How to Transfer Your eSIM to Another iPhone

Moving your eSIM to a new iPhone is a quick and simple process. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transfer between devices.

Transferring an eSIM to another iPhone is a common task. Whether you’ve just upgraded to the latest model or bought a second hand iPhone, you want to continue with your existing eSIM.

If you haven’t done it before, you may wonder if it’s complicated. Don’t worry; transferring your eSIM is easy and ensures uninterrupted service on your new iPhone.

Follow this step-by-step guide to easily transfer your eSIM to a new iPhone.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital alternative to the older physical SIM cards. The “e” stands for “embedded”. As such, the SIM card is embedded directly into your device, meaning there is no need for a physical SIM anymore. 

The eSIM is automatically integrated into your device; all you have to do is digitally activate it, and you’ll be good to go. This means that you don’t need to change your physical SIM card when you change your operator or travel abroad. All you’ll need to do is manage your eSIMs from your device’s settings.

What Do You Need in Order to Transfer Your eSIM to a New iPhone?

You’ll need the following to transfer your eSIM to a new iPhone:

• An iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or later. Ensure your model has eSIM compatibility. Check our guide on eSIM-compatible devices and find the iPhone section. You’ll also need to be aware of where your iPhone was made. For example, eSIM on iPhones is not available in mainland China, and specific models in Hong Kong and Macao offer eSIM functionality.
•  A wireless carrier that supports eSIM transfers. Note that not all carriers support eSIM transfers, so confirm with your provider. You can check this by visiting your carrier’s website, calling their customer service line, or doing a quick search by googling “eSIM + [your provider’s name]” to find the relevant information.
• A Wi-Fi or internet connection. For activation, your new iPhone needs to be connected to Wi-Fi or, in some cases, cellular data. Otherwise, the process isn’t going to work.
• Updated Software. Both iPhones should be running the latest iOS version. iOS 17 introduces a feature where eSIMs can be transferred via Bluetooth during setup.

Tip: Newer iPhones can support up to eight eSIMs. This lets you manage multiple numbers or plans on one device, making it ideal for business use or frequent travelers.

Can I Transfer an eSIM from Every Carrier?

No, not all carriers support eSIM transfers between devices.

The majority of major carriers across the US, Europe, and Australia support eSIM transfer between your iPhones. However,  there are still some exceptions, particularly with smaller carriers, regional providers, or in specific countries where eSIM adoption is slower.

Here’s a summary list of the carriers that don’t support eSIM transfers:

• China Mobile (in mainland China, although some regions like Hong Kong and Macao do.)
• Straight Talk and Simple Mobile. (Some smaller prepaid carriers and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) in the U.S. may not support eSIM transfers.)
• Boost Mobile
• Metro by T-Mobile
• US Mobile

The takeaway is that it’s essential to check with your specific carrier to confirm compatibility.

Thankfully, the process is straightforward if your carrier supports eSIM transfers.

How to Transfer an eSIM to Your New iPhone After the Setup is Complete

If you’ve already set up your new iPhone, you can still transfer your eSIM from your old iPhone by following these steps:

1. On your old iPhone:
   • Go to Settings > Cellular.
   • Tap on your eSIM and select Remove Cellular Plan. (This step is necessary to deactivate the eSIM on your old device.)
2. On your new iPhone
   • Go to Settings

• Tap ‘Cellular’

• Then tap ‘Add eSIM’.

• Use the Transfer from Nearby iPhone option. Ensure both devices are close to each other and connected to Wi-Fi.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer.

The eSIM will now be active on your new iPhone, and the service will no longer be available on your old iPhone.

If you need to enter the eSIM details manually, follow these steps:

1. Get the eSIM Details – Contact your carrier to get the necessary eSIM information for manual entry. You can typically find this information by logging into your carrier’s online account portal, checking your carrier’s app, or calling customer service to request the eSIM activation details (such as the activation code or QR code).
2. Access Cellular Settings – On your iPhone, open Settings and then tap on either Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Add a New Cellular Plan – Select Add Cellular Plan.
4. Manual Entry – Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap on Enter Details Manually. Follow the prompts to input the eSIM information provided by your carrier.

How to Transfer an eSIM During the Setup

If you’re setting up your new iPhone for the first time, you can transfer your eSIM as part of the setup process.

1. Start setup

• Begin the setup process on your new iPhone by turning it on and following the initial setup instructions.

2. Transfer eSIM
   • When you’re prompted to set up the cellular service, you should choose the Transfer from Nearby iPhone option.
   • Make sure your old iPhone is nearby, turned on, and connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Complete the transfer
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer your eSIM from your old iPhone to your new one.
4. Finish setup
   • Once the eSIM transfer is complete, you can finish setting up your iPhone.

How to Transfer an eSIM via Bluetooth with iOS 17

With iOS 17, Apple introduced a new feature allowing eSIMs to be transferred between iPhones via Bluetooth during setup. Here’s how to do it:

1. In the Settings app on iPhone running iOS 17: Tap on Set up eSIM.
2. Transfer via Bluetooth: Ensure the other iPhone is nearby, unlocked, has Bluetooth enabled, and is running iOS 17 or later.
3. Follow Instructions: Continue with the on-screen prompts to complete the eSIM transfer.

This method makes transferring eSIMs even easier and removes the need for a new eSIM when switching phones.

Can You Transfer Your eSIM to Any iPhone?

Yes, you can transfer your eSIM to other iPhones as long as they are eSIM-compatible. Generally, iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards support eSIM. 

Still, it’s crucial to verify that both your old and new iPhones are eSIM-compatible before attempting a transfer. 

You can quickly find out if your iPhone is eSIM-compatible via your device settings Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If you see an option to add a cellular plan, your device supports eSIM.

For a detailed list of compatible models, refer to our compatibility guide.

Dual SIM on iPhone

All iPhones that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM. Dual SIM means you can have two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by combining a physical SIM and an eSIM, or by using two active eSIMs on models without a physical SIM tray, like the iPhone 15.

Why might you want to do this?

Dual SIM functionality offers a few key benefits:

• Use one number for professional calls and another for personal calls.
• Add a local data plan when traveling abroad.
• Maintain separate voice and data plans.

Both SIMs can make and receive calls, send messages, and use data, but only one cellular data network can be active at a time.

Note that you can also convert physical SIMs to eSIMs on any iPhone that supports eSIMs. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings  > Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then choose the phone number with a physical SIM.
2. Tap Convert to eSIM, then Convert Cellular Plan, then follow the onscreen instructions.

With more iPhones embracing eSIM technology and moving away from physical SIM cards,it’s important to know how to transfer your eSIM between devices. The introduction of Bluetooth transfers with iOS 17 simplifies the process even further, letting you switch devices with even less hassle.

Alessia Copolla

I’m Alessia Coppola, and I combine my love for writing with a passion for travel and staying connected. Through my work, I guide readers to the best solutions for staying connected while on the move, covering options like eSIMs, SIMs, and pocket Wi-Fi. My goal is to help travelers stay connected easily and seamlessly, no matter where they are in the world.