If you are searching for how to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another, the safest route is to start on the new iPhone while the old one is still unlocked, nearby and connected to Wi‑Fi. Use Apple's built-in transfer only when your carrier and plan support it; otherwise, the carrier app, a fresh QR code or manual activation details are the normal fallback.
On the new iPhone, open Settings → Cellular or Mobile Service → Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone when it appears. Approve the move on the old iPhone and wait for the new line to activate. If you do not see that option, use the carrier's app or QR code flow instead. Keep the old phone until calls, texts and data work on the new one.
First, identify what you are transferring
“Move my eSIM” can mean three different things. The correct path depends on whether the plan carries your regular phone number or is a separate travel data plan.
| Your situation | What to use | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Regular carrier eSIM and phone number | Quick Transfer, carrier activation or a replacement QR code | The old line commonly stops working when the new line activates. |
| Physical SIM becoming an eSIM | Carrier conversion or the new iPhone's SIM setup | This is a SIM-format change, not the same as copying an existing eSIM profile. |
| Separate travel eSIM | Provider app, QR code or manual activation on the new iPhone | Eligibility and reuse rules belong to the travel provider; do not assume Quick Transfer applies. |
If you are switching between iPhone and Android, use the cross-device guidance in how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone. Apple-to-Apple steps are not a promise that a cross-platform move will work.
Before you start: a transfer checklist
Prepare both phones first. A cellular transfer is separate from a backup, and an iCloud backup does not ensure that the carrier will move the eSIM.
- Back up the old iPhone to iCloud or a computer. Verify photos, contacts, messages, passwords and authenticator access on the new phone.
- Keep both iPhones charged, unlocked, nearby and on stable Wi‑Fi. Turn Bluetooth on.
- Have the old passcode and any carrier account verification ready.
- Confirm the new iPhone supports the line and is not locked to another carrier; eSIM hardware alone does not accept every network.
- Check when the plan starts and whether it needs data roaming.
- Keep QR codes and links private; use a second screen and do not delete the old profile to retry.
How to use iPhone Quick Transfer
Quick Transfer works for supported plans during setup or later in Cellular settings. Menu wording varies by iOS, region and carrier.
Start on the new iPhone
During setup, look for the mobile-plan or cellular step. If the phone is already set up, open Settings → Cellular or Mobile Service → Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
Choose the nearby iPhone option
Select Transfer From Nearby iPhone or the discovered plan. If none appears, use the fallback below.
Approve the transfer on the old phone
Unlock the old iPhone, follow its prompt and enter a code if asked. Keep the phones together until activation finishes.
Wait for the new line to activate
The plan may show Activating for a short time. Do not remove the old eSIM or turn off Wi‑Fi while the new iPhone is downloading the profile.
Test before you leave setup
Confirm the line, then test a call, message and mobile data with Wi‑Fi off. The old iPhone may lose service after a successful move.
When Quick Transfer is not available
A missing button may reflect carrier or plan limits, software, lock status or account verification. Prepaid, business, regional and travel plans can have different activation rules.
Use this order:
- Update both iPhones, restart them, reconnect to Wi‑Fi and try Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Look for Use QR Code, Enter Details Manually or a carrier link. Show the QR code on a laptop or second phone; iPhone cannot scan its own screen.
- Use the official carrier app if it offers move, activate or replace device.
- Ask the carrier for transfer or replacement activation; the new IMEI or EID may be required.
For a travel eSIM, ask the provider whether the package can be reinstalled. A QR code may be single-use or tied to a device; buying a new travel eSIM is a separate decision, not the transfer step.
How to transfer eSIM to a new iPhone
Travel eSIMs are often data-only rather than home numbers. Install them on the new iPhone via the provider app, QR code or manual details; provider rules decide whether a move or reissue is needed. No universal iPhone setting can copy every travel eSIM.
Check the plan's device policy and activation window before removing the old profile. Some plans start at installation; others at the first covered connection. See how to install an eSIM on iPhone.
Verify the new iPhone before erasing the old one
Transfer completion is not the same as a working setup. On the new iPhone, label each line and review:
- Which line is selected for Mobile Data. If you have a home line and a travel line, turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching unless you intentionally want fallback data.
- Whether the home line has data roaming off to reduce accidental charges. Follow the travel plan's own instruction; some travel eSIMs require roaming on for that line.
- Whether calls and SMS use the intended number. Recheck iMessage and FaceTime settings if your phone number moved or the default voice line changed.
- Whether mobile data works with Wi‑Fi disabled. If you are testing a destination-only travel plan at home, installation may succeed while service remains unavailable until you reach its covered network.
Only after those checks should you sign out, erase or trade in the old iPhone. Keep its backup and recovery options available until banking, two-factor authentication and important messages are working on the new device.
If the transfer still fails
Note the exact error, both iPhone models, iOS versions, carrier, country and line type. Contact the carrier or provider over Wi‑Fi for the supported path. Avoid deleting a partly activated profile: QR codes and activation tokens are often single-use.
For a profile that is installed but has no service, work through what to do when an eSIM is not working. For a broader move between iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy and other phones, continue with the new-phone transfer guide.
iPhone eSIM transfer FAQ
Does transferring an eSIM remove it from the old iPhone?
When a supported carrier transfer completes, the mobile plan normally stops working on the old iPhone. Wait until the new iPhone can make calls or use data before erasing the old device.
Can I transfer a travel eSIM to a new iPhone?
Sometimes, but a travel eSIM is not automatically eligible for Apple's iPhone-to-iPhone transfer. Many travel plans use a provider app, QR code or manual activation, and the provider may need to reissue the profile for the new device.
Why is the transfer option missing on my iPhone?
The carrier, plan, region, device software or phone lock status may not support Quick Transfer. Update both phones, keep them nearby with Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi on, then try the carrier app or contact the carrier for a new activation method.
Do I need Wi‑Fi to move an eSIM between iPhones?
Use a stable Wi‑Fi connection on both phones while the new iPhone downloads and activates the cellular plan. Wi‑Fi does not make an unsupported carrier transfer available, but it prevents a weak mobile connection from interrupting setup.
Can I keep a physical SIM or second line after the transfer?
Often, yes. iPhone dual-SIM behavior depends on the model, region and carriers. After the move, label each line, select the intended line for mobile data and review data-roaming settings for both lines.
Before you travel: Menu names, carrier eligibility and activation timing can change. Treat the final screen on your iPhone and the instructions for your specific plan as the source of truth.