How do I remove my number from a family member’s iPhone using AT&T upgrade?

Used the AT&T Upgrade Option for a family member's phone with my phone eligibility. Her iPhone 15 now still has my number listed as "Used as “Primary with No SIM and when you click on it it provides the option to "Update Contacts." AT&T said that the original number with upgrade eligibility will always be on that phone until paid and unlocked. This is a new problem with eSims that did not exist with physical SIMs where we could move phones around. Two questions: (1) Can we get that number off the phone and (2) if not, what does the Update Contacts do? Does it then start getting all my phone information? Not progress.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on May 10, 2025 12:34 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 11, 2025 10:30 AM

Update Contact will indicate and use a default phone number that will use the correct (chosen) eSim to make a call. It is irrelevant if you only have one sim installed as it will only use the active sim as a default.


Since you upgraded "your" number, it got transferred to the new phone. You will need to contact ATT as they are the ones that provision the phone and remove the locks once it is paid. They will aid in installing your daughters eSim and number to her phone. Apple has nothing to do with this.

8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 11, 2025 10:30 AM in response to AJH466

Update Contact will indicate and use a default phone number that will use the correct (chosen) eSim to make a call. It is irrelevant if you only have one sim installed as it will only use the active sim as a default.


Since you upgraded "your" number, it got transferred to the new phone. You will need to contact ATT as they are the ones that provision the phone and remove the locks once it is paid. They will aid in installing your daughters eSim and number to her phone. Apple has nothing to do with this.

May 12, 2025 5:46 AM in response to AJH466

Apple does not lock the eSIM, it’s an activation lock on Apple iPhones that are financed through Apple. A eSIM lock and activation lock are two entirely different things.


If you financed the iPhone through a carrier upgrade plan, Apple did not have an activation lock. Apple cannot lock or unlock SIM cards. The carrier is controlling both the activation and SIM. You must deal with AT&T to resolve this issue.


I suggested in the very first response that you go to an AT&T corporate store and resolve the issue. You should be in and out in 15 minutes if you make an appointment. You need positive ID and the 4 digit passcode to your account.

May 11, 2025 9:47 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

It has to do with both. ATT ties upgrades to phone numbers and the Apple eSim locks it down until the phone is unlocked. That is not an issue with physical Sim cards. Since Apple allows multiple phon enumbers, the carriers can keep it affiliated. The "Update Contact" message seems to be Apple related. Of course, who knows -- talk to AT&T and they say Apple; talk to Apple and they say AT&T. Any idea what the "Update" will do?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I remove my number from a family member’s iPhone using AT&T upgrade?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.