How to transfer an eSIM to a new phone: iPhone, Samsung, Pixel and travel eSIMs

The short answer: it depends on who issued the eSIM

An eSIM is a profile from a mobile operator, stored on your phone. Moving it to another phone is a service of that operator, not of the phone. That is why the same phone can transfer one eSIM in seconds and refuse another one:

If you are new to eSIMs, our guide on what an eSIM is explains the basics.

Before you switch phones: five checks

• Do not delete the eSIM on the old phone yet. Many travel eSIM providers state that an eSIM can only be installed once. If you delete it before you have a replacement, the plan may be gone.
• Check that the new phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Our guide on how to check eSIM compatibility takes two minutes.
• Note the details of each eSIM. Write down which plans are on the phone, the provider, the order number and, if shown, the ICCID in the SIM settings. Support needs this to help you.
• Look for a transfer option in the provider's app or help pages. That tells you whether you can do it yourself or need to contact support.
• Keep the old phone until the new one has a working connection. Test mobile data, and calls if the plan includes them, before you reset or sell the old phone.

iPhone to iPhone: eSIM Quick Transfer

Apple calls the direct move eSIM Quick Transfer. According to Apple's support page, it needs four things: both iPhones signed in with the same Apple Account, the old iPhone unlocked, both phones close together with Bluetooth on, and a carrier that supports eSIM Quick Transfer. Apple currently lists iOS 18.4 or later on both iPhones.

1. During setup of the new iPhone: when it offers to transfer your phone number, follow the prompts.
2. After setup: open Settings, tap Cellular (Mobile Data on some models), then Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. Choose the plan from the list; if no list appears, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
3. On the old iPhone: confirm with Transfer, or enter the code shown on the new iPhone.
4. Wait for activation. If a banner asks you to finish setting up your carrier's plan, tap it and complete the steps on the carrier's page.

Once the plan works on the new iPhone, the eSIM on the old one is deactivated. If your carrier does not support Quick Transfer, you get a new eSIM from the carrier instead, by QR code, through the carrier's app or by carrier activation; our guide to installing an eSIM on iPhone covers each of these.

Android: Samsung and Pixel

On Samsung Galaxy phones the feature is called eSIM Instant Transfer. Samsung describes the steps like this: on the new phone go to Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, and choose to transfer the SIM from another Galaxy or Android phone. The old phone shows a prompt; you confirm it and enter the six-digit code shown on the new phone. The new phone must be unlocked, and only the carriers on Samsung's list for your country support it.

On Google Pixel phones, a transfer from another Android phone is offered during setup on supported carriers: you place the phones next to each other and confirm on the old one. If the option does not appear, skip the mobile network step during setup and add the eSIM later with a new QR code from your carrier.

Other Android brands vary. If your phone shows no transfer option, the reliable way is a new eSIM from the carrier; our guide to installing an eSIM on Android shows where the eSIM menu is on each brand.

Between iPhone and Android

Moving an eSIM from Android to iPhone or the other way round is still the hardest case. Apple's advice is to contact your carrier, who moves the number by carrier activation or with a QR code; with iOS 26 or later, some carriers and selected phone makers also support a direct transfer between Android and iPhone. Samsung also describes a way from iPhone to Galaxy, again only with supported carriers.

In practice: ask your carrier before you switch, and plan for a new eSIM. Some carriers charge a fee for a replacement eSIM, so check the terms first.

Travel eSIMs: what to do instead

Travel eSIMs are sold by providers that use roaming agreements with local networks, and direct transfers are rarely supported. What you can do depends on the provider:

1. Open the provider's app or account. Some providers let you reinstall or move an eSIM yourself, or show the plan's remaining data and validity.
2. Contact support before you delete anything. Give them the order number, the email address of the order and the ICCID. Ask whether they can issue a new eSIM for the new phone and whether the remaining data and days move with it.
3. Install the new eSIM on the new phone and test it, then remove the old one.

If the provider cannot move the plan, the remaining data is usually lost when you change phones. For a short trip the simplest fix is often a new plan for the new phone: compare current prices for your destination on our destination pages and check our promo codes for a discount.

If your phone is lost or broken abroad

An eSIM cannot be taken out of a lost or broken phone. Contact the provider of each eSIM on it: your home carrier can block the number and issue a new eSIM, and the travel eSIM provider can at least deactivate the old plan and, in some cases, issue a replacement. Until then, a new travel eSIM on a borrowed or replacement phone gets you back online within minutes, as long as that phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

Common transfer problems and how to fix them

• The transfer option does not appear. The issuer of the eSIM probably does not support it, or one of the conditions is missing: on iPhone, the same Apple Account on both phones, Bluetooth on, the old phone unlocked and a current iOS version. Ask the carrier or provider for a new eSIM instead.
• The old QR code is rejected on the new phone. Most QR codes work only once. Do not try it repeatedly; ask the provider for a new code.
• The new phone shows the plan but has no internet. Check that this line is selected for mobile data and that data roaming is on for it, then restart the phone. Some travel eSIMs also need a specific APN, which the provider shows in its instructions.
• Both phones show the plan. After a successful transfer the old profile stops working, even if it is still listed. Remove it from the old phone once the new one has a connection.
• The transfer fails halfway. Keep both phones and do not delete anything; contact the issuer with the order number and ICCID so they can reset the eSIM.

After the transfer: check these settings

A transferred or reinstalled eSIM sometimes comes back with different settings. Check that the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data, that data roaming is turned on for that line and that your home line has mobile data off while you are abroad. Our guide to using a travel eSIM with your home number shows these settings, and if something still does not work, go through our checklist for an eSIM that does not work abroad.