Guide · Updated April 2026

How to Transfer Your eSIM to a New Phone

Complete step-by-step guide for iPhone and Android. Keep your data plan, avoid losing access, and troubleshoot common problems.

Getting a new phone is exciting. But if you rely on an eSIM for your mobile data — whether for your regular carrier or a travel plan — you need to move it across before you hand off your old device. Unlike a physical SIM card, you cannot simply pop an eSIM out and slot it into a new phone. The profile is embedded in the chip and tied to that specific handset.

The good news: transferring an eSIM is straightforward once you know the correct steps for your device and carrier. Apple introduced built-in eSIM Quick Transfer in iOS 16, and most Android manufacturers have added similar tools in recent software updates. In most cases the whole process takes under five minutes.

This guide covers every scenario: iPhone to iPhone, Android to Android, iPhone to Android, and what to do if you no longer have access to your old phone.

How to transfer eSIM on iPhone (iOS 16 / iOS 17+)

Works on iPhone XS and newer running iOS 16 or later. Both phones must be present and connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular signal.

Keep both iPhones nearby

Place your old iPhone and new iPhone next to each other. They will communicate over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi during the transfer, so both need to be powered on.

Open Settings on the new iPhone

Go to Settings, then tap Cellular (or Mobile Data depending on your region).

Tap 'Add eSIM' or 'Set Up Cellular'

The new iPhone will detect the nearby old iPhone. Select 'Transfer From Nearby iPhone' when prompted. If you do not see this option, check that both phones are running iOS 16 or later.

Authenticate on the old iPhone

Your old iPhone will display a confirmation prompt. Unlock it and tap Transfer. You may be asked for your Apple ID password or Face ID to confirm.

Wait for the transfer to complete

The eSIM profile is deactivated on the old phone and activated on the new one. This typically takes 30 to 90 seconds depending on your carrier's network response time.

Label and set as default if needed

Once active, give the eSIM a recognisable label (for example 'Travel Data' or 'EE UK'). If you have a dual SIM setup, choose which line to use for calls, messages, and data.

iPhone 14 and newer (USA models)

US-market iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models are eSIM-only — they have no physical SIM tray. eSIM Quick Transfer is the primary way to move your plan. If your carrier does not support the automatic transfer method, use their app or call their support line to request a new QR code for the new device.

How to transfer eSIM on Android and Samsung

The exact menu names vary slightly between manufacturers, but the process is consistent across Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and most other Android phones.

Check your carrier supports re-download

Before deleting the eSIM from your old phone, confirm your carrier allows re-installation on a new device. Log into your carrier's app or account portal, or call their support line. Most major carriers do — but some budget MVNOs have restrictions.

Note your eSIM details

Write down or screenshot the plan name, phone number, and any account reference numbers. You may need these when requesting a new QR code.

Delete the eSIM from your old phone

On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > select the eSIM > Delete. On Pixel: Settings > Network > SIMs > select the eSIM > Delete. This deactivates the profile so it can be reissued.

Request a new QR code

Log into your carrier's app or portal on your new phone and look for 'Add eSIM', 'Get new QR code', or 'Activate eSIM'. Alternatively, contact support and they will email you a new QR code within minutes.

Scan the new QR code on your new phone

On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Scan QR Code. On Pixel: Settings > Network > SIMs > Add a new SIM > Scan QR Code.

Confirm activation

Your new phone will connect to the network within 60 seconds. If it does not activate immediately, toggle Aeroplane mode on and off to force a network re-registration.

Transferring from iPhone to Android (or vice versa)

There is no cross-platform automatic transfer. You will need to delete the eSIM from the old device and request a new QR code from your carrier, then install it on the new phone using the steps above for whichever platform you are moving to.

What happens to your eSIM when you switch phones?

An eSIM profile is cryptographically bound to the device it is installed on. When you transfer or delete it, the carrier's Remote SIM Provisioning server deactivates the old profile and creates a new one for the destination device. Your phone number and data plan are stored on the carrier's side — not on the device itself — so nothing is lost in the process.

For travel eSIMs specifically, the remaining data balance is also held server-side. If you have 3 GB of data left on a Japan travel eSIM and you move to a new phone, those 3 GB carry over to the new device. The eSIM is simply a key that unlocks access to your plan — transferring the key does not affect the plan balance.

One important caveat: once an eSIM profile is activated on a new device, it is permanently deactivated on the old one. You cannot run the same eSIM on two phones simultaneously.

Can you transfer an eSIM to another device?

Yes — but with some nuance. Whether a specific eSIM profile can be transferred depends on three factors:

Carrier policy

Most major carriers (EE, Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and others) support eSIM transfers and re-downloads. Some smaller MVNOs or prepaid providers may limit how many times a profile can be re-issued. Check your carrier's terms before purchasing if this matters to you.

Device compatibility

Both the old and new devices must support eSIM. You cannot transfer an eSIM to a device that only accepts a physical SIM. Check our compatible devices guide to confirm your phones are both eSIM-capable.

Profile type

Most consumer eSIM profiles are transferable. Carrier-locked profiles (common with subsidised phones on contract) may restrict transfers until the lock period expires. Unlocked handsets have no such restriction.

Travel eSIMs — such as those from LimitFlex — are typically very flexible. Because they are not tied to a home carrier contract, they can usually be re-issued to a new device on request. If you have bought a LimitFlex eSIM and need to move it, contact support and the team will issue a fresh QR code for your new handset.

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Troubleshooting eSIM transfer issues

! Transfer option not appearing on iPhone

Both phones must be running iOS 16 or later and be within Bluetooth range. Check that your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer — not all do. If the option is missing, delete the eSIM from the old phone and request a new QR code from your carrier instead.

! eSIM stuck on 'Activating'

This usually means the carrier's provisioning server is taking time to respond. Wait up to five minutes, then toggle Aeroplane mode on and off. If the problem persists, restart both phones. If it still does not activate after 15 minutes, contact your carrier — the issue is on their side.

! New QR code not working or already scanned error

Each QR code can only be scanned once. If you see an 'already used' error, the profile was activated on another device. Contact your carrier to deactivate the old profile and generate a fresh QR code.

! Old phone says eSIM cannot be deleted

Some carriers lock the profile to prevent accidental deletion. Open the carrier's app and look for an option to remove or deactivate the eSIM from there. If the option is not in the app, call the carrier directly — they can force-deactivate it on their end.

! New phone shows 'No Service' after transfer

Toggle Aeroplane mode, then check that the eSIM is set as the active data line in Settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and check the eSIM is enabled. On Android, go to SIM Manager and ensure the eSIM is selected for data. If still no signal, check coverage in your area and restart the device.

! Lost access to old phone before transferring

Contact your carrier with your account details or order reference. They can remotely deactivate the old profile and issue a new QR code. For LimitFlex travel eSIMs, use the support page and provide your order number.

eSIM Compatible Devices

Check if your phone supports eSIM

How eSIM Works

Plain-English guide to eSIM technology

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Frequently asked questions

How to transfer eSIM to a new phone?

To transfer an eSIM to a new phone, go to Settings on your old device and choose to transfer your eSIM to a nearby phone (iPhone Quick Transfer) or delete the profile so you can re-download it on the new device. On Android, open Settings, go to Connections or Network, tap SIM Manager, select the eSIM, and use the transfer or export option if available. Some carriers require you to contact them or log into their app to authorise a re-download on a new device.

How to transfer eSIM to new phone?

On iPhone (iOS 16+), open Settings, tap your name, then select your old phone in the device list and choose Transfer eSIM. On Android or Samsung, open Settings, tap Connections, then SIM Card Manager, select your eSIM, and choose Transfer or Delete — then reinstall on the new phone. For LimitFlex eSIMs, log into your account or contact support to request a fresh QR code for your new device.

Can I transfer eSIM to another phone?

Yes, in most cases you can transfer an eSIM to another phone, but it depends on your carrier's policy. Apple introduced eSIM Quick Transfer in iOS 16, which lets compatible iPhones pass an eSIM directly to a new iPhone without contacting the carrier. On Android, support varies by manufacturer and carrier. Travel eSIMs from providers like LimitFlex can usually be re-issued to a new device by contacting support.

How to move eSIM from one phone to another?

To move an eSIM from one phone to another: (1) Check if your carrier supports transfer without calling them — many do via the carrier app or account portal. (2) On iPhone, use Settings > Cellular > eSIM Quick Transfer if both phones are nearby and running iOS 16+. (3) On Android/Samsung, delete the eSIM from the old phone (after confirming you can re-install it), then scan a new QR code on the new device. (4) If in doubt, contact your carrier directly — they can deactivate the old profile and send a new one.

eSIM transfer to new phone — will I lose my data plan?

No, you will not lose your data plan when transferring an eSIM, as long as you follow the correct process. The plan itself is tied to your account with the carrier, not the physical phone. Once the carrier deactivates the old eSIM profile and issues a new one for your new phone, your remaining data balance is preserved. Always transfer or delete before you lose access to your old phone.

How to move eSIM to new phone without the old phone?

If you no longer have access to your old phone, contact your carrier directly. Provide your account details or the order number you used to purchase the eSIM. Most carriers can remotely deactivate the old profile and issue a fresh QR code for your new device. For LimitFlex travel eSIMs, reach out via the support page and the team can reissue your profile.

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