Transferring an eSIM to a new phone takes between 90 seconds and 15 minutes depending on your device and carrier. Apple introduced Quick Transfer with iOS 16, and it now works across 47 carriers in 35 countries as of May 2026. Android added native eSIM transfer support in Android 14, though the process varies by manufacturer. This guide covers every transfer method: iPhone Quick Transfer, Android carrier-app transfers, QR code re-provisioning, and manual fallback for older devices.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Back up your current eSIM details before starting
Before removing your eSIM from the old phone, record three pieces of information: your carrier name, your phone number associated with the eSIM, and your ICCID (found in Settings > General > About on iPhone, or Settings > About Phone > SIM Status on Android). Screenshot these details or write them down. If the transfer fails, you will need this information to contact your carrier and recover your profile. Also confirm your new phone supports eSIM by checking Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM on iPhone or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager on Samsung. Your old phone must have battery above 50% and both devices need a stable Wi-Fi connection throughout the entire transfer process. Bluetooth should be enabled on both phones for proximity-based transfer on iPhone. If you are transferring a travel eSIM, note the remaining data balance and expiration date from the provider's app so you can verify these carry over after the transfer completes. Keep both devices plugged into power if possible to prevent an interrupted transfer.
Tip: Take a screenshot of your eSIM profile details on the old phone. If anything goes wrong during transfer, your carrier support team can look up your account using the ICCID number.
- 2
Transfer via iPhone Quick Transfer (iPhone 13 or newer)
Apple Quick Transfer works on iPhone 13 and later running iOS 17.4 or newer. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Nearby iPhone. Your old iPhone will display a verification prompt asking you to confirm the transfer. A spinning animation appears on both devices for 60 to 120 seconds while the eSIM profile migrates between the secure enclaves. Once complete, the old phone shows 'No SIM' and the new phone activates cellular service within 30 seconds. Quick Transfer supports 47 carriers across 35 countries including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, EE, Vodafone, and Telstra. The entire process completes without calling your carrier or scanning any QR codes. Both phones must be within Bluetooth range (approximately 10 meters) and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the transfer stalls at the 'Connecting' screen for more than 3 minutes, restart both phones and try again. During initial device setup of a new iPhone, Quick Transfer also appears as an option in the setup wizard before you reach the home screen, which can be more reliable than transferring through Settings after setup.
Tip: Quick Transfer does not work between iPhone 12 or older models. If your old phone is an iPhone 12, skip to Step 4 for the QR code method instead.
- 3
Transfer via Android native eSIM transfer (Pixel 7+ or Galaxy S23+)
On Android 14 and later, Google Pixel 7 through Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S23 through S26 series support native eSIM transfer. On your new Android phone, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Select 'Transfer from another device' if available. On Samsung, navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Transfer from another device. Follow the on-screen pairing process, which uses Bluetooth to connect the two phones. The carrier profile transfers in 2 to 5 minutes depending on your provider. Supported carriers include T-Mobile US, Google Fi, Deutsche Telekom, and Orange. Not all carriers support Android-to-Android native transfer yet, so if you do not see the option, proceed to Step 4 for QR re-provisioning. OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14 users should check for the transfer option under Settings > Mobile Network > SIM Management, as these manufacturers use a different menu structure. During the transfer, avoid opening other apps or locking either phone, as this can interrupt the Bluetooth handshake and force you to restart the process from scratch.
Tip: Samsung's SIM Manager labels the feature 'Transfer SIM' rather than 'Transfer eSIM.' The functionality is identical despite the naming difference.
- 4
Re-provision via QR code from your carrier app or website
If Quick Transfer or native Android transfer is unavailable, log into your carrier's app or website to generate a new QR code. Most travel eSIM providers (Airalo, Saily, Nomad) allow unlimited QR re-downloads from your account dashboard under 'My eSIMs' or 'Order History.' First, delete the eSIM from your old phone: on iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > select the plan > Delete eSIM. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > select the eSIM > Delete. Then on your new phone, scan the QR code from Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code on iPhone, or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Scan QR Code on Android. The provisioning download takes 30 to 90 seconds over Wi-Fi. Your plan balance, remaining data, and validity period carry over to the new device automatically. If your provider does not show a re-downloadable QR in the app, check your original purchase confirmation email, as many providers include the QR code there as well. Traditional carriers like AT&T and Vodafone generate new QR codes through their customer service portals or retail stores rather than through self-service apps.
Tip: Delete the eSIM from your old phone before scanning on the new one. Most carriers block an eSIM profile from being active on two devices simultaneously, and attempting it can lock your profile for 24 hours.
- 5
Use manual activation code entry as a fallback
When QR scanning fails (damaged screen, broken camera, or remote setup), enter the activation details manually. Contact your carrier or eSIM provider to request an SM-DP+ address and activation code. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually. Type the SM-DP+ address (a URL starting with smdp+ or https://) and the activation code string. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Enter Code. The SM-DP+ address identifies the eSIM provisioning server, and the activation code authenticates your specific profile. Processing takes 1 to 3 minutes depending on server load. This method works on every eSIM-capable phone regardless of model year, including iPhone XS, iPhone XR, Pixel 3a, and Samsung Galaxy S20. It also works when transferring from a completely broken phone that cannot power on, because the codes come from the provider's server, not from the old device. Some providers also offer activation via their app by tapping 'Install Manually' or 'Enter Activation Code' instead of scanning. The app then auto-fills the SM-DP+ address and you only need to confirm.
Tip: SM-DP+ addresses and activation codes are case-sensitive. Copy and paste whenever possible rather than typing manually to avoid errors.
- 6
Verify your eSIM is active on the new phone
After transfer, confirm everything works before wiping your old device. Check Settings > Cellular on iPhone or Settings > Network & Internet on Android to verify the eSIM shows a connected carrier name and signal bars. Make a test call to any number to confirm voice service (for phone-number eSIMs). Open a browser and load a webpage over cellular data with Wi-Fi turned off to confirm data connectivity. Check your remaining data balance in the carrier or eSIM provider app to verify it matches what you recorded in Step 1. If using a travel eSIM, verify the correct APN is configured: most travel eSIMs auto-configure the APN, but some require manual entry under Cellular > eSIM Plan > Cellular Data Network. Run a speed test at speedtest.net or fast.com to confirm expected download and upload performance. If data does not connect, restart the phone and check that the eSIM line is set as the active data line in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Only after all checks pass should you factory reset or trade in your old device. Keep the old phone for at least 48 hours as a backup in case delayed issues surface.
Tip: If your eSIM connects but data does not work, toggle 'Data Roaming' on in Settings > Cellular > eSIM plan. Travel eSIMs from most providers require data roaming to be enabled even when you are in the destination country.
Can you transfer an eSIM without the old phone?
Yes, transferring an eSIM without access to your old phone is possible through three methods. First, log into your eSIM provider's website or app from any device (laptop, tablet, or the new phone itself) and request a new QR code or activation profile. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad all allow QR re-downloads from the account dashboard without needing the old device.
Second, call your carrier's support line and request an eSIM re-provisioning. Carriers verify your identity using your account PIN, last four digits of your SSN, or security questions, then push a new eSIM profile to your replacement phone within 10 to 30 minutes. T-Mobile processes these requests in under 15 minutes on average.
AT&T typically takes 20 to 30 minutes by phone. Third, if you set up your eSIM through a carrier store originally, visit any retail location with a valid photo ID and they can issue a fresh profile on the spot. The old phone's eSIM profile is automatically deactivated when the new one activates, so there is no risk of someone using your old profile.
Apple's Quick Transfer specifically requires the old phone to be present and powered on, so it cannot be used in lost or stolen phone scenarios. If your phone was lost or stolen, report it to your carrier first to suspend the line, then request a new eSIM for your replacement device during the same support call.
Which providers allow eSIM transfers?
eSIM transfer policies vary significantly across providers. Travel eSIM providers tend to be the most flexible: Airalo allows unlimited QR re-downloads for any active plan from the app or web dashboard at no additional cost. Saily permits one re-download per plan and requires contacting support for additional attempts.
Nomad eSIM provides re-download access through the order history section with no stated limit. Holafly allows transfers by contacting their 24/7 chat support, who issue a new QR within 5 minutes. Among traditional carriers, T-Mobile US supports iPhone Quick Transfer and also processes eSIM swaps through the T-Mobile app in 5 to 10 minutes.
AT&T supports Quick Transfer on iPhone and requires an in-store visit or phone call for Android transfers, typically completed within 30 minutes. Verizon added Quick Transfer support in late 2024 and processes app-based transfers for Android through the My Verizon app. In Europe, Vodafone UK, EE, and Three all support Quick Transfer for iPhones.
Deutsche Telekom and Orange France support QR re-provisioning through their respective customer apps. In Asia-Pacific, Telstra Australia and SingTel Singapore support both Quick Transfer and QR re-provisioning. Some MVNOs and smaller carriers still do not support eSIM transfers at all and require purchasing a new eSIM, so check your provider's policy before buying a new phone to avoid unexpected costs.
What happens to your data when you transfer?
Your eSIM profile stores only the carrier connection credentials (ICCID, IMSI, and authentication keys), not your personal data. Photos, apps, contacts, messages, and files remain on the old phone or in your cloud backup and are completely unaffected by the eSIM transfer. When you transfer a travel eSIM, your remaining data balance and plan validity period carry over to the new device without any loss.
2 GB left on a 5 GB Japan plan with 12 days remaining, those exact figures persist after the transfer. Call history and voicemail associated with the eSIM phone number are stored server-side by your carrier, so they remain accessible on the new device once the eSIM activates. SMS messages received during the transfer window (typically 1 to 5 minutes of downtime) are queued by the carrier and delivered once the new eSIM connects.
iMessage and FaceTime re-register automatically once the eSIM activates on the new iPhone, though this can take up to 24 hours in rare cases. One exception: if you use your eSIM number for two-factor authentication, transfer those authentication codes to the new phone before starting the eSIM transfer. SMS-based 2FA codes will not arrive until the eSIM is active on the new device, and authenticator apps like Google Authenticator store codes locally on the old phone, not in the cloud, so they must be exported separately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to transfer an eSIM to a new phone?
iPhone Quick Transfer completes in 60 to 120 seconds. Android native transfer takes 2 to 5 minutes. QR code re-provisioning takes 30 to 90 seconds for the download plus any time spent obtaining the new QR code from your provider.
Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android?
Cross-platform transfer (iPhone to Android or vice versa) is not supported through Quick Transfer or native device tools. You must contact your carrier or eSIM provider to deactivate the profile on the old platform and issue a new QR code for the new platform. Most travel eSIM providers process this in under 5 minutes.
Does transferring an eSIM cost anything?
Most carriers and travel eSIM providers transfer eSIMs at no charge. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon do not charge for eSIM transfers. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad all offer free re-downloads. Some smaller carriers charge a $5 to $10 re-provisioning fee, so check with your specific provider.
Will I lose my phone number when transferring an eSIM?
No. Your phone number is tied to your carrier account, not the physical eSIM profile. When the new eSIM activates, your existing number transfers with it. There is typically 1 to 5 minutes of downtime during the switch where calls go to voicemail.
Can I have the same eSIM on two phones at once?
No. An eSIM profile can only be active on one device at a time. When you activate the eSIM on your new phone, the profile on the old phone is automatically deactivated. This is a security restriction enforced by the carrier's provisioning server.
What if Quick Transfer does not appear as an option?
Quick Transfer requires both iPhones to run iOS 17.4 or later, and the old phone must be iPhone 13 or newer. Your carrier must also support the feature. If the option is missing, update both phones to the latest iOS version, restart them, and try again. If it still does not appear, use QR code re-provisioning instead.
Do I need to remove the eSIM from my old phone first?
For Quick Transfer and native Android transfer, no. The system handles deactivation on the old device automatically. For QR code re-provisioning, yes: delete the eSIM from the old phone first (Settings > Cellular > Delete eSIM) before scanning the QR on the new phone to avoid activation conflicts.
Can I transfer an eSIM between iPhone and Android?
Cross-platform eSIM transfer between iPhone and Android is not supported through Quick Transfer or native device tools. Contact your carrier or e SIM provider to deactivate the old profile and issue a new QR code for the new platform. Most travel providers process this in under 5 minutes at no charge. AT&T and T-Mobile typically require a support call or store visit for cross-platform re-provisioning.
What happens to my plan when I transfer?
Your remaining data balance and plan validity carry over exactly. If you have 3.2 GB left on a 5 GB plan with 12 days remaining, those figures persist unchanged. Call history and voicemail stay server-side and appear on the new device immediately. SMS messages sent during the 1 to 5 minute transfer window queue at the carrier and deliver once the e-sim activates.
How do I transfer an eSIM if my old phone has a cracked or non-functional screen?
Use the manual activation code method. Contact your carrier or travel eSIM provider and request the SM-DP+ address and activation code for your profile. They will verify your identity via account PIN or support verification, then provide the codes. On your new phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually (iPhone) or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Enter Code (Android) and type the provided codes. This works without any access to the old device.
Can I transfer multiple eSIM profiles at once?
No. iPhone Quick Transfer moves only one eSIM profile per session. If you have two active eSIMs on your old phone (for example, a primary carrier and a travel plan), you must transfer each one separately. Complete the first transfer, verify it works on the new phone, then start a second Quick Transfer or QR scan for the second profile. Most phones store up to 8 eSIM profiles but can only have two active simultaneously.
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