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To move an eSIM to a new iPhone, use eSIM Quick Transfer: on the new iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, pick the number or tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone, and confirm on the old one. Both need iOS 18.4 or later, Bluetooth and the same Apple Account, and your carrier must support it.
Key takeaways
- iPhone to iPhone: eSIM Quick Transfer, during setup or later in Settings, for carriers that support it
- Android to Android: Google's transfer needs Android 12 or later on both phones, current Google Play services and a screen lock
- iPhone and Android: since iOS 26 and Android 16, some carriers support a direct transfer in both directions
- When no transfer tool works, the carrier issues a new eSIM for the new phone, usually with the same number
- A travel eSIM is a separate case: for a Simsima eSIM, contact support and do not delete it from the old phone
iPhone to iPhone with eSIM Quick Transfer
Apple's eSIM setup page lists four conditions: you are signed in to both iPhones with your Apple Account, the old iPhone is unlocked with its passcode, both are nearby with Bluetooth on, and both run iOS 18.4 or later. Since iOS 26, you can move more than one number in the same transfer.
During setup of the new iPhone
When the new iPhone asks whether to transfer your phone number, follow the prompts on both screens. The line activates on the new iPhone and switches off on the old one at the same moment.
After setup, from Settings
- On the new iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Choose the number to transfer. If no list appears, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
- On the old iPhone, tap Transfer, or enter the code shown on the new iPhone if asked.
- Wait for the plan to activate. If a banner reads Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it to finish on your carrier's website.
Android to Android: Pixel, Galaxy and others
Google's SIM transfer page sets three conditions for automatic transfer: Android 12 or later on both phones, the current version of Google Play services, and a screen lock on both. Keep the old phone nearby and choose the SIM to transfer during setup, then tap Transfer and Activate. After setup, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer SIM from another device.
Samsung's eSIM transfer troubleshooting page lists the Galaxy S24, S25 and S26 series, the Z Fold and Z Flip series and some A-series models. Its Setup Wizard only offers the transfer when no SIM is detected: remove any physical SIM card and make sure no eSIM is already active on the new phone before you start.
Between iPhone and Android, in either direction
This used to mean a call to the carrier every time. Since iOS 26, some carriers support a direct transfer between Android and iPhone, both ways. Apple's page on the feature sets the requirements: an iPhone 11 or later on iOS 26, an Android phone on Android 16 or later, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both, and a supported carrier.
The carrier list is short. In the US it includes AT&T, Cricket, FirstNet, T-Mobile, Verizon and Xfinity Mobile; in Europe, Free Mobile, Orange and SFR in France, Telekom and 1&1 in Germany, EE in the UK, KPN in the Netherlands, Swisscom in Switzerland, and A1 and Magenta in Austria. Bell, Koodo, Lucky Mobile, Telus and Virgin Mobile in Canada, TIM in Brazil, AT&T in Mexico and au and UQ in Japan are on it too.
- On the iPhone, open Settings, tap Set Up Cellular, then Transfer from Android. If the iPhone already has a SIM, go to Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android.
- A QR code appears on the iPhone. Scan it with the Android phone's camera.
- On the Android phone, choose the number and tap Transfer.
- When it finishes, tap Done on the iPhone and make a test call. The SIM on the Android phone switches off.
If your carrier is not on the list, contact it: it can send the eSIM to the new phone by carrier activation or as a QR code.
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Moving a travel eSIM to a new phone
Transfer tools move phone lines from carriers that support them. A data-only travel eSIM is another matter. For a Simsima eSIM, the safe sequence is: keep the eSIM on the old phone, contact support with your order details, and follow its instructions for the new phone. If the eSIM was never installed, the Smart Link in your order email works directly on the new phone, if it is an iPhone on iOS 17.4 or later or an Android phone.
Do not delete the eSIM from the old phone to free it up. A deleted Simsima eSIM cannot be reinstalled on your own, and support usually replies within 24 hours, which is a long time to wait at an airport. The easiest fix is to install a travel eSIM on the phone you will actually carry, before you leave.
When the transfer option does not appear
- The carrier does not support the transfer method for your line. Ask it to issue a new eSIM.
- One of the iPhones runs a version older than iOS 18.4, or the phones are signed in with different Apple Accounts.
- Bluetooth is off, or the old iPhone is locked.
- On Galaxy phones, a SIM is already present on the new phone, or the initial setup has already finished.
- The new phone is locked to a carrier. Check the lock status before retrying.
If the eSIM still will not set up, Apple's eSIM troubleshooting page suggests toggling airplane mode, turning the line off and on again in Settings > Cellular, and restarting, before contacting the carrier with the phone's IMEI or EID.
After the transfer: clearing the old phone
Once the line works on the new phone, Apple recommends erasing the eSIM from the old one, especially before you sell, trade in or give it away, on its page about erasing an eSIM. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the plan, then Delete Plan. Do it only after the transfer is confirmed, and never as a troubleshooting step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often, yes. Between two iPhones, between two Android phones, and between iPhone and Android on iOS 26 and Android 16, the built-in tools move the line without calling anyone, provided your carrier supports them. Otherwise, the carrier issues a new eSIM for the new phone.
Not with the transfer tools, which move your line between your own devices. Handing a number to another person is a change of account holder, which only the carrier can arrange. For a travel eSIM, contact the provider's support.
Usually because the carrier does not support Quick Transfer for that line, one iPhone runs a version older than iOS 18.4, or Bluetooth is off. Travel eSIMs are a common case too: for a Simsima eSIM, contact support instead.
Yes. A transfer or a carrier reissue moves the same number to the new phone; the line simply stops working on the old one.
The transfer tools are built into iOS and Android; any fee comes from the carrier. Some carriers charge for issuing a new eSIM, especially on prepaid plans, so check with yours.
On iPhone, erasing all content and settings lets you choose to keep or erase the eSIM. If you erase it, the line can no longer be transferred from that phone and you will need the carrier to issue a new eSIM. Transfer first, reset afterwards.
If the eSIM was never installed, yes: the Smart Link in your order email works on the new phone (iPhone on iOS 17.4 or later, and Android). If it was installed on the lost phone, contact Simsima support, which will check whether the eSIM can be reissued.
How to delete an eSIM on iPhone — Clean up old profiles before or after transferring.
eSIM-compatible phones — Check whether your new device supports eSIM transfer features.
Browse Simsima eSIM plans — Get a working travel eSIM on your new phone in minutes.
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Dimitri MorvanFounder
Founder of Simsima. A passionate traveler based in Barcelona, he helps travelers stay connected without breaking the bank on roaming fees.
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