How to Transfer Your eSIM to a New iPhone
Quick answer: For your main phone line, use Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer. Set up the new iPhone next to the old one, or go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer From Nearby iPhone, and follow the prompts. It works only if your carrier supports it. Otherwise your carrier issues a new eSIM.
A travel data eSIM is different: many can’t be moved, and their QR code often works only once. Don’t delete it from the old phone before you’ve checked with the provider.
Two kinds of eSIM, two different answers
| Main line (your phone number) | Travel data eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Who issued it | Your mobile carrier | A travel eSIM provider |
| eSIM Quick Transfer | Usually supported by major carriers | Often not supported |
| If Quick Transfer isn’t available | The carrier issues a new eSIM (app, store, QR code) | Depends on the provider: some reissue, many don’t |
| Risk if you delete it first | Low: the carrier can reissue it | High: the QR code may not work a second time |
Method 1: eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhone to iPhone)
You need:
- both iPhones on a recent iOS version;
- both phones unlocked, near each other and with Bluetooth on;
- the old iPhone signed in to your Apple Account.
During setup of the new iPhone:
- Turn on the new iPhone and follow the setup screens.
- When you reach the cellular setup screen, choose to transfer from your other iPhone.
- Confirm on the old iPhone, and enter the verification code if asked.
- Wait for the line to activate on the new iPhone.
After setup:
- On the new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM.
- Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
- Confirm on the old iPhone and follow the instructions.
After the transfer, the eSIM on the old iPhone stops working. Some carriers ask you to confirm the transfer on their website or in their app. Apple describes the full procedure in its guide to setting up eSIM on iPhone.
If the option isn’t offered, your carrier (or that plan) doesn’t support Quick Transfer. Use method 2.
Method 2: Ask your carrier for a new eSIM
If Quick Transfer isn’t offered, the carrier issues a new eSIM for the new phone. Depending on the carrier, you do this:
- in the carrier’s app;
- with a QR code;
- in a store;
- through customer service.
The old eSIM is deactivated when the new one is activated. Your phone number stays the same.
Method 3: From Android to iPhone
Apple documents a transfer from Android to iPhone. It is only offered when the carrier supports it. When it isn’t, the carrier issues a new eSIM for the iPhone, as in method 2. Moving the rest of your data (photos, contacts) with Apple’s Android transfer app doesn’t move the eSIM by itself.
What about a travel eSIM?
Travel data eSIMs follow the provider’s rules, not your carrier’s. Before you switch phones:
- Check whether the plan is still needed. If it has expired or you’ve used its data, there’s nothing to transfer. Buy a new plan for your next trip on the new phone.
- If the plan is still active or hasn’t started, contact the provider before deleting anything. Ask whether they can move it or issue a new QR code. Many travel eSIM QR codes can be scanned only once.
- Check that the new phone is compatible with eSIM and carrier-unlocked before reinstalling.
TravelNet customers: don’t remove the eSIM from your old phone. Contact support with your order number and the model of your new phone. Support will tell you what’s possible for your plan. Before your next trip, check the compatible phones list.
Before you delete an eSIM from your old iPhone
Removing an eSIM (Settings > Cellular > the line > Delete eSIM) erases the profile from the phone. It does not cancel your carrier contract, and it doesn’t refund a travel plan.
- Main line: after deleting, you usually need your carrier to issue a new eSIM.
- Travel eSIM: after deleting, you may not be able to reinstall it at all.
If you’re selling or giving away the old iPhone, erase it only after the eSIM works on the new phone. When iOS asks whether to keep or delete the eSIM during Erase All Content and Settings, choose according to the method you used above.
Troubleshooting the transfer
- "Transfer From Nearby iPhone" isn’t shown: the carrier or that plan doesn’t support Quick Transfer. Use method 2.
- The transfer is stuck on "Activating": keep both phones on Wi-Fi, restart the new iPhone, and wait a few minutes. If it’s still stuck, contact the carrier.
- The line works but there’s no data: check that the line is selected under Cellular Data. For a travel eSIM, also check that data roaming is on. See why is my data not working.
- "No Service" or "SOS" after the transfer: see why your phone says SOS.
FAQ
Does an iCloud backup restore my eSIM?
No. A backup restores your apps and settings, not the eSIM profile. Transfer it with Quick Transfer or ask your carrier for a new one.
Can I use the same eSIM on two phones?
No. An eSIM profile is active on one device at a time. Transferring it deactivates it on the old phone.
What happens if I delete my eSIM by mistake?
For your main line, ask your carrier to reissue it. For a travel eSIM, contact the provider right away with your order number. Whether it can be reissued depends on the provider and the state of the plan.
Can I transfer a travel eSIM to a new iPhone?
Sometimes. It depends on the provider and on whether the plan has started. Ask the provider before you remove anything from the old phone.
Does transferring an eSIM change my phone number?
No. For a main line, the number moves with the eSIM. Travel data eSIMs usually don’t come with a phone number at all.
Related guides
TravelNet
Guides written by TravelNet eSIM, based on our plan data and partner networks.