How Do You Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone? Let’s Break It Down

Unboxing a new phone is absolute bliss—new screen, speedy performance, that new-device scent. But then the harsh reality: you have to transfer your mobile plan over. If you have an eSIM, you might be asking yourself, how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone? I completely understand. The first time I attempted this, I was sure I’d botch it and have a very pricey brick. Spoiler: I made it through, and so will you. In this tutorial, I’m passing on all that I’ve learned from my own phone-switching experiences, complete with coffee spills, carrier hold music, and moments of victory in success.

Whether you’re sporting a brand-new iPhone, a shiny new Android, or upgrading from a phone that didn’t survive a rainy day (RIP, my Samsung), I’m here to guide you through transferring an eSIM to a new phone in a way that feels like talking with a friend. No tech jargon, just plain-ol’ steps, personal advice, and a couple of laughs here and there. By the end, you’ll be an eSIM-transfer pro, ready to tackle this with confidence. Let’s dive in!

Okay, What’s an eSIM Anyway?

Before we jump into how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone, let’s clear up what an eSIM is. When my buddy first mentioned eSIMs, I pictured some sci-fi chip that only tech wizards could handle. As it turns out, it’s really just a digital equivalent of that tiny little plastic SIM card you used to wrestle into your phone. Instead of a little piece of hardware, an eSIM is literally built into your phone’s hardware. You get it up and running by downloading a profile from your carrier, which connects you to their network.

Why eSIMs Are Kinda Awesome

Here’s why I’m a fan of eSIMs, and maybe you’ll be too:

• No More Fumbling with Itty-Bitty Cards: I’ve lost count of the number of SIM cards I’ve misplaced under my couch. With eSIMs, that’s a thing of the past.
• Change Carriers Like a Pro: Need to test out a new carrier? You can switch without having to wait for a SIM to arrive in the mail.
• Travel Made Easy: When I went to Japan last year, I picked up a local eSIM plan in minutes. No card switching, no stress.
• Eco Bonus: No plastic equals less trash in landfills, which makes my tree-hugging heart happy.

Of course, eSIMs can seem a little more complicated when you need to switch phones. That’s why having the knowledge of how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone is like a total game-changer. Let’s dive in.

The Big Plan: How Do You Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone?

Switching an eSIM is simply transferring your carrier’s digital account from your previous phone to your new phone. The process varies depending on your phone (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.), carrier (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, etc.), and if your new phone supports eSIM. Most newer phones—such as the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24, or Google Pixel 8—get along with eSIMs, but the process can vary.

Here’s the guide to transferring an eSIM:

1. Make Sure Your New Phone Supports eSIM: No exceptions.
2. Talk to Your Carrier: They may need to send a new profile or authorize the transfer.
3. Back Up Your Old Phone: Save your photos, contacts, and apps before you begin.
4. Transfer the eSIM: Follow your phone or carrier’s instructions to get it done.
5. Activate and Test: Get the eSIM up and running and ensure you’re all set.

Sounds good, huh? Let’s drill down into every step so you can ace how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone without sweating.

Step 1: Does Your New Phone Support eSIM?

First things first when figuring out how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone: check if your new phone even supports eSIM. Most flagship phones do these days, but I’ve seen friends get burned by assuming. One time, my cousin bought a budget Android, only to realize it only took physical SIMs. Cue the sad trombone.

How to Check If Your Phone’s eSIM-Ready

• Scope Out the Manufacturer’s Site: Go to Apple, Samsung, or Google’s website and search up your phone’s specifications. Type in “eSIM” in connectivity. I did this for my iPhone 14, and it reassured me.
• Ask Your Carrier: Carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile typically post eSIM-compatible devices online. A simple conversation with their support can validate.
• Check Your Phone’s Settings: If you have the new phone, dig around. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular. On Android, check Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network. If you find an eSIM option, you’re set.

If your new phone doesn’t support eSIM, you’ll need a physical SIM or a carrier that offers them. But if you’re in the clear, let’s move on to the next step of how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone.

Step 2: Get Your Carrier on Board

Here’s where transferring an eSIM becomes a bit more DIY. Unlike traditional SIMs, eSIMs are tied to your carrier’s network via a digital profile, so you’ll likely need to get them involved. I learned this the hard way when I attempted to move my eSIM without calling my carrier. Let’s just say I spent an hour gazing at a “No Service” screen and wondering about my life choices.

Why Your Carrier’s Part of the Deal

Your carrier supplies the eSIM profile—most commonly through a QR code or digital code—to link your phone to their network. If you change phones, you may require a fresh profile or authorization to transfer the existing one. Carriers come in convenience and love-red-tape flavors.

How to Reach Out

• Hit Their Website: The majority of carriers have instructions on how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone. Look for “eSIM transfer” or “activate eSIM” on their website. I stumbled upon a treasure trove of information on AT&T’s website when I changed phones last year.
• Call Customer Service: If you’re like me and don’t mind a little hold music, give your carrier a call. Have your account details and the new phone’s IMEI number ready (find it in Settings > About Phone).
• Use Their App: Carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile have apps to allow you to control your eSIM. Once, I utilized my carrier app to capture a QR code, and it was quicker than I was anticipating.

Rapid tip: Certain carriers, such as T-Mobile, allow you to simply transfer an eSIM from your old phone to your new phone without needing to call them. Others, such as Verizon, may require you to leap through a couple more hoops. See your carrier’s detailed procedure for how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone.

Step 3: Back Up Your Old Phone (Don’t Skip This!)

Before you begin messing around with your eSIM, take a minute to back up your previous phone. I know it’s tempting to bypass this, but believe me—I learned the hard way after losing a ton of concert photos when I hurried a phone swap. Backing up preserves your contacts, apps, and memories in case something goes wrong during the transfer.

How to Back Up Like a Champ

• For iPhone:
  • Open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  • Hit Back Up Now to back up your stuff to iCloud. It may take a while, so perhaps have a snack.
  • If you’d rather, connect your iPhone to a computer and back up using iTunes or Finder.
• For Android:
  • Go to Settings > System > Backup.
  • Turn on Back Up to Google Drive and tap Back Up Now to save to your Google account.
  • If you’ve got a Samsung, their Smart Switch app is awesome for backing up everything, even your wallpapers.

With your backup done, you’re ready to dive into the next part of how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone. Let’s keep going!

Step 4: How Do You Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone? Let’s Do It

Here’s the moment of truth—actually moving the eSIM. This is where transferring an eSIM becomes thrilling (and perhaps slightly stressful). The process varies on whether you have an iPhone or Android and what your carrier mandates. I’m going to run through the general methods, from my own phone-switching nightmares.

Transferring an eSIM on iPhone

Apple’s eSIM swaps are quite seamless, particularly if you’re remaining within the iPhone clan. When I upgraded from an iPhone 12 to an iPhone 14, I was surprised at how seamless it was. Here’s the scoop:

Option 1: Transfer During Setup

If you’re first-time setting up your new iPhone:

1. Turn your new iPhone on and continue through the setup instructions.
2. When you strike the Cellular Setup screen, select Transfer from Nearby iPhone.
3. Your old iPhone should be nearby, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
4. Follow the prompts. Your carrier may send a verification code to your old device to verify.
5. As soon as it’s complete, your new iPhone should be all set with the eSIM.

Option 2: Transfer Using Settings

Already set up your new device? No problem:

1. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
2. Choose Transfer from Nearby iPhone and continue with the instructions.
3. If your carrier supports a QR code, contact them for one. Then, scan it using your new iPhone’s camera.

Transferring an eSIM on Android

Android’s slightly more diverse because companies like Samsung and Google do their own flavors. Here’s a general overview of transferring an eSIM on Android, from my experience with a Samsung Galaxy:

Option 1: QR Code Method

1. Contact your provider to obtain a new eSIM QR code or activation code.
2. On your new Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier.
3. Scan the QR code or manually enter the code.
4. Follow the instructions to download and activate the eSIM.

Option 2: Carrier App

A few carriers make it absurdly easy via their app:

1. Download your carrier’s app from the Google Play Store.
2. Log in and search for an option such as “Transfer eSIM” or “Activate New Device.”
3. Follow the app’s steps to move the eSIM over.

Heads-Up

• Some carriers will deactivate the eSIM on your old phone once it’s transferred. Check with them to avoid surprises.
• If you’re switching from iPhone to Android (or vice versa), you’ll likely need a new eSIM profile, as cross-platform transfers can be tricky.

You’re rocking how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone! Let’s wrap it up with activation.

Step 5: Activate Your eSIM and Give It a Test

You’ve transferred the eSIM—well done! You just need to activate it now so you can start using your plan. Here’s how to complete how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone and ensure everything’s up and running.

Activating on iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Cellular and select your new eSIM plan.
2. Tap Turn On This Line to get it going.
3. If your carrier sends a verification code, punch it in.
4. Test it—call a friend, send a text, or browse Reddit to confirm it’s all good.

Activating on Android

1. Head to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network.
2. Select the eSIM and toggle it on.
3. If your carrier says to restart, do it.
4. Test calls, texts, and data to make sure you’re connected.

If something’s not clicking, don’t stress—I’ve got troubleshooting tips coming up for how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone.

Troubleshooting: When Your eSIM Transfer Gets Sassy

Tech is a diva at times. Below are some of the issues you may encounter while working on how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone and how to resolve them, from my own struggles.

Problem 1: eSIM Won’t Transfer

• Fix: Ensure that the two phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. If still not responding, have your carrier provide a new QR code or manual steps.

Problem 2: New Phone’s Got No Service

• Solution: Restart your phone first. If that doesn’t work, go to Settings > Cellular (or Network & Internet) and reselect the eSIM. Still nothing? Your carrier may need to activate it.

Problem 3: Carrier Wants Extra Verification

• Solution: Some carriers are very finicky and require you to verify your identity. Have your account information and the new phone’s IMEI number handy when you call.

Problem 4: Old Phone’s Still Connected

• Solution: If the eSIM on your old phone is still working, it may freeze out the new one. Have your carrier disable the old eSIM.

These solutions should iron out any creases in how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone.

My Top Tips for a Drama-Free eSIM Transfer

To keep transferring an eSIM as simple as Sunday morning, here’s some guidance I wish I’d received:

• Update Your Phones: Ensure both phones are updated with the latest software. Look in Settings > General > Software Update (iPhone) or Settings > System > System Update (Android).
• Keep Carrier Info Handy: Store your carrier’s contact information so you won’t be searching for it in the middle of the transfer.
• Check Your Plan: Make sure your cell plan is turned on and compatible with the new phone.
• Test Everything: Once the transfer is complete, test calling, texting, and browsing to spot any potential problems early.

These small tips will save you a boatload of headaches when dealing with how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone.

Why I’m All About eSIMs

Now that you have transferring an eSIM memorized, you may be asking yourself if eSIMs are all the hype. For me, they’re an absolute win. They free up space on your phone, allow you to switch between multiple plans (such as one for work and one for fun), and make traveling easy. And with more phones moving away from physical SIMs, eSIMs are essentially the future.

Yes, the transfer process itself can feel a little clumsy, and not all carriers or phones are quite there yet. But after you figure out how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone, it’s no problem.

FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions

To conclude this guide on how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone, here are some questions I get asked all the time:

Can I Transfer an eSIM Without Annoying My Carrier?

Sometimes! Some carriers, like T-Mobile, allow you to do it from your phone or app. Others may require you to ask for a new profile.

Will My Phone Number Change?

Nope, if you’re keeping the same carrier and plan, your number’s secure.

Can I Use the Same eSIM on Two Phones?

Usually not—most carriers tie an eSIM to one device. Transferring it to a new phone deactivates it on the old one.

What If My New Phone Doesn’t Support eSIM?

Ask your carrier for a physical SIM card with the same plan.

You’ve Got This!

Migrating to a new phone doesn’t have to be hell, even when you have an eSIM. With the knowledge you have now about how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone, you can now do it like a pro. From ensuring compatibility to activating your eSIM, you now have all the steps you need to get it done. And with my troubleshooting tricks and tips, you’re also ready for whatever surprises are thrown at you.

eSIMs are the future of cellular connectivity, and knowing how do you transfer an eSIM to a new phone is a trick that will benefit you in the long run. So, go get that new device—you’ve worked hard enough! If you run into an issue or want more clarification, contact your carrier or leave a comment. Enjoy switching!