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Using eSIM for new lines on 5.0 (iPhone only)

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
  1. Sign in to the Activation Portal
  2. Prepare your device:
    1. Make sure your phone isn’t carrier locked
    2. Know your current wireless carrier information
    3. Know your transfer PIN
    4. Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM and is on the latest software version
  3. Start the activation process by pressing “Get Started”
  4. Press “Activate eSIM” when prompted for your type of SIM card
  5. Activate your line by following the on-screen steps:
    1. Connect your phone to a WiFi network
      1. 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.
    2. Locate and enter your phone’s IMEI number
      1. An easy shortcut to your IMEI is to dial *#06# as if you were making a phone call
    3. Press “Continue”
  6. Choose your phone number:
    1. Select “Keep my number” to transfer an existing number
    2. Select “Choose a new number” to start fresh!
    3. Press “Continue”
  7. Press “Submit Activation” once you’ve reviewed everything
  8. On your phone, select the push notification asking you to finish setting up your plan
  9. Press “Continue” on the "Install Cellular Plan" page
  10. Confirm your phone is activating by going to Settings → Cellular
  11. Once the eSIM has been paired with the phone successfully, Republic Wireless by DISH will appear as your cellular carrier
  12. Confirm your eSIM is active by going to Settings → General → About → and scrolling down to the eSIM section
    1. Set the new Republic eSIM line as "primary" for data and voice unless it is the second line on your phone
    2. Remove any old physical SIM from the phone (if applicable)
    3. 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
  1. Prepare your device:
    1. Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM and is on the latest software version
    2. Enable WiFi and keep it enabled until activation is complete
  2. Sign in to your account
  3. Press “My Account”
  4. Press “My Lines” tab on the left side
  5. Locate the phone card you are wanting to transfer to eSIM
    1. Select “Manage Line”
  6. Select “Upgrade Phone” tab
  7. Locate “Bring Your Own Device” section
    1. Select “Change Phone”
  8. Locate eSIM (iPhone Only) section
    1. Press the “Transfer to eSIM WiFi connected iPhone” button
  9. Enter IMEI into the IMEI field
    1. Press the “Continue” button
  10. Review your information and press “Submit Activation” button
  11. A “Transfer in progress!” screen will appear
  12. On your phone, select the notification asking you to finish setting up your plan
  13. Press “Continue” on the "Install Cellular Plan" page
  14. Confirm your phone is activating by going to Settings → Cellular
  15. Once the eSIM has been paired with the phone successfully, Republic Wireless by DISH will appear as your cellular carrier
  16. Confirm your eSIM is active by going to Settings → General → About → and scroll down to the eSIM section
    1. Set the new Republic eSIM line as "primary" for data and voice unless it is the second line on your phone
    2. Remove any old physical SIM from the phone (if applicable)
    3. 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
  1. Prepare your new device:
    1. Make sure your phone isn’t carrier locked if bringing from another carrier or bought from a third party
    2. Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM and is on the latest software version
    3. Enable WiFi and keep it enabled until activation is complete
  2. Sign in to your account
  3. Press “My Account”
  4. Press “My Lines” tab on the left side
  5. Locate the phone card you are wanting to transfer to eSIM
    1. Select “Mange Line”
  6. Select “Upgrade Phone” tab
  7. Locate “Bring Your Own Device” section
    1. Select “Change Phone”
  8. Locate eSIM (iPhone Only) section
    1. Press the “Transfer to eSIM WiFi connected iPhone” button
  9. Enter IMEI into the IMEI field
    1. Press the “Continue” button
  10. Press “Submit Activation” button once you’ve reviewed everything
  11. A “Transfer in progress!” screen will appear
  12. On your phone, select the push notification asking you to finish setting up your plan
  13. Press “Continue” on the “Install Cellular Plan” page
  14. Confirm your phone is activating by going to Settings → Cellular
  15. Once the eSIM has been paired with the phone successfully, Republic Wireless by DISH will appear as your cellular carrier
  16. 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.

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