How to transfer your eSIM to a new phone — iPhone and Android

Direct answer: Yes, you can transfer your eSIM to a new phone, but the process varies depending on the manufacturer and carrier. On iPhone (iOS 16+), you can do it directly between devices in minutes. On Samsung and other Android phones, you typically need to contact your carrier to get a new QR code. The old phone's profile is automatically deactivated.

Can an eSIM be transferred to another phone?

The short answer is yes, but with important nuances that depend on your carrier and the phone model you have.

Unlike a physical SIM that you simply remove and insert into another device, the eSIM is a chip soldered onto the phone's motherboard. What is actually transferred is not the chip, but the digital profile containing your line's data: number, plan, and network credentials.

This profile can be moved between compatible devices, but always under the conditions imposed by your carrier. The three main scenarios are:

• Direct transfer between iPhones (iOS 16+): Without carrier intervention, in a few minutes.
• New activation QR: The carrier deactivates the old profile and generates a new QR code for the new device. This applies mainly to Android.
• Manual request to the carrier: Some carriers still require you to call or visit a store. This is becoming less frequent.

What you can never do is use the same active eSIM on two phones at the same time. The carrier's system only allows one active device per profile.

If you have a travel data eSIM (like those from PuraSim for travel), the conditions are different: many travel eSIM providers link the profile to the device's IMEI at the time of installation, which makes transfer impossible or requires reissuance.

How to transfer eSIM between iPhones

Apple introduced the eSIM Quick Transfer feature in iOS 16, and since then, transferring an eSIM between iPhones has become a surprisingly simple process, without needing to call your carrier.

Prerequisites

• Both iPhones must be running iOS 16 or higher
• Your carrier must be compatible with eSIM Quick Transfer (most Spanish carriers already are: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo...)
• The old iPhone must be near the new one during the process
• Both devices must be connected to Wi-Fi or have coverage

Steps to transfer eSIM from iPhone to iPhone

1. Start setting up the new iPhone: Turn it on and follow the setup wizard. When you reach the "Transfer Your Information" screen, select your old iPhone as the source.
2. Bring the two iPhones close together: The new iPhone will display an animation. Place the old iPhone on top until the option to continue appears on the old phone.
3. Set up the eSIM: During the data transfer process, the system automatically detects your eSIM and asks if you want to move it to the new device.
4. Confirm the transfer: Accept on both devices. You will receive a message from your carrier confirming the change.
5. Wait for activation: The process takes between 2 and 15 minutes. You will see the signal indicator on the new iPhone when it is ready.

If you have already completed the initial setup of the new iPhone, you can manually transfer the eSIM from Settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan → Transfer from Nearby iPhone.

For more details on eSIM installation and activation on iPhone, consult our complete guide to eSIM on iPhone.

If direct transfer doesn't work

In case your carrier does not support eSIM Quick Transfer, the alternative process is:

1. Call your carrier's customer service
2. Request a new activation QR code for the new device
3. Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan → Use QR Code
4. Scan the received code

How to move your eSIM to a new Samsung Galaxy

The Android ecosystem does not have a direct equivalent to Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer for all models, although Samsung has significantly improved this process in recent years.

For a detailed initial installation guide, visit our eSIM on Samsung Galaxy guide.

Method 1: Via your carrier's app (recommended)

More and more Spanish carriers offer eSIM transfer from their own app:

1. Install your carrier's app on the new Samsung Galaxy
2. Log in with your account credentials
3. Look for the "Manage SIM" or "Change Device" option
4. Select the eSIM line you want to transfer
5. Follow the instructions to activate the eSIM on the new device

Method 2: Request new QR from carrier

1. Contact your carrier by phone, chat, or physical store
2. Provide the EID of your new Samsung (Settings → About phone → SIM status → eSIM information)
3. The carrier will deactivate the profile on the old device and generate a new QR
4. On the new Samsung, go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add mobile data plan
5. Scan the received QR code

Method 3: Samsung Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch allows data migration between Galaxy devices, but it does not transfer eSIM profiles. Use it for your apps and data, but manage the eSIM separately with one of the previous methods.

Typical waiting times per carrier

What happens to the eSIM when selling or giving away your phone?

This is a critical point that many people overlook: before handing over your phone to someone else, you must delete all eSIM profiles. If you don't, the buyer could temporarily access your line or, worse, you could lose access to your number if the profile becomes blocked.

Steps before selling or giving away your iPhone

1. Transfer your eSIM to the new device first (or ask the carrier to deactivate the profile)
2. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
3. The system will ask if you want to keep or delete mobile plans. Select delete
4. Confirm factory reset

Steps before selling or giving away your Samsung

1. Go to Settings → General management → Reset → Factory data reset
2. Before resetting, manually delete the eSIM from Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
3. Select the eSIM profile and choose Delete

If you encounter problems during this process, consult our guide to common eSIM troubleshooting.

What if I forget to delete the eSIM before selling the phone?

Immediately contact your carrier so they can deactivate the profile remotely. Most can do this in minutes. Don't wait: as long as the profile is active on the sold device, any calls or SMS you receive could be intercepted.

How many times can you transfer the same eSIM?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions and the answer depends on several factors:

Carrier limits

Carriers establish the maximum number of eSIM transfers. In Spain, the usual practice is:

• No official limit: Most carriers do not set a maximum number of transfers, although some may apply waiting periods between changes.
• Lockout period: Some carriers prevent a second transfer for 24-48 hours after the first, as an anti-fraud security measure.
• Identity verification: After a certain number of transfers in a short time, the carrier may request additional identity verification.

Device limits

Devices also have technical limitations:

• iPhone: Apple does not publish an official limit, but there have been documented cases where some iPhone models stop accepting new eSIM profiles after a high number of installations and deletions. This mainly affects very old devices.
• Samsung Galaxy: Generally support multiple stored eSIM profiles (up to 5-10 depending on the model), with one active at a time. No documented transfer limit.

Travel eSIM limits

Travel data eSIMs are usually more restrictive:

• Many providers link the profile to the IMEI of the first device where it is installed
• Once activated, they do not allow transfer to another device
• If you need to change phones during a trip, you will need to purchase a new eSIM

The practical recommendation: always install the travel eSIM on the device you will use during the trip, before you leave.

Conclusion

Transferring an eSIM to a new phone is perfectly possible and, in many cases, easier than it seems. The smoothest process is between iPhones with iOS 16+, where the transfer is almost automatic. On Android and Samsung, the process requires an additional step with your carrier, but it is not complicated either.

Key points to remember:

• The eSIM does not physically move; the digital profile is transferred
• You cannot use the same eSIM on two devices at once
• Always delete eSIM profiles before selling or giving away your phone
• Travel eSIMs usually have transfer restrictions
• Contact your carrier if the automatic process fails

Frequently Asked Questions about transferring eSIM

Escrito por Marc González Sáez Fundador de PuraSim y especialista en eSIM y conectividad para viajeros. Lleva años ayudando a viajar conectado por todo el mundo sin pagar de más por el roaming, y prueba personalmente las eSIM en cada destino antes de recomendarlas.