Shaw Mobile: About eSIM

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Shaw Mobile supports eSIM technology for compatible iOS and Android devices. Embedded SIM or eSIM, is a tiny programmable (and re-writable) digital SIM card that is built into a phone and replaces a physical SIM card with a QR code that allows your device to connect to the Shaw Mobile network.

Advantages of eSIM

Aside from making it faster and easier to activate your service, using an eSIM will also let you:

Use multiple phone numbers, such as a business line and a personal line on one phone
- With an eSIM you can add, delete, and configure your services right from your phone’s settings instead of physically removing and swapping a physical SIM card.
Get waterproof phones with bigger phone batteries
- Since eSIMs are built into the phones themselves, they take up less space than a traditional removable SIM slot, which means that it’s easier for manufacturers to design waterproof phones or phones with bigger batteries.

Device Compatibility

Use our Device Compatibility Checker to confirm if a phone is eSIM-compatible. Shaw Mobile does not currently support Apple Watch or other LTE-connected wearable devices.

Setting up an eSIM

The fastest and easiest way to switch to eSIM is via My Shaw Mobile. We recommend using a desktop rather than a phone to complete the eSIM swap. To move an eSIM from one device to a new eSIM device, you'll need to follow the same steps listed below:

After logging in, select Plan & Device Details
Click on Manage SIM/eSIM
Select eSIM and enter your phone's IMEI number to check compatibility with this feature. Once confirmed the option to generate an eSIM will be made available.
Scan the eSIM QR Code to complete eSIM setup. The steps to scan the QR code will vary based on the device you are using.

To find your IMEI (serial number):

On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down to find IMEI/MEID or Serial Number
On Android:
- Option 1: Open Settings and type IMEI into the search field
- Option 2: Open Settings > About Phone

eSIM Setup via QR Code on iOS

From the Home Screen, tap Settings
Tap Cellular
Tap Add Cellular Plan
Scan the QR Code
Tap Add Cellular Plan
Tap Continue
Select your preferred line and tap Continue

Note: Shaw Mobile does not currently support eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone.

eSIM Setup via QR Code on Android

Open Settings
Tap Network & Internet
Tap Mobile Network
Tap the + Add more
Tap Download a SIM instead
Tap Next
Scan the QR Code
Tap Activate

eSIM Setup via QR Code on Samsung

Open Settings
Tap Connections
Tap SIM Card Manage
Tap Add Mobile Plan
Tap Scan Carrier QR Code
Scan the QR code

Disclaimer: Your QR code is valid for one phone only and cannot be reused on additional phones. Shaw Mobile is not responsible for lost or stolen eSIM QR codes. Please keep a copy for your records. If you require a new eSIM or an additional printed QR code, charges may apply. eSIM is only supported on compatible phones that have been certified with Shaw Mobile and our manufacturer partners. eSIM QR codes may activate on unsupported phones.

About Dual SIM

Dual SIM is cellular technology that allows phones with multiple SIMs to manage two cellular services.

If you are using an eSIM compatible device, you can make and receive calls using both numbers. If you are on a call with one number, incoming calls on the other number will be forwarded according to your Call Forwarding settings (set to Voicemail by default).

To keep track of both numbers you can create your own labels for each phone number, like Work and Personal.

For example, in your phone’s Dialer app, you may be able to choose which number you are using to call out but this may differ based on your phone’s manufacturer and software. Learn more about managing your device profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are eSIM QR Codes safe?

The phone is authenticated when the QR Code is scanned. Invalid or potentially malicious QR Codes are rejected. Please ensure you are following the correct process for downloading and setting up an eSIM on your phone.

What happens if I lose my QR Code?

Losing your QR Code or Activation Code should be treated the same as losing a physical SIM card. If you have not scanned your QR Code into a device yet, anyone that finds it and scans it would be able to use your Shaw Mobile service.

How can I replace a lost QR code?

Your QR Code is available in My Shaw Mobile. You can also retrieve it by visiting a Shaw Mobile retail location.

Can I scan more than one QR Code on the same phone?

Yes, you can store multiple eSIM profiles on your phone and switch between them in your Settings. Only one eSIM profile can be used at a time.

Does 9-1-1/e9-1-1 work with eSIM?

The number being used with eSIM has the ability to dial 9-1-1

Can I connect my Apple Watch or wearable using eSIM?

Activation of eSIM-compatible wearables (including the Apple Watch) is not currently supported.

Your wearable can still be paired to your phone using Bluetooth and will rely on the Bluetooth connection for connectivity and functionality.

Why does my dual SIM phone show two different signal strengths?

While your phone may support two phone numbers in one phone, those two numbers both share the same set of radio hardware. Your phone is constantly optimizing performance and battery life when searching for — and connecting to — different networks. This means that both lines do not measure the signal at the same time, and as a result, may sometimes display different networks or signal strengths.