Unsurprisingly, the latest iPhone series in the US doesn’t have a physical eSIM slot. However, eSIM has been around since the iPhone X. So, if you already have an eSIM and are willing to transfer on your latest iPhone flagship, it’s been a bit of an arduous task. But fret not; here in this article, we’ll guide you on transferring eSIM from one iPhone to another. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Add or Transfer eSIM from One iPhone to Another
Before moving to the procedure, ensure you reach our requirement to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another.
What do I need to transfer my eSIM?
Before moving forward to the procedure to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another, make sure you reach out to all your needs.
- You must have an iPhone 14 Series, 13 Series, 11 Series, XS, XS MAX, XR, or the most recent iPhone generation.
- Your iPhone must be updated to the iOS 16 & later version.
- Your cellular operator must be compatible with eSIM Cards.
- The iPhone to which you are going to transfer eSIM must have an active internet connection. With the iPhone 14 and later generations, this is not necessary anymore.
How to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another during setup
While configuring your latest flagship, you can handily transfer your existing eSIM. However, do make sure that your carrier supports cellular transfer procedure. If yes, then follow the steps mentioned below.
- On the Setup Cellular screen, select the associated phone number with your Apple ID.
- If there is no phone number, tap on Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
- Hit on the Continue Button from the prompt on your older iPhone.
- Jot down the verification code shown on your latest iPhone.
- Follow the on-screen prompt to finish up the transfer eSIM procedure.
As soon as you do so, iOS will immediately disable the eSIM on your older iPhone. However, if you got stuck within the procedure or eSIM is not working at all, you prefer to read our guide on fix eSIM not working on iPhone.
How to transfer a new iPhone after setup
This procedure is for those users who have already set up the iPhone and are later willing to transfer eSIM on their new iPhone. In this process, we will use eSIM quick transfer feature, which was released with iOS 16. This feature uses Bluetooth Connectivity. However, you need to ensure that your other device is close to the other.
- Head to the Settings App.
- Tap Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- On the screen, you will see the phone number associated with your Apple ID, select Transfer from another iPhone.
- On your older iPhone, search for a message requesting to transfer your eSIM to the latest iPhone. Hit on Transfer to accept the process.
- Further open the Settings on your latest iPhone, if there’s a prompt saying Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan, tap on it to finish up the transfer procedure.
Use a carrier or a QR Scanner
Unfortunately, not all carriers support the eSIM Quick Transfer feature. In this scenario, you may ask for and scan a QR code from your carrier.
- Hit on the Use QR Code present in the cellular setup screen. As soon as you do so, your iPhone Camera will open.
- After this, scan the QR code that you got from your carrier.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions to finish up the complete procedure.
Add another eSIM line using a QR Code after configuring your iPhone
- Open the Camera App.
- Then scan the eSIM QR Code.
- Choose Cellular Plan Detected.
- Hit Continue > Add Cellular Plan. If prompted, enter a confirmation code issued by your carrier. Alternatively, if there is no QR code available, you may need to download the carrier’s app from the App Store and try activating eSIM from their.
Manually transfer eSIM to new iPhone
If no QR Code or carrier app is available to enable eSIM, fuss not; you can do it manually. Here’s how.
- Get your eSIM details from your carrier’s customer support.
- Access Settings > Cellular.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan.
- Select Enter Details Manually.
- Fill the complete details and activate.
That’s It!
How to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android
If you recently shifted from iPhone to an Android device and want to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android, here’s how you can do so.
Note: The procedure to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android varies from device.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Cellular.
- Select Delete eSIM. From the resulting prompt, tap on Delete eSIM.
- Now on your Android device, go to the Settings App.
- Tap Connections.
- Select SIM Manager + Add eSIM.
- From the next screen, tap Scan QR Code from the service provider.
- Then place the QR Code in front of your phone camera.
- Now, let your device Checking for SIM information.
- Tap Add.
That’s It!
Final Thought!
While eSIM is convenient to use, the process of transferring eSIM from one iPhone to another and making it work is extremely fragmented. However, every carrier has its own way of transferring eSIM, making the procedure more complicated and confusing. If you’re stuck, you are not alone. Just follow our guide on how to transfer eSIM. Conversely, if it doesn’t work, read our article on Can’t Transfer eSIM Between iPhones in iOS.
