How to move an eSIM to a new phone, and why a travel eSIM stays put

Two kinds of eSIM, two different answers

The eSIM from your usual operator is tied to a contract and a number. The operator can issue it again, which is why Apple, Google and Samsung all offer ways to move it, as long as the operator takes part. Apple's iPhone article on eSIM even notes that some operators let you convert a physical SIM into an eSIM along the way.

A travel eSIM is a prepaid data profile, downloaded once. Apple's own documentation for companies explains the principle from the operator's side: an eSIM that has already been downloaded once is deleted from the server and is not available for further attempts. That is why the code that installs it only works once, and why it is not something to forward to someone else, as the guide on keeping your eSIM QR private explains.

iPhone to iPhone: eSIM Quick Transfer

• Both iPhones signed in with your Apple Account, the old one unlocked with its passcode, both close together with Bluetooth on, and both on iOS 18.4 or later.
• During setup of the new iPhone, follow the prompt to transfer your number.
• After setup: Settings › Mobile (Cellular in some regions) › Set Up Mobile or Add eSIM, choose the plan, or tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone if no list appears.
• Confirm on the old iPhone and, if asked, type the code shown on the new one.

Apple says that when the plan activates on the new iPhone, the SIM on the previous one is deactivated. If you see a banner asking you to finish setting up your carrier's plan, tap it: some operators complete the move on their own web page.

Android: Pixel and Samsung

• Google Pixel: both phones on Android 12 or later, with Google Play Services up to date and a screen lock set. Transfer during setup, or later in Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM › Transfer SIM from another device.
• Samsung Galaxy: on the new phone, Settings › Connections › SIM manager › Add eSIM › Transfer SIM from another phone, then tap Transfer on the old phone and type the code it shows.
• Between iPhone and Android: Apple's advice is to ask the operator, which can move the number by carrier activation or a QR code. It adds that some operators and manufacturers support direct transfers in either direction from iOS 26.

Google says that if the new phone does not detect the transfer, you contact the operator to activate the eSIM, and that the existing eSIM keeps working if the transfer fails. Samsung lists the operators that support instant transfer and sends everyone else to their operator.

If your operator does not support the transfer

Then the operator gives you the eSIM again by another route. Apple lists carrier activation, where a notice saying a plan is ready to be installed appears in Settings; a QR code, scanned with the camera or, on recent versions, by holding your finger on a code in an email; the operator's own app; or details typed in by hand.

Whatever the route, do it at home, on Wi-Fi and with time to spare, not the evening before a flight. Keep the old phone until the new one makes and receives calls, and only then erase it. Apple recommends deleting an eSIM precisely when you sell, trade in or give away a phone.

Why the travel eSIM stays on the old phone

A Snoozim eSIM, once installed, stays on that phone: it cannot be moved to another one, and deleting it does not free it up, it only loses whatever data was left, as covered in what happens if you delete an eSIM. So the order of things matters more than the method.

If a new phone is coming before the trip, wait and install the travel eSIM on the new one. Buying early is not a problem, because the plan starts counting at the first connection in the destination, not when you buy or install it, and you can buy up to 180 days ahead. If you have already installed it on the old phone, take that phone on the trip, or plan for a new eSIM on the new one. Check first that the new model takes eSIMs on the compatibility page.