eSIMs are a digital replacement for the SIM card, but despite theiradvantages over physical SIMs, the technology can be difficult to use. While transferring a physical SIM card between phones is a simple matter of installing it, transferring an eSIM isn’t straightforward. This guide shows how to transfer an eSIM between Android devices without contacting your carrier and alternative ways to move an eSIM to a new phone if a direct transfer doesn’t work. This guide works foreSIM-compatible Android phones, but you can’t use it to transfer an eSIM from an Android to an iOS device.
How to prepare for transferring an eSIM
Before you get started, check that you have everything ready to transfer your eSIM.
How to directly transfer your eSIM to a new phone
Transferring an eSIM is done during the setup of a new phone. Have both phones close together during the setup.
1.Follow the setup steps for your new phone until you reach theConnect to a Mobile Network screen.
2.TapTransfer SIM From Another Device.
3.When the confirmation window appears on your old phone, tapNextto confirm the transfer.
4.Scan the QR code on your new phone with your old phone.
5.TapConnect & transferon your new phone to finish the eSIM transfer.
Your eSIM transfers to your new phone, and you can continue the setup from there. However, you may need to contact your carrier to complete the transfer.
Transfer your SIM using the steps below if you’ve set up your new phone.
Other ways to transfer an eSIM
You may not be able to transfer your eSIM during setup. In this situation, remove the eSIM from your old phone before reactivating it on your new phone.
How to delete an eSIM
These steps are for Google Pixel phones running Android 14. Other Android phones store their SIM details under different settings. For example, you may need to tapMobile networkunder theNetwork and Internetmenu to find your SIM details.
1.Open theSettings app.
2.TapNetwork and Internet.
3.TapSIMs.
4.Tap the eSIM that you want to delete.
5.Scroll down and tapDelete SIM.
How to activate an eSIM
You should have a QR code from when you activated your eSIM. However, every carrier has a different method for activating eSIMs. Our guide onactivating an eSIMon every major US carrier will get you started. When in doubt, contact your carrier’s customer support for help.
How to activate the eSIM on your Google Pixel 8
It’s time to ditch that SIM card with your Pixel 8
Transfer your eSIM without hassle
While Android and iOS devices have supported eSIMs alongside SIM cards for years, simple actions like transferring an eSIM to a new phone have only recently become straightforward. While you may want to keep your eSIM, explore thebest value data plansto complement a new phone. Many prepaid carriers offer better details than the Big Three (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T), so compare unfamiliar names to get the best deal.
