PrepaidHow to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone (2026)
- iPhone & Android
- Under 10 minutes
- Data balance preserved
- Updated June 2026
Daniel Mercer
Lead eSIM Analyst
Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)
How we testPublished March 2026 · Updated June 2026
Overview
Transfer your eSIM in 5 steps.
- 1
Check your new phone supports eSIM
Confirm the new device has eSIM hardware before you do anything else. On iPhone: Settings > General > About > look for 'Available SIM' or 'eSIM'. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > check for an 'Add eSIM' option. If the option is missing, your phone does not support eSIM.
- 2
Check your provider's transfer policy
Log into your provider account or app and find out whether re-downloads are allowed. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad allow re-downloads from their apps. Holafly requires a support request. Know your option before you start the process.
- 3
Initiate the transfer or request a new QR code
iPhone to iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Nearby iPhone. Android or cross-platform: log into your provider account and request a new QR code. The QR code arrives by email or appears in the app within a few minutes.
- 4
Install and verify on the new phone
Scan the new QR code or complete the Quick Transfer prompt on your new device. Confirm the eSIM profile appears under Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (Android). Set the travel eSIM as your data line.
- 5
Remove the profile from your old phone
Once you confirm the new phone has the eSIM working, delete the profile from the old phone. Go to Settings > Cellular on iPhone or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs on Android, select the travel eSIM, and choose Remove or Delete eSIM.
iPhone to iPhone
Transfer eSIM between iPhones.
Apple added eSIM Quick Transfer in iOS 16. This method moves an eSIM profile from your old iPhone to a new one using a Bluetooth connection. Both phones stay on the same Apple ID. No provider login is required.
eSIM Quick Transfer (iOS 16 and later)
- Power on both iPhones and keep them within 30 centimeters of each other.
- Enable Bluetooth and WiFi on both devices.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
- Tap "Transfer from Nearby iPhone." Your old iPhone shows a prompt to approve the transfer.
- Approve on the old iPhone. The profile moves to the new device in about 2 minutes.
- Confirm the plan appears under Settings > Cellular on the new phone.
Quick Transfer works for most carrier-issued eSIMs and many travel eSIMs. A small number of travel eSIM providers block device-to-device transfers at the network level. If Quick Transfer fails with an error, use the QR code re-download method instead.
iCloud backup and re-download method
Restoring a new iPhone from an iCloud backup does not transfer eSIM profiles. The profile record appears in Cellular settings but the SIM itself is not active. You still need to re-download a new QR code from your provider. Use this method as a fallback if Quick Transfer fails.
QR code re-download method
Log into your provider account or open their app. Find your purchased plan and request a new QR code. On the new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code and scan the new code. This method works regardless of iOS version.
Android to Android
Transfer eSIM on Android phones.
Android does not have a universal device-to-device eSIM transfer tool equivalent to Apple's Quick Transfer. The process varies by manufacturer. Most Android transfers require requesting a new QR code from your provider.
Samsung Galaxy transfer
Samsung offers Smart Switch to move data between Galaxy phones, but Smart Switch does not transfer eSIM profiles. You need to request a new QR code from your travel eSIM provider. On the new Galaxy phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add mobile plan and scan the new QR code.
Google Pixel transfer
Pixel phones do not support eSIM Quick Transfer. Open your provider's app or website, request a new QR code for your plan, then go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM on the new Pixel and scan the code. The process takes under 3 minutes.
After installing the eSIM on the new Android phone, set it as your preferred data SIM under Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. Then return to the old phone and delete the profile to avoid any conflicts.
Cross-Platform
Moving between iPhone and Android.
Transferring an eSIM from iPhone to Android, or from Android to iPhone, is not possible with a direct device transfer tool. The eSIM standard is the same across platforms, but Apple and Android manufacturers have not built cross-platform transfer protocols.
The solution is straightforward: request a new QR code from your provider. Log into your account, find your plan, and download a fresh QR code. Then install it on the new phone using the standard eSIM setup process for that device.
The same process applies whether you are moving from an iPhone 15 to a Samsung Galaxy S25, from a Pixel 9 to an iPhone 16, or any other combination. Your data balance remains intact on the provider's servers throughout.
Cross-platform transfer in brief
- Log into your provider account on a computer or the app.
- Request a new QR code for your purchased plan.
- On the new phone, open eSIM settings and scan the new QR code.
- Confirm the profile installs correctly and data access works.
- Delete the old profile from your previous phone.
Provider Policies
When you need a new QR code.
Some providers allow you to re-download your eSIM QR code directly from their app or website. Others require you to contact support. Know your provider's policy before you start the transfer so you are not stuck without data.
Airalo
Allows one re-download from the app for most plans. Open the app, go to My eSIMs, select the plan, and tap Re-install. Available immediately.
Holafly
Does not support self-service re-downloads. Contact Holafly support via chat or email and request a new QR code. Response time is typically under 2 hours.
Saily
Allows re-download from the app. Open Saily, go to My Plans, select your plan, and choose Install eSIM again. No support contact needed.
Nomad
Allows re-download from the app or website. Log into your account, go to Orders, select the plan, and click Install Again. Takes under a minute.
Provider policies change. Always check the provider's help center before your trip for the most current re-download rules.
What Happens to Your Data
Your data balance is safe during a transfer.
Your data allowance is stored on the provider's servers, not on your physical device. Transferring an eSIM profile to a new phone does not delete or reset your remaining data. When you install the eSIM on the new phone, your balance carries over automatically.
The same applies to plan expiry dates. If your plan has 8 days remaining when you start the transfer, it still has 8 days remaining after you install it on the new phone. The timer does not restart and no extra days are added.
One exception: if your eSIM plan tracks usage based on the device ID rather than the account, a new profile installation may reset the counter. This is uncommon but worth checking with your provider if you have a large remaining balance.
Data transfer checklist
- +Note your current data balance before starting the transfer.
- +Screenshot your plan details including the expiry date.
- +Complete the transfer or re-download in one session.
- +Verify data access on the new phone with a speed test or page load.
- +Check the balance in the provider app after installation.
Before Your Trip
Transfer your eSIM before you leave home.
The best time to transfer an eSIM is at home over WiFi, not at the airport or after you land. Moving the profile while you have a reliable internet connection means you can troubleshoot any issues without being in a hurry.
If you are upgrading to a new phone before a trip, plan the eSIM transfer at least 48 hours before departure. This gives you time to contact provider support if you run into a re-download issue. Holafly in particular requires a support ticket, and response times can stretch to a few hours during peak travel periods.
After the transfer, test the eSIM before you travel. Enable data roaming on the travel line and confirm you get a data connection. Some providers restrict data to the destination country, so you may see "No Service" at home, but the plan setup confirmation in Settings is enough to verify the install worked.
For full installation instructions on a fresh eSIM, read our eSIM activation guide. For dual SIM setup on your new phone, see the dual SIM configuration guide.
FAQ
eSIM transfer questions.
Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to iPhone automatically?
Yes, if both iPhones run iOS 16 or later. Use eSIM Quick Transfer in Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Nearby iPhone. The process takes about 2 minutes and requires both phones powered on with Bluetooth and WiFi enabled.
Does transferring an eSIM delete it from the old phone?
Yes. An eSIM profile can only exist on one device at a time. When you complete a transfer or re-download, the profile is deactivated on the old phone and activated on the new one.
Can I transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone?
Not directly. Most providers do not support cross-platform eSIM transfers. You need to request a new QR code from your provider and install it on the iPhone as a fresh profile.
How many times can I re-download a travel eSIM?
It depends on the provider. Airalo allows one re-download from the app for most plans. Saily and Nomad also allow re-downloads through their apps. Holafly requires you to contact support to get a new QR code.
Will my data balance carry over when I transfer?
Yes. Your data balance stays on the provider's servers, not on your device. Whether you transfer via Quick Transfer or re-download a new QR code, your remaining data is still available on the new phone.
What if my new phone is not eSIM compatible?
You cannot use an eSIM on a phone without eSIM hardware. Check that your new phone supports eSIM before purchasing a plan. Most phones released after 2020 support eSIM, but older and budget Android models may not.
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