We have introduced the eSIM feature as a 'beta' release in the LightOS v550 update for the Light Phone III. The feature is working quite well, but given that we are still pending some carrier certifications and have not had extensive testing across a wide variety of carriers, especially internationally, we are designating as a 'beta' feature for now.
How to Activate an eSIM
- Please connect your Light Phone III to wifi to ensure a smooth process.
- Go to Settings > Account & Info > Device Info > SIMs > eSIM (beta) > Add eSIM
- You will be prompted to either scan the QR code from your carrier or manually enter the code
- The screen will show "adding..." as it attempts to activate the SIM. This may take up to a few minutes.
- Once complete you will see a screen confirming that it was success or if the activation failed.
Setting up eSIM on Noble Mobile
Nobile Mobile's Light plan uses eSIM exclusively. To activate your plan, go to the Noble Mobile site.
Verizon eSIM is Not Yet Compatible
Note - the eSIM feature is NOT yet working with Verizon, pending certification. We're sorry for this inconvenience.
Setting up eSIM on T-Mobile or AT&T
While we have had success testing this feature on both of these carriers, there are a few caveats, mostly that the carriers will not automatically recognize the Light Phone III yet and you may need to select "Android" device from a menu or manually enter the IMEI or EID of another device, like your old smartphone. Despite this hack, it has been overall working, but again, this feature is still in beta testing. We apologize for not having the certifications in place yet to have this be more seamless.
Setting up eSIM on Light Service Plan
The eSIM feature is not yet available for the Light service plan, but we are building out the feature in the service plan portal and will release that early in the new year. For now you can activate the physical SIM that shipped with the phone or request a new SIM.
How to Change Default Settings for SIMs
If you have multiple SIMs, either eSIM + physical SIM, or two or more eSIMs, you can use the "Change defaults" settings to decide which SIM you'd like to use for mobile data, calls and SMS respectively.
Go to Settings > Account & Info > SIMs > Change defaults to then select which SIM you'd like to use for each of these options.
How to Disable or Delete an eSIM
- Go to Settings > Account & Info > Device Info > SIMs > eSIM (beta) > click on the eSIM you'd like to disable or delete.
- You will see the current status of the eSIM (i.e. "currently enabled") and then have the option to Disable or Delete that SIM.
Sharing Feedback
Since this is a 'beta' feature, we'd love to hear about your experience trying to set up and activate an eSIM using the Light Phone III. If you'd like to share this feedback with us, please email support@thelightphone.com with details about the experience. If it worked as expected, please just let us know the carrier and region if international. If it did not work, it be great if you'd share a step-by-step detail of what actions you tried and where exactly it failed in the set up process - as well as any details about whether this was online or in store and which carrier you used. Thank you for your help with getting this feature fully live in the near future!