How to Transfer eSIM from Android to iPhone (and Back)

To transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android on the iPhone, scan the QR code it shows with your Android phone’s camera, then choose your number on the Android phone and tap Transfer. This direct transfer needs an iPhone 11 or later on iOS 26 or later, a compatible Android phone on Android 16 or later, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both, and a participating carrier. In the US that’s AT&T, Cricket, FirstNet, T-Mobile, Verizon and Xfinity Mobile.

Going the other way (iPhone to Android), start eSIM setup on the Android phone, then on the iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > Transfer eSIM (under Transfer to Android). That needs iOS 26.3 or later and a supported carrier. If your carrier or phone isn’t supported, the carrier can still move your number with a QR code, its app or eSIM Carrier Activation.

Which route can you use?

Traveler pausing in a hallway with a phone, choosing how to move an eSIM between phones — Use the built-in transfer if your phones and carrier qualify. Otherwise the carrier reissues the eSIM.

	Android → iPhone	iPhone → Android
iPhone	iPhone 11 or later, iOS 26+	iOS 26.3+
Android	Compatible phone on Android 16+ (check with the manufacturer)	Compatible Android phone that supports the transfer (check with the manufacturer)
US carriers listed by Apple	AT&T, Cricket, FirstNet, T-Mobile, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile	AT&T, FirstNet, T-Mobile, Verizon
Also needed	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth on both phones	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
Fallback	Carrier: eSIM Carrier Activation, QR code or app	Carrier: QR code or app

Apple also lists participating carriers outside the US, such as Bell, Telus and Koodo in Canada and EE in the UK, for Android → iPhone. These lists change, so check Apple’s current page before you start (linked in Sources).

Before you start: Back up both phones, charge them, and keep the old phone unlocked next to the new one. The transfer deactivates the eSIM on the old phone as soon as it completes. That’s normal.

How to transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone

Hands aligning two smartphones for an Android-to-iPhone eSIM transfer scan — Keep both phones charged and on Wi-Fi during the transfer.

Setting up a brand-new iPhone? You can transfer the eSIM during setup. When you’re asked about your phone number, follow the on-screen prompts to transfer from Android. If you’d rather do it later, or you’ve already set up the iPhone:

Step 1: Start the transfer on the iPhone

Open Settings > Cellular. Tap Set Up Cellular > Transfer from Android. If the iPhone already has another SIM, tap Add eSIM > Transfer from Android instead. Then tap Transfer From Android to show a QR code.

Step 2: Scan the iPhone’s QR code with Android

Open the camera on your Android phone and scan the QR code on the iPhone screen. If scanning doesn’t work, use the session ID and pairing code method.

Step 3: Choose your number on Android

On the Android phone, select the phone number you want to move and tap Transfer. If the iPhone asks whether to use it as your primary eSIM, tap Yes (for your main number).

Step 4: Finish and test on the iPhone

When it’s done, tap Done, then OK on the iPhone. Make a phone call to confirm the line works (this is the check Apple recommends). The Android phone’s SIM is now deactivated.

Can’t scan the QR code? Use the session ID and pairing code

On the iPhone, tap Other Options below the QR code. It shows a session ID and a pairing code.
On the Android phone, open Settings > Google services > All services > Pair with iPhone or iPad > Transfer eSIM.
Enter the session ID and pairing code from the iPhone and tap Next.
Select the number and tap Transfer. Tap Yes if asked to make it your primary eSIM.
On the iPhone, tap Done, then OK, and make a test call.

These codes are generated for that one session. They aren’t a carrier activation code or an SM-DP+ address, and there’s no “universal” code to look up. Don’t share them. If you can’t find Pair with iPhone or iPad on your Android phone, that model probably doesn’t support the feature yet. Use the carrier fallback.

How to transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android

Requires iOS 26.3 or later on the iPhone and a supported carrier. Apple currently lists AT&T, FirstNet, T-Mobile and Verizon in the US.

Moving everything to a new Android phone? You can transfer data (photos, contacts, messages and more) and the eSIM together: start setup on the Android phone, then on the iPhone go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android and follow the prompts. (Apple says the data transfer needs a compatible version of Android 17. Check with your manufacturer.)

To transfer only the eSIM:

On the Android phone, start adding an eSIM: on Pixel, Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM. On Samsung Galaxy, Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. Choose the option to transfer from another phone or iPhone if shown. Wording varies by brand.
On the iPhone, open Settings > Cellular and, under Transfer to Android, tap Transfer eSIM.
Place the phones side by side and tap Continue on the iPhone.
Use the iPhone’s Camera to scan the QR code shown on the Android phone. Can’t scan? Tap Other Options and enter the session ID and pairing code from the Android phone on the iPhone.
Select the number to transfer.
Double-click the iPhone’s side button to confirm.
On Android, set the new line for calls, SMS and mobile data, then test with Wi-Fi off.

Once the transfer completes, that number no longer works on the iPhone.

Samsung, Motorola and other Android phones

Samsung to iPhone: Use the same Android → iPhone steps. Your Galaxy needs Android 16 or later (One UI 8 or later) and has to be a model Samsung supports for the feature. Apple says to check compatibility with the manufacturer. Use the session ID route if the camera scan doesn’t connect.
Motorola, OnePlus and others to iPhone: Same requirement: Android 16+ and manufacturer support. If Pair with iPhone or iPad doesn’t appear under Google services, the phone doesn’t support direct transfer yet. Use the carrier route.
T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T: All three appear on Apple’s lists for both directions. If the option still doesn’t appear, the carrier can move the line from its app or support.

If the transfer option is missing: use your carrier

The direct transfer isn’t available for every carrier, plan or phone. This doesn’t mean your number is lost.

Update both phones and restart them.
Open your carrier’s app. Many US carriers let you “switch device” or “change SIM” there.
Contact the carrier and ask to move your number to an eSIM on the new phone. They’ll use eSIM Carrier Activation (on iPhone a Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed notification appears) or send a QR code.
Keep the old phone untouched until the new one works. Don’t delete the old eSIM to make room. A carrier QR code is often single-use.

After the transfer: test and tidy up

With Wi-Fi off on the new phone, check: outgoing call, incoming call, SMS (including a two-factor code), and mobile data. Then:

Leaving iPhone for Android? Turn off iMessage and FaceTime on the iPhone before you switch, or use Apple’s Deregister iMessage page if you no longer have it, so texts from iPhone users reach your Android phone as SMS/RCS.
Travel eSIMs: A travel eSIM from an app provider usually isn’t moved by these tools. Check whether your provider lets you reinstall it on the new phone before you delete it. See how to use an eSIM for travel.
No service on the new phone? Work through eSIM not working before deleting anything.

Moving between two iPhones or two Android phones instead? See how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone or phone.

FAQ

Can you transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone?

Yes. With iOS 26 or later, an iPhone 11 or later can receive an eSIM directly from a compatible Android 16+ phone if your carrier participates. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android. Otherwise, your carrier can move it with a QR code or Carrier Activation.

How do I transfer my eSIM from Samsung to iPhone?

On the iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android, scan the QR code with the Galaxy camera, select your number on the Galaxy and tap Transfer. The Galaxy needs Android 16 (One UI 8) or later and Samsung support for the feature. If not, contact your carrier.

Where do I enter the session ID and pairing code on Android?

On the Android phone, go to Settings > Google services > All services > Pair with iPhone or iPad > Transfer eSIM, then enter the session ID and pairing code shown when you tap Other Options under the QR code on the iPhone.

Can I transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone on T-Mobile?

Yes. T-Mobile is on Apple’s list of participating US carriers for direct Android-to-iPhone eSIM transfer, along with AT&T, Cricket, FirstNet, Verizon and Xfinity Mobile.

How do I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android?

On iOS 26.3 or later, start eSIM setup on the Android phone, then on the iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > Transfer eSIM (under Transfer to Android). Scan the Android’s QR code with the iPhone camera, select the number and double-click the side button to confirm.

Will transferring my eSIM change my phone number?

No. The transfer moves your existing line, so the number and plan stay the same. The eSIM on the old phone stops working once the new one activates.

Do I need to contact my carrier to move an eSIM between iPhone and Android?

Not if your carrier and both phones support the direct transfer. If the option is missing or the transfer fails, contact your carrier, who can reissue the eSIM for the new phone.

What if the transfer fails halfway?

Keep the old phone as it is, restart both phones and try again once. If it still fails, contact the carrier with both phone models and the error message. Don’t keep deleting and reinstalling profiles.

Related guides

Sources

Apple Support: Transfer your eSIM from Android to iPhone (requirements, carrier list, Settings steps, Other Options). https://support.apple.com/en-us/123878
Apple Support: Transfer an eSIM and data from your iPhone or iPad to an Android device (iOS 26.3+, carrier list, Transfer eSIM steps). https://support.apple.com/en-us/126058
Apple Support: About eSIM on iPhone. https://support.apple.com/en-us/118669
Google Pixel Help: Transfer a SIM to a new phone. https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951

How to Transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone (and iPhone to Android)