How to Transfer eSIM to New iPhone?

The process of upgrading to a new iPhone is quite exciting, yet most people become confused when it comes to transferring their eSIM to a new device. ESIMs do not have any physical card to draw out of the phone, so the transfer process is wholly dependent on both Apple and your carrier. 

The best news is that it is now far simpler to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone compared to the past. You will get to know all the methods on how to transfer eSIM to new iPhone, all the carrier scenarios, and all the troubleshooting steps in this guide, so you will not lose service during the switch.

Understanding Whether You Can Transfer an eSIM

ESIM transfer is supported on almost all modern carriers and iPhones. Apple offers a range of transfer tools: Quick Transfer, activation with QR code, manual activation with carrier codes, and even Android-iPhone migration. After the transfer is done, the old iPhone automatically disables the eSIM, and you have the new phone as your active phone. 

Carrier restrictions may exist to some extent, particularly when you are using a travel eSIM, or when using an older plan. Nevertheless, almost every user will be able to move their number successfully provided they apply the appropriate procedure.

Preparing Your iPhones Before the Transfer

Your old and new iPhones will have to satisfy some criteria before you can begin the transfer process. This is to prepare the transfer so that it can occur smoothly and quicker.

Update and Connect Both Devices

Ensure the two iPhones are operating on the newest iOS. Carriers constantly upgrade their eSIM activation infrastructure and old releases of software can refuse to install the eSIM. And make Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on and leave both devices adjacent and unlocked.

Sign In With the Same Apple ID

Signing both iPhones to the same Apple ID is not a mandatory feature of all carriers but enhances the success rate of eSIM Quick Transfer. This is what Apple verifies your identity with when activating.

Check Carrier Compatibility

On some carriers, unlimited eSIM transfers are accepted, whereas on others, a new QR code is needed each time. Travel eSIM apps such as Airalo, Holafly, or Eskimo tend to have a limit on the number of times the same plan can be reinstalled. In case you have such providers, make sure to check their app before removing the eSIM of your old device.

Method 1: Transferring eSIM via Apple’s Quick Transfer

Quick Transfer is the most reliable and quickest way to transfer iPhones to iPhones at Apple. It functions in the initial set up of your new iPhone and subsequently through Settings.

Transferring During New iPhone Setup

Once you first turn on your new iPhone and bring it close to your old iPhone, the Quick Start feature will automatically show up. Once the on-screen animation has been scanned, the system will request whether to transfer your phone number. When you confirm on the old iPhone, the eSIM started to transfer and it usually becomes active in a matter of minutes. The previous eSIM will then be disabled on the old iPhone.

Transferring After Setup

In case you already went through the setup process, you may still start Quick Transfer manually. Your new iPhone will search your old phone to find a compatible number, go to Settings Cellular Add eSIM. You will be required to verify on the old phone and to insert any verification code that will display. The new iPhone will then automatically download the eSIM configuration and initialize the line.

Why Quick Transfer Might Not Appear

In case Quick Transfer is not available, it normally means that your carrier has not implemented this feature on your plan. The devices can be too distant, Bluetooth can be turned off, or phones can be logged into other Apple IDs in certain situations. Rebooting both devices usually clears this, but in case they still do not work, then you can go with the QR code or manual process.

Method 2: Transferring eSIM with QR Code or Manual Activation

In case your carrier does not support Quick Transfer or your eSIM is provided by a carrier that uses QR-based activation, then you can use the QR code or manual activation instructions that the carrier provides.

Using a QR Code

Each eSIM QR code includes the activation data required to install the plan on a new iPhone. It is used by going to Settings Cellular Add eSIM and selecting Use QR Code. Once you scan the QR given by your carrier, the iPhone downloads the mobile plan and starts the activation. The process functions even without the old device.

Installing eSIM Manually

Your carrier might have sent you an activation code or an SM-DP+ address if they did not send you a QR code. This can be added manually through Add eSIM by clicking Enter Details Manually. This is typical to enterprise plans, older carriers or travel eSIMs that are not security-dependent via manual input.

Deleting the eSIM on Your Old iPhone

It is mandatory with some carriers that you remove the current eSIM in the old phone before installing it in the new phone. In order to remove it, you need to access the Settings section, then, in Cellular, select the plan and tap Delete eSIM. Always avoid using a factory reset to remove an eSIM because some providers permanently unlink the plan when it is incorrectly reset.

Method 3: Transferring eSIM from Android to iPhone

Apple also supports Android-to-iPhone eSIM transfers, however, the process is carrier-intensive.

When This Method Works

This method can be used should your carrier support cross-platform eSIM migration. This feature has already been added by many larger carriers, and old or regional carriers might also need a new QR code.

How to Transfer

On your new iPhone, settings, cellular, and add eSIM, pick transfer from Android. The carrier will ask you to confirm the transfer of your Android device. You will get a code, notification or a direction in the carrier application. After acceptance, the plan is transferred to iPhone and starts working as usual.

If the Transfer Fails

When your Android system is unable to transfer the eSIM, request the carrier to provide a new eSIM activation code. Because the systems of the iPhone and Android are different, a new QR code is frequently the easiest solution.

Troubleshooting Problems During eSIM Transfer

It does not always work out. The following are the most common problems and how to solve those problems, in detail.

New iPhone Shows “eSIM Not Detected”

This typically occurs when a carrier fails to identify the activation request. Make sure your plan is not turning off and that your new iPhone is connected to the internet. Reboot the new device and attempt to activate the eSIM again. In case the carrier needs a new QR code, ask customer support.

Transfer Stuck on “Activating…”

A freeze on activation is common with a network halt. Toggle on and off Airplane Mode, reconnect to Wi-Fi, or reboot the phone. When the activation servers are offline temporarily, a few minutes wait is usually a fix.

No Service After Successful Transfer

Your new iPhone can show No Service even upon successful eSIM installation. It may occur when the line is not enabled in the Cellular settings. Switching the line off and then on can renew the network registration. In case the problem persists, the carrier might be required to re-synch your number.

iMessage or FaceTime Not Working

Once you transfer your number, you might find that neither iMessage nor FaceTime proves to be activated. Sometimes it helps to switch iMessage off and on. Ensure that you have chosen the correct number in Send and Receive and give your services up to 15 minutes to reconnect with Apple servers.

Issues with Travel eSIMs

The number of times a plan can be installed on various devices is usually limited by travel eSIM providers. In case you receive a message that your plan is no longer available, reach the support desk of your provider and request them to issue it once again.

Carrier-Specific Notes and Limitations

The various carriers have varying rules and this influences the ease at which you can transfer an eSIM.

Major US Carriers

Quick Transfer is generally supported by AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Visible, and US Mobile. They also permit QR and manual activation. The quickest method is commonly the carrier apps, which robotize the system of reinstalling the plan.

International Carriers

Vi (Vodafone Idea), O2, EE, and Jio, as well as Vodafone, frequently use QR codes. Others will need to delete the old eSIM first, and others will create a new QR code every time. Activation by OTP is common in South Asian carriers, and therefore retain your old SIM so as to get the code.

Travel eSIM Providers

Apps such as Airalo, Holafly, Flexiroam, and Eskimo are based on app activation. These eSIMs are not always transferable to Quick Transfer or can be reinstalled without contacting the support. Best practice is to verify what is in your plan before you get rid of your old phone.

Conclusion

It is now easy to learn how to transfer eSIM to new iPhone with a better system and carrier support provided by Apple. Regardless of the method you use to transfer data in Quick Transfer, scanning a QR, manual activation, or Android migration, the process can be completed within a matter of several minutes once you are aware of the steps to follow.

FAQs About How to Transfer eSIM to New iPhone?