How To Transfer eSIM | Three Methods That Work Today

An eSIM transfers wirelessly between iPhones on iOS 18.4+, Android phones via carrier integration, or cross-platform using Apple’s QR method.

Moving an eSIM to a new phone isn’t one process — it’s three, and the route you need depends entirely on which phones are involved. This guide covers how to transfer eSIM between iPhones, from Android to iPhone, and between Android devices, plus the fallback method that works with any phone.

Transferring Your eSIM: Which Method Your Phones Need

Three distinct transfer routes exist, and the wrong one wastes time. The deciding factors are your current phone’s OS, the new phone’s OS, and whether your carrier supports wireless transfer. Here is what each route handles.

• iPhone to iPhone (eSIM Quick Transfer) — wireless, same-Apple-ID, fastest method. Requires iOS 18.4+ on both devices.
• Android to iPhone (Cross-Platform) — uses a QR code or pairing session generated by the iPhone, scanned by the Android phone.
• Android to Android & Universal Fallback — carrier-level transfer or manual reissuance; works when wireless transfer is unavailable or unsupported.

iPhone to iPhone (eSIM Quick Transfer)

The wireless Quick Transfer method moves your cellular plan from one iPhone to another without contacting your carrier. Both phones must run iOS 18.4 or later and be signed into the same Apple ID.

1. On the new iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular.
2. Select the mobile plan to transfer. If no plan appears, tap Transfer from Nearby iPhone.
3. On the old iPhone, review the on-screen instructions and tap Transfer Number.
4. Enter the verification code displayed on the new iPhone exactly as shown.
5. Wait for activation — the plan deactivates on the old device automatically once active on the new one.
6. If Finish setting up your plan with your carrier appears, tap it to complete via the carrier’s website.

The plan appears under Cellular with an active status, and the old iPhone shows no cellular plan for that number.

Android to iPhone (Cross-Platform Transfer)

Moving an eSIM from Android to iPhone requires generating a QR code from the iPhone, then scanning it with the Android phone. Apple’s official transfer guide documents this approach for iOS 18.4+ devices.

1. On the iPhone, open Settings > Set Up Cellular > Transfer from Android. (If a physical SIM is already installed, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android.)
2. Tap Transfer From Android — a QR code appears on the iPhone screen.
3. On the Android device, open the camera app and scan the QR code displayed on the iPhone.
4. Select the phone number you want to transfer and tap Transfer.
5. On the iPhone, tap Yes to use the transferred SIM as the primary eSIM if prompted.
6. Tap Done on the iPhone and OK on the Android phone. Place a test call to confirm connectivity.

Alternative (no QR scan): On the Android phone, go to Settings > Google services > All services > Pair with iPhone/iPad > Transfer eSIM. Enter the session ID and pairing code displayed on the iPhone.

Android to Android Transfer

Wireless eSIM transfer between Android phones depends on device manufacturer and carrier integration. The process varies by brand.

On Pixel phones: Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer SIM from another device. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the transfer.

On Samsung phones: Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Transfer SIM from another phone. Both devices must support carrier-based wireless transfer.

If wireless transfer fails or is unsupported, the universal carrier reissuance method below works for any Android device.

What To Do When Wireless Transfer Fails

Carrier reissuance is the universal fallback that works across all devices and platforms. It deactivates the old eSIM profile and issues a new one for the new phone.

1. Contact your carrier and request an eSIM transfer to your new device.
2. Provide your account number, the phone number associated with the eSIM, and the IMEI of the new phone (find this in Settings > About Phone > IMEI).
3. Follow the carrier’s instructions — this may involve a web form, identity verification, or a store visit.
4. Wait for confirmation, which can take from a few minutes to several hours.
5. QR code method: On the new phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR Code.
6. Manual entry method: If no QR code is provided, select Enter Activation Code Manually and input the code and server address from your carrier.

The new phone shows an active cellular connection, and the old device displays “No Service” for the transferred number.

Prep Steps For A Smooth eSIM Transfer

Before starting any transfer method, run through these five checks to avoid the most common failures.

1. Update both devices — iPhones need iOS 18.4+ for Quick Transfer; Android phones should run the latest OS version their manufacturer offers.
2. Verify carrier support — some carriers require manual reissuance only. A quick call or chat saves wasted effort.
3. Back up your data — iCloud for iPhone, Google Drive for Android. A transfer rarely wipes data, but the one time it does, the backup is the safety net.
4. Write down the IMEI — carrier reissuance needs the new phone’s IMEI. Find it under Settings > About Phone > IMEI.
5. Do NOT remove the eSIM from the old device — let the wireless transfer or carrier reissuance deactivate it. Manual removal can permanently disable the plan.

Once these checks are done, pick the method from the tables above that matches your phone pair. The whole process takes under ten minutes for wireless transfers, or a few hours for carrier reissuance.