You are switching to a new phone and need to transfer your eSIM. Unlike a physical SIM card that you can simply pull out and insert into the new device, an eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in the phone hardware. Moving it to a new phone requires either a direct device-to-device transfer, downloading a new eSIM profile from your carrier, or scanning a QR code to activate the eSIM on the new device.
What is an eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone that does the same job as a physical SIM card. It identifies your phone on the cellular network, stores your phone number, and connects you to your carrier plan. The difference is that an eSIM is programmed remotely rather than being a removable card
Most modern phones support eSIM: iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3a and later. Some phones support dual eSIM, while others support one eSIM plus one physical SIM slot
An eSIM profile is tied to the specific phone it is activated on. You cannot simply copy it — the old profile must be deactivated or transferred and a new profile activated on the new device
Transfer eSIM between iPhones
Quick Transfer (iOS 16 and later)
Keep both phones powered on and near each other with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
On the new iPhone during setup or in Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, select Transfer from Nearby iPhone
A verification prompt appears on the old iPhone. Confirm the transfer. The old iPhone deactivates its eSIM and the new iPhone downloads a fresh eSIM profile
This takes 5 to 15 minutes. During the transfer you temporarily lose cellular service on both phones
If Quick Transfer is not available
Some carriers do not support Quick Transfer yet. Contact your carrier to request an eSIM transfer. They will either send a QR code to scan on the new phone or push a new eSIM profile remotely
On the new iPhone go to Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, select your carrier from the list and follow the prompts to sign into your carrier account and activate
Transfer eSIM on Android
During phone setup
The setup wizard typically asks if you want to transfer your SIM. Select eSIM transfer and follow the guided process
On Samsung phones, Smart Switch includes eSIM transfer for supported carriers
On Google Pixel phones, the setup wizard includes a Transfer SIM option that works with major US carriers
After setup
Settings, Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung), SIMs, Add eSIM. The phone scans for available profiles or lets you scan a QR code
If your carrier supports app-based activation, download your carrier app, sign into your account, and look for the option to activate or transfer eSIM
QR code method
This is the most universal method and works with virtually every carrier and phone:
Contact your carrier. Request an eSIM QR code for your new phone. Provide the new phone IMEI number and the EID (eSIM ID)
The carrier sends you a QR code by email, text, or displays it in your online account
On the new phone: iPhone — Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, Use QR Code. Android — Settings, Network and Internet, SIMs, Add eSIM, Scan QR Code
The phone downloads and installs the eSIM profile. You may need to confirm activation and set the new eSIM as your default line
Once the new eSIM is active, the eSIM on the old phone is automatically deactivated by the carrier
Carrier-specific steps
T-Mobile: Supports eSIM transfer through the T-Mobile app, website, and customer service. The app method is fastest
AT&T: Supports eSIM activation through the myAT&T app and website. Also supports Quick Transfer between iPhones
Verizon: Supports eSIM through the My Verizon app and website. Supports direct transfer between iPhones via Quick Transfer
Smaller carriers and MVNOs: Many smaller carriers (Mint Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, US Mobile) support eSIM through their apps or websites. Some require a new QR code for each device transfer
Dual SIM with eSIM
Many phones let you use a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously or two eSIMs on newer phones. This is useful for personal and work numbers on one phone or using a local data SIM while traveling
After activating, go to Settings, Cellular (iPhone) or Settings, SIMs (Android) to configure which SIM is used for calls, texts, and data by default
iPhone 14 US models have no physical SIM tray and use two eSIMs. Both can be active simultaneously
Troubleshooting eSIM transfer
Transfer fails or times out: Restart both phones and try again. Ensure both are connected to Wi-Fi. If Quick Transfer fails, fall back to the QR code method
New phone does not show eSIM option: Verify your phone model supports eSIM. Some regional variants or carrier-locked phones have eSIM disabled even if the hardware supports it
eSIM active on old phone, cannot activate on new: An eSIM profile can only be active on one device. Remove it from the old phone first or contact your carrier to deactivate the old profile remotely
No service after eSIM activation: Restart the phone. Check that the eSIM is set as the active line. If service still does not work, the profile may not have fully provisioned — wait 15 minutes and restart again
eSIM help in Marion
If you are having trouble transferring your eSIM to a new phone, activating a new eSIM, or setting up dual SIM, Marion Phone Repair can handle the eSIM activation, configure your cellular settings, and make sure your new phone connects to your carrier correctly.