How to Transfer eSIM to a New iPhone?

Upgrading to a new iPhone doesn’t mean you have to give up your mobile number. If you’re already using an eSIM, Apple offers several ways to move it to your new device — either automatically during setup or manually afterward. The exact process depends on your iOS version, carrier support, and how your eSIM was originally issued. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.

1. Can I transfer eSIM to a New iPhone?

Yes, you can transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone, as long as both devices support eSIM and your carrier allows eSIM transfers.

Apple introduced eSIM Quick Transfer starting from iOS 16, making it possible to move an eSIM directly from one iPhone to another without contacting the carrier. During or after setup, your new iPhone can securely request the eSIM from your old device, and once the transfer completes, the eSIM is automatically deactivated on the old iPhone.

However, not all eSIMs are transferable. Some carrier-issued eSIMs require reactivation via QR code or carrier approval, and many third-party travel eSIMs cannot be transferred at all and must be reinstalled or replaced.

→ Helpful Guide: How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone & Android (Easy Guide)

2. Things you need to know before transferring eSIM to a new iPhone

Before starting the transfer, make sure you understand the following key points to avoid activation failures or data loss:

• Both iPhones must support eSIM (iPhone XS, XR, XS Max, or newer).

• Both devices should be running a compatible iOS version (iOS 16 or later; some features require iOS 18.4 or newer).

• Your carrier must support eSIM transfer or Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer feature.

• Both iPhones must be signed in with the same Apple ID.

• Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices, and they should be placed close to each other.

• A stable internet connection is usually required (except on iPhone 14 and newer, which can transfer eSIM without Wi-Fi).

• Your eSIM can only be active on one device at a time — once transferred, it will deactivate on the old iPhone.

• If you’re coming from Android, you may need a new QR code or carrier activation instead of Quick Transfer.

Once these conditions are met, you’re ready to move your eSIM.

→ Before You Start: How to Check If My Phone Is eSIM Compatible in Simple Steps

3. How to Transfer eSIM to a new iPhone?

Apple supports transferring both a physical SIM or an existing eSIM from your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone. Depending on when you perform the transfer and what your carrier supports, this can be done automatically during setup, manually after setup, or by deleting and reinstalling the eSIM using carrier activation methods.

3.1. Transfer automatically during setup

This is the fastest and most seamless option if your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer and you’re setting up your new iPhone for the first time.

During setup, Apple allows you to transfer either a physical SIM or an existing eSIM directly from your previous iPhone without contacting your carrier.

• Turn on your new iPhone and begin the setup process.

• When the Set Up Cellular (or Set Up Mobile Service) screen appears, choose Transfer from Nearby iPhone.

• If multiple phone numbers or eSIMs are available, select the one you want to transfer.

• Keep both iPhones nearby with Bluetooth enabled.

• Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices.

• Confirm the transfer on your old iPhone, or enter the verification code shown on the new iPhone.

Once activation completes, the cellular plan becomes active on the new iPhone and is automatically deactivated on the old one.

Important notes:

• Both iPhones must be signed in with the same Apple ID.

• Both devices must be unlocked and running a compatible iOS version (iOS 16 or later; some carriers require iOS 18.4+).

• With iOS 26, Apple allows transferring more than one phone number during setup.

• If your carrier does not support Quick Transfer, this option will not appear.

→ If Transfer Fails: Why Is My eSIM Stuck on Activating? Solutions Inside

3.2. Transfer manually after setup

If you skipped eSIM transfer during setup or finished setting up your new iPhone already, you can still move your eSIM directly through system settings.

This method also supports transferring a physical SIM on your old iPhone into an eSIM on your new iPhone, if your carrier allows conversion.

• On your new iPhone, open Settings.

• Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).

• Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM.

• Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone.

• If no numbers appear, tap Transfer From Another iPhone.

• Follow the instructions shown on your previous iPhone.

• Tap Transfer, or enter the verification code displayed on the new iPhone.

Wait for the cellular plan to activate. When activation finishes, the SIM or eSIM on your old iPhone is automatically deactivated.

If a banner appears saying “Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan”, tap it. You’ll be redirected to your carrier’s website or app to complete any remaining steps required for activation.

→ Common Problem: “eSIM Not Supported” Error: Causes and How to Fix It

3.3. Delete an eSIM from the old iPhone and add it to your new one

If Quick Transfer is not supported, fails repeatedly, or you are using a carrier or third-party eSIM that does not allow device-to-device transfer, you must remove the eSIM and reinstall it using carrier activation.

On your old iPhone:

• Go to Settings → Cellular.

• Select the eSIM you want to move.

• Tap Remove Cellular Plan or Delete eSIM.

On your new iPhone:

• During setup, stop at Set Up Cellular, or if setup is complete: Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan.

• Activate the eSIM using one of the supported carrier methods:

• Scan a QR code provided by your carrier

• Use eSIM Carrier Activation (automatic push from the carrier)

• Use a carrier app or carrier activation link

• Enter eSIM details manually (SM-DP+ address and activation code)

If you are transferring from an Android or other non-Apple device, you must usually contact your carrier to issue a new eSIM or enable eSIM Carrier Activation. With iOS 26, some carriers now support direct Android-to-iPhone eSIM transfers, but availability depends on both the carrier and device manufacturer.

Critical warning: Do not factory reset your old iPhone before removing the eSIM. A factory reset can permanently erase the eSIM profile and require the carrier to issue a replacement.

→ Switching Devices: How to Transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android?

4. How to know if the eSIM transfer to your new iPhone was successful?

You’ll know the transfer worked if:

• Your carrier’s name appears next to the signal bars at the top of the screen.

• In the Settings app, under the Cellular section, your mobile plan is listed and shown as active.

• You are able to make phone calls, send messages, and use mobile data without any connectivity issues.

• The old iPhone no longer connects to the network and displays “No SIM,” while the new iPhone remains connected.

→ Worth Knowing: How Long Does It Take to Activate an eSIM?

5. Why am I not able to transfer my eSIM to my new iPhone?

If the eSIM transfer fails, it is usually caused by one or more of the following issues:

• One or both iPhones are running an outdated version of iOS, which may prevent eSIM transfer features from working properly.

• Bluetooth or internet connectivity issues occur during the transfer process, interrupting communication between the two devices.

• The mobile carrier does not support eSIM Quick Transfer, requiring manual activation instead.

• An incorrect verification code is entered, or the transfer process is interrupted before completion.

• The eSIM is locked to a specific carrier or platform and cannot be moved freely between devices.

• The eSIM being transferred is a third-party or travel eSIM that does not allow device-to-device transfers.

• When moving from Android to iPhone, the eSIM requires a new QR code or fresh carrier activation rather than a direct transfer.

In these situations, contacting your carrier or eSIM provider is usually the fastest way to confirm compatibility and have the eSIM reissued or activated on your new iPhone.

In short, transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone is usually quick and straightforward when both devices and your carrier support Apple’s eSIM transfer features. Whether you use eSIM Quick Transfer during setup, move the plan manually afterward, or reinstall it through your carrier, the key is understanding which method applies to your situation. As long as you check compatibility, keep your old iPhone active until the transfer is complete, and follow the correct steps, you can move your number seamlessly without losing service. When transfers fail, the issue is almost always carrier-related, making carrier support the final and most reliable fallback.