How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone (2026)
HelloRoam refunds an unactivated eSIM for 180 days, against 30 at Saily, 30 at Nomad and 14 at Airalo. A travel eSIM moves to a new handset by reinstalling from the original QR code, not by transferring the profile across. Airalo covers more destinations, 200+ to HelloRoam's 186.
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 August 2026
Methods
Four ways to transfer an eSIM.
Quick Transfer (iPhone)
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.
Carrier re-provisioning
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 Smart Switch
Samsung phones support eSIM transfer through Smart Switch for some carriers. Connect both Samsung phones and follow the eSIM migration prompts.
New purchase (travel eSIMs)
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
Transfer instructions by platform.
iPhone to iPhone
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
iPhone to Android
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
Android to Android
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 eSIM (any phone)
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
Before you transfer: preparation checklist
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.
What if Quick Transfer is not available?
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.
Upgrading mid-trip with an active travel eSIM
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
eSIM transfer questions.
Can I transfer a travel eSIM to a new phone?
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.
How do I transfer my carrier eSIM to a new iPhone?
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.
Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android?
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.
What happens to my eSIM if I factory reset my phone?
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.