Getting a new phone used to mean popping out a SIM card and pushing it into the new one. With eSIM it is both easier and, occasionally, much harder — depending on which kind of eSIM you are moving.
There are two very different situations here, and mixing them up is why people get stuck:
- Carrier eSIMs (your Verizon, EE, Telstra or T-Mobile line) usually transfer in about two minutes.
- Travel eSIMs (data plans you bought for a trip) usually cannot be transferred at all.
Here is how each one works.
Before you start: do not delete anything
The single most common mistake is deleting the eSIM from the old phone first, assuming you will reinstall it on the new one. Most eSIM profiles can only be installed once. Delete it and it is gone.
Keep the old phone powered on, connected, and untouched until the transfer completes.
Transferring a carrier eSIM between iPhones
Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer moves a line over Bluetooth without contacting your carrier. Both iPhones need iOS 16 or later.
During new iPhone setup
- 1Power on the new iPhone and start setup
- 2When you reach Set Up Cellular, choose Transfer from Nearby iPhone
- 3Keep both phones unlocked, close together, with Bluetooth on
- 4A code appears on the old iPhone — confirm it
- 5Tap Transfer and wait
After setup is already finished
- 1On the new iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- 2Tap Add eSIM
- 3Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone
- 4Confirm the prompt on the old iPhone
- 5Wait for activation — usually under two minutes
The line deactivates on the old iPhone automatically once it activates on the new one. You do not need to delete anything manually.
If Transfer From Nearby iPhone does not appear, your carrier has not enabled Quick Transfer. In that case you need to call them and ask for a new eSIM QR code or activation, which is covered further down.
Transferring an eSIM on Android
Android is less consistent than iOS, because the feature depends on the manufacturer *and* the carrier.
Google Pixel (Android 13+): During setup, choose to copy apps and data from your old phone and Pixel will offer to transfer the eSIM. After setup, go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + and look for a transfer option.
Samsung Galaxy (One UI 5+): Smart Switch can move an eSIM during setup on newer Galaxy models. Otherwise go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
Everything else: Most other Android manufacturers have no device-to-device transfer. You will need a fresh activation from your carrier.
Transferring between iPhone and Android
There is no direct transfer in either direction. Apple's Quick Transfer only works iPhone-to-iPhone, and Android's tools only work within the same ecosystem — sometimes only within the same brand.
Whether you are moving from Android to iPhone or iPhone to Android, the process is the same:
- 1Contact your carrier (app, website or phone)
- 2Request an eSIM transfer or replacement for your new device
- 3They will issue a new QR code or activation code
- 4Scan it on the new phone
- 5Only then remove the old profile
Most carriers do this free of charge, though some charge a small SIM replacement fee.
Converting a physical SIM to an eSIM
If you are moving from a phone with a SIM tray to one without — say an older iPhone to an iPhone 16, which is eSIM-only in the US — you are converting rather than transferring.
On iPhone, iOS offers Convert to eSIM under Settings → Cellular if your carrier supports it. Tap the physical SIM line, look for Convert to eSIM, and follow the prompts. Once it completes, remove the physical SIM card.
If that option is missing, your carrier needs to issue the eSIM manually.
The important part: travel eSIMs usually cannot be transferred
This is where most confusion happens.
A travel data eSIM — from Wanderly, Airalo, Holafly, Saily or anyone else — is a one-time installable profile tied to the device it was installed on. It is not a carrier line, so:
- Quick Transfer does not work on it. Apple's tool only handles carrier lines.
- The original QR code will not scan again. It was consumed at first install.
- Deleting it from the old phone does not free it up. The data allowance stays attached to the profile you just destroyed.
If you are changing phones mid-trip, the practical answer is to buy a fresh plan for the new device. If you are changing phones *before* a trip, simply wait and install the travel eSIM on the new phone instead — do not install it early on the phone you are about to retire.
A few providers will re-issue a profile if you contact support before deleting it, particularly if little data has been used. It is always worth asking, but never assume it.
Quick reference
| Scenario | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone → iPhone, carrier line | Quick Transfer via Bluetooth | ~2 min |
| Pixel → Pixel, carrier line | Transfer during setup | ~5 min |
| Samsung → Samsung, carrier line | Smart Switch or SIM manager | ~5 min |
| iPhone ↔ Android, carrier line | New QR code from carrier | Hours to a day |
| Physical SIM → eSIM | Convert to eSIM in Settings | ~5 min |
| Any travel eSIM | Not transferable — buy new | n/a |
If the transfer fails
Work through these in order:
- 1Check both phones are on Wi-Fi — activation needs a connection
- 2Restart both devices — this clears a surprising number of failures
- 3Confirm iOS 16 or later on both iPhones for Quick Transfer
- 4Turn Bluetooth on on both devices and keep them close
- 5Check for carrier restrictions — prepaid and business accounts often block self-service transfers
- 6Call your carrier if nothing works — they can push a new eSIM directly
For broader connection problems after a successful install, see eSIM Not Working? 10 Common Issues and How to Fix Them.
Setting up the new phone for travel
Once your carrier line is on the new device, adding a travel eSIM alongside it is straightforward — and on an iPhone 13 or newer you can run both at once. See How to Use Dual SIM with eSIM for the setup, or check which iPhones support eSIM if you are unsure about your model.
FAQ
How do I transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another? On the new iPhone go to Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, then Transfer From Nearby iPhone. Keep both phones unlocked with Bluetooth on, confirm the prompt on the old iPhone, and wait about two minutes. Both iPhones need iOS 16 or later.
Can I transfer a travel eSIM to a new phone? Almost never. Travel eSIM profiles install once and stay locked to that device, and the original QR code will not scan a second time. If you change phones mid-trip you will usually need to buy a new plan.
How do I transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone? There is no direct transfer between the two platforms. Contact your carrier and ask for a replacement eSIM for the new device, then scan the QR code they send you.
Will I lose my phone number when transferring an eSIM? No. Your number stays with your carrier account, not the eSIM profile. Transferring or reissuing the eSIM keeps the same number.
Should I delete the eSIM from my old phone first? No. Deleting first is the most common mistake and often leaves you unable to activate on either device. Complete the transfer, then confirm the new phone works before removing anything.
Why is Transfer From Nearby iPhone missing on my iPhone? Either one of the phones is running iOS 15 or older, or your carrier has not enabled eSIM Quick Transfer. Contact your carrier to request a manual eSIM activation instead.