How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone
When You Need to Transfer an eSIM
You purchased a new phone and want to move your carrier plan to it. You are giving your current phone to a family member and keeping your number on a new device. Your phone was damaged and you need to activate your plan on a replacement. In all of these cases, your eSIM profile — which is tied to the original device — needs to transfer to the new one. Unlike a physical SIM card that you can simply eject and insert into a new phone, an eSIM transfer requires either a carrier-facilitated process or a device-to-device transfer protocol. The good news is that the process has become significantly smoother in 2026, especially for iPhone users.
iPhone to iPhone eSIM Transfer
Apple introduced eSIM Quick Transfer in iOS 16, and it has improved with each subsequent release. When you set up a new iPhone near your old iPhone, the setup assistant detects your existing eSIM and offers to transfer it. The process works over Bluetooth and takes about five minutes. Here is the step-by-step flow: turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old iPhone. Follow the Quick Start prompts. When asked about transferring your cellular plan, select Transfer. Your old iPhone will show a notification asking you to confirm the transfer. After confirmation, the eSIM deactivates on the old phone and activates on the new one. You may need to restart the new phone once. This works for most carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and many MVNOs. Some carriers may send a verification text or require you to confirm the transfer through their app.
Android eSIM Transfer
Android's eSIM transfer process varies more by carrier and phone manufacturer. Samsung phones offer a Smart Switch tool that can transfer eSIM profiles between Samsung devices, but carrier support varies. Google Pixel phones running Android 14 or later support eSIM transfer during the initial setup process. For other Android manufacturers, the process typically requires contacting your carrier to deactivate the eSIM on the old device and provision a new eSIM on the new device. This is usually done through the carrier's app: request a new eSIM, receive a QR code, scan it on your new phone, and the old eSIM deactivates automatically. The carrier app method works on any eSIM-capable Android phone regardless of manufacturer.
Carrier-Specific eSIM Transfer Methods
T-Mobile
T-Mobile supports eSIM transfer through the T-Life app. Open the app, go to Account, select the line you want to transfer, and follow the prompts to change the device. T-Mobile will provide a QR code or push the eSIM profile to your new device automatically. T-Mobile also supports Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer between iPhones. If the app method does not work, call T-Mobile customer service or visit a store — they can provision a new eSIM for your line in minutes.
Verizon
Verizon handles eSIM transfers through the My Verizon app. Select your line, choose Change Device, enter your new phone's IMEI and EID, and Verizon pushes the eSIM profile. The process is straightforward but may require the old eSIM to be deleted first. Verizon also supports Quick Transfer between iPhones. For Android transfers, the app method is the most reliable. Store visits work as a fallback.
AT&T
AT&T supports eSIM provisioning through the myAT&T app. Select your line, choose Transfer eSIM or Activate New Device, and follow the prompts. AT&T supports Quick Transfer between iPhones. For Android, use the app to generate a new QR code for your new device. AT&T may require identity verification during the transfer process.
MVNO eSIM Transfers
Transferring an eSIM on an MVNO like Mint Mobile, Visible, or US Mobile follows the same general pattern: contact the carrier through their app, request a new eSIM for a new device, and scan the QR code on the new phone. Some MVNOs make this easier than others. Visible's app handles eSIM changes quickly. Mint Mobile requires you to log in online and generate a new eSIM QR code. US Mobile supports both app-based and website-based eSIM transfers. Google Fi handles eSIM transfers automatically during the new phone setup process using the Fi app. The key across all MVNOs is that the old eSIM must be deactivated before the new one can activate — you cannot have the same line active on two devices simultaneously.
Common eSIM Transfer Issues
If your eSIM transfer fails, try these troubleshooting steps. Restart both the old and new phone. Ensure your carrier account is in good standing with no past-due balance. Verify that the new phone is carrier-unlocked. Check that the new phone's EID is correctly entered in the carrier's system. If Quick Transfer between iPhones is not working, try the carrier app method instead — Quick Transfer requires both phones to be on the latest iOS version and Bluetooth to be enabled. As a last resort, contact your carrier directly; a customer service representative can deactivate the old eSIM and provision a new one on any device you specify.
For more on eSIM capabilities and plan options, see our Best Domestic eSIM Plans roundup.
What Happens to Your eSIM When You Sell Your Phone
Before selling, trading in, or giving away a phone with an active eSIM, you must remove the eSIM profile. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular, then select the eSIM plan, then Remove Cellular Plan. On Android, go to Settings, then Network, then SIMs, select the eSIM, and choose Delete. If you do not remove the eSIM before erasing the phone, the carrier may still consider that device associated with your account, which can cause complications when activating on a new device. After removing the eSIM, perform a factory reset to clear all personal data. The new owner will need to activate their own cellular plan — your removed eSIM profile cannot be reinstalled by anyone else.
eSIM Transfer and Number Porting: Different Things
It is important to distinguish between transferring an eSIM to a new device (keeping the same carrier, moving to a new phone) and porting your number to a new carrier (changing carriers, which may also involve setting up a new eSIM). An eSIM transfer keeps your current carrier and plan — only the device changes. A number port changes your carrier and automatically cancels your old plan. If you are switching both phone and carrier simultaneously, you do not transfer the eSIM — you port your number to the new carrier and they provision a fresh eSIM on your new device. The old eSIM from the old carrier deactivates automatically when the port completes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?
Yes. iPhones support eSIM Quick Transfer during setup. Android phones and MVNOs typically require generating a new eSIM QR code through the carrier's app and scanning it on the new device.
Will I lose service during the eSIM transfer?
There is a brief interruption — typically a few minutes — while the eSIM deactivates on the old phone and activates on the new one. The gap is usually under five minutes.
Can I transfer an eSIM without the old phone?
Yes. Contact your carrier through their app or customer service. They can deactivate the old eSIM remotely and provision a new one on your new device using the EID number.
Do all carriers support eSIM transfer?
All three major US carriers and most MVNOs support eSIM transfers. The process varies — some use app-based transfers, others require customer service contact.