How to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone from an iPhone or Android

Can you transfer an eSIM to your new iPhone? 

You absolutely can transfer an eSIM to your new iPhone. One of the biggest benefits of an eSIM is that everything happens digitally, and Apple makes it simple to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone. You can move your plan directly during setup or later through your iPhone settings.

And if you’re switching from Android, you can still bring your eSIM to your iPhone, although the process looks a little different. Some carriers let you scan a new QR code, while others offer an app-based or in-store activation option.

Things to know before you move your eSIM to your new iPhone

Integrating an eSIM from your old phone to a new one comes with some ground rules. So make sure that:

• Both of your devices are an iPhone XS, XS MAX, XR, or a newer model. Their operating system shouldn’t be older than iOS 12.1. 

• Your mobile carrier supports eSIM technology.

• You have a stable internet connection. But you can relax about this one if you have an iPhone 14 or a newer iPhone model — they don’t need the internet to set up an eSIM.

If you can answer "yes" to all three statements, you’re ready to bring your new iPhone to life with an eSIM! 

If you’re coming from Android, ensure your device has the latest software update. Also, prepare the QR code provided by your carrier. You’ll need it to add the plan to your new device manually.

How to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone from an old one 

When moving your eSIM from an old iPhone to a new one, you have three ways to do it. But keep in mind that not all eSIM carriers allow eSIM transfer, so check if yours does! Before heading to action, also make sure that both your old and new devices are connected to the same Apple ID and linked through Bluetooth. 

1. Transfer your eSIM automatically during setup

eSIM Quick Transfer is a special feature that lets you move your physical SIM or eSIM from an old phone to a new one during iPhone setup. See how easy it is to use it:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the steps for setup.

2. When the "Set up cellular" screen appears, tap the "Transfer from nearby iPhone" option. "Set up cellular" can also pop up as "Set up mobile service" if you’re using British English on your phone, so don’t get confused!

3. If your old iPhone has more than one eSIM, you may see the option to select "One line." Choose the eSIM you want to transfer to your new device and tap "Continue."

4. Follow the on-screen instructions on both your old and new phones to complete the eSIM transfer. 

That’s it! Following the same instructions, you can also transfer your physical SIM card as an eSIM to your new smartphone.

However, keep in mind that not all eSIM carriers support the Quick Transfer feature. If that’s the case with your carrier, read on to learn how you can transfer your eSIM between iPhones after setup.

2. Transfer your eSIM manually after setup

Didn’t manage to transfer your eSIM during setup? No problem. You can install an eSIM on an iPhone manually, as long as it runs on iOS 16 or a newer operating system. Follow these steps:

1. Open your new phone’s "Settings" app, choose "Cellular" (or "Mobile data"), and tap "Add cellular plan" (or "Add mobile data plan"). 

2. Your eSIM plan should appear on the screen under the "Transfer from another iPhone" option — tap it. 

3. You’ll now see instructions on your old iPhone for completing the transfer. Sometimes tapping "Transfer" is enough. Other times, you may need to enter a verification code or scan an eSIM QR code displayed on your new device.

4. Your eSIM may take a few moments to activate on your new iPhone. But remember, it will be deactivated on your old iPhone! 

5. When your eSIM is set up, you may also see a notification on your iPhone saying "Finish setting up your carrier’s cellular/mobile data plan." Tap it, and you’ll be taken to your cellular carrier’s webpage to finish transferring your eSIM.

3. Delete an eSIM from the old iPhone and add it to your new one 

If your eSIM simply won’t move to your new iPhone, you’ll have to take another approach — delete your eSIM from the old iPhone and add it to your new phone. To do that:

1. Open your old iPhone’s "Settings," choose "Cellular" (or "Mobile data"), and select the eSIM you want to transfer. Tap "Remove cellular plan" (or "Remove mobile data plan") or "Delete."

2. If you haven’t set up your iPhone yet, follow the setup flow until you reach the "Set up cellular" (or "Set up mobile data") screen. If you have your new phone all set, go to "Settings," choose "Cellular" (or "Mobile data"), and tap "Add cellular plan" (or "Add mobile data plan"). 

3. Follow your eSIM provider’s prompts and set up your eSIM. You may need to scan a unique QR code or use a carrier's app to download an eSIM to your phone and activate it.

If this option doesn’t work either, it’s about time for you to contact your eSIM carrier and ask for help.

How to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone from Android

If you’ve been wondering how to transfer an eSIM from an Android device to an iPhone, see this quick breakdown of every method that works:

• eSIM carrier activation. Your iPhone connects directly to your carrier using your IMEI or EID number. The eSIM setup data downloads automatically during setup or later via "Settings" → "Cellular" (or "Mobile data") → "Add cellular/mobile plan." Once complete, your carrier line activates instantly.

• QR code activation. Request a new QR code from your carrier, then scan it under "Settings" → "Cellular" (or "Mobile data") → "Add eSIM" on your iPhone.

• Carrier app transfer. Some carriers, like T-Mobile or AT&T, let you sign in through their app on your iPhone to move your plan digitally.

• Manual transfer with activation code. If you’re given an activation code or SM-DP+ address, you can enter these details manually under "Use QR code" → "Enter details manually."

How to know if the eSIM transfer to your new iPhone was successful 

Your eSIM has already landed on your new phone. But is it really working? The first thing you should check is if your eSIM is activated. You can see that by looking at the name of the network provider displayed beside the battery icon at the top right corner of your screen. You can also go to "Settings," tap "Cellular" (or "Mobile data"), and check if you can see your eSIM carrier’s name listed under the "Cellular plans" (or "Mobile data plans") section.

If you’ve transferred from Android, open "Settings" → "Cellular/Mobile data" → "eSIMs" to confirm your plan is listed and active.

But if you want to be absolutely sure, try calling someone or sending a message through any messenger app to check if your eSIM works — it’s as simple as that!

Why am I not able to transfer my eSIM to my new iPhone?

It must be frustrating to realize that your eSIM is not ready to move on, even if you are. But don’t get disappointed just yet — you can resolve most of the eSIM issues on your iPhone once you figure out the problem.

• Outdated software. Both your old and new devices must run on the latest iOS or Android to transfer your eSIM successfully. So make sure your phones are up to date!

• Incorrect setup process. Have you followed every prompt, but something doesn’t work? It’s always a good idea to try again. One wrong digit in the verification code can be the cause of your troubles. 

• Poor internet connection. In most cases, you need to connect to the network to transfer your eSIM. If you’re connected to shaky Wi-Fi or a congested network, your eSIM activation may lag and fail.

• Bluetooth connectivity problem. If your old and new devices can’t pair, your old iPhone won’t pass your eSIM to the new one. To solve this problem, restart your iPhones and go to the Bluetooth settings. Make your iPhones forget each other and pair them again. 

• Carrier restrictions. Some carriers can have specific requirements or restrictions when it comes to transferring eSIMs. It’s always a good idea to contact your eSIM provider and ask for help!

• Android-to-iPhone mismatch. Some Android carriers issue platform-specific eSIMs — you’ll need to request a new one formatted for iOS.

Transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone: The bottom line 

Moving your eSIM to a new iPhone isn’t as complicated as it seems. Whether you’re upgrading from another iPhone or switching from Android, you can transfer your eSIM plan in just a few minutes using Apple’s Quick Start, manual settings, or a QR code from your carrier.

Always check compatibility first, keep both devices updated, and have your activation details ready.

And if you’re choosing an eSIM app for travel or everyday use, Saily is one of the best options. It offers affordable plans, wide coverage, in-built security features, and quick setup, so you can stay connected almost anywhere.