How to Transfer Your eSIM to a New Phone

Published 2026-10-16 · Marion Phone Repair

You are setting up a new phone and need to transfer your eSIM from your old phone. Unlike a physical SIM card that you simply pop out and move, an eSIM is a digital profile embedded in the phone that must be transferred or reactivated through your carrier. The process varies depending on whether you are moving between iPhones, between Android phones, or switching between platforms. This guide covers every scenario.

What is an eSIM and why transfer matters

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. It stores the same carrier information as a physical SIM card — your phone number, carrier plan, and network authentication — but it exists as a downloadable profile rather than a removable chip. When you switch phones, the eSIM profile must be deactivated on the old phone and activated on the new one. You cannot have the same eSIM active on two phones simultaneously.

Before you start

Make sure your new phone supports eSIM. Most phones released since 2020 support eSIM, but some budget models and carrier-locked phones do not. Check your phone specifications for eSIM support
Make sure your carrier supports eSIM. Major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and most MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Visible) support eSIM. Some smaller regional carriers and prepaid plans may not
Keep your old phone powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data during the transfer process. Some transfer methods require the old phone to be active
Have your carrier account login ready. Some transfer methods require you to sign in to your carrier account or app

iPhone to iPhone transfer

Apple has built eSIM transfer directly into the iPhone setup process:

During initial setup (Quick Start): When setting up your new iPhone, place it next to your old iPhone. The Quick Start screen appears. Follow the prompts. During the transfer, you will see an option to transfer your phone number. Select the eSIM line you want to transfer. Approve the transfer on your old iPhone when prompted. The eSIM profile moves to the new iPhone and is deactivated on the old one. This is the easiest and most reliable method
After setup (eSIM Quick Transfer): If you already set up the new iPhone without transferring the eSIM, go to Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan). If your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, your existing number will appear as an option. Tap it and follow the prompts. You may need to approve the transfer on your old iPhone
From the carrier app or website: If Quick Transfer is not available (older iPhone models or unsupported carriers), open your carrier app (My AT&T, T-Mobile app, My Verizon) on either phone. Look for a device change or SIM swap option. Follow the carrier instructions to activate the eSIM on the new iPhone. You may need your new phone IMEI (found in Settings, General, About) and your carrier account PIN
Contact carrier support: If the app does not offer eSIM transfer, call your carrier customer service. They can deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and send a new eSIM activation to your new phone. This usually involves them sending a QR code to your email or providing an activation code

Android to Android transfer

Android eSIM transfer depends on the phone manufacturer and carrier:

Samsung to Samsung: During setup of the new Samsung phone using Smart Switch, you may see an option to transfer your SIM. If your carrier supports it, select the eSIM line and follow the prompts. If the option does not appear, go to Settings, Connections, SIM Manager, Add eSIM on the new phone. Samsung partners with carriers to offer direct eSIM download during setup on newer Galaxy models
Google Pixel: During initial setup, the Pixel will prompt you to transfer your SIM. If your old phone is a Pixel with an active eSIM, follow the on-screen instructions. After setup: Settings, Network and Internet, SIMs, Add SIM (or Download SIM). Your carrier may appear in the list of available plans if they support automatic eSIM provisioning
Other Android phones: Go to Settings, Network and Internet (or Connections), SIM Manager, Add eSIM. If your carrier supports QR code activation, they can provide a QR code that you scan with the new phone camera. If not, call the carrier to initiate the transfer

iPhone to Android (or Android to iPhone)

Cross-platform eSIM transfers do not have a direct device-to-device option. You must go through your carrier:

Contact your carrier (call, visit a store, or use the carrier app/website) and request an eSIM transfer to your new device. Provide the new phone IMEI number
The carrier will deactivate the eSIM on the old phone and issue a new eSIM profile for the new phone. This is usually delivered as a QR code via email or through the carrier app
On the new phone, go to the eSIM setup (Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM on iPhone; Settings, Network, SIMs, Add eSIM on Android) and scan the QR code or enter the activation code the carrier provided
The transfer may take a few minutes to several hours depending on the carrier. During the transition, you may temporarily lose cellular service on both phones

Carrier-specific methods

AT&T: Use the myAT&T app. Go to Account, Manage Device, then select the line you want to move. Choose Transfer eSIM and follow the steps. Alternatively, visit att.com/deviceswap
T-Mobile: Use the T-Mobile app or call 611 from your T-Mobile phone. T-Mobile supports eSIM Quick Transfer on compatible iPhones. For Android, the app walks you through the process under Account, then Line Settings
Verizon: Use the My Verizon app. Go to Devices, select the line, then choose Change Device. Follow the eSIM activation steps. Verizon also supports in-store eSIM transfers
Mint Mobile, Visible, and other MVNOs: Most MVNOs handle eSIM transfers through their app. Look for a SIM swap or change device option. If not available in the app, contact their support chat

Troubleshooting common eSIM transfer problems

Transfer option does not appear: Make sure both phones are connected to Wi-Fi. Restart both phones. Check that your carrier account is in good standing (no past-due balance). Some carriers require the old phone to have the latest software update before allowing eSIM transfer
Error during activation: Wait 15 minutes and try again. eSIM provisioning sometimes has server-side delays. If the error persists, contact your carrier — the activation may be stuck on their end and needs a manual push
No service after transfer: Restart the new phone. If still no service, go to Settings and check that the eSIM is selected as the active line (some phones with dual SIM let you choose which line is active for calls, texts, and data). If the eSIM shows but has no signal, contact your carrier to verify the activation completed on their end
Old phone still shows active line: After transferring, the eSIM on the old phone should deactivate automatically. If it still shows active, go to Settings, Cellular (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Android) on the old phone and remove or deactivate the eSIM manually. Having the eSIM active on both phones can cause network conflicts
Carrier says eSIM is not supported: Some older plans or grandfathered rate plans may not support eSIM. The carrier may need to move you to a current plan that supports eSIM, or issue a physical SIM as an alternative

eSIM vs physical SIM: when to use which

If you switch phones frequently, a physical SIM is simpler — pop it out and move it in seconds. eSIM transfers require carrier involvement each time
eSIM is convenient for travel (add a local data plan as a second eSIM without removing your main SIM), for phones without a SIM tray (iPhone 14 US models and later are eSIM only), and for dual SIM setups (one physical SIM plus one eSIM, or two eSIMs)
Some phones support multiple eSIM profiles stored simultaneously but only one active at a time. This is useful for people who travel between countries and want to keep multiple carrier profiles ready to switch

Need help with your eSIM transfer?

If the transfer process is not working, your carrier is unable to resolve the issue remotely, or you are unsure whether the problem is with the phone or the carrier, Marion Phone Repair can help diagnose eSIM activation issues and walk you through the correct process for your specific phone and carrier combination.