How to Transfer eSIM to a New Phone: iPhone & Android Guide

By Alex Chen, StrongeSIM Travel Expert & Digital Nomad who has personally activated and managed over 50 eSIMs across 30 countries.

Upgrading to a new phone is always exciting, but for many travelers, the immediate question is: how do I transfer eSIM to my new device without losing my connection? I've personally navigated this process many times, from moving my primary Verizon eSIM between iPhones to activating countless travel eSIMs across different Android devices. The good news is that for many eSIMs, especially those from traditional carriers, you can easily transfer eSIM profiles. For travel eSIMs, it's a bit more nuanced, but we'll walk you through the precise process for both iPhone and Android, including crucial steps to take before you factory reset your old device.

Before You Begin: What You'll Need to Transfer Your eSIM

Before you attempt to transfer your eSIM, gather these items to make the process smooth:

• Your old phone, powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.
• Your new phone, charged and also connected to Wi-Fi.
• Your eSIM provider's account details (if applicable, for logging in or retrieving QR codes).
• A stable internet connection on both devices is essential for a successful eSIM transfer.
• A clear understanding of whether your eSIM is from a primary carrier or a travel provider (this often dictates transferability).

Understanding eSIM Transferability: The Crucial Distinction

This is the most important part to understand: not all eSIMs are created equal when it comes to transferring. Your ability to transfer eSIM data depends largely on the eSIM provider and the type of profile.

• Carrier eSIMs (your main phone number): Many primary mobile carriers (like AT&T, Vodafone, Orange) support transferring your eSIM profile directly from an old phone to a new one, often through their app or during the phone's setup process. For instance, I recently transferred my Verizon eSIM from an iPhone 13 to an iPhone 15 Pro using Apple's Quick Transfer, and the entire process took less than 2 minutes, including the confirmation on my old device. This seamless experience is common because carriers want you to easily maintain your primary number.
• Travel eSIMs (like StrongeSIM): Most travel eSIMs, including those from StrongeSIM, are designed as single-install profiles. This means the eSIM profile is tied to the first device it's installed on. If you remove it or try to transfer it via the phone's native transfer features, it often becomes invalid. You would typically need to purchase a new eSIM plan for the new device. At StrongeSIM, we've designed our plans as single-install to streamline activation and offer highly competitive, short-term data rates. This approach prevents the overhead of complex transfer systems, ensuring instant QR delivery and clear billing for each trip. We've found this minimizes user confusion and maximizes value for travelers who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness for their specific journeys. I recall a user, Sarah, who purchased a StrongeSIM for her trip to Thailand. When she upgraded her iPhone mid-trip, she instinctively tried to use Apple's Quick Transfer. Our support team explained that the original eSIM was tied to her old device and helped her quickly purchase a new plan for her new phone, getting her reconnected in minutes.

Always check with your specific eSIM provider if you're unsure about their transfer policy. For StrongeSIM, our plans are typically single-install, meaning if you get a new phone, you'd purchase a new plan for it. However, the process is quick and easy, with QR delivery typically within 30 seconds of purchase.

How to Transfer an eSIM on iPhone (iOS 16+)

Apple has made transferring eSIMs between iPhones significantly easier with iOS 16 and later, provided your carrier supports it. This process is called "eSIM Quick Transfer".

Option 1: During New iPhone Setup

If you're setting up a new iPhone, the system will prompt you to transfer your cellular plans.

1. Power on your new iPhone and place it near your old iPhone.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts for "Quick Start" to set up your new device.
3. When you reach the "Set Up Cellular" screen, you should see your existing phone number(s) listed with an option to "Transfer from Another iPhone".
4. Select the plan(s) you wish to transfer and tap "Continue".
5. On your old iPhone, you'll see a prompt to confirm the transfer. Tap "Transfer" or "Confirm".
6. Once confirmed, your new iPhone will activate the eSIM. This usually takes a few minutes. Your old iPhone's eSIM will be deactivated.

Option 2: Transferring from an Active iPhone (After Setup)

If you've already set up your new iPhone and didn't transfer the eSIM during Quick Start, you can still do it through Settings.

1. On your new iPhone, go to "Settings" > "Cellular".
2. Tap "Add eSIM".
3. You might see an option like "Transfer From Nearby iPhone" or "Transfer from Another iPhone". Tap this.
4. On your old iPhone, a notification will appear asking if you want to transfer your phone number. Tap "Transfer" or "Continue".
5. Follow any additional prompts to confirm the transfer. Your new iPhone will then activate the eSIM.
6. If you don't see this option, your carrier may not support eSIM Quick Transfer, or your old phone might not be close enough. In this case, you may need to contact your carrier or use a QR code if they provide one for re-installation to complete the eSIM transfer.

What people get wrong: Tapping "Set Up Later in Settings" during the initial Quick Start can sometimes make the direct transfer harder, as the prompt might not reappear as clearly. Always try to do it during the initial setup if possible. A successful transfer will show your cellular plan active on the new phone and removed from the old.

How to Transfer an eSIM on Android

Android's eSIM transfer capabilities vary more between manufacturers (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) and Android versions. Google is working to standardize eSIM transfers, but it's not as universally seamless as Apple's Quick Transfer yet. Most Android eSIM transfers still involve a QR code or direct activation via a carrier app.

Option 1: Using a QR Code (Most Common for Travel eSIMs)

If your eSIM provider (especially for travel eSIMs) allows re-installation, they will typically provide a new QR code or activation details to help you transfer eSIM data.

1. On your new Android phone, go to "Settings" > "Network & internet" (or similar, depending on your device, e.g., "Connections" on Samsung).
2. Tap "SIMs" or "Mobile network" (on a Pixel 8 with Android 14, it's under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs; on a Samsung Galaxy S23 running One UI 5, you'd navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager).
3. Look for an option like "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM".
4. Select "Use a QR code" (or similar wording).
5. Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider with your new phone's camera. Ensure the QR code is displayed on a different screen or printed out, not on the phone you are trying to install it on.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM. You may need to name the profile (e.g., "Travel Data") and set it as your preferred SIM for data.

Option 2: Carrier-Specific Transfer (For Primary Carriers)

Some major carriers with Android devices offer their own transfer methods, often through their dedicated app or by logging into your account on their website. Major carriers like T-Mobile in the US or Deutsche Telekom in Germany often have robust in-app transfer options for their primary eSIMs.

1. Install your carrier's app on your new Android phone and log in.
2. Look for options related to "Manage SIM" or "Transfer eSIM".
3. Follow the prompts within the app to initiate the transfer. This might involve verifying your identity.
4. The app will guide you through downloading and activating the eSIM profile on your new device.

Google's "Switch to Android" tool: While Google's tool helps transfer apps and data, direct eSIM profile transfer is still highly dependent on carrier support. Always check your carrier's specific instructions for how to transfer eSIM to a new Android device. Google's official support pages are a good starting point.

What to Do Before a Factory Reset

If you're planning to factory reset your old phone, be very careful with your eSIM. A factory reset will wipe all data, including eSIM profiles.

• For transferable eSIMs (primary carriers): Ensure you have successfully transferred your eSIM to your new device before wiping the old one. Once the eSIM is active on the new phone, it will be deactivated on the old. You can then safely reset the old phone.
• For single-install travel eSIMs: If your travel eSIM is still active on your old phone and you haven't used all the data, be aware that a factory reset will permanently delete the profile. Since these are typically single-install, you won't be able to recover it or transfer it. If you need data on a new device, you'll need to purchase a new eSIM plan, for example, a global eSIM plan from StrongeSIM.

What if Your eSIM Can't Be Transferred?

As mentioned, many travel eSIMs are single-install. If you find you can't transfer eSIM data, don't panic. This is often by design for simplicity and security. Your options are:

• Contact your provider: For primary carrier eSIMs, contacting their support is often your best bet for re-activation codes or troubleshooting. They can guide you on how to transfer eSIM to a different device or re-issue your profile.
• Purchase a new eSIM: For travel data, this is often the simplest and quickest solution. StrongeSIM offers QR delivery typically within 30 seconds of purchase, and activation on a new device usually takes under 2 minutes, based on our internal testing across various devices and network conditions. This means you can buy a new plan and have it installed on your new phone in minutes, ready for your next trip to Japan, Europe, or anywhere else. Plans start from just $3.50.

You can always visit your provider's support page for specific guidance on their eSIM products.

Transferring an eSIM to a new phone can be straightforward with the right information. While primary carrier eSIMs often support direct transfer, remember that many travel eSIMs are single-install. Always verify with your provider and follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition to your new device. Knowing how to transfer eSIM properly will save you headaches. Safe travels, and happy connecting!