PrepaidHow to Transfer eSIM Between Devices
- 43 countries tested
- 280 plans reviewed
- Verified June 2026
Daniel Mercer
Lead eSIM Analyst
Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)
How we testPublished July 2026 · Updated June 2026
The Key Rule
Can travel eSIMs be transferred between devices?
The short answer: it depends entirely on which provider sold you the plan. Each of the four major travel eSIM providers handles transfers differently. Before you swap phones mid-trip or upgrade your device, check which category your provider falls into.
Airalo is the only provider that allows fully self-serve transfers. Your eSIM profile is tied to your Airalo account, not to a specific device. If your plan is still active, open the Airalo app on the new phone, find the plan under My eSIMs, and tap Reinstall. No support ticket, no waiting.
Holafly, Saily, and Nomad use single-use QR codes that cannot be scanned twice. If you need to move to a new device, you must contact their support teams. They will verify your order and issue a fresh QR code for the new phone. Response times vary from a few hours to one day depending on the provider and the time zone.
The most important rule: never delete an active eSIM from your current phone before confirming you can install it on the new one. Once you delete a profile that uses a single-use QR code, the original code is invalid. You must contact support for re-provisioning.
| Provider | Self-Transfer (App) | Support Transfer | Support Wait Time | Re-Purchase Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AiraloEasiest transfer | Yes | Yes (backup) | None (app instant) | No |
| Holafly | No | Yes | 2-12 hours | Only if too slow |
| Saily | No | Yes | 1-24 hours | Only if too slow |
| Nomad | No | Yes | 2-24 hours | Only if too slow |
Same Platform
eSIM transfer from iPhone to iPhone.
Apple introduced eSIM Quick Transfer in iOS 16, which lets you move carrier eSIMs between iPhones over Bluetooth during device setup. Travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad do not support Quick Transfer. The feature only works with carrier provisioning systems, not third-party travel eSIM accounts.
The correct process for transferring a travel eSIM from one iPhone to another takes under 10 minutes with Airalo and 1-24 hours with other providers.
One critical fact: iCloud backup does not save eSIM profiles. When you restore a new iPhone from an iCloud backup, every app, photo, and setting transfers except the eSIM. You must reinstall the eSIM separately after the restore completes.
Step-by-step: transfer eSIM between iPhones
Screenshot your active plan details
Open your provider app and capture a screenshot showing the plan name, destination, remaining data, and expiry date. Note your order ID. Do this before touching any settings.
Open the provider app on the new iPhone
For Airalo: install the app, log in to the same account, tap My eSIMs, find the active plan, and tap Reinstall or Re-download. The profile is delivered directly to the new iPhone over Wi-Fi.
Contact support (Holafly, Saily, Nomad)
Use live chat or email. Give them your order number and confirm your new iPhone model. They issue a new QR code. This takes 2-24 hours depending on the provider.
Install via Settings on the new iPhone
Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the new QR code. Label the plan with the destination country so it is easy to identify later.
Confirm the eSIM is working
Enable data roaming if required. Check that the carrier name appears in the status bar. Load a webpage to confirm data is flowing through the eSIM.
Remove from the old iPhone
Settings > Cellular > tap the old eSIM plan name > Remove Cellular Plan. Only do this after you have confirmed the eSIM works on the new phone.
Android Transfers
eSIM transfer between Android phones.
Android does not have a built-in eSIM transfer system equivalent to Apple Quick Transfer for third-party travel eSIMs. Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android brands all require manual reinstallation via the provider app or a new QR code from support.
Samsung to Samsung:No automatic eSIM profile migration between Samsung devices exists for travel eSIMs. On the old Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, select the eSIM, and delete it after confirming the new device has the plan installed. Use the Airalo app for re-download, or contact Holafly, Saily, or Nomad support.
Pixel to Pixel:Google does not include a travel eSIM transfer feature for third-party profiles. The reinstallation process on a new Pixel follows the same steps: open the provider app, re-download if you have Airalo, or contact support for a new QR code from other providers. Settings path on Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.
Google Backup:Like iCloud, Android's backup system does not include eSIM profiles. Restoring from a Google backup on a new Android phone will not restore your travel eSIM. Reinstall it manually after the backup restore is complete.
Samsung Galaxy
Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add Mobile Plan
Works on Galaxy S and Galaxy A series with eSIM support.
Google Pixel
Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM
Pixel 3a and later with LTE model have eSIM support.
OnePlus / Motorola
Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards > Add eSIM
Path varies by manufacturer skin. Check your device settings.
Other Android
Settings > Mobile Network > Add eSIM or SIM
Look for a Connections, Network, or SIM card menu. Not all Android models support eSIM.
Cross-Platform
Transferring eSIM from iPhone to Android (or Android to iPhone).
Moving a travel eSIM between iOS and Android requires provider support. No automatic cross-platform transfer mechanism exists. iOS and Android handle eSIM provisioning differently at the operating system level, which means a QR code scanned on an iPhone cannot be transferred to an Android device without the provider issuing a new provisioning code.
Airalo advantage:Airalo's app is available on both iOS and Android, and your eSIM plans are tied to your account. Install the app on the new device (regardless of platform), log in to the same account, navigate to the active plan, and tap Reinstall. This is the fastest cross-platform transfer available, with no support wait.
Holafly, Saily, Nomad: Contact support directly. Provide your order number, the platform you are moving from (iOS), and the model of the new device (Android model name). The provider confirms your remaining balance and issues a new QR code. Install using the Android Settings path for your device. Wait time: 1-24 hours.
Mid-trip emergency:If your iPhone breaks mid-trip and you need to use a borrowed Android phone immediately, Airalo's app-based re-download is the fastest path. For other providers, explain the urgency when contacting support. Most providers have a priority channel for active travelers.
Cross-platform transfer timeline
Decision Guide
When to re-purchase instead of transfer your eSIM.
Transferring an eSIM saves money when the remaining balance is large. But for small remaining balances, buying a new plan is faster than waiting for support and costs less than you might expect.
Transfer if: you have 5 GB or more remaining, or 10 or more days of validity left on the plan. The math is simple: a new 5 GB plan costs $10-$20. If you have 4 GB left and the provider takes 24 hours to re-issue a QR code, that is a poor trade.
Buy new if:the remaining plan has under 1 GB of data or under 3 days of validity. Also buy new if you need data immediately and the provider's support response time is too slow. A new plan installs in under 5 minutes. No support queue, no waiting.
The practical cost of a new plan: Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad all offer plans starting at $5-$15 for 1-3 GB in most destinations. If your remaining balance is worth less than $15, buying a new plan is the right call. If your remaining balance is worth $20 or more, pursue the transfer.
Transfer the eSIM when:
- +5 GB or more remaining
- +10 or more days of validity left
- +Using Airalo (instant app transfer)
- +You have time to wait for support
Buy a new plan when:
- +Under 1 GB or under 3 days left
- +Need data in the next 30 minutes
- +Provider does not support transfer
- +Support wait is longer than your need
Repairs and Loss
Protecting your eSIM during phone repairs and loss.
Sending your phone for repair is one of the most common causes of unintentional eSIM deletion. Repair centers sometimes factory-reset devices as part of their diagnostic process, which wipes all eSIM profiles from the secure element chip.
Before handing your phone to any repair center: open your provider app and screenshot the active plan details including the plan name, destination, remaining data, and expiry date. Also note your order ID. This gives you what you need to request re-provisioning after the repair.
Apple Store repairs: Apple technicians are trained to be aware of eSIM profiles before servicing devices. Ask the Genius Bar staff whether the repair requires a factory reset. If it does, confirm that re-provisioning your travel eSIM is possible before authorizing the work.
Lost or stolen phone:Contact your provider immediately. With Airalo, log in to your account on any device and deactivate the lost phone's profile remotely. For other providers, contact support to cancel the old profile and re-provision on a replacement device. This prevents someone from using your remaining data.
Travel insurance note: Some travel insurance policies cover costs related to connectivity loss from phone theft or damage. Check your policy before your trip. If covered, a replacement eSIM plan purchase is a documented, recoverable expense.
FAQ
Common questions about eSIM transfers.
Can I transfer my travel eSIM to a new phone?
It depends on the provider. Airalo lets you re-download active eSIM plans from their app on a new device without contacting support. Holafly, Saily, and Nomad require contacting support for transfer, and they will issue a new QR code. Never delete an active eSIM without confirming you can re-install it on the new device first.
How do I transfer eSIM from iPhone to iPhone?
Travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad do not support Apple's automatic eSIM Quick Transfer. Instead: open the eSIM provider app on your new iPhone, find the active plan in your account, and tap reinstall or re-download. The eSIM installs on the new phone without needing a new QR code. Confirm connectivity, then delete from the old iPhone. iCloud backup does not include eSIM profiles.
Can I move eSIM from iPhone to Android?
Not automatically. No cross-platform transfer mechanism exists between iOS and Android. Contact your provider's support with your order details and the model of your new Android phone. They will issue a new QR code for the Android device. Airalo handles this fastest through their app. Allow 1-24 hours for support-assisted transfers from other providers.
What happens to my eSIM if my phone breaks?
The eSIM profile is stored on the phone's secure hardware chip (eUICC). If the phone is lost, stolen, or factory-reset, the eSIM profile is deleted. Contact your provider immediately to re-provision the plan on a replacement device. Airalo allows re-download from their app. Holafly, Saily, and Nomad require a support request for a new QR code.
Should I transfer my eSIM or buy a new one?
Transfer if you have significant data or validity remaining: 5 GB or more, or 10 or more days on the plan. Buy a new plan if the remaining balance is small (under 1 GB or under 3 days), if support response time is too slow for your situation, or if the provider does not support transfer. A new plan costs $5-$15 and activates in under 5 minutes.
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