How to Move Your eSIM to a New Phone

How to transfer your eSIM to a new phone

Moving an eSIM to a new phone is simpler than transferring a physical SIM card because there is no card to move — you are transferring the digital profile itself. The exact steps depend on whether your carrier lets you do it yourself through an app or website, or whether they need to do it for you. Most major carriers now offer self-service eSIM transfers, which take minutes. If your carrier does not, you will need to contact them and they will remotely switch your service to the new device.

The key difference from a physical SIM is that you cannot just pop the eSIM out and put it in another phone. Instead, you either scan a new QR code on the new phone, or your carrier deactivates the eSIM on the old phone and activates it on the new one. Either way, your old phone loses service once the transfer completes, so plan the timing carefully if you need both phones working at the same time.

Key Takeaways

Self-service eSIM transfers through your carrier's app or website usually take 5 to 15 minutes and require both phones present.
Some carriers require you to call customer service or visit a store, especially if you are switching phone brands or if the phones are not compatible.
Your old phone will lose cellular service as soon as the transfer completes, so back up your data and set up WiFi on the new phone first.
If your new phone does not have eSIM capability, you will need to contact your carrier to get a physical SIM card or switch to a carrier that supports eSIM.
Keep your old phone powered on during the transfer process, as some carriers send confirmation codes or need to verify the device.

Check that both phones support eSIM

Before you start, confirm that your new phone actually has eSIM capability. Most newer iPhones (iPhone XS and later), Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 and later), Google Pixels, and other recent flagship models support eSIM, but not all do. Check your phone's specs on the manufacturer's website or in the device settings — on iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for "eSIM" listed under supported technologies. On Android, the location varies by brand, but it is usually under Settings > About Phone or Settings > SIM & Network.

Also check whether your carrier supports eSIM transfers on both your old and new phone models. Some carriers limit eSIM to certain devices or do not yet offer self-service transfers. Visit your carrier's website or call their customer service line to confirm both phones are compatible before you proceed. This takes five minutes and saves you from getting halfway through the process only to find out you cannot complete it.

Back up your data and set up WiFi on the new phone

Before you transfer the eSIM, back up all your data from the old phone. Use iCloud on iPhone or Google Drive on Android — do not rely on the eSIM transfer to preserve your contacts, photos, or apps. The eSIM only carries your phone number and carrier service, not your personal data. Once you have backed up, power on the new phone and connect it to WiFi. You will need internet access to complete the eSIM transfer, and you will not have cellular service until the transfer finishes.

If you are switching from iPhone to Android or vice versa, use your carrier's app or website to transfer your data as well, since iCloud and Google Drive do not sync across platforms. Some carriers offer a data transfer tool in their app — check before you start. This step takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how much data you have.

Use your carrier's app or website for self-service transfer

Most carriers now let you transfer an eSIM yourself through their mobile app or website. Open your carrier's app on the new phone and look for an option like "Transfer eSIM," "Activate eSIM," or "Switch Devices." You will usually need to sign in with your account credentials. The app will then either show you a QR code to scan with your old phone, or it will ask you to confirm the transfer on the old phone by entering a code.

If the app shows a QR code, use your old phone's camera to scan it — this tells the carrier to move your eSIM from the old device to the new one. If the app asks for a confirmation code, the old phone will receive a text or push notification with a code to enter on the new phone. Either way, the process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Once it completes, your old phone will lose cellular service and your new phone will have full service.

If your carrier does not have an app or the app does not offer eSIM transfer, try their website. Log in to your account, find the device or SIM management section, and look for a transfer or activation option. The steps are similar — you will either scan a QR code or enter a confirmation code.

Call your carrier if self-service is not available

If your carrier does not offer self-service eSIM transfer, or if you run into an error during the process, contact their customer service line. Have both phones with you when you call. The representative will verify your account and the new phone's IMEI number (a unique identifier for the device). You can find the IMEI by dialing *#06# on the new phone, or by going to Settings > About Phone on Android or Settings > General > About on iPhone.

The carrier will then remotely deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and activate it on the new one. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes over the phone, though some carriers may ask you to wait 24 hours for the change to process. Once it is done, your new phone will have service and your old phone will not. Keep your old phone powered on during this process in case the carrier needs to send a verification code.

Verify service is working on the new phone

After the transfer completes, wait a few minutes and then test your service on the new phone. Make a call, send a text, and check that mobile data is working. If you do not have service, restart the new phone — sometimes the eSIM profile needs a restart to activate fully. If service still does not work after a restart, contact your carrier again. Occasionally the transfer does not complete on the first try, especially if there was a network interruption during the process.

Once you confirm service is working, you can power off your old phone. If you plan to sell or recycle it, perform a factory reset to erase all your personal data. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. This ensures your data does not stay on the old device.

What to do if your new phone does not support eSIM

If your new phone does not have eSIM capability, you have two options. First, contact your carrier and ask them to issue you a physical SIM card for the new phone. They will deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and mail or give you a new physical SIM to insert into the new device. This usually takes 3 to 7 business days for delivery, though some carriers can activate a physical SIM in-store the same day.

Second, if you want to keep using eSIM, you can switch to a different phone that supports it. Many carriers now stock eSIM-capable phones, and the cost is often comparable to older models. If you are locked into a contract with your current carrier, check whether they offer an upgrade or trade-in program that might offset the cost of a new phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both phones at the same time during the transfer?

No. Once the eSIM transfer completes, your old phone loses cellular service immediately. If you need both phones working at the same time, ask your carrier whether they can temporarily add a second line or physical SIM to the old phone while you set up the new one. Some carriers offer this as a courtesy for a few days.

What if I transfer the eSIM by mistake to the wrong phone?

Contact your carrier right away. They can reverse the transfer and move the eSIM back to your original phone, usually within minutes. The sooner you call, the faster they can fix it. Have both phones available when you contact them.

Do I need to tell my carrier I am switching phones?

If you use self-service transfer through the app or website, no — the system handles it automatically. If you call customer service, they will know you are switching. Either way, your account and phone number stay the same; only the device changes.

Will my contacts and photos transfer with the eSIM?

No. The eSIM only carries your phone number and carrier service. Back up your contacts, photos, and apps separately using iCloud, Google Drive, or your carrier's data transfer tool before you move the eSIM.

How long does an eSIM transfer usually take?

Self-service transfers through an app or website take 5 to 15 minutes. Transfers done over the phone with customer service take 5 to 10 minutes, though some carriers ask you to wait 24 hours for the change to fully process. If you order a physical SIM instead, delivery takes 3 to 7 business days.

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.