What is an Embedded SIM Card (eSIM)?
An embedded SIM (eSIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate your Republic Wireless 5.0 Plan without having to use a physical SIM.
Why should I use an eSIM?
Using an eSIM makes it much easier to manage your plan and eSIM-compatible devices
- They can be updated with new features over the air so that you’ll always have the latest SIM technology
- They help improve reliability and the security of your network
- They let you skip the hassle of having to get a replacement card. eSIMs can be downloaded directly to your phone.
How do I use an eSIM?
Before changing to an eSIM, make sure your device is updated, connected to WiFi, and your physical SIM card has been removed.
Requirements:
- eSIM is only supported by iPhones at this time. iPhones included are: XS, XR, 11, 12, 12, and SE (2nd and 3rd generations). For iPhone 14, using an eSIM is required to activate.
- For Android phones and older iPhones, you will need a physical SIM card. Your SIM can be activated once you receive your shipment from us. (Republic Wireless by DISH does not yet support eSIM on Android.
- You will need to provide your new phone's IMEI number
New Republic Wireless Customers
- Sign in to the Activation Portal
- Prepare your device:
- Make sure your phone isn’t carrier locked
- Know your current wireless carrier information
- Know your transfer PIN
- Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM and is on the latest software version
- Start the activation process by pressing “Get Started”
- Press “Activate eSIM” when prompted for your type of SIM card
- Activate your line by following the on-screen steps:
- Connect your phone to a WiFi network
- If you cannot connect to a WiFi network, please do not submit an activation request. Your phone will stop working until you can connect to WiFi.
- Locate and enter your phone’s IMEI number
- An easy shortcut to your IMEI is to dial *#06# as if you were making a phone call
- Press “Continue”
- Connect your phone to a WiFi network
- Choose your phone number:
- Select “Keep my number” to transfer an existing number
- Select “Choose a new number” to start fresh!
- Press “Continue”
- Press “Submit Activation” once you’ve reviewed everything
- On your phone, select the push notification asking you to finish setting up your plan
- Press “Continue” on the "Install Cellular Plan" page
- Confirm your phone is activating by going to Settings → Cellular
- Once the eSIM has been paired with the phone successfully, Republic Wireless by DISH will appear as your cellular carrier
- Confirm your eSIM is active by going to Settings → General → About → and scrolling down to the eSIM section
- Set the new Republic eSIM line as "primary" for data and voice unless it is the second line on your phone
- Remove any old physical SIM from the phone (if applicable)
- Make a test call to ensure that everything is working correctly with the new eSIM line
If you need additional help, please call us at 866-550-9843.
Legacy Customers
- eSIM is only available on new lines on Republic Wireless 5.0 Plans.
- If you have a supported iPhone and would like to switch to eSIM, you will need to change to a 5.0 Plan using a physical SIM first. After that, you will be able to switch to eSIM using the steps below to transfer your number to eSIM.
- If you need additional help, please call us at 866-550-9843.
Transfer Number to eSIM for Existing 5.0 Line with Same Device
- Prepare your device:
- Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM and is on the latest software version
- Enable WiFi and keep it enabled until activation is complete
- Sign in to your account
- Press “My Account”
- Press “My Lines” tab on the left side
- Locate the phone card you are wanting to transfer to eSIM
- Select “Manage Line”
- Select “Upgrade Phone” tab
- Locate “Bring Your Own Device” section
- Select “Change Phone”
- Locate eSIM (iPhone Only) section
- Press the “Transfer to eSIM WiFi connected iPhone” button
- Enter IMEI into the IMEI field
- Press the “Continue” button
- Review your information and press “Submit Activation” button
- A “Transfer in progress!” screen will appear
- On your phone, select the notification asking you to finish setting up your plan
- Press “Continue” on the "Install Cellular Plan" page
- Confirm your phone is activating by going to Settings → Cellular
- Once the eSIM has been paired with the phone successfully, Republic Wireless by DISH will appear as your cellular carrier
- Confirm your eSIM is active by going to Settings → General → About → and scroll down to the eSIM section
- Set the new Republic eSIM line as "primary" for data and voice unless it is the second line on your phone
- Remove any old physical SIM from the phone (if applicable)
- Make a test call to ensure that everything is working correctly with the new eSIM line
If you need additional help, please call us at 866-550-9843.
Transfer Number to eSIM for Existing 5.0 Line with New Device
- Prepare your new device:
- Make sure your phone isn’t carrier locked if bringing from another carrier or bought from a third party
- Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM and is on the latest software version
- Enable WiFi and keep it enabled until activation is complete
- Sign in to your account
- Press “My Account”
- Press “My Lines” tab on the left side
- Locate the phone card you are wanting to transfer to eSIM
- Select “Mange Line”
- Select “Upgrade Phone” tab
- Locate “Bring Your Own Device” section
- Select “Change Phone”
- Locate eSIM (iPhone Only) section
- Press the “Transfer to eSIM WiFi connected iPhone” button
- Enter IMEI into the IMEI field
- Press the “Continue” button
- Press “Submit Activation” button once you’ve reviewed everything
- A “Transfer in progress!” screen will appear
- On your phone, select the push notification asking you to finish setting up your plan
- Press “Continue” on the “Install Cellular Plan” page
- Confirm your phone is activating by going to Settings → Cellular
- Once the eSIM has been paired with the phone successfully, Republic Wireless by DISH will appear as your cellular carrier
- Confirm your eSIM is active by going to Settings → General → About → and scroll down to the eSIM section
If you need additional help, please call us at 866-550-9843.