If you need to know how to transfer eSIM to new phone, begin by identifying the line you are moving: a regular carrier number, a physical SIM that needs converting, or a separate travel eSIM. Keep the old phone working, make a backup, connect both devices to Wi‑Fi, and use the receiving phone's built-in transfer flow only when the carrier and devices support it.
On the new phone, open the SIM or mobile-network settings and look for Transfer SIM, Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular. Pair the phones and approve the move on the old device when prompted. On iPhone, this is often Transfer From Nearby iPhone; on Pixel or Galaxy, the wording is different. If no transfer option appears, ask the carrier for a reissue or use its app or QR code. Do not erase the old phone until the new line passes a call, message and mobile-data test.
How to transfer eSIM: identify the right route
The word transfer hides an important distinction. Moving a profile is not the same as converting a physical SIM, and neither is the same as installing a new travel plan.
| What you have | Best route | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier eSIM with your usual number | Built-in device transfer, carrier app or carrier reissue | Support depends on both phones, the plan, region and carrier. The old line may deactivate when the new one activates. |
| Physical SIM in the old phone | Move the card, or ask the carrier to convert/issue it as an eSIM | A new phone without a SIM slot may require carrier help. Conversion is not a copy of an existing eSIM. |
| Travel eSIM bought for data | Install its app, QR code or manual activation on the new phone | Provider rules decide whether the plan can move, be reinstalled or needs a new activation. |
If you only want to add a brand-new travel plan, use the device-specific installation guides for iPhone or Android rather than treating it as a transfer.
Before you start: protect the old line
Do these checks while the old phone still has service.
- Back up the old phone to iCloud, Google, Samsung Cloud or a computer. Verify photos, contacts, messages, password-manager access and authenticator recovery separately.
- Record both phone models, operating systems, carrier and country. Confirm the new phone supports eSIM and is unlocked for the intended network.
- Charge both phones, turn them on, keep them unlocked and use stable Wi‑Fi. Turn Bluetooth on for nearby pairing.
- Have the old passcode and carrier account verification ready.
- Check activation timing, validity, destination coverage and the plan's data-roaming instruction.
- Keep the original QR code or activation email private; do not assume it can be scanned again.
iPhone to iPhone: use the nearby transfer option
For a supported carrier plan, start on the new iPhone during setup or later from Settings. See how to transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another for the full Apple flow.
Open cellular setup on the new iPhone
During onboarding, follow the mobile-plan prompt. After setup, open Settings → Cellular or Mobile Service → Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
Choose the nearby iPhone
Select Transfer From Nearby iPhone or the discovered number. Keep the old iPhone unlocked, close and connected while the new device pairs.
Confirm on the old iPhone
Approve the transfer and enter any passcode or verification code. Wait for the new line to activate before removing anything.
Review line defaults
Label the line, choose the intended mobile-data line and check calls, messages, iMessage and FaceTime if the phone number moved.
Android: Pixel, Galaxy and other phones
Android has no universal transfer menu. The receiving phone may offer it during setup, in SIM settings or in a carrier app. These routes vary by model, country and carrier.
| Receiving phone | Typical route | If it is not there |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer a SIM from another phone, when supported. | Use Set up an eSIM, the carrier app or a QR code. iPhone-to-Pixel support varies by operator. |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Transfer SIM from another phone or Transfer SIM from iPhone, when offered. | Pair as prompted or ask the carrier for activation. |
| Other Android | Search Settings for eSIM, Add SIM, SIM manager or Download a SIM. Check setup for a transfer prompt. | Use the carrier app or request a QR code; paths differ by model. |
For Android-to-Android or iPhone-to-Android moves, keep both devices powered and follow the pairing code. Phone-data transfer can copy content, but the eSIM may need separate approval.
If the old phone uses a physical SIM
If the new phone has a compatible SIM tray, moving the physical card may be simplest. If it has no slot, look for Convert to eSIM or request a carrier conversion.
This is not an eSIM-profile transfer: the carrier must authorize the new eSIM. Keep the physical card safe until it is active and tested.
If the line is a travel eSIM
A travel eSIM is usually a new data profile, not a home number the operating system can freely copy. Check the provider's device-change policy; the route may be an app transfer, new QR code, manual activation or support review.
Install over reliable Wi‑Fi and keep the old phone available until the new phone shows the line. Some plans start at installation; others at network connection, so a destination-only plan may not work until arrival. For a fresh profile, follow the eSIM installation guide and check roaming before selecting travel data.
Verify the new phone before retiring the old one
Once the profile appears, test what you need. Keep Wi‑Fi available for support, but turn it off briefly for mobile data.
- Confirm the transferred or installed line is switched on and selected for Mobile Data or Preferred SIM for data.
- Make a call and send an SMS if the plan includes voice and messaging. For a data-only travel eSIM, test a webpage or messaging app instead.
- Turn off automatic data switching if you do not want the phone to fall back to the home line. Keep home-line roaming off when avoiding roaming charges.
- Turn travel-line roaming on only if the plan instructions require it. This setting is not universal across providers.
- Check that important two-factor authentication, banking and messaging accounts can be reached on the new phone before wiping the old one.
If the line is installed but there is no service, use the troubleshooting sequence in eSIM not working. An activation error, unsupported network or wrong data-line selection needs a different fix from a failed phone backup.
What to do when the transfer option is missing
Update both phones, restart, reconnect to Wi‑Fi and search the new phone's SIM settings. Confirm the new device is unlocked and the old line is active. Do not delete profiles or reset the phone yet.
Contact the carrier or travel-plan provider with the exact new device. Ask about an app transfer, replacement eSIM, manual activation or QR code; the new IMEI or EID may be required. Keep the old phone and backup until complete.
There is no universal code for exporting every eSIM. The provider controls reissue, and the receiving phone controls which activation methods it accepts.
New-phone eSIM FAQ
Can I transfer any eSIM to any new phone?
No. The phone, carrier, plan, region and software all affect eligibility. A supported transfer can move a carrier line, while a travel eSIM may require its provider app, QR code or a new activation.
Is eSIM transfer the same as transferring my phone data?
No. A cable, cloud backup or phone-to-phone setup can copy contacts, photos and apps without moving the cellular plan. Treat eSIM activation as a separate step and verify it on the new phone.
What should I do if the transfer option is missing?
Update both phones, connect them to Wi‑Fi, restart and search the new phone's SIM settings for Add eSIM or Transfer SIM. If the option still does not appear, use the carrier app or ask the carrier for an eSIM reissue or QR code.
How do I switch an eSIM to another phone without losing my number?
Keep the old phone active, start the supported transfer on the new phone or request a carrier reissue, and do not erase the old device until calls, messages and mobile data work on the new one. The old line may deactivate when the new profile activates.
Can I keep a travel eSIM on the old phone and the new phone?
Do not assume so. Some travel providers allow reinstallation, some activation codes are single-use, and some plans are tied to a device or activation event. Check the provider's rules before deleting or installing the profile again.
Final check: The receiving phone's current setup screen and your carrier or travel provider's instructions take priority over any generic transfer guide. Keep the old device available until the new one is genuinely connected.