Bought a new phone and want your eSIM to come along — and you quickly realize: simply swapping it over like a plastic SIM doesn't work. An eSIM is a software profile tied to a device. Still, the move isn't rocket science. Which path applies to you depends mostly on which type of eSIM you're transferring.

iPhone

Transfer an eSIM from iPhone to iPhone

Since iOS 16 there's the most convenient way of all: the eSIM moves via Bluetooth straight from the old to the new iPhone — no QR code, no carrier call. Requirement: your carrier supports “eSIM Quick Transfer” (the big carriers do).

  1. Get both devices ready
    Place your old and new iPhone side by side, both connected to Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth on. Sign in to the same Apple ID on both. Both iPhones must run iOS 16 or newer.
  2. Start the transfer
    On the new iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer From Nearby iPhone. The old iPhone will show a confirmation prompt.
  3. Confirm on the old iPhone
    Confirm and, if asked, enter the code shown on the new device. The eSIM is removed from the old device and activated on the new one — nothing is duplicated.
  4. Wait for activation
    Depending on your carrier, activation takes a few minutes. If you see “Activating Cellular Plan”, wait a moment or restart the new iPhone once. Done.
Android

Move an eSIM on an Android phone

On Android it depends more on the manufacturer and carrier. Newer Pixel and Galaxy models can transfer eSIMs directly; otherwise the route goes through a new QR code from your provider.

  1. Check for eSIM transfer (Pixel/Samsung)
    Newer Pixel (7+) and Galaxy (S23+) phones offer an eSIM transfer during setup. Settings → Connections/Network → SIM cards → Transfer eSIM — as long as your carrier supports it.
  2. If no transfer is offered
    Then the move goes through your carrier: request a new eSIM (QR code) for the new device in your account portal or app. With most carriers this is free; some charge a small SIM fee.
  3. Scan the new QR code
    On the new Android device: Settings → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code. Then delete the old profile on the old device.
Travel eSIM

Get a travel eSIM onto your new phone

Travel eSIMs from providers like Airalo, Holafly or Nomad cannot be moved via a device transfer. The original QR code is used up after the first installation. The right way:

1. Log in to your provider account or app. · 2. On the relevant plan, look for “Install eSIM” / “Re-Install” and set it up again on the new device. · 3. If that doesn't work, contact support with your order number — usually they'll issue a new QR without fuss. Remaining data is tied to your account and stays intact.

FAQ

Common questions about moving an eSIM

Can I simply transfer a travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly & Co.) to a new phone?

Usually not via a device transfer. Travel eSIMs are tied to the profile installed with the original QR code — and that code is used up once installed. The clean way: log in to your provider account/app and re-install the eSIM on the new device there (many providers offer a “Re-Install” option), or contact support with your order number. Balance and remaining data usually stay intact because they are tied to your account, not to the QR code.

Will I lose my remaining balance when transferring?

With an iOS device transfer and a carrier-side move: no — the plan and remaining data come along. With travel eSIMs the balance is tied to your provider account, not the profile, and survives a re-installation. It only becomes risky if you delete the old profile without first checking for a transfer or re-install option.

Does the transfer work from iPhone to Android (or the other way around)?

The convenient direct transfer (iOS Quick Transfer, Pixel/Samsung eSIM move) only works within the same ecosystem. When switching from iPhone to Android you have to get the eSIM reissued by your carrier (new QR code). Technically no problem, just one extra step.

What if my old phone is broken or lost?

Then a device transfer is no longer possible. For a home/contract eSIM: contact your carrier, they will block the old one and issue a new eSIM. For travel eSIMs: re-install through your provider account. That's why it pays to note down your EID and order numbers while the old device is still working.

How many eSIMs can my new phone store?

Current iPhones store 8+ eSIM profiles, usually with two active at once — older iPhones several too. Many Android devices, by contrast, often hold only around 5. If storage is full, remove old/unused profiles first.