How to Transfer eSIM to a New Phone (Apple & Android Guide)

If you’ve just upgraded your smartphone, one of the first things you’ll want to do is move your mobile number across. With eSIM’s now common on most modern devices, knowing how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone is essential. On this page, we’ll show you step-by-step how to move your eSIM on both iPhone and Android handsets, and what to do if things go wrong.

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What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that’s built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, you activate your mobile plan digitally by scanning a QR code or using an app from your network.

Key benefits:

• No need to wait for a physical SIM card

• Easily switch between networks and plans

• Multiple eSIM profiles can be stored on one device (depending on mobile phone model)

Because it’s digital, transferring an eSIM to a new phone is slightly different from swapping a normal SIM card. You often need to deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and reactivate it on your new one using your network’s instructions.

Before You Start: Checklist for Transferring an eSIM

Before you try to move your eSIM to another phone, make sure:

1. Your new phone supports eSIM

   • Most recent iPhones (XS and newer) and many Android phones (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) support eSIM.

2. Both phones are connected to Wi‑Fi

   • eSIM activation usually needs an internet connection.

3. You know your network login details

   • Some providers require you to sign in to their app or website to request a new eSIM QR code.

4. You’ve backed up your old phone

   • A backup doesn’t move the eSIM itself, but it’s useful if you’re setting up a new device.

5. You understand your network’s eSIM policy

   • Some carriers only allow one active device per eSIM and may require a fresh QR code every time you switch.

If you’re unsure which UK networks support eSIM in your area, you can check coverage and available plans using our coverage checker before you transfer.

How to Transfer eSIM to New iPhone

Apple makes it relatively straightforward to transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another, especially if you’re switching from an older iPhone to a newer one.

Option 1: Transfer eSIM During iPhone Setup (Quick Start)

If your new iPhone is fresh out of the box or has been reset:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to your old iPhone.

2. Follow the Quick Start prompts on screen and sign in with your Apple ID.

3. When you reach the “Transfer Your Mobile Plan” or “Set Up Cellular” step, choose Transfer from nearby iPhone (or similar wording).

4. On your old iPhone, confirm that you want to transfer the eSIM to your new iPhone.

5. Follow any on-screen instructions from your network (you may see a confirmation message from your carrier).

6. Wait for the eSIM to activate on your new iPhone. This may take a few minutes.

7. When activation is complete, make a test call or use mobile data to confirm it’s working.

This is usually the easiest way to move your eSIM to a new iPhone if you’re setting the new handset up for the first time.

Option 2: Transfer eSIM to a New iPhone After Setup

If you’ve already set up your new iPhone and want to add you’re existing eSIM:

1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular).

2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.

3. If you see an option like “Transfer from Nearby iPhone”, tap it.

4. Make sure your old iPhone is nearby, with Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi turned on, and unlocked.

5. On your old iPhone, you should see a prompt asking if you want to transfer your number/eSIM. Confirm the transfer.

6. Follow the on‑screen instructions until your new iPhone shows the eSIM as active.

7. Test calls, texts, and mobile data to confirm your eSIM transfer to the new iPhone has worked.

Option 3: Use a Carrier QR Code on iPhone

If the automatic transfer doesn’t appear, or your network doesn’t support Apple’s eSIM transfer feature:

1. Contact your network via app, website, or customer services and request a new eSIM QR code for your number.

2. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM / Add Mobile Plan.

3. Choose Use QR Code.

4. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier using your iPhone’s camera.

5. Follow the prompts to label the plan (e.g. Primary, Personal, Business).

6. Wait for activation, then restart your iPhone if prompted.

In many cases, once the new eSIM is up and running on your new iPhone, the old eSIM on your previous device will stop working automatically.

How to Transfer eSIM to New Android Phone

Moving an eSIM on Android can vary by manufacturer and network, but the general process is similar. Below we cover how to transfer eSIM on Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones.

Important: Remove or deactivate eSIM on the Old Android Phone (If required)

Some Android manufacturers and networks require you to delete or deactivate the eSIM profile on your old device before you can activate it on a new one.

1. On your old Android phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager / Mobile Network (wording varies).

2. Find your eSIM profile.

3. Choose Remove, Delete, or Deactivate (check your carrier’s advice first).

4. Confirm the action.

Now you’re ready to move your eSIM to your new Android phone.

Method 1: Transfer eSIM to New Samsung Galaxy Phone

Some newer Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM transfer within the setup process or via Samsung Smart Switch, but this often depends on your network.

General approach using a QR code:

1. Request a new eSIM QR code from your network (via app, website, or customer support).

2. On your new Samsung phone, go to:

   • Settings > Connections > SIM manager (or Mobile networks).

3. Tap Add mobile plan or Add eSIM.

4. Select Scan QR code.

5. Scan the eSIM QR code provided by your carrier.

6. Confirm and wait for activation.

7. Once active, choose your preferred SIM for calls, texts, and data if you have multiple SIMs.

If your network supports automatic eSIM transfer, you may see on‑screen prompts similar to Apple’s “Transfer from nearby” option. In that case, follow the instructions and verify the move on your old phone if asked.

Method 2: Transfer eSIM to New Google Pixel Phone

Google Pixel phones have strong eSIM support, but exact steps can differ slightly by Android version.

During setup:

1. Turn on your new Pixel and follow the setup wizard.

2. When you reach “Set up mobile network”, choose Download a SIM instead or Use eSIM.

3. Follow the prompts to either:

   • Sign in to your Google account and detect your carrier, or

   • Scan a QR code from your network.

4. Complete the process and wait for your eSIM to activate.

After setup (existing Pixel):

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet.

2. Tap SIMs or Mobile network.

3. Tap + or Add SIM.

4. Choose Download a SIM instead / Use eSIM.

5. Either:

   • Follow your carrier’s on‑screen activation process, or

   • Tap Use QR code and scan your carrier’s eSIM QR code.

6. Wait for activation and select the eSIM as your primary mobile data and calls SIM if needed.

Method 3: eSIM Transfer on Other Android Phones

For other Android devices (e.g. Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi):

1. Check your network’s eSIM support for your phone model.

2. Ask your carrier for eSIM activation details or a QR code.

3. On your new phone, open Settings and look for:

   • Network & Internet, Connections, or SIM cards & mobile networks.

4. Choose Add eSIM, Add mobile plan, or similar.

5. Scan the QR code from your carrier or follow any in‑app activation steps.

6. Wait for the eSIM to download and activate.

7. Set this plan as your default for calls and data if it’s your main number.

Because Android setups can vary heavily, if your phone doesn’t show a clear eSIM option, it’s worth checking your manufacturer’s support pages or your carrier’s help centre for device‑specific steps.

Common Problems When Moving eSIM to a New Phone

If you run into issues while trying to transfer an eSIM to a new device, here are some common problems and fixes:

1. “eSIM Already in Use” or “eSIM Cannot Be Added”

• Your carrier may only allow the eSIM to be active on one phone at a time.

• Solution: Contact your network and request a new eSIM / fresh QR code for your number.

2. No Mobile Signal After eSIM Transfer

• Try restarting your new phone.

• Check that mobile data is turned on and that the eSIM plan is set as the default for calls and data.

• Ensure you’re in an area with good network coverage. If in doubt, use a coverage checker to see which networks perform best where you are.

3. QR Code Doesn’t Scan

• Make sure your camera lens is clean and there’s enough light.

• Check that the code hasn’t expired (some eSIM QR codes are time‑limited).

• Zoom in or move your phone closer/further to improve focus.

• If it still fails, ask your network to reissue a new QR code or switch to activation via their app if available.

4. Old Phone Still Shows Signal

• In some cases, both phones may briefly show a connection, but only one will work properly.

• It’s best to remove or deactivate the eSIM on the old phone once you’re sure the new one is working.

FAQs About Transferring eSIM to a New Phone

Can I just move an eSIM like a normal SIM card?
No. because an eSIM is embedded, it cannot be physically transferred. You must digitally move or reactivate it on your new phone.

Do I need a new eSIM every time I change phones?
Not always. Some networks support direct eSIM transfer between devices (especially on iPhone). Others require you to request a brand‑new eSIM each time you switch.

Is transferring an eSIM to a new phone free?
Many networks offer eSIM changes free of charge, but some may charge a small administration fee. Check your carrier’s terms.

Will my number and plan stay the same?
Yes. When you transfer your eSIM to a new phone, your mobile number and plan normally stay exactly the same – you’re just changing the device it’s attached to.

What if my new phone doesn’t support eSIM?
You may need to order a physical SIM from your network for that device, or choose a phone with eSIM support if you want to stay digital.

Whatever you think of eSIM, its here to stay.