Upgrading your phone? Here is how to move your carrier eSIM to a new device, what to do with travel eSIMs that can't transfer, and how to avoid losing your number or active plan.
· By The Plan Match Desk· Prices verified weekly
Methods
iOS 16+ lets you transfer an eSIM between iPhones wirelessly. Both phones need to be nearby and on Wi-Fi. Takes about 5 minutes. Not all carriers support it.
Contact your carrier to deactivate on the old phone and issue a new eSIM QR code for the new phone. Works across platforms (iPhone to Android). Usually free.
Samsung phones support eSIM transfer through Smart Switch for some carriers. Connect both Samsung phones and follow the eSIM migration prompts.
Travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, and others cannot be transferred. Buy a new plan on your new device. Use any remaining data on the old phone first.
Step by step
1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old iPhone. 2. Go to Settings > Cellular on the new phone. 3. Tap 'Set Up Cellular' or 'Transfer from Nearby iPhone.' 4. Confirm on your old phone. 5. Wait for the transfer to complete (3-5 minutes). Your old phone's eSIM deactivates automatically.
iOS 16+ required
1. Call your carrier or use their app/chat. 2. Request eSIM deactivation on your iPhone. 3. Ask for a new eSIM QR code for your Android phone. 4. Scan the QR code on your Android: Settings > Network > SIMs > Add eSIM. 5. The new profile activates within minutes.
Usually free
1. Samsung: Use Smart Switch if your carrier supports it. 2. Pixel/other: Contact your carrier for a new QR code. 3. Deactivate the eSIM on the old phone first. 4. Scan the new QR code on the new phone. 5. Some carriers support in-app eSIM transfer.
Check carrier support
Travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad are locked to the device they were installed on. Use remaining data on the old phone, then buy a new plan on the new device. Your account and Airmoney balance (Airalo) transfer via your login.
New purchase required
Charge both phones above 50%. Connect both to Wi-Fi. Make sure your new phone is eSIM-compatible (most phones from 2020 onward). Write down your carrier's support number using your old phone in case the transfer fails mid-process. If you have a physical SIM as backup, keep it accessible.
Not all carriers support Apple's Quick Transfer. If the option doesn't appear, contact your carrier directly. Most carriers can issue a new eSIM QR code within minutes via their app, website, or phone support. T-Mobile and AT&T support self-service eSIM re-provisioning through their apps.
If you need to switch phones during a trip, your travel eSIM plan cannot move to the new device. Buy a new plan on the new phone (takes 2 minutes). If you have unused data on the old phone's plan, there's no refund. Time phone upgrades for between trips when possible.
FAQ
Usually no. Most travel eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad) do not support transferring an active plan to a different device. The eSIM profile is locked to the device it was installed on. You'll need to buy a new plan for the new phone.
On iOS 16+, go to Settings > Cellular on your new iPhone. If your carrier supports Quick Transfer, you'll see an option to move your eSIM from your old phone. Tap it and follow the prompts. Both phones need to be nearby and on Wi-Fi. Takes about 5 minutes.
Not directly. Cross-platform eSIM transfer is not supported. Contact your carrier to deactivate the eSIM on your iPhone and issue a new eSIM QR code for your Android phone. This typically requires a call or chat with carrier support.
On iPhone, you can choose to keep or erase eSIMs during factory reset. On most Android phones, a factory reset removes all eSIM profiles. Always transfer or back up your eSIM before resetting. Contact your carrier for reactivation if you accidentally erase it.
