How to transfer your eSIM to a new phone

An eSIM is a digital SIM card stored on your phone's chip rather than a physical card. To move it to a new phone, you do not remove anything physical. Instead, you contact your carrier, request a new eSIM activation code (sometimes called a QR code or activation details), and scan or enter that code into your new phone. The process takes minutes to an hour, but the exact steps depend on which carrier you use and whether your new phone supports eSIM.

The key difference from a physical SIM is that you cannot simply move the card between phones. Your carrier must issue a new eSIM profile for your new device. This is a security measure — it prevents someone from using your number on a phone you do not own. Most carriers now offer this as a free service, though some charge a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact your carrier to request a new eSIM for your new phone; you cannot transfer it yourself by moving a physical card.
  • Your new phone must support eSIM technology, which most recent models do but not all older or budget phones have.
  • The carrier will send you an activation code (usually a QR code) that you scan in your new phone's settings to download the eSIM profile.
  • The old eSIM on your previous phone stops working once the new one activates, so plan the transfer for a time when you can switch phones.
  • Keep your old phone powered on during the transfer process in case you need to reference account details or receive a verification code.

Check that your new phone supports eSIM

Not every phone has eSIM capability. Most iPhones from iPhone XS onward support eSIM, and most recent Android phones do as well — but some budget models and older devices do not. Before you start the transfer, confirm that your new phone can use an eSIM.

Check your new phone's specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for "eSIM" listed under the SIM section. On Android, the location varies by brand, but you can usually find it under Settings > About Phone or Settings > Network & Internet. If eSIM is not listed, your phone does not support it, and you will need a physical SIM card instead.

You should also check whether your carrier supports eSIM. Most major carriers in the United States (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others) offer eSIM, but smaller carriers and some regional providers may not. Call your carrier's customer service line or check their website to confirm.

Contact your carrier and request a new eSIM

Call your carrier's customer service number or visit their website to request an eSIM transfer. Have your account number and the phone number associated with your account ready. You may also need to provide the model of your new phone so the carrier can confirm it supports eSIM.

The carrier will verify your identity — usually by asking security questions or sending a verification code to a phone number or email on file. Once verified, they will either send you an activation code immediately or email it to you within a few minutes. Some carriers allow you to request the code through their mobile app instead of calling.

Ask the carrier whether they will deactivate your old eSIM automatically once the new one activates, or whether you need to request that separately. Some carriers do this right away; others wait for you to confirm the transfer is complete.

Scan the activation code on your new phone

Once you have the activation code, turn on your new phone and go through the initial setup. When you reach the SIM or cellular setup screen, you will see an option to scan a QR code or enter details manually. The activation code from your carrier is usually a QR code, so use your new phone's camera to scan it.

On iPhone, this happens during setup or later in Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer — Samsung phones typically show it during setup, while other brands may require you to go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM Manager or a similar menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and activate the eSIM profile.

If you do not have the QR code and the carrier sent you activation details in text form, you can usually enter them manually instead. The carrier's customer service team can walk you through this if you get stuck.

What happens to your old phone and number

Once the new eSIM activates on your new phone, your old phone will lose cellular service on that number. You will not be able to make calls, send texts, or use data on the old phone with that carrier's network. This is normal and expected.

If you want to keep using your old phone for other purposes (as a backup, for WiFi-only use, or with a different carrier), you can do that — but it will not have service on your original number. Some people keep their old phone powered on for a day or two after the transfer in case they need to retrieve information or receive a verification code, then power it off.

If you made a mistake or the transfer did not work, contact your carrier immediately. They can usually reactivate the old eSIM or issue a new code if something went wrong during the scan.

Troubleshooting common transfer problems

If the QR code will not scan, make sure your new phone's camera is clean and you are holding it steady. Try scanning from a different angle or in better lighting. If the camera still will not read it, ask your carrier to send the code again or provide the activation details in text form that you can enter manually.

If your new phone says "Invalid Code" or "Unable to Activate," the code may have expired or been used already. Codes typically expire after a few days, so request a fresh one from your carrier. Also confirm that you are entering the code in the correct menu — some phones have multiple SIM-related settings, and you need to be in the right one.

If you complete the scan but the eSIM does not activate within an hour, restart your new phone and check your cellular settings. Sometimes the profile downloads but does not activate until you restart. If it still does not work after a restart, contact your carrier — there may be a delay on their end, or they may need to troubleshoot your account.

If you lose the activation code before you use it, contact your carrier and ask them to send it again. Do not share the code with anyone else, as it can be used to activate your number on another phone.

Transferring eSIM between two phones you own

If you are switching between two phones that both support eSIM and you own both of them, the process is the same: contact your carrier, request a new eSIM code for the phone you want to use, and scan it. You cannot move the eSIM back and forth between your own phones without going through your carrier each time.

Some carriers now offer a feature called "eSIM transfer" or "device switch" that lets you move your eSIM between your own devices more easily, but this is not yet standard across all carriers. Ask your carrier whether they offer this option — if they do, it may be faster than requesting a new code each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old phone's eSIM on my new phone without calling my carrier?

No. eSIMs are tied to a specific phone's hardware for security reasons. You must contact your carrier to request a new eSIM profile for your new phone. The old eSIM cannot be transferred or copied to another device.

What if my new phone does not support eSIM?

If your new phone does not have eSIM capability, you will need to use a physical SIM card instead. Contact your carrier and ask them to send you a physical SIM card for your new phone. They can usually mail it to you or you can pick one up at a store. The activation process is different from eSIM but works the same way in terms of keeping your phone number.

Will I lose my phone number during the transfer?

No. Your phone number stays the same. The eSIM is just the digital way your carrier identifies your account on your phone. Transferring to a new eSIM does not change your number.

How long does it take to transfer an eSIM?

The activation code usually arrives within minutes of your request. Scanning it and downloading the profile takes a few minutes. Full activation can take up to an hour, but most of the time it is much faster. If it takes longer than an hour, contact your carrier.

Can someone else use my eSIM activation code?

Yes, if they have the code, they can use it to activate your number on their phone. Treat the activation code like a password — do not share it with anyone. If you think someone else has your code, contact your carrier immediately.