How to Transfer eSIM from Android to iPhone

Switching from an Android phone to an iPhone is exciting, but moving your eSIM can feel like a hurdle. This guide walks you through the entire process—from checking compatibility to activating your eSIM on the new iPhone—so you can keep your phone number and cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card.

What You’ll Need

Your Android phone with the active eSIM (still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular).
Your new iPhone (unlocked or carrier-compatible) with iOS 16 or later.
Access to your carrier’s app or website (or their customer service phone number).
Your carrier account login credentials (usually your phone number or account username and password).
A stable Wi-Fi connection on both devices.
Your iPhone’s IMEI number (found in Settings > General > About).

Step-by-Step

Check eSIM compatibility. Not all carriers support eSIM transfers between Android and iPhone. Visit your carrier’s website or contact them to confirm that your plan allows eSIM transfers and that your iPhone model is supported.
Back up your Android phone. Although the eSIM itself isn’t backed up, it’s a good practice to back up your contacts, photos, and other data before switching devices. Use Google One or your manufacturer’s backup tool.
Set up your iPhone. Turn on your iPhone and follow the initial setup prompts until you reach the “Set Up eSIM” or “Cellular Plan” screen. If you’re asked to transfer a number from your Android, you can use the quick transfer option later.
Try the automatic transfer (if available). On your Android, open the Settings app, go to “Connections” or “Network & Internet,” then tap “SIM card manager” or “Mobile network.” Look for an option like “Transfer eSIM to new device” or “Move eSIM to another phone.” Follow the on-screen instructions—this may generate a QR code or a confirmation code that you’ll enter on the iPhone.
Use your carrier’s app or website. If automatic transfer isn’t available, log in to your carrier’s app or website. Look for a section like “Manage my plan,” “Replace device,” or “eSIM activation.” Choose the option to activate a new eSIM for your iPhone. You’ll typically need to enter your iPhone’s IMEI number.
Scan the QR code or enter the activation code. Your carrier will provide a QR code (either on screen or via email). On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > “Add Cellular Plan,” then scan the QR code. If you received a manual activation code, tap “Enter Details Manually” and type it in.
Label your plan. After the eSIM is added, you can assign a label like “Personal” or “Business” to it. This is helpful if you use dual SIMs.
Set your default line. If you have multiple lines, choose which one to use for calls, messages, and data. Go to Settings > Cellular > “Default Voice Line” and “Cellular Data” to set your preferences.
Remove the eSIM from your Android. Once your iPhone is working with the new eSIM, you should delete the eSIM from your Android to free up the line and avoid any confusion. Go to Settings > SIM card manager, tap the eSIM, and choose “Remove” or “Erase.”
Test your service. Make a call, send a text, and try browsing the internet on your iPhone to confirm everything works.

Common Mistakes

Not checking carrier support first. Some carriers require you to contact them before transferring, and some may charge a fee. Skipping this step can lead to a failed transfer.
Deleting the eSIM from Android too early. If you remove it before the iPhone is activated, you might lose your number temporarily and have to contact your carrier to restore it.
Entering the wrong IMEI. Make sure you use the IMEI of your new iPhone, not the Android. The IMEI is found in Settings > General > About on iPhone.
Assuming the QR code is reusable. QR codes are often single-use. If you scan it on the wrong device or it fails, you may need to request a new one.
Forgetting to update your iPhone. Older iOS versions may have bugs with eSIM transfers. Update to the latest iOS before starting.

Tips

Keep both devices charged. The transfer process can take a few minutes, and you don’t want either phone to die mid-transfer.
Use Wi-Fi on both devices. This ensures a stable connection and avoids using up your cellular data during the transfer.
Take a screenshot of your eSIM details. If your carrier provides a QR code or activation code, screenshot it or save it in a secure note. This can be helpful if you need to re-add the eSIM later.
Contact your carrier if you’re stuck. Most carriers have a dedicated eSIM support line. They can push the eSIM profile directly to your iPhone.
Consider using the “Quick Transfer” feature. When setting up your iPhone, if you have both devices nearby, you may see an option to transfer your cellular plan automatically. This uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to move the eSIM.

Troubleshooting

No eSIM option appears on your iPhone. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and that your carrier supports eSIM. Restart your iPhone and check for iOS updates. If the issue persists, contact your carrier.

The QR code won’t scan. Clean your camera lens, increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR code, and hold the iPhone closer. If it still fails, try entering the activation code manually.

You get an error saying “Cellular Plan Already Exists.” This usually means the eSIM is already installed. Go to Settings > Cellular and check if the plan is listed. If it is, you might just need to activate it by toggling it on.

Your number doesn’t work after transfer. Wait a few minutes and restart your iPhone. If it still doesn’t work, contact your carrier to confirm the eSIM is activated on their end. They may need to refresh the profile.

The transfer fails halfway. Restart both phones and try again. If the problem continues, contact your carrier—they can reset the eSIM profile or provide a new QR code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my eSIM from Android to iPhone without contacting my carrier? Sometimes yes, if your carrier supports automatic transfer. But many carriers require you to initiate the transfer through their app or website, or to call them. It’s safest to check with them first.

Will I lose my number during the transfer? No, your number stays the same. The eSIM transfer simply moves your number’s profile from the Android to the iPhone.

How long does the eSIM transfer take? Usually just a few minutes once you have the QR code or activation code. The actual profile download can take up to 10 minutes in some cases.

Can I use the same eSIM on both phones at the same time? No, an eSIM can only be active on one device at a time. When you activate it on your iPhone, it will automatically deactivate on your Android (or you can manually remove it).

What if my carrier doesn’t support eSIM transfers? You may need to get a physical SIM card from your carrier for your iPhone, or they might provide a new eSIM QR code. Contact them for the best option.

Is there a fee for transferring an eSIM? Some carriers charge a small fee for eSIM activation or transfer. Check with your carrier for their specific policy.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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