan or talk, text and data plan on either line.
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If I am travelling to Canada from abroad, can I download an eSIM on Virgin’s network?
- Travellers can activate an eSIM with our prepaid plans. You will need an eligible credit card to complete the transaction.
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If I have an eSIM-only iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, can I use it on Virgin's network?
- Yes, you can activate an unlocked eSIM-only iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro on Virgin's network.
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I have two phone numbers with Virgin Plus on two separate devices. Can I move one of my phone numbers to an eSIM so that I have both phone numbers on one smartphone?
- Yes, as long as you have an eSIM-compatible device. You can manage your SIM settings by logging into My Account or by visiting a Virgin Plus store
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Can both lines be connected to the network at the same time?
- Yes, both lines can be connected to the network at all times for voice calling, as well as call waiting alerts if a second call comes in. However, data usage charges may be applicable for simultaneous incoming or outgoing voice calls when using this Apple service.
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How do I set up my Dual SIM device so I can use both lines simultaneously?
There are 4 steps to do this. From your iPhone's settings:
- Ensure your software has been updated to iOS 13.0 or higher.
- Activate the Wi-Fi calling option in Settings> Phone> Wi-Fi Calling, on each of the two lines. For more information on how to set-up this function on your device, see Wi-Fi Calling.
- Select Cellular Data, and then choose a default line (either line 1 or line 2).
- Set Allow Cellular Data Switching to ON, which allows your iPhone to use either line depending on coverage and availability.
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How can I transfer my existing Virgin Plus eSIM to a new Dual SIM iPhone?
- Transfer your existing Virgin Plus eSIM by logging into My Account or by visiting a Virgin Plus store.
- Be ready to provide your current eSIM phone number and the EID of the new Dual SIM device you are transferring to. This can be found on the box or in the settings of the new Dual SIM iPhone by going to Settings > General > About > EID General.
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What happens to my cellular plan if I erase my eSIM?
- If you delete your eSIM, your cellular plan doesn’t get cancelled. You can recover your eSIM by logging in to My Account or by visiting a Virgin Plus store.
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How do I tell which phone number I'm using?
- The default labels for each of the lines are named "Primary" and "Secondary" respectively. In the "Cellular Settings" (or “Mobile Data”) of your iPhone, you can create your own labels for each line. For example, you can name your lines "Work" or "Personal" or something else.
- Use these labels when you choose which phone number to use for making or receiving calls and text messages, to designate a number for cellular data, and to assign a number to your contacts so you know which number you will use when calling or texting them.
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If I have a data plan on both lines, which data plan will I use and therefore be billed for?
- Both lines can support data plans; however, only one number at a time can use cellular data. If you want your iPhone to use cellular data from both plans, depending on coverage and availability, turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching.
- The data usage will come out from the set preferred line you assign in your iPhone's Cellular Settings. You can choose to toggle on your other line within those settings at any time. For example, during work hours, you can use the data from your "Work" line, and after work you can switch to your "Personal" line. For details, please see the Apple support page.
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Can I use data while on a call?
- Yes, if you turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching, then while you're on a voice call using your voice-only number, that number will switch to use voice and data. This lets you use both voice and data while on the call.
- However, if you turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching and you make a call using a voice number that isn't your designated cellular data number, then cellular data won't work while you're on the call.
- You can also access Wi-Fi on either line regardless of which line you have selected.
To learn more about changing your cellular data number, see Apple support page.
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How will I be billed for voice and messaging?
- Voice and messaging are calculated according to the rate plan of the line used for each activity. With Dual SIM, you have the choice of which line's phone number to use for each call and text. Note: data charges may apply during simultaneous voice calls.
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What happens when I roam?
- Just as you can choose which line to call, message or use data from, while in Canada, you can do the same while you roam.
Heads-up: you will receive your roaming notifications from Virgin Plus for both lines in the same message thread. It's important to pay attention to the line indicator (Line 1 or Line 2) in the message thread so you can tell which line you are using for roaming, especially if you have different roaming features on each line.
- Data roaming charges may be incurred if both lines are used for simultaneous voice calling.
- Just as you can choose which line to call, message or use data from, while in Canada, you can do the same while you roam.
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Will E9-1-1 and T9-1-1 work on both lines?
- Both lines have the capability to dial 9-1-1. Where E9-1-1 is available, the caller's number and approximate location will be provided, regardless of the line used.
- Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on both lines has implications to 9-1-1 calls. If you are in a situation where you need to call 9-1-1 from Line 1, your phone then disconnects and you get another call on Line 2, you will not receive a notification that the 9-1-1 operator called you back.
- For T9-1-1, each line needs to be registered separately. Register for T9-1-1.
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How do I access my voicemail with Dual SIM on an iPhone?
The voicemail message waiting indicator represented as a red dot on your voicemail icon, shows that you have an unheard voicemail message from your primary line. The secondary line will not have a voicemail message waiting indicator.
To check for voicemail messages on your secondary line:
- Change the dial pad to the secondary line.
- Press and hold the 1 key to access your secondary line's voicemail.
- If a password has been set, you may be asked to enter it.
Or, you can change the primary line on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line to change your primary line.
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How can I delete my iPhone/iPad eSIM?
If you want to return, replace, recycle or dispose your device, you may want to delete your eSIM after you cancel or transfer your mobility service to a different device.
Follow steps below to delete your eSIM from your Apple device:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Select the eSIM you want to delete.
- Select Delete eSIM.
- Select Update Contacts to clear the eSIM data from your phone.