How to Transfer eSIM From One iPhone to Another.

To transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another, use eSIM Quick Transfer: on the new iPhone open Settings, tap Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then pick the number or tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone and confirm on the old iPhone. It only works if your carrier supports it, and the old SIM stops working once the line activates on the new phone.

That covers your home number. A travel eSIM is a different case. Most travel eSIM profiles are tied to one phone, so plan to reinstall or buy a new plan rather than move it. This article does not lock a price.

Key facts

• eSIM Quick Transfer moves a phone number from your previous iPhone to a new one without calling the carrier, if the carrier supports it.
• Apple lists these conditions: both iPhones signed in to the same Apple Account, the old iPhone unlocked, both nearby with Bluetooth on, and both on iOS 18.4 or later.
• You can transfer during setup of the new iPhone, or later from Settings.
• When the plan activates on the new iPhone, the SIM on the old iPhone is deactivated.
• Android to iPhone is possible with iOS 26 or later on some carriers and devices. Otherwise the carrier issues a new eSIM.
• Travel eSIMs are usually single-device. Check the plan before you switch phones.

Transfer the eSIM during new iPhone setup

This is the easiest moment to do it. Keep the old iPhone charged, unlocked, and next to the new one with Bluetooth on. When the new iPhone asks you to transfer your phone number during setup, follow the prompts on both screens. Apple says that with iOS 26 or later you can move more than one number in the same setup.

Wait until the new iPhone shows the line as active. Then make a test call. If a banner says Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it. It opens the carrier's page to finish the transfer. Apple's steps are on Set up eSIM on iPhone.

Transfer the eSIM after setup in Settings

If you skipped the step, or the new iPhone is already set up, you can still move the number later:

• Open Settings on the new iPhone and tap Cellular. Some regions say Mobile Data or Mobile Service.
• Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
• Pick the number to move. If no list appears, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
• On the old iPhone, tap Transfer, or type the code the new iPhone shows.
• Wait for the plan to activate. The old SIM switches off when it does.

The same path is in Apple's Set up cellular service on iPhone guide. Menu labels can differ slightly by iOS version and region.

When your carrier does not support Quick Transfer

Carrier support varies by country and by plan. Apple keeps a list of carriers that offer eSIM on iPhone, including the ones that support Quick Transfer. If yours is missing, or the transfer fails, the carrier can still move the number another way:

• eSIM Carrier Activation, where the carrier pushes a new eSIM to the new iPhone.
• A QR code or install link from the carrier.
• The carrier's own app.
• A visit to a carrier store, which some countries require for an ID check.

Keep the old iPhone until the new one can make calls and receive texts on your number.

How to transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone

Apple's Transfer your eSIM from Android to iPhone page says that with iOS 26 or later, some carriers and select phone makers support a direct move. Apple lists an iPhone 11 or later, a compatible Android phone on Android 16 or later, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both phones, and a supported carrier.

On the iPhone, open Settings and tap Set Up Cellular, then Transfer from Android. If the iPhone already has a SIM, go through Cellular and Add eSIM instead. Scan the code the iPhone shows with the Android camera, pick the number on the Android, and tap Transfer. If your carrier or phone is not on the list, contact the carrier for a new eSIM.

What happens to a travel eSIM on a new iPhone

Quick Transfer is built for carrier lines with a phone number. A travel data eSIM works differently. GEO's how it works page says most travel eSIM profiles are single-device, and once installed you usually cannot move the same QR code to a second phone. If you change phones before you install, contact support with your order email before scanning. After install, plan on a new plan for the new phone.

• Not installed yet: hold the QR code and contact support before you scan it anywhere.
• Installed on the old iPhone: keep using it there, or buy a new plan for the new iPhone.
• Do not delete the travel line from the old phone in the hope it will reinstall elsewhere.

If you are buying a fresh line for the new iPhone, check the add control first with Add an eSIM on an iPhone, then follow Add an eSIM From a QR Code. New to travel lines? Start with Your First Install of a Travel eSIM.

Before you wipe the old iPhone

• Your number is active on the new iPhone and a test call works.
• Any travel line you still need is either kept on the old phone or replaced by a new plan.
• Bank and login texts arrive on the new iPhone.
• Order emails for travel plans are saved somewhere you can reach.

Pick a plan for the next trip on country plans. GEO covers 200+ countries, and most plans are data-only, so your own number stays on your home line. See Dual SIM: Home Number and Travel Data for how the two lines share one phone.

Related guides

• How to Convert to eSIM From a Physical SIM
• Check Whether Your Phone Supports eSIM
• Reinstall an eSIM When the Download Stops
• eSIM Not Activating? Fixes That Work

Apple, iPhone, and iOS are trademarks of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. GEO is not affiliated with Apple, Google, or any carrier named here. Steps and supported carriers can change, so check the official help pages and your carrier before you transfer.

FAQ

How do I transfer my eSIM to a new iPhone?

Use eSIM Quick Transfer during setup, or later in Settings under Cellular, then Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. Your carrier has to support it.

Does the old iPhone keep working after the transfer?

No. Apple says the old SIM is deactivated when the plan activates on the new iPhone.

What if my carrier does not support eSIM Quick Transfer?

Contact the carrier. They can send a new eSIM by carrier activation, a QR code, their app, or in store.

Can I transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone?

Sometimes. With iOS 26 or later, some carriers and Android phones on Android 16 or later support it. Otherwise the carrier issues a new eSIM.

Can I move a travel eSIM to a new iPhone?

Usually not. Most travel eSIMs are single-device. Contact support before you scan the QR code, or buy a new plan for the new phone.

Will my phone number change?

Not with Quick Transfer. The same number moves to the new iPhone.