SIM Cards and eSIM

What is a SIM?

A SIM (subscriber identity module) identifies the network needed to receive calls, send text messages, or connect to the Internet. It can be different sizes, be a physical card you can insert or remove, or be embedded in the device (eSIM).

The the different SIMs that we offer are:

Regular (also known as standard, mini, or 2FF) is a physical SIM card which can be removed or inserted into a compatible device.
Micro (also known as 3FF) is a physical SIM card which can be removed or inserted into a compatible device.
Nano (also known as 4FF) is a physical SIM card which can be removed or inserted into a compatible device.
eSIM (also known as an MFF2 or embedded SIM) is an electronic, built in SIM card which cannot be removed or inserted into a compatible device. It also requited an EID to be activated and is only available on select devices. Please refer to Bell SIM Cards to see a list of compatible devices.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that’s built into certain mobile devices. It lets you activate a plan with a phone number without needing a physical SIM card. You can activate an eSIM on any eSIM-compatible device with Bell’s postpaid or prepaid plans. Some devices (iPads) have an eSIM (eSIM capable) and a tray for a physical SIM card, but can’t be used as a dual SIM device (physical SIM and eSIM can’t be active at the same time). Other devices, like smartwatches, have only an eSIM. These devices need to be activated first, then a QR code will be provided to complete the set up the device. Please refer to Bell SIM Cards to see a list of compatible devices.

What does Dual SIM mean?

Dual SIM gives you two phone numbers on a single smartphone for calling and texting (SMS and MMS). For example, you can have separate personal and business numbers, or add a second line when travelling internationally.

The two phone numbers can be on the same account, on different accounts, or from different carriers (for example, one line from Bell Mobility and another line from an international carrier).

Dual SIM service is offered through a combination of a physical SIM and an eSIM.

SIMs in unlocked phones

Our customer can use our SIMs in some unlocked phones from other companies as long as they are compatible with the Bell network.

LTE 1700 MHz (AWS) or LTE 700 MHz bands
UMTS/HSPA 850 or 1900 MHz bands.

Device compatibility

Check if your device is compatible with the Bell network by entering your device's 15-digit IMEI number here..

How do I find my IMEI number?

Locating your IMEI number may vary depending on the make and model of your smartphone. However, these general steps will help you find your IMEI number on most devices:

For most users: Dial *#06# from your device, and you'll see your an information page open on your screen.

There should be multiple IMEI's listed on this page:
- For physical SIM activations you are looking for the primary 15-digit IMEI number which will be labeled as IMEI.
- For eSIM activations you are looking for the secondary 15-digit IMEI number which may alternatively be labeled as IMEI 2 or IMEI (eSIM).

How do I find my EID number

Locating your EID number may vary depending on the make and model of your smartphone. However, these general steps will help you find your EID number on most devices:

For most users:

Dial *#06# from your device, and you'll see your an information page open on your screen.
Under the EID section. Your 32-digit EID number should be displayed.

For Android users:

Go to the Settings -> About Phone or About Device
Look for a section named eSIM or SIM Card & Mobile Networks.
Within this section, you should see an option labeled EID or Embedded SIM Identifier.
Tap on this option, and your 32-digit EID number should be displayed.

For iPhone users:

Go to the Settings -> General -> About
Scroll down until you find the EID section. Your 32-digit EID number should be displayed.

If you are unable to locate your EID number using these methods, you can find the EID on the device or packaging. The EID is also in the Watch app for Apple Watch or the Gear app for the Samsung watch.

Setting up eSIM and Dual SIM on iPhone

Once you have activated an eSIM on a Bell Mobility phone number, simply follow the steps below to set up your service. For eSIM BYOD activations on an Apple iPhones or iPads running on iOS 15.0 or higher will now get a push notification to help finish setting up the eSIM. If you have trouble activating the eSIM on your phone using this push notification system or are using an iOS version below 15.0 you can still follow the steps to use the QR code outlined below.

To set up your eSIM, your iPhone must be operating on iOS 13.0 or higher and must be connected to Wi-Fi (or the mobile network).

Go to Settings -> Cellular -> Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
Select Use QR Code.
The Camera application will open. Scan the following QR code and follow the prompts:

Alternatively, you can enter the details manually if needed:

Select Enter Details Manually.
In the SM-DP+ Address field, paste or type:
CUST-011-V4-PROD-ATL2.GDSB.NET
Leave the Activation Code field blank.

Setting up eSIM and Dual SIM on Samsung

Once you have activated an eSIM on a Bell Mobility phone number, simply follow the steps below to set up your service.

To set up your eSIM, your Samsung device must be operating on Android 12.0 or higher and must be connected to Wi-Fi (or the mobile network).

Go to Settings -> Connections -> SIM Card Manager.
Select Add Mobile Plan -> Scan Carrier QR Code.
The Camera application will open. Scan the following QR code and follow the prompts:

Alternatively, you can enter the details manually if needed:

Select Enter Activation Code.
In the Activation Code field, paste or type:
CUST-011-V4-PROD-ATL2.GDSB.NET
Follow the on-screen prompts.

Setting up eSIM and Dual SIM on Google Pixel

Once you have activated an eSIM on a Bell Mobility phone number, simply follow the steps below to set up your service.

To set up your eSIM, your Google Pixel phone must be operating on Android 10 or higher and must be connected to Wi-Fi (or the mobile network).

Go to Settings -> Network & Internet.
Touch SIM's.
Select Download a SIM instead.
Select Next and follow the steps..
Select Activate.

Note: if prompted to confirm your network, select Bell as the network.