Step-by-Step Guide to eSIM Transfer

Moving your mobile line to a new phone is usually quick, but how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone depends on your carrier, your old and new devices, and whether you are switching between iPhone and Android. This guide explains the main transfer methods, gives step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, shows how to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM, and covers what to do if activation fails.

Can you transfer an eSIM to another phone? Often yes, if your carrier and both devices support it. If they do not, your carrier has to reissue the eSIM to the new phone. Travel eSIMs follow a different set of rules, which are covered in their own section below.

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What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into a compatible phone, so you do not need a removable plastic card. The GSMA, the industry body behind the standard, describes it as a way to securely download SIM credentials into a secure element in the device (GSMA eSIM whitepaper). Apple describes it as an industry-standard digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM (Apple Support).

In practice, your number and plan are tied to an eSIM profile. When you change phones, your carrier must transfer, reissue or newly activate that profile on the new device. You usually cannot copy it like a photo or a contact.

How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone

The safest way is to keep your old phone working until the new one is fully connected. Exact steps vary by device and carrier, but the process usually looks like this.

Before you start, have these ready:

Your old phone, powered on and unlocked.
Your new phone, updated and connected to Wi-Fi.
Access to your carrier account, app or verification method.
Your Apple Account, Google Account or Samsung account details, as needed.

Check that your carrier and both phones support eSIM transfer. If you are unsure, look at your carrier's eSIM support page.
Back up your old phone before you change any cellular settings.
Start the transfer on the new phone, either during setup or in its cellular or SIM settings.
Approve the transfer on the old phone or through your carrier, and enter any verification code you are asked for.
Wait for the plan to activate, then test calls, texts and mobile data.
Only after everything works, erase, reset or trade in the old phone.

If no transfer option appears, your carrier may not support direct transfer for your line. Use your carrier's app, an activation link or QR code, or contact the carrier to have the eSIM issued to the new phone.

Common eSIM Transfer Methods

Most transfers use one of four methods. Which ones are available depends on your carrier and devices.

Transfer Method	Best For	How It Works	Important Consideration
Phone-to-phone transfer	Upgrading phones when your carrier supports it	You start on the new phone (during setup or in cellular or SIM settings) and approve on the old phone.	Support varies by carrier and device. The old SIM is deactivated once the plan activates on the new phone.
Carrier app or account	Carriers with self-service eSIM activation	You sign in to the carrier's app or account, choose the line, and the carrier assigns the eSIM to the new device.	Needs account access and may need identity verification. Steps differ by carrier.
QR code activation	New lines, replacement devices and carrier-issued eSIMs	Your carrier provides a code, which you scan in your phone's cellular settings.	Many codes can only be used once, so a reused code may fail. Ask for a new one if it does.
Customer support	Moves between iPhone and Android, unsupported carriers and failed transfers	The carrier reissues or moves the eSIM, often with a new QR code or activation notification.	May involve identity checks. Have your IMEI or EID ready.

How to Transfer an eSIM on iPhone

Apple supports several ways to set up an eSIM: eSIM Quick Transfer, eSIM Carrier Activation, QR code, carrier app or link, and manual entry. Which one you can use depends on your carrier (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone).

eSIM Quick Transfer lets you move a plan from one iPhone to another without contacting your carrier, if your carrier supports it. Apple lists these requirements:

You are signed in to both iPhones with your Apple Account.
The previous iPhone is unlocked with its passcode.
Both iPhones are nearby with Bluetooth turned on.
Both are on iOS 18.4 or later, and the new iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or a hotspot.

To transfer your number after setup:

On the new iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular.
Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
Choose the plan you want to transfer. If you do not see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
Follow the prompts on the previous iPhone. Tap Transfer, or enter the verification code shown on the new iPhone if asked.
Wait for the plan to activate. Apple notes that activating it on the new iPhone deactivates the previous SIM.
If a banner says Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it to continue on your carrier's webpage.

You may also be offered the transfer during setup of the new iPhone. With iOS 26 or later, you can transfer more than one phone number.

If the transfer option does not appear, your carrier may use another method. Apple lists a QR code (scan it with the Camera app), a carrier link, the carrier's app, or entering the eSIM details manually under Cellular, then Add Cellular Plan, then Enter Details Manually.

How to Transfer an eSIM on Android and Samsung Galaxy

Android transfers vary more by manufacturer and carrier than on iPhone. Both Google and Samsung say the process can depend on your carrier, so treat the steps below as the usual path rather than a guarantee.

Google Pixel

Google says you can transfer a physical SIM or eSIM to an eSIM on a new phone while you transfer your data, and that depending on your carrier this may happen automatically during setup. For automatic transfer, both phones need Android 12 or later, the current version of Google Play Services, and a screen lock set (Pixel Phone Help).

To transfer during setup:

Keep the other phone nearby and go through the setup flow.
Choose the SIM you want to transfer.
Tap Transfer, then Activate.
Wait for activation and follow the on-screen instructions.

To transfer later, open Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs, then Add SIM, then Transfer SIM from another device. If your phone does not detect the transfer, contact your carrier. Google notes your existing device or eSIM can still work if the transfer is not successful.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung's SIM manager offers a transfer option on supported devices. Samsung says available screens and settings may vary by carrier, software version and device model, and it lists carriers that may allow eSIM Instant Transfer (Samsung Support).

On the new Galaxy, open Settings, tap Connections, then SIM manager.
Tap Add eSIM, then Transfer SIM from another phone.
On the old phone, tap Transfer and enter the code shown on the new phone.
On the new phone, select the SIM to transfer and tap Transfer, then tap Transfer on the old phone.
When the old phone shows Done, the SIM on the new Galaxy is activated.

If your carrier gave you a QR code instead, go to Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code. Samsung says to restart the device to apply the eSIM profile.

Moving between iPhone and Android

Cross-platform transfers need more from your carrier. Apple says that if you move an eSIM from a non-Apple phone to an iPhone, you might need to contact your carrier, who can transfer your number by eSIM Carrier Activation or by providing a QR code. With iOS 26 or later, some carriers and select smartphone manufacturers support direct transfer between Android and iPhone (Apple: Transfer your eSIM from Android to iPhone).

For Android to iPhone, Apple's requirements are an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later, an Android phone with Android 16 or later, a supported carrier, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both phones. Apple lists the supported carriers by country, and the list is limited, so check it first. The steps are:

On the iPhone, open Settings and tap Set Up Cellular, then Transfer from Android. If the iPhone already has another SIM, tap Cellular, Add eSIM, then Transfer from Android.
Scan the QR code shown on the iPhone with the Android camera.
On the Android phone, select the number you want to transfer and tap Transfer.
Make a phone call on the iPhone to check cellular connectivity. If you cannot, contact your carrier.

Samsung also lists a path for iPhone to Galaxy under Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Transfer SIM from iPhone. It works only with supported carriers, needs up-to-date software on both devices, and requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If your carrier is not on Samsung's list, contact the carrier to move the eSIM.

How to Convert a Physical SIM to an eSIM

Converting a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same phone depends on your carrier. Some phones show a built-in option, while others need a carrier app, website, store visit or support chat.

iPhone: Apple says some carriers let you convert a current physical SIM to an eSIM. If yours does, follow Apple's guide to setting up cellular service on iPhone.
Google Pixel: You need a Pixel 7 or later, a carrier that offers eSIM in your country or region, and a Wi-Fi connection. Go to Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, select the SIM, then tap Convert to eSIM and follow the instructions. Once converted, the physical SIM no longer works (Pixel Phone Help).
Samsung Galaxy: Go to Settings, Connections, SIM manager, select the SIM card, then tap Convert to eSIM. Samsung says your information is transferred from the physical SIM to the eSIM.

Back up your phone first, and confirm it is carrier-unlocked if you plan to use another carrier. Keep the physical SIM until you have checked that calls, texts and data work on the eSIM.

How to Activate an eSIM After Transfer

How to activate an eSIM depends on what your carrier supports: a carrier activation notification, a QR code, a link, the carrier's app, or manual entry. Follow the prompt your carrier provides. Apple, for example, suggests making a call after activation to check cellular connectivity and contacting your carrier if you cannot.

After transfer or setup, check the basics:

Stay on Wi-Fi while the eSIM downloads, and do not interrupt it.
Accept any carrier settings update your phone offers.
Restart the phone if service does not appear. Samsung says to restart after adding an eSIM profile.
Make a test call, send a text and open a webpage on mobile data.
If you use two lines, set which one handles calls, messages and data. On Galaxy phones, Primary SIM in SIM manager controls this.

Can You Transfer a Travel eSIM to a New Phone?

Sometimes, but do not assume it. A travel eSIM is usually installed on one phone, and moving it is not like moving a photo or contact. Whether it can be transferred, reinstalled or replaced depends on the provider.

Provider policies differ. Airalo's help center says its eSIMs can only be installed on one device and cannot be transferred, and that if you remove the eSIM you cannot reinstall it and would need to buy a new one (Airalo help center). Orange's travel support says each QR code can only be used once and recommends installing your eSIM only after you receive your new phone (Orange travel support). Gigs, which supplies eSIM technology, notes that some providers allow the same QR code to be reinstalled once the previous installation is removed, while others require a replacement eSIM, and it advises contacting support before removing your eSIM (Gigs help center).

This is why a previously used QR code may not work a second time, and why you should contact your provider before deleting the profile or resetting your old phone. Deleting an eSIM profile does not necessarily cancel the plan, but reinstalling it may need the provider's help. Apple, for instance, says erasing an eSIM does not cancel your cellular plan, and that you will need your carrier to get a new one (Apple: How to erase the eSIM on your iPhone or iPad).

Before you change phones while a travel eSIM is still active, check these points:

How much data and validity you have left.
Your provider's device-change and reinstallation policy, in its help center or from support.
Whether you would need a replacement eSIM, and whether that costs extra.
That you still have your order details and any installation information.
That you have not deleted the eSIM or reset the old phone yet.

If you are travelling to Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia, check the same policies before you switch phones. BaliSIM is one option for travelers visiting Bali, and its product pages state that each eSIM is tied to one device and that its QR code cannot be reused on another device, so contact the provider before changing phones.

Common eSIM Transfer Problems and Fixes

Start with your device maker's and carrier's own instructions, since the right fix depends on the method you are using. These steps apply in specific situations, not to every transfer.

No transfer option appears: Your carrier or device may not support direct transfer. Use the carrier's app, an activation link or QR code, or contact the carrier.
iPhone Quick Transfer will not start: Check Apple's requirements: iOS 18.4 or later on both phones, the same Apple Account, the old iPhone unlocked, and Bluetooth on.
Pixel does not detect the transfer: Check that both phones run Android 12 or later with the current Google Play Services and a screen lock. If it still fails, try again, then contact your carrier.
No service on an iPhone after activation: Apple suggests turning Airplane Mode on and off, turning the line off and on in Settings, then Cellular, restarting the iPhone, checking for a carrier settings update under General, About, and updating iOS (Apple: If you can't set up an eSIM).
The QR code says it has already been used: Many codes are for one installation. Ask your carrier or provider for a new activation method.
Still stuck: Contact your carrier with the error message, your phone number, your account password or PIN, and your device's IMEI or EID. Apple advises not erasing an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your carrier tells you to.

Tips for a Smooth eSIM Transfer

Prepare first, transfer second, erase last.
Check your carrier's eSIM support before you buy or set up the new phone.
Keep your old phone available until the new one can call, text and use data.
Have your carrier account details and verification method ready.
Label each line clearly, such as Personal, Work or Travel, if you use more than one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?

Often, but it depends on your carrier and both phones. Some carriers support direct phone-to-phone transfer, while others reissue the eSIM through an app, activation link, QR code or customer support. If you do not see a transfer option on your new phone, contact your carrier.

Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android?

Sometimes. Apple says some carriers and select smartphone manufacturers support transfers between iPhone and Android, with iOS 26 or later on the iPhone and Android 16 or later on the Android phone. Samsung also lists an iPhone-to-Galaxy transfer for supported carriers. If your carrier or device is not supported, contact your carrier to activate the eSIM on the new phone.

Can I transfer an eSIM without contacting my carrier?

Only if your carrier and both devices support self-service transfer, such as iPhone eSIM Quick Transfer or the Transfer SIM options on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. If the option does not appear, you will need your carrier's app, activation link, QR code or customer support.

Can I use the same eSIM QR code twice?

Often not. Many providers issue a code for a single installation. Orange's travel support says each QR code can only be used once and cannot be moved to another phone, and Airalo says an eSIM that has been removed cannot be reinstalled. Gigs' help center notes that some providers allow the same QR code to be reinstalled after the previous installation is removed, while others require a replacement eSIM. Ask your provider before you delete anything.

Will deleting my eSIM cancel my plan?

No. Apple says erasing an eSIM does not cancel your cellular plan, so you still need to contact your carrier to cancel it. If you erase an eSIM, you also need your carrier to provide a new one, and Apple advises not erasing an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your carrier tells you to.

Can I transfer a travel eSIM to another phone?

Sometimes, but do not assume it. Airalo says its eSIMs can only be installed on one device and cannot be reinstalled once removed, while Gigs says some providers allow the same QR code to be reinstalled after the old installation is removed and others require a replacement eSIM. Contact your provider before deleting the eSIM or resetting your old phone.

Should I delete my eSIM from my old phone before transferring it?

Generally no. Wait until the new phone can make calls, send texts and use mobile data. Apple notes that when the plan activates on the new iPhone, the previous SIM is deactivated, and that you may erase the old eSIM once it has been transferred or before you sell or trade in the phone. For a travel eSIM, check with the provider first, because deleting the profile may mean it cannot be reinstalled.

Conclusion

The safest way to move an eSIM is to prepare both phones, follow the instructions for your device and carrier, confirm that calls, texts and data work on the new phone, and only then reset or trade in the old one. If your carrier does not support direct transfer, use its app, activation link or QR code, or ask it to reissue the eSIM. Treat travel eSIMs separately, because many cannot simply be moved to another phone.