Using esim while in Italy for 2 months

My understanding is the physical SIM has to be unlocked to use an esim or physical dual Sim, correct? 

The phone needs to be unlocked. Once unlocked, that will apply to physical sim and esim. When you put in the unlock request, you should use the imei of whatever sim has your ATT number. 

My question is do I use the esim IMEI number to request the PUK code to unlock or the regular IMEI? 

PUK code locks a physical SIM to a particular phone.  eSIM doesn't use or require a puk.  

If you are trying to remove the PUK lock from your physical sim, and don't know it, you can call AT&T and ask for it.

Thank you Formerlyknownas... I have the PUK to unlock phone using IMEI for physical SIM. My understanding is the physical SIM has to be unlocked to use an esim or physical dual Sim, correct? 

Just want to make sure when arrive in Rome I can download an esim. Thank you for the information. 

Ok I unlock phone using Sim that has my number associated with it using PUK code I have.  

Question: the instructions I have say power down phone, replace Sim with new, power up and enter code. I'm not replacing the Sim, but utilizing the esim so is there away to unlock without replacing Sim or will it ask for code when I download esim or either?

First time doing this so appreciate the help. Don't want to get to Rome and have issues.

Thanks for reaching out @Twinbabies2000, we know how important it is to stay connected, and we are here to help!

You do not replace the physical SIM as your device supports dual SIMS. You may have a physical SIM and an eSIM or multiple eSIMs.

Use the SIM card manager to select which SIM you want to use:

1. From the home screen, swipe down from the Notification bar, then select the  Settings icon.

2. Select Connections, then select SIM card manager.

3. To switch between cellular plans, from the SIM card manager screen, select Primary SIM under Preferred SIM card to view the list of SIMs. 

4. Select the desired SIM, then select Change to change the primary SIM or Cancel to cancel the change. 

Please let us know if this helps so we can assist further!

Joseph, AT&T Community Specialist

iPhone users can PUK lock the ESIM.  Not an Android feature.  You will not need a PUK code.  

My understanding is the physical SIM has to be unlocked to use an esim or physical dual Sim, correct? 

You need the carrier unlock code which is a 16 digit code. You will have to replace your existing SIM card with a non AT&T SIM card to generate the pop-up box, or you can try this

#7465625*638*CODE# (CODE is the Unlock Code ATT sent you)

My advice is not to leave the country without inserting a non AT&T SIM card and getting your phone unlocked. If you have a friend that uses Verizon or t-mo, borrow their SIM card long enough to unlock your phone.

If for whatever reason the code provided is incorrect, it can take some time to get the MCK code from Samsung in order to complete a carrier unlock. Not something you want to do while you're on the other side of the globe trying to enjoy your vacation

Thank you everyone! I appreciate help.

 Our pleasure, @Twinbabies2000 If we can be of assistance, please feel free to reach back out to us on Community Forums.

Thank you for choosing AT&T! We appreciate your business. Have a wonderful day!

Joseph, AT&T Community Specialist