How to transfer your eSIM to a new Android phone

Got yourself a new Android phone? Congratulations! Now, all that’s left to do is to transfer your eSIM from one phone to another, and you’re all set. Not exactly sure how to do that? Keep reading, and you’ll learn what to check, where to go, and how to successfully transfer your eSIM to a new Android phone in no time.

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7 min read

How to transfer your eSIM to a new Android phone

What to do and check before transferring an eSIM on your new Android phone

Before transferring your eSIM to a new Android phone, you should take a few preparatory steps. Installing an eSIM card for Android isn’t difficult, yet it can cause some headaches if you’re underprepared. So here’s what you should do before transferring your eSIM.

Check compatibility 

The very first thing you should do (or actually should’ve done before buying) is to make sure whether your new Android supports eSIM connection. If it does, we can move to the next step. If it doesn’t, we’re sorry, but the rest of the article won’t do you much good. 

To check whether your Android supports an eSIM connection, open your Android’s settings and find the SIM card menu (it usually hides in sections such as “SIM settings,” “SIM manager,” “Mobile network,” or similar). If you see “Add eSIM” in there, you’ll have no problem setting up or transferring your eSIM.

Backup data

To rephrase the famous saying — better backed up than sorry. Before proceeding with eSIM transfer to another Android device, make sure you’ve backed up your mobile contacts, messages, and other important data on your old phone.  

Save eSIM information

One more thing — note down or otherwise save your eSIM information, including your Integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID), eSIM activation code, and your PIN or PUK codes. These are necessary if you want to reactivate your eSIM on another Android, so make sure you’ve saved all of them.

Check the internet connection

Finally, for a smooth eSIM transfer, both old and new Android phones need to be connected to the internet. So make sure both devices have a stable 5G or Wi-Fi connection set (and, please, avoid using public open Wi-Fi networks without a VPN — you’re better than that!).

How to transfer an eSIM to your new Android phone

So you’ve backed up your data, made sure both phones have internet connection, and written down all the important eSIM info. That means you’re now ready for the great eSIM transfer. Here’s how to transfer an eSIM to your new Android phone.

Contact your carrier company

The first thing you must do before transferring your eSIM from one Android phone to another is to contact your carrier. Why? Because your carrier must know about your intention to transfer the eSIM so that it can provide specific instructions or additional information required for a smooth process. For example, your carrier might send you a QR or a manual code to simplify the eSIM transfer, saving time and effort. 

Transfer an eSIM to a new Android phone with a QR code

Once the carrier knows you’re transferring your eSIM to a new phone, it’s time to begin the switch. The easiest way to do that is by using an eSIM QR code provided by your carrier. To transfer your eSIM via QR code, just do the following:

  1. Find “SIM manager” in your Android settings (under the “Connections” section or similar) and tap “Add eSIM.” 

  2. Tap the “Scan the QR” option (skip this step if the phone automatically opens the QR scanner).

  3. Scan the QR code sent by your carrier.

  4. Confirm that you want to add an eSIM by tapping “Add eSIM” or similar on the prompt that pops up after scanning the QR code.

  5. Wait for the installation to complete.

And just like that, your eSIM transfer is complete! You should be able to call, text, browse the internet, and enjoy other eSIM benefits without any hassle. Or if you’ve installed an eSIM just for travel purposes, you can download the eSIM app and start exploring the best data options for your trip.

Transfer an eSIM to a new Android phone manually

If you’re a fan of a “hands-on” approach, you can ditch the QR code and transfer your eSIM manually. Although ironically, the process is similar to QR code installation, except instead of a QR code, you just type in the eSIM installation code manually. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Find “SIM manager” in your Android settings (under the “Connections” section or similar) and tap “Add eSIM.” 

  2. Tap the “Need help?” option in the bottom left corner (if you can’t find it, look for the “Set up eSIM manually” option instead).

  3. Tap “Set up eSIM manually” or similar.

  4. Type in the activation code you’ve received from your carrier and tap “Continue.”

  5. Wait for the installation to complete.

Transfer an eSIM to a new Android phone with automatic transfer

This eSIM activation method is still relatively new and available only on a select few Android phones (specifically Google Pixel and a few Samsung smartphones). All it takes is to put both old and new Android phones next to each other. You’ll see a “Transfer SIM to [phone model]” prompt pop up on your old device. From here:

  1. Tap “Next.”

  2. The QR code will pop up on the screen of your new phone, while a camera viewfinder will appear on the old one. Scan the QR with your old phone.

  3. Scanning the QR will prompt an automatic eSIM transfer. Wait for installation to complete, and you’ll be all set.

As mentioned, this transfer method is limited to specific Android models only. However, in the future, it should become the mainstream way of transferring your eSIM between different types of Android devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches).

From Android to Android: Why should you transfer your eSIM?

You might wonder why you should transfer or install an eSIM on Android. And there can be dozens, if not hundreds, of answers to that question. Namely, because it’s slightly eco-friendlier than a physical SIM card, it doesn’t require tinkering with SIM card slots, and it provides the same service as a physical SIM without requiring you to buy yourself a SIM card. These benefits are probably some of the main reasons why most smartphones on the market support eSIM connection.

However, the best asset of an eSIM for its users is that it provides cheaper alternatives to mobile data while traveling the world. For example, if you’re a passionate Instagrammer who needs loads of data to capture every moment of your journey, mobile eSIM data apps like Saily work as a great alternative to data roaming, pocket Wi-Fi, or local SIM cards. It also helps that Saily provides connections in more than 160 countries worldwide, offering vast coverage and data options that suit your needs.

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    saily blog author lukas t
    Lukas Tamašiūnas

    Lukas is the mental prisoner of the song "Orinoco Flow," which plays in his head every time he hears the word "Saily." However, that doesn't stop him from wanting to share his knowledge about connecting to the internet via eSIM — even if his current phone doesn't support it.