This is the most common reason new iPhones fail setup on upgrades, new lines, and ports: Apple prompts you to “Transfer Phone Number / eSIM” and customers tap it.
Simple Activation Checklist (Shipped iPhone)
- Turn on the new iPhone and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Activate the line using: att.com/activations/activatewireless or call 866-895-1099.
- During iPhone setup, if you see Transfer Phone Number / Transfer eSIM / Transfer Cellular Plan — tap Not Now / Set Up Later / Skip.
- Install the eSIM when you see “Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed”.
- Test: make a call, send a text, and confirm data works. Do not wipe the old phone until everything works.
You can transfer photos/apps anytime. But activation + eSIM install is what gets the phone on the network.
- Transfer from another iPhone
- QR code
- Move eSIM / Transfer Cellular Plan
Those options are for moving an already-active plan between phones you already own — not for activating a shipped AT&T business device.
What Actually Activates Your AT&T Line
Activation is a carrier step. It links your line to the new device (IMEI) and SIM/eSIM on AT&T’s side. Use one of these official activation methods:
- Online activation: att.com/activations/activatewireless
- Automated activation: 866-895-1099
Content transfer moves your photos/apps/settings. It does not complete AT&T activation.
If you see any prompt like “Transfer Phone Number”, “Transfer to eSIM”, “Transfer Cellular Plan”, or “Transfer From Nearby iPhone” — do NOT use it.
Also skip QR code setup.
Tap “Not Now” / “Set Up Later” / “Skip.” (The wording varies.)
After AT&T activation is ready, your iPhone usually shows a prompt like “Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed”. Tap it to install the AT&T eSIM.
Two Safe Setup Flows (Pick One)
Least confusion. Gets the line live fastest.
- Keep the old phone ON and nearby (don’t wipe it yet).
- Activate using att.com/activations/activatewireless or 866-895-1099.
- Turn on the new iPhone and connect to Wi-Fi.
- If iPhone setup asks to transfer the number/eSIM: Not Now / Set Up Later.
- Install the eSIM when you see “Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed.”
- After calls/text/data work, transfer your content (Quick Start or iCloud).
If the user insists on doing the iPhone setup first.
- Turn on the new iPhone and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Transfer content via Quick Start / iCloud restore.
- If iPhone setup asks to transfer the number/eSIM: Not Now / Set Up Later.
- After setup is complete, activate using att.com/activations/activatewireless or 866-895-1099.
- Install the AT&T eSIM when the prompt appears (or use Settings below).
How to Install the AT&T eSIM (Wi-Fi required)
Best case: you get a pop-up like “Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed” — tap it.
If you don’t see a prompt after a few minutes:
- Confirm you are connected to Wi-Fi.
- Restart the iPhone once.
- Go to Settings → Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Choose Carrier Activation (or “Cellular Plan Detected”) and follow prompts.
Optional check: Settings → General → About (wait a few seconds) in case a carrier update appears.
If the account uses FirstNet, you may see “FirstNet Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed.” Same idea: Wi-Fi → install plan.
When Apple eSIM Transfer IS OK
Apple eSIM transfer is usually fine when you already have an active iPhone line and you’re just moving that active plan between your own iPhones. That is different than activating an AT&T upgrade shipment, new line, or port.
Porting Reminder (keep your old service active)
If you’re porting a number in, do not cancel your old carrier first. Keep the old phone/service active until the port completes. Then activate and install the AT&T eSIM using the steps above.
Quick Troubleshooting
- No eSIM prompt? Confirm Wi-Fi, restart the iPhone, then check Settings → Cellular.
- Stuck in iPhone setup? Keep going on Wi-Fi, but skip any eSIM transfer prompts.
- Calls/text don’t work after eSIM install? Toggle Airplane Mode, then restart. If it’s a port, routing may take time.
- Still stuck? The line may not be fully activated yet. Complete activation first, then try eSIM install again.
