How to Transfer an eSIM From One iPhone to Another

The fastest way to move your eSIM is through your carrier's app or website

Moving an eSIM from one iPhone to another is not the same as moving a physical SIM card. You cannot remove it and hand it over. Instead, you contact your carrier and ask them to transfer the eSIM profile to your new phone. Most carriers let you do this yourself through their app or website in minutes. Some require a phone call. Either way, your old phone loses the eSIM once the transfer completes, and your new phone receives it.

The process differs slightly by carrier, but the basic steps are the same: remove the eSIM from your old phone, request the transfer through your carrier, and download the eSIM profile onto your new phone. You need both phones on hand for most carriers, though a few will mail you a QR code if you cannot access the old device.

Key Takeaways

Your carrier controls the eSIM, not Apple, so you must contact them directly to move it between phones.
Most carriers let you remove and re-download the eSIM yourself through their app or website without calling.
You need both iPhones present for the transfer unless your carrier offers to email you a QR code.
The transfer usually takes a few minutes to an hour, and your old phone will lose service once it completes.
If the transfer fails, contact your carrier's support line — they can reset the eSIM and send you a new QR code.

How to transfer through your carrier's app or website

Start by opening your carrier's app or visiting their website on any device — computer, tablet, or phone. Look for a section labeled "Manage eSIM," "Transfer eSIM," "Switch Devices," or "Mobile Device Management." The exact name varies by carrier. Log in with your account credentials.

Select your current phone and choose the option to remove or deactivate the eSIM. Your carrier will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the eSIM becomes inactive on your old iPhone, and you will lose cellular service on that phone. Then, on your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Scan the QR code your carrier displays on their app or website, or tap "Transfer from Nearby iPhone" if that option appears. Your new phone will download the eSIM profile within a few minutes.

After the transfer completes, restart your new iPhone. Open Settings > Cellular to confirm the plan is active and shows your phone number. Send a test text or make a test call to verify service is working. If you see an error during the scan, make sure your new iPhone is on Wi-Fi and that you are scanning the correct QR code for your carrier.

Transferring when you do not have access to your old iPhone

If your old phone is lost, broken, or unavailable, contact your carrier directly by phone or through their app's support chat. Explain that you need to transfer your eSIM but cannot access the old device. Most carriers will deactivate the eSIM remotely and email you a QR code to download it on your new phone.

Have your account number, phone number, and the last four digits of the Social Security number associated with the account ready when you call. Some carriers ask for a PIN or password you set up previously. The carrier will verify your identity, remove the eSIM from the old phone, and send you a QR code via email within a few minutes to a few hours. Once you receive it, open Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan on your new iPhone and scan the code.

What happens if the transfer fails or gets stuck

If you scan the QR code and see an error like "Could not activate cellular plan" or "Unable to add plan," the most common cause is that your new iPhone is not connected to Wi-Fi. Make sure Wi-Fi is on and working before you try again. If you are already on Wi-Fi, restart your new iPhone and try scanning the QR code a second time.

If the error persists, the eSIM profile may not have transferred correctly. Contact your carrier's support line and tell them the transfer failed. They can reset the eSIM on their end and send you a new QR code. Do not try to scan the same code multiple times — each failed attempt can lock the profile temporarily. Your carrier will unlock it and provide a fresh code.

In rare cases, your new iPhone may not support eSIM, though all current iPhone models do. Check Apple's support page for your specific iPhone model to confirm. If your phone does support eSIM but the transfer still fails after multiple attempts, your carrier may need to manually provision the profile, which can take 24 hours.

Transferring between iPhones on the same carrier

If you are staying with the same carrier, the process is straightforward: remove the eSIM from your old phone through the carrier's app, then download it on your new phone using the QR code. Your service transfers immediately once the new phone completes the download.

Some carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, offer a "Transfer from Nearby iPhone" option in Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan on your new phone. If both phones are nearby and on Wi-Fi, you can tap this option instead of scanning a QR code. Your new phone will communicate with your old phone and download the eSIM profile directly. This method is faster and requires no QR code, but both phones must be present and unlocked.

Switching carriers and moving your eSIM

If you are switching to a new carrier, you cannot transfer your old eSIM. Instead, you will port your phone number to the new carrier and receive a new eSIM from them. Contact your new carrier and provide your phone number, account details with your old carrier, and the account PIN or password your old carrier uses. The new carrier will initiate the port, which usually takes a few hours to a full business day.

Once the port completes, your new carrier will send you a QR code via email or text, or they will provide it in their app. Scan the code on your new iPhone to download the new eSIM. Your old carrier's eSIM will stop working automatically once the port is complete. You do not need to manually remove it.

Carrier-specific transfer steps

Verizon: Open the My Verizon app, tap the menu, select "Devices," then "Manage Devices." Choose your old phone, tap "Remove Device," and confirm. On your new phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code Verizon displays in the app, or use "Transfer from Nearby iPhone."

AT&T: Open the AT&T mobile app, tap "Account," then "Manage Devices." Select your old phone and choose "Remove Device." On your new phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code AT&T provides, or tap "Transfer from Nearby iPhone" if available.

T-Mobile: Open the T-Mobile app, go to "Account," then "Devices." Select your old phone and tap "Remove Device." On your new phone, scan the QR code T-Mobile displays in the app through Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

Other carriers: Log into your carrier's website or app, find the eSIM or device management section, remove your old phone, and scan the QR code on your new phone. If you cannot find the option, call your carrier's support line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old iPhone after transferring the eSIM?

No. Once the eSIM transfers to your new phone, it becomes inactive on your old phone and you will lose cellular service. You can still use the old phone on Wi-Fi. If you want to reactivate the eSIM on the old phone later, contact your carrier and they can transfer it back, but you cannot have the same eSIM active on two phones at the same time.

Do I need both iPhones to transfer the eSIM?

You need both phones for the fastest transfer using "Transfer from Nearby iPhone." If you do not have access to your old phone, contact your carrier by phone or app and they will email you a QR code instead. This takes longer but works just as well.

How long does the eSIM transfer take?

The transfer usually completes within a few minutes once you scan the QR code on your new phone. In rare cases, it can take up to an hour. If it takes longer than an hour, contact your carrier — the transfer may have failed and you may need a new QR code.

What if I accidentally deleted the QR code email from my carrier?

Log back into your carrier's app or website and look for the QR code in the eSIM or device management section. Most carriers keep it available for 24 to 48 hours. If it has expired, contact your carrier's support line and they will send you a new one.

Will I lose my phone number when I transfer the eSIM?

No. Your phone number stays the same when you transfer the eSIM to a new iPhone on the same carrier. If you are switching carriers, your phone number transfers to the new carrier through a process called porting, which takes a few hours to a full business day.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.