How to transfer an eSIM to a new phone

Before you transfer

Check carrier support before you start. Apple says eSIM Quick Transfer lets you move a supported plan between iPhones without contacting your carrier. Cross-platform transfers also depend on the carrier and compatible devices.

For iPhone Quick Transfer, sign in to both phones with your Apple Account. Enter the previous iPhone's passcode to access it, keep the phones nearby and turn on Bluetooth.

For Samsung transfers, update both devices and connect them to Wi-Fi with Bluetooth on. Samsung says the new device must have no carrier lock. Google's automatic transfer requires the current version of Google Play Services on both devices.

iPhone to iPhone

During new iPhone setup, follow the onscreen prompts if you are asked to transfer your phone number. Apple says you can transfer a physical SIM or eSIM this way. With iOS 26 or later, you can transfer more than one phone number.

If you already finished setup, use Apple's Settings route below. When the plan activates on your new iPhone, your previous SIM deactivates.

1. On your new iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular.
2. Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
3. Choose the plan to transfer. If no numbers appear, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
4. Follow the instructions on your previous iPhone. Tap Transfer, or enter the verification code displayed on the new iPhone.
5. Wait for the plan to activate on your new iPhone.
6. If Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan appears, tap the banner and complete the transfer on your carrier's webpage.

Android to iPhone

Apple supports direct transfer with some carriers and manufacturers on iOS 26 or later. Its requirements include an iPhone 11 or later and a compatible Android smartphone running Android 16 or later. Connect both phones to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.

Apple lists AT&T, Cricket, FirstNet, T-Mobile, Verizon and Xfinity Mobile among supported US carriers. Compatible devices can transfer during new iPhone setup. For an iPhone already set up, follow the route below.

If direct transfer is not supported, contact your carrier. Apple says it can transfer your number through eSIM Carrier Activation or a QR code. After a successful transfer to iPhone, the SIM on your Android deactivates.

1. On your iPhone, open Settings.
2. Tap Set Up Cellular, then Transfer from Android. If another SIM is already installed, tap Cellular, Add eSIM, then Transfer from Android.
3. Tap Transfer From Android to generate a QR code. If you cannot scan it, choose Use Other Options.

iPhone to Android and Android to Android

Apple's setup transfer to Android requires a compatible version of Android 17 and a supported carrier. Its US list includes AT&T, FirstNet, T-Mobile and Verizon. Update your devices, connect to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.

For iPhone to Android during setup: 1. Begin setup on Android. 2. Scan the Android QR code with your iPhone's Camera app to connect the devices. 3. After data transfer finishes, tap Continue to transfer the eSIM. 4. Double-click the iPhone side button when prompted. After transfer, the number no longer works on the iPhone.

For Pixel or another Android using Google's Settings route: 1. Open Settings on the new phone. 2. Tap Network & internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Transfer SIM from another device. During setup, Google instead says to keep the old device nearby, choose the SIM, tap Transfer and Activate, then follow the activation prompts.

For Galaxy to Galaxy or Android to Galaxy, use Samsung's steps below. Samsung says the selected eSIM downloads and activates automatically on the new Galaxy.

1. On the new Galaxy, open Settings, Connections, SIM manager, then Add eSIM.
2. Tap Transfer SIM from Galaxy/Android phone.
3. On the old phone, tap Transfer in the popup.
4. On the old phone, enter the 6-digit verification code shown on the new Galaxy.
5. On the new Galaxy, select a phone number and tap Transfer.
6. On the old phone, tap Transfer to complete the process.

Travel eSIMs after a phone change

Airalo says its eSIMs can only be installed on one device. Once installed, an Airalo eSIM cannot transfer to another phone. The carrier-transfer instructions above do not override that restriction.

If your old phone still works, Airalo says you can keep using the remaining data there or enable its personal hotspot to connect your new phone.

If the old device is no longer usable, Airalo says the eSIM and remaining data cannot be recovered or transferred. You need to purchase and install a new eSIM on the new device. The provider pages we checked do not state other travel providers' moving or reinstalling rules.

If the transfer does not work

Google says to try the transfer again. If problems persist, contact your carrier. If your Android phone does not automatically detect an eSIM transfer, Google also directs you to the carrier for activation.

A failed transfer does not necessarily disconnect your old phone: Google says the existing device or eSIM can still work if the transfer is unsuccessful. Apple says the previous SIM deactivates when the plan activates on the new iPhone.

If Apple's carrier-setup banner appears, tap it to finish on the carrier's webpage. Contact the carrier if you need help completing that step.