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

Things to know before you move your eSIM to another iPhone

First things first – integrating an eSIM from your old phone to a new iPhone 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! 

How to transfer an eSIM between iPhones

It takes only a couple of clicks for your eSIM to land on your new iPhone. You can also choose to integrate your eSIM yourself during or after the setup. But keep in mind 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 iPhones are connected to the same Apple ID and linked through Bluetooth. 

Transfer your eSIM automatically during setup

Have you heard of eSIM Quick Transfer? It's a special iPhone feature that lets you move your eSIM from an old phone to a new one during setup. Behold how easy it is to use it:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the steps for a 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 iPhone and tap "Continue."

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

That's it! And the best part? 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 the setup.

Transfer your eSIM manually after setup 

Didn't manage to transfer your eSIM during setup? No problem. You can add an eSIM anytime if your iPhone runs on iOS16 or a newer operating system. Follow these steps:

1. Open your new iPhone's "Settings," 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 a QR code displayed on your new iPhone.

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 plan" (or "Finish setting up your carrier's mobile data plan"). Tap it, and you'll be taken to your cellular carrier's webpage to finish transferring your eSIM.

However, these instructions only work if your eSIM carrier supports manual eSIM transfer. If not, there's no need to be disappointed, because you still have an option left.

What to do if transferring an eSIM doesn’t work

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 instructions until you reach the "Set up cellular" (or "Set up mobile data") screen. If you have your new iPhone 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 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 know if the eSIM transfer from iPhone to iPhone was successful 

Your eSIM has already landed on your new iPhone. 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.

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!

Can’t transfer your eSIM? Troubleshoot the issues

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 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!

FAQ

How do I transfer my eSIM to a new iPhone if I don’t have my old iPhone anymore?

Even if you've already waved goodbye to your previous iPhone, it doesn't mean your eSIM will be lost forever. Simply contact your eSIM provider and ask its support representatives for some guidance. They should provide you with a set of instructions on how to set up your previous eSIM on a new iPhone.

How long does it take to transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another?

Transferring an eSIM from iPhone to iPhone is relatively quick, but the time it takes depends on the processes your eSIM carrier has put in place. The transfer time will be longer if you need to update either of your iPhones, solve connectivity issues, or contact your eSIM carrier.  

Should I erase my eSIM from an old iPhone?

Yes, it’s a good idea to delete an eSIM from your old phone after you transfer it to your new iPhone. This will help secure your personal information and prevent any service issues that can occur when your eSIM tries to cover two phones at the same time. 

Can I transfer my eSIM to an iPad or Apple Watch?

Though you can transfer your eSIM to an iPad or Apple Watch, it’s a more complicated process than transferring an eSIM from one iPhone to another. That’s because you need to create a new eSIM profile for each  device type and may need to contact your eSIM carrier for specific instructions and support.