June 21, 2023
If you purchased an iPhone 14 model in the United States, your iPhone activates with an eSIM.How to Get a GCI eSIM
Residential customers
Online: Choose a GCI unlimited mobile plan and check out online. A GCI representative will contact you to complete your order and we’ll email you a GCI eSIM to activate your iPhone.
Contact Us: You can also call or visit a GCI store and we’ll take care of the rest.
Business customers
You can call our support team and we’ll take care of the rest.
How to Activate Your eSIM
1. Connect your iPhone to WiFi, or another cellular-connected device’s hotspot.
2. You will see a pop-up notification that says, "Finish Cellular Setup."
3. Select the pop-up to begin the activation process.
If you did not receive a pop-up or accidentally dismissed the notification, follow the below steps to start the activation process.
1. Open Settings > Cellular to select "Set Up Cellular."
2. When prompted, select "Set Up eSIM" to install your GCI eSIM. It may take up to five minutes for the eSIM to install.
3. You will see a confirmation message when your eSIM is installed.
QR Code Activation
1. Connect your iPhone to WiFi or another cellular connected device's hotspot.
2. Open the Camera app.
3. Point the camera at the QR code to scan.
4. Click Continue on the Install Cellular Plan screen.
5. Click Add Cellular Plan on the Add Cellular Plan screen.
6. Click Settings from the home screen.
7. Click Cellular.
8. The plan will show with a status of Activating.
9. In a few moments, after the activation has completed, Cellular Plans should show as "On."
10. Your settings will now show GCI as your active Carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. With eSIM, you can quickly and easily transfer an existing cellular plan or get a new cellular plan, all digitally. You can even store multiple eSIMs on the same device and use two phone numbers at the same time. And it’s more secure — someone can’t remove the physical SIM card if your iPhone is lost or stolen. In just a few simple steps, you are ready to make calls, send messages, and browse the web.
Which iPhone models support eSIM?
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. If you purchased an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro model, your iPhone does not have a physical SIM tray, and will only activate with an eSIM.
How do I activate a GCI eSIM on iPhone?
Activating an eSIM on iPhone is easy. GCI supports eSIM Carrier Activation, where GCI assigns you an eSIM to your iPhone digitally at the time of purchase or if you call for an eSIM. Choose a GCI mobile plan and check out online. A GCI rep will contact you to complete your order and we’ll email you a GCI eSIM to activate your iPhone.
You can also call or visit a GCI store and we’ll take care of the rest.
You can learn more about eSIM on iPhone here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212780.
How do I move my phone number from my Android device to an eSIM on my new iPhone 14?
If you’re switching to iPhone, simply choose your desired iPhone model, and check out online. A GCI rep will contact you to complete your order and we’ll email you a GCI eSIM to activate your iPhone.
Are all GCI customers able to use an eSIM on iPhone?
Yes. GCI Prepaid customers can also now use eSIM capable devices.
How do I get a GCI eSIM if I am not purchasing my iPhone from GCI?
Activating an eSIM on iPhone is easy. GCI supports eSIM Carrier Activation, where GCI assigns you an eSIM to your iPhone digitally at the time of purchase or if you call for an eSIM. Choose a GCI mobile plan and check out online. A GCI rep will contact you to complete your order and we’ll email you a GCI eSIM to activate your iPhone.
You can also call or visit a GCI store and we’ll take care of the rest.
How do I know if my iPhone is unlocked?
1. Go to Settings > General, and tap About.
2. Under Carrier Lock, you should see a message that says "No SIM restrictions."
If you don't see that message, contact your current carrier.
Will activating an eSIM lock my iPhone to GCI?
Your devices lock status is not impacted by the use of an eSIM. For information about GCI lock policy, please visit https://www.gci.com/regulatory/mobile-device-unlocking
What should I do if my iPhone is lost or stolen with an active eSIM?
If your iPhone with an active eSIM is lost or stolen, please contact GCI.
What happens to my cellular plan if I erase my eSIM?
If you delete your eSIM, your cellular plan has not been cancelled. To receive a new eSIM please contact GCI.
Can I still use my GCI eSIM if I travel internationally?
Yes. GCI’s Apex and Summit Unlimited plans include unlimited Canada and Mexico calling and 5GB of data. To view our international roaming rates for all other plans and countries visit https://www.gci.com/mobile/international-roaming-rates.
If I am traveling to the US from abroad, can I download a local eSIM on GCI’s network?
Activating an eSIM on iPhone is easy. GCI supports eSIM Carrier Activation, where GCI assigns you an eSIM to your iPhone digitally at the time of purchase or if you call for an eSIM. Choose a GCI mobile plan and check out online. A GCI rep will contact you to complete your order and we’ll email you a GCI eSIM to activate your iPhone.
What is Dual SIM?
Dual SIM allows users to use two phone numbers at the same time. For example, you can use one number for business and another number for personal. Or you can add a local data plan when you travel outside of the country or region. You can learn more about Dual SIM with an eSIM here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044