Hello. Based in part on discussions on this site, I purchased an Orange eSim for a trip to France. I have an iphone. I'm confused about the following and would appreciate some help: (1) imessaging: The holiday plan I bought includes voice and data. From prior discussions, I see that during setup, I will be asked if I want to use my new French phone number for imessaging. Some have said the answer should be "no." Shouldn't it be "yes" so I can get texts on my new phone number? I absolutely do not want to toggle between my home sim and the esim, to avoid Verizon charges. Have prior posters said "no" so that messages can come through on my US phone number? I'm so confused. If I need to access sites/apps with 2 factor authentication that sends texts to my US number, will I see texts to my US phone number if I connect imessages to my frnech phone number? (2) whatsapp. I think whatsapp will work as normal even though my US cell service will be off. Is that correct? (3) the Orange instructions for iPhone installation don't seem to match my current iphone 13; my phone shows an "add eSIM" link -- which takes me to a screen where I can choose "scan QR code." Has this worked for you? (4) Apple's instructions for adding an eSim end with "And now, remove your physical sim card." Is this necessary? Orange doesn't include that instruction. (5) When the plane lands, I turn off airplane mode, insert Orange PIN when asked, and I'll be set -- Is that correct? Do I have to restart the phone? THANKS SO MUCH from this tech-dumbie.
Posted by
Connecticut
612 posts
1 - if you say yes (to the new phone number) then you will need to supply that French number to anyone that you want to text you using that number. You will automatically receive iMessages from iPhone to iPhone due to its built in technology as long as you have a data connection whether it be sim, eSIM, WiFi, etc.
2 - WhatsApp will work as long as you have a data connection. The two factor authentication access is driven by how you’ve chosen to receive it. If your U.S. number is not active then you are unlikely to receive what you’re looking for. I’ve included email as an option in that process when possible to guarantee the ability to do so.
3 - when installing an eSIM you may need to follow the steps you’ve outlined in #3 where you may have to scan a QCR code. It depends on what method the carrier has provided. Mine has provided a download or a scan code option.
4 - you absolutely do not have to or need to remove your Verizon SIM card. If you want to guarantee that you do not accidentally use your Verizon SIM card then you can remove it. But that’s not necessary. You will need to ensure that it is not active by toggling it off or at least toggling the eSIM on. Technology varies greatly. For my iPhones 11 and 13 mini toggling one disengages the other.
5 - follow the instructions that Orange has provided for setting up you eSIM. Additionally follow the instructions that you know are necessary to insure that you using the proper connectivity. So, no, it may not be that simple.
Unless you’ve had issues installing the eSIM it is rare to have to reboot your phone. I used an Orange eSIM global in Oct/Nov with no issues.
Posted by
Connecticut
612 posts
I’m sure that others have more experiences and better details. I’m not tech savvy but I rarely have someone else handle my sim and eSIM installations or settings.
Posted by
TX, USA
4117 posts
raymonelee has given you the same answers I would. I will just add my comments to reinforce his good explanations.
(1) You do not need (and should not) change messaging to your French number. By having and using the Orange eSim, you will not receive texts to your home number. But you CAN receive iMessages.
Most importantly for you - you will NOT receive the two-factor authentication text codes, if you do not have your Verizon cell plan (sim) turned on. This is an on-going difficulty. If you DO turn it on in order to receive the code text, you will pay whatever rate Verizon has (whether it is a per day charge or what). No way I have heard of around this.
I would love to be able to use email for this but so far my most important account (thanks, Citibank) will not use email.
(2) WhatsApp will use data or WiFi via your regular cell phone number (think of that as a log in name). No need to change it.
(3) I have used Orange Holiday twice and received a QR code via email. I open the email on my iPad and scan it with my phone.
(4) Agree - do not bother removing your physical sim. Yes, follow Orange directions.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you so much Raymonelee and Texastravelmom. Yes, I have received the QR code from Orange and intend to follow their instructions; just was puzzled by the way the Orange illustrations don't match my iphone 13... I tend to not distinguish between imessages and texts, so that may have made my initial question confusing. I understand now that I can get TEXTS from, for example, my French cousins to whom I've given my Orange phone number, without choosing to change imessaging to the orange number. Imessages to my home number will appear on my phone but I won't answer them : )... So is it correct that imessages from my Frnech cousins to my Orange number will also appear on the same Messages screen? hmmm. Happy New Year!
Posted by
Connecticut
612 posts
You can respond to any text messages that you receive. Without your iPhone number being active on your Verizon plan you may not receive messages from other types of cell phones - google, android, etc. iPhones have that unique iMessage service that permits iPhone device to iPhone device text reception. Also you can respond to all of the WhatsApp messages that you receive.
There will be your standard text message screen (for any phone number) and also your WhatsApp message screen.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you, Ramonelee.