Cannot connect my number to new Iphone

Hello telena58,

Did you attempt an eSIM Quick Transfer? During the process while setting up your iPhone, some carriers support transferring without contacting them. Have you checked with your carrier to make sure you can set up your new iPhone with the phone number?

For additional steps to help get your eSIM set up, please follow the guidance below:

"Set up an eSIM

Supported iPhone models can digitally store an eSIM provided by your carrier. If your carrier supports either eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer, you can turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions to activate your eSIM during setup.

If you already completed setup, you can do any of the following:

• eSIM Carrier Activation: Some carriers can assign a new eSIM directly to your iPhone; contact your carrier to initiate this process. When you receive the “Finish Setting Up Cellular” notification, tap it. Or go to Settings  > Cellular, then tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
• eSIM Quick Transfer: Some carriers support transferring a phone number from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them. Make sure you’re signed in with your Apple ID on both devices, or make sure your previous iPhone is unlocked, nearby with Bluetooth turned on, and running iOS 16 or later.
• On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone or choose a phone number. On your previous iPhone, follow the instructions to confirm the transfer.
• Note: After your phone number is transferred to your new iPhone, it stops working on your previous iPhone.
• Scan a QR Code provided by your carrier: Go to Settings > Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then tap Use QR Code. (You may need to tap Other Options first.) Position iPhone so the QR code appears in the frame, or enter the details manually. You may be asked to enter a confirmation code provided by your carrier.
• Transfer from a different smartphone: If your previous phone isn’t an Apple iPhone, contact your carrier to transfer the phone number.
• Activate service through a participating carrier’s app: Go to the App Store, download the carrier’s app, then use the app to activate cellular service."

This information is from Set up cellular service on iPhone - Apple Support.

Cheers.