You cannot transfer an eSIM directly between phones — you have to get a new eSIM from your carrier

An eSIM is a digital SIM card stored on your phone's hardware. Unlike a physical SIM you can move between devices, an eSIM is locked to the phone it was activated on. When you switch from Android to iPhone, you cannot copy or transfer the eSIM itself. Instead, your carrier will deactivate the old eSIM and issue you a new one for your iPhone.

The process takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on your carrier. Some carriers handle it instantly through their app or website. Others require a phone call or a visit to a store. Either way, you will have service on your iPhone once the new eSIM is set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your carrier before you switch phones — they will deactivate your Android eSIM and send you a new one for your iPhone.
  • Most carriers let you request a new eSIM through their mobile app or website, and it arrives as a QR code you scan with your iPhone.
  • Keep your Android phone until the new eSIM is active on your iPhone, in case you need to verify your identity or troubleshoot.
  • If your carrier does not support eSIM on iPhone, you may need to switch to a physical SIM or change carriers.

How to request a new eSIM from your carrier

Start by opening your carrier's mobile app or visiting their website on a computer. Look for a section labeled "Manage SIM," "SIM settings," "Device management," or "Switch devices." The exact name varies by carrier. Most carriers have a button or link that says something like "Get a new eSIM" or "Activate eSIM on a new device."

You will be asked to confirm your phone number and account details. Some carriers ask you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone. Once verified, the carrier will show you a QR code — a square barcode that your iPhone can scan. Write down or screenshot the QR code, or leave the page open on a computer screen nearby.

If your carrier does not offer this option online, call their customer service number (usually on your bill or their website). Tell them you are switching to an iPhone and need a new eSIM. They will walk you through the process and may email or text you the QR code.

Setting up the eSIM on your iPhone

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. The phone will open a camera and ask you to scan a QR code. Hold your iPhone steady and point the camera at the QR code your carrier provided. The phone will read it automatically.

After scanning, your iPhone will download the eSIM profile from your carrier. This usually takes less than a minute. You will see a confirmation screen asking you to name the plan (for example, "Personal" or "Work") and choose whether to use it as your primary line. Select your preference and tap Add Cellular Plan.

Once the eSIM is active, you will see a cellular signal indicator in the top left corner of your screen. Send a test text or make a short call to confirm service is working. If you do not see a signal, restart your iPhone and wait a few minutes — sometimes activation takes longer.

What to do if you do not have the QR code

If you closed the page or did not receive the QR code, go back to your carrier's app or website and request a new eSIM. Most carriers will send you a new QR code immediately or within a few minutes. You can request it as many times as you need — each request generates a fresh code.

If your carrier does not have an online option, call them and ask them to email or text the QR code to you. Some carriers will read the code to you over the phone, though this is slower and more error-prone. A few carriers still require you to visit a physical store to activate an eSIM on a new device.

Keeping your Android phone active during the switch

Do not power off or reset your Android phone until you confirm that your iPhone has service. If something goes wrong during the eSIM transfer, you may need to access your Android phone to verify your identity or receive a confirmation code from your carrier.

Once your iPhone is working and you have made a test call or sent a test text, you can safely power off the Android phone. Your carrier will automatically deactivate the old eSIM on the Android device. If you plan to sell or give away the Android phone, perform a factory reset to erase your data.

Carriers that support eSIM on iPhone

Most major carriers in the United States support eSIM on iPhone, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and many MVNOs (smaller carriers that use the big three networks). However, not all carriers offer eSIM yet, and some offer it only on certain plans.

Before you switch, check your carrier's website or call them to confirm they support eSIM on iPhone. If your carrier does not support eSIM, you have two options: switch to a carrier that does, or ask your carrier to issue you a physical SIM card instead. A physical SIM works on any phone and can be moved between devices, though it is slower and less convenient than eSIM.

What happens to your Android phone number and plan

Your phone number and plan stay the same. The carrier simply moves your service from the Android eSIM to the iPhone eSIM. You will not lose your contacts, messages, or plan features. Your billing cycle and monthly cost do not change.

If you have multiple phone numbers on your Android phone (for example, a work line and a personal line), each one needs its own eSIM. Request a new eSIM for each number from your carrier, and your iPhone can store multiple eSIMs at once. You can switch between them in Settings > Cellular and choose which one to use for calls and texts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new eSIM?

If you request it through your carrier's app or website, the QR code usually appears within seconds to a few minutes. Activation on your iPhone happens instantly once you scan the code. If you call your carrier, it may take 24 to 48 hours to receive the QR code by email or text, though some carriers send it immediately.

Will I lose service while switching?

You will lose service on your Android phone once the old eSIM is deactivated, but you should have service on your iPhone as soon as the new eSIM is active. The gap is usually just a few minutes. To avoid any downtime, set up the new eSIM on your iPhone before your carrier deactivates the old one.

Can I use both the Android phone and iPhone at the same time?

No. An eSIM can only be active on one device at a time. Once your carrier activates the new eSIM on your iPhone, the old eSIM on your Android phone stops working. If you need to use both phones, ask your carrier about a second phone number or line.

What if my iPhone does not recognize the QR code?

Make sure you are in Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and the camera is open. Try moving closer to the QR code or adjusting the lighting. If the camera still will not read it, you can enter the eSIM details manually — your carrier can provide the activation code instead of a QR code, though this is slower.

Do I need to do anything on my Android phone before switching?

Back up your contacts, photos, and messages using Google Drive, Google Photos, or another cloud service. Once your iPhone is set up and working, you can restore this data to your iPhone. You do not need to do anything special with the eSIM itself — just keep the Android phone powered on until your iPhone has confirmed service.