How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone, Step by Step

TL;DR

• Same platform, both phones updated: open the new phone's cellular or SIM settings, choose to transfer from the old phone, and confirm on the old phone.
• iPhone to iPhone needs iOS 18.4 or later and the same Apple Account on both phones, Bluetooth on, and a carrier that supports eSIM Quick Transfer.
• If you don't see a transfer option, common causes are outdated software, a carrier that hasn't enabled the feature, or a locked phone. Your carrier can still activate the eSIM on the new phone or send a QR code.
• Don't erase or sell the old phone until the new one has service.
• Travel eSIMs are different from carrier eSIMs. Check the plan terms before you buy, including what starts the plan's validity, and install on the phone you will actually carry.

What "transferring an eSIM" actually means

An eSIM is not a file you copy. It is a profile your carrier issues, tied to one device at a time. When you "transfer" it, the carrier's system issues the profile to the new phone and switches off the one on the old phone. Your phone number, plan and billing stay the same.

That is why the process needs the carrier in some form. In the best case, the phone and carrier handle it in the background while you tap a few confirmations. In the worst case, you contact the carrier and ask for a new activation.

This also explains why the option is sometimes missing. Apple says you can use the built-in transfer if your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer. When the option doesn't appear, the cause may be the carrier rather than your phone, but check the software and setup requirements below too.

Before you start: five checks

Apple, Google and Samsung each list requirements for a built-in transfer. These five checks cover them, so go through them first.

1. Update both phones. Google's SIM transfer page asks for Android 12 or later and the current version of Google Play services on both phones, and Apple asks for iOS 18.4 or later on both iPhones. Install the latest software update on each phone.
2. Put both phones near each other. Apple's transfers need Bluetooth on, and its Android-to-iPhone transfer also needs both phones on Wi-Fi. Keep the phones close, with Bluetooth on and Wi-Fi connected.
3. Turn on a screen lock on both phones. Google requires one on both devices. Unlock the old phone with its passcode when asked.
4. Confirm the new phone is unlocked. Samsung notes that the new device must be unlocked for the transfer to succeed. If the phone came from a carrier, ask that carrier whether it is locked.
5. Keep your account details handy. Have your carrier login and account PIN ready, in case the carrier asks you to verify your identity.

Also check that the new phone supports eSIM at all. Most recent phones do, and our phone compatibility checker takes about a minute. U.S. iPhone 14 and later ship without a physical SIM tray, which we cover in our guide to eSIM-compatible phones.

Transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another

Apple's current method is eSIM Quick Transfer. Per Apple's eSIM setup page, you need:

• Both iPhones signed in with the same Apple Account
• Both iPhones on iOS 18.4 or later
• Both devices nearby with Bluetooth on
• The old iPhone unlocked with its passcode
• A carrier that supports eSIM Quick Transfer

Then follow these steps:

1. On the new iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular.
2. Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
3. Choose the plan to transfer. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
4. On the old iPhone, follow the prompts and tap Transfer. If you are asked for a verification code, enter the code the new iPhone displays.
5. Wait for the plan to activate on the new iPhone. If a banner asks you to finish setting up your carrier's cellular plan, tap it and follow your carrier's steps.

When the plan activates on the new iPhone, it deactivates the SIM on the old one, according to Apple. That is expected, so don't be alarmed when the old phone loses service.

You may also be offered the transfer during initial setup of the new iPhone. If you see a prompt to transfer your number, you can follow it there instead.

If you have more than one eSIM on the old iPhone

The new iPhone lists the numbers it can transfer, and Apple says that with iOS 26 or later you can transfer more than one phone number to a new iPhone. Quick Transfer only works for a line whose carrier supports it, so don't assume a travel eSIM will move with your home line (see the travel eSIM section below). We explain how iPhones handle several profiles in our post on multiple eSIMs on iPhone, and how to choose which one is active in switching between eSIMs before you fly.

Transfer an eSIM between Android phones

Android has a built-in route as well. Google's help page says you can transfer your physical SIM or eSIM to an eSIM in a new phone while you move your data, and that depending on your carrier this may happen automatically during setup. If it doesn't, you can start it later from the new phone's settings. If the new phone doesn't detect a transfer, Google says to contact your carrier, and notes that your existing phone or eSIM can keep working if the transfer fails.

The path varies a little by manufacturer, but on a Google Pixel it looks like this:

1. On the new phone, open Settings, then Network & internet.
2. Tap SIMs, then Add SIM.
3. Choose Transfer SIM from another device.
4. Follow the prompts on both phones, and confirm on the old phone if asked.
5. Wait for the plan to activate, then check that you can make a call and load a web page.

Samsung Galaxy to Galaxy

Samsung calls its version eSIM Instant Transfer. Samsung's steps are: on the new phone go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM and tap Transfer SIM from Galaxy/Android phone. On the old phone, tap Transfer and enter the six-digit code the new phone displays. Then pick the number to move on the new phone and confirm on the old one. Samsung's page also lists, country by country, the carriers that may allow it, and notes that eSIM service varies by country and carrier. Check it for your carrier before assuming it will work.

Moving between iPhone and Android

Cross-platform transfers are newer and more limited. Apple's page for moving an eSIM from Android to iPhone says you might need to contact your carrier, who can move the eSIM through eSIM Carrier Activation or by giving you a QR code. With iOS 26 or later, some carriers and select phone makers support a built-in transfer from Android to iPhone and the other way round. Support depends on the phone models, the software versions and the carrier, so if the option isn't offered on your pair, use the carrier route.

In practice:

• Check the requirements. For Android to iPhone, Apple lists a supported carrier, an iPhone 11 or later on iOS 26 or later, a compatible Android phone on Android 16 or later, and both phones on Wi-Fi with Bluetooth on.
• Look for the option on the new phone first. If the transfer entry isn't there, your phones or carrier don't offer it, so go straight to the carrier route.
• Ask your carrier for a new eSIM QR code or activation. Apple and Google both point you to the carrier when a built-in transfer isn't available.

Going the other way, Android's guidance for moving from an iPhone to a new Android phone starts with connecting the iPhone to Wi-Fi and following the prompts on the new device. Google lists eSIM transfer in that process for select carriers only, and says you can also download your eSIM from your carrier. For a Galaxy phone, Samsung's page describes Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Transfer SIM from iPhone for the carriers it lists. Either way, verify service on the new phone before you do anything to the old one.

When the option doesn't show up: the manual fallback

If you see "eSIM transfer not supported" or simply no transfer option, work through this order.

1. Update and restart both phones. Then look again.
2. Check the new phone is unlocked. A locked phone can block the process. Our guide to using an eSIM on a locked phone explains the difference between carrier locks and eSIM support.
3. Check your carrier's eSIM page or app. Some carriers let you set up the eSIM on a new phone from their app or your online account.
4. Contact your carrier. Ask for eSIM activation on the new device. Say whether the old phone is still working, lost or erased.
5. Scan the QR code on the new phone. On iPhone, scan it with the Camera app and tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification. On a Pixel, Google's steps are Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM, then follow the prompts.

A QR code may work only once, so if it fails halfway, ask for a new one rather than rescanning the same code repeatedly. For where to find the codes safely, see where to check your eSIM QR code before takeoff. If your phone can't scan, many carriers and providers also offer manual entry, which we explain in our post on connecting by QR code or manual code.

A safe order of operations

Wiping the old phone first can leave you without service. Do it in this order:

1. Back up the old phone.
2. Update both phones.
3. Transfer the eSIM, or request it from your carrier.
4. Test calls, texts and mobile data on the new phone.
5. Only then remove the eSIM from the old phone and erase or trade it in.

If you have already erased the old phone, a built-in transfer is unlikely to work, because it needs the line on the old phone. Use another phone or Wi-Fi to contact your carrier, explain the situation and request activation on the new device. Keep two-factor codes in mind: banks and apps that text you a code need the number working before you log out of anything on the old phone.

What about a travel eSIM?

A travel eSIM is a prepaid data plan, not your main line. A data-only travel eSIM doesn't include an ordinary phone number for calls or texts, and it works differently from a carrier eSIM, so don't assume the transfer buttons above will move it. Many prepaid travel plans install once, from one QR code, on one device. That is an industry pattern, not a rule for every provider, so read the terms of any plan before paying.

The practical advice is simple:

1. Decide which phone you are traveling with. If you are upgrading soon, wait until the new phone is in your hand and set up.
2. Check what starts the plan's validity, then install at home on Wi-Fi. Don't leave setup to the airport. If installation starts the plan, install on the day you fly, and turn the travel line on when you land. Our guide to activating a travel eSIM before you fly shows how to avoid losing paid days.
3. Check the plan terms first. Validity, data allowance and top-up rules should be visible before you pay.
4. Don't delete the eSIM profile to "clean up" mid-trip, and don't treat the QR code as a backup: it may not be reusable unless the plan says so.

If you buy a plan and then change phones before you've used it, contact the seller before deleting anything, because a deleted eSIM usually can't be restored from the phone alone.

Our view: plan the phone before the plan

We sell prepaid travel eSIMs, and when you are changing phones the main risk is timing. A travel plan works best when you buy it for the phone you will carry. That is why each of our plan cards shows the data, days, coverage and hotspot terms with the full price before you pay, plus the per-GB rate on fixed-data plans, and why we recommend a compatibility check first.

Here is how we think about it:

• Pick the phone first. A new phone in the mail and a trip next week is the awkward combination. If the new phone will arrive in time, set it up and then buy your plan on it.
• Keep your home number separate. Your carrier eSIM holds your number for calls and verification codes. A travel eSIM adds data only. Treating them as two separate things avoids a lot of confusion.
• Top up, don't reinstall. If you run low on data, WayfarerSIM top-ups go onto the same eSIM without a new QR code, so you aren't hunting for another code abroad. The top-up terms are on the plan card.
• Check before you leave. Check what starts the plan's validity, install on Wi-Fi at home (on the day you fly if installation starts the plan), confirm the phone shows the plan, and set the travel line for data when you land.

The moment of risk is not the trip. It is the week of the upgrade, when you may have two phones, several QR codes and a flight to catch. Doing things in order removes much of that risk.

Ready for your next trip?

Once your new phone is set up and working, you can pick a travel plan. Choose by region, such as Europe, Asia or Global, or browse all destinations. Each plan card shows the data, days, coverage and full price before you pay.

Troubleshooting common errors

If none of this works, the carrier is the one who can fix it, because only the carrier can issue a new profile. Have your account number or PIN ready, and say plainly: "I want my eSIM activated on a new device."

FAQ

Can I transfer an eSIM if I get a new phone?

Yes, in most cases. Your phone may offer a built-in transfer, or your carrier can issue a new eSIM QR code or activation for the new device. Either way, only one phone can use the line at a time.

Why can't I transfer my eSIM to my new iPhone?

The common causes are a carrier that hasn't enabled eSIM Quick Transfer, an iPhone below iOS 18.4, phones signed in to different Apple Accounts, a locked phone, or Bluetooth being off. Apple says Quick Transfer works when your carrier supports it. Update both phones, then contact your carrier for a QR code or carrier activation.

Is it hard to switch eSIMs between phones?

No. When both phones are updated and your carrier supports the feature, it takes a few taps on each phone. The harder cases are moving between iPhone and Android, or moving a line when the old phone is already erased. Those usually need a call or chat with your carrier.

Should I delete the eSIM from my old phone?

Only after the new phone has working service. After a built-in transfer, the old line is deactivated automatically. If you set up with a new QR code, remove the old profile before you sell or trade in the phone so it isn't left on the device.

Can I move a travel eSIM to a new phone?

That depends on the provider and the plan terms, and many prepaid travel eSIMs are meant for the device they are installed on. Read the terms before buying, and if you are about to upgrade, install the plan on the phone you will carry. If it is already installed on the old phone, contact the seller before deleting it.

Sources

• Set up eSIM on iPhone, Apple Support
• Transfer your eSIM from Android to iPhone, Apple Support
• Transfer a SIM to a new phone, Pixel Phone Help
• Set up a new eSIM, Pixel Phone Help
• Copy apps and data from an iPhone or iPad to a new Android device, Android Help
• Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers, Samsung

Recommended

• Switch Between eSIMs Before You Fly, Not at the Airport
• How to activate an eSIM before you fly
• Top Up an eSIM in 5 Steps for Travelers, Avoid the Wrong SIM Mistake
• Check if your phone supports a travel eSIM