To transfer an eSIM to a new phone without losing your line, use a transfer method supported by both devices and your carrier. Keep the old phone available until the new one can make a call; if direct transfer isn’t supported, ask your carrier to activate or replace the eSIM.

Before you start

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile that connects your phone to a mobile line. The transfer options depend on the phone pair and the carrier, so first check which route applies:

  • iPhone to iPhone: Apple Quick Transfer requires the same Apple Account on both phones, the old iPhone unlocked with its passcode, both devices nearby with Bluetooth on, and iOS 18.4 or later on each.
  • Android to iPhone: Apple’s direct transfer requires an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26 or later, a compatible Android phone running Android 16 or later, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both, and a carrier on Apple’s US list.
  • Android to Android: Requirements depend on the carrier and phone model. Xfinity Mobile, for example, has its own Android transfer steps and compatibility requirements.
  • No supported direct option or no old phone: Contact the carrier for activation or a replacement eSIM. Its identity checks and recovery process depend on the carrier.

Keep the old phone powered on and nearby when the transfer asks you to approve it. Don’t erase it until the new phone has activated the line and you’ve confirmed that you can place a call.

Pick the transfer route your devices support

How to transfer an eSIM to a new phone without losing service

The setup screen shows several possible routes, but the options available to you still depend on your carrier and devices. Apple also supports carrier activation and QR-code setup on iPhone when a direct transfer isn’t the route you’ll use.

Transfer an eSIM between iPhones

If your carrier supports Apple Quick Transfer and both phones meet the requirements, start the transfer on the new iPhone:

  1. During setup, follow the on-screen prompts to transfer the number. If the phone is already set up, open Settings > Cellular and choose Add eSIM or Transfer from Nearby iPhone.
  2. Keep the old iPhone unlocked and close by. Approve the transfer on that phone, entering a verification code on the old phone if prompted.
  3. Wait for the mobile plan to activate on the new iPhone, then place a call to check the connection.

Apple says the previous SIM deactivates when the plan activates on the new iPhone. With iOS 26 or later, an iPhone can transfer more than one phone number.

Transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone

Apple’s support page, dated October 1, 2026, names these US carriers for its direct Android-to-iPhone transfer feature: AT&T, Cricket, FirstNet, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile. The list applies to that route. It does not determine whether a carrier offers a separate same-platform transfer or replacement eSIM.

For the direct transfer, connect both phones to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth. On the new iPhone, choose Transfer from Android in eSIM setup. The iPhone displays a QR code; scan it with the Android phone, select the number to move, and follow the prompts on both devices. If the Android camera can’t scan the code, Apple also describes a pairing option through Google services using a session ID and pairing code. After activation, the Android phone’s SIM deactivates. Place a call from the iPhone to confirm the line works.

Apple’s iPhone eSIM setup instructions cover Quick Transfer and carrier activation, while its Android-to-iPhone transfer instructions give the cross-platform requirements and steps.

Transfer between Android phones with Xfinity Mobile

Xfinity Mobile’s Android Quick Transfer requires both phones to be nearby, switched on, connected to Wi-Fi with Bluetooth enabled, and running Android 12 or later. Google Play Services must be current, and the old phone must have a screen lock. Xfinity lists Google Pixel 6 or newer and selected Samsung models, including Galaxy S23 or newer and Z Flip/Fold 5 or newer; compatibility varies by model.

On a supported phone, start the transfer from the new device’s setup flow or SIM settings. Choose the option to transfer a SIM from another device, scan the new phone’s QR code with the old phone, confirm the old phone’s screen lock if asked, then select the Xfinity Mobile eSIM and approve the transfer. Follow the prompts on both phones until the new line is active. These are Xfinity Mobile’s requirements, not a universal Android procedure. Its Quick Transfer instructions list the carrier’s current steps and device examples.

Use your carrier’s app or request a replacement eSIM

If the direct transfer option doesn’t appear, or the old phone is unavailable, contact your carrier about activating the line on the new device or issuing a replacement eSIM. Apple also lists carrier activation and QR-code setup as iPhone options.

For Verizon, eligible customers can use the My Verizon app to move an existing line or request a replacement for a lost or deleted eSIM profile. The app-based move is for customers with a standard monthly plan who are an account owner or manager and have a compatible, unlocked eSIM phone; the new phone must connect to Wi-Fi. Verizon says eligible moves through the app have no fee.

There’s an important account-recovery condition: Verizon requires the old phone to authenticate a line move when the account has only one line. With multiple lines, another device on the account can be used for authentication. If the old phone is gone and the account has one line, contact Verizon about the authentication step before relying on the app. Its My Verizon eSIM instructions explain the move and replacement-profile processes.