How to Transfer Your eSIM to a New iPhone

Upgrading to a new iPhone is exciting, but you don't want to lose access to your eSIM plans in the process. The good news: transferring eSIM profiles to a new iPhone is straightforward, and Apple has made the process increasingly seamless over recent iOS versions. Here's how to do it.

Method 1: eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhone to iPhone)

Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer feature, available on iPhone 13 and later (with iOS 16+), lets you transfer carrier eSIM plans directly from one iPhone to another without contacting your carrier.

Requirements

• Both iPhones must be running iOS 16 or later
• The previous iPhone must be present and nearby
• Your carrier must support eSIM Quick Transfer

Steps

1. Start the iPhone setup process on your new iPhone.
2. When prompted, choose to transfer from your old iPhone.
3. Keep both phones close together.
4. When asked about transferring your mobile plan, select the eSIM plans you want to move.
5. Confirm the transfer on your old iPhone when prompted.
6. The eSIM profile downloads to your new iPhone automatically.

Note: After Quick Transfer, the eSIM will be deactivated on your old iPhone and activated on the new one.

Method 2: Transfer eSIM During Device Setup

When setting up a new iPhone, iOS offers options to restore from backup and transfer plans. After restoring your iCloud backup or transferring directly from your old phone:

1. After the main setup, go to Settings → Cellular.
2. If your eSIM plans were backed up, they may appear with a prompt to activate them on the new device.
3. Some carriers require you to confirm the transfer via a text message or phone call to your carrier.

Method 3: Contact Your Carrier

For carrier eSIM plans (your primary home carrier), the most reliable transfer method may be contacting your carrier directly:

1. Call or visit your carrier's website.
2. Request a new eSIM provisioning for your new iPhone's EID.
3. Your carrier will deactivate the eSIM on your old device and send a new activation to your new iPhone.
4. Install the new eSIM profile via QR code or carrier app.

Method 4: Reinstall Travel or Third-Party eSIM Plans

For travel eSIM plans from third-party providers, the transfer process is different because the profile belongs to the third-party provider, not your carrier:

1. Log in to your eSIM provider's app or website on your new iPhone.
2. Check if your existing plan can be reinstalled (some providers support this; others don't).
3. If supported, request a new QR code or use the app to re-download the plan.
4. Install the plan on your new iPhone as you would a fresh purchase.

Important: If your travel eSIM provider does not support reinstallation, you may need to purchase a new plan for your new device. This is why saving QR codes and checking provider policies matters.

Keeping Your Old iPhone Active During Transfer

Don't delete eSIM profiles from your old iPhone until you've confirmed they're working on the new one. If anything goes wrong during the transfer process, having the eSIM still active on your old phone gives you a fallback.

Tips for a Smooth eSIM Transfer

• Charge both devices fully before beginning the transfer process.
• Use a strong Wi-Fi connection for eSIM downloads.
• Note your EID (Settings → General → About → EID) on your new iPhone — you may need it for carrier transfers.
• Check carrier-specific instructions for eSIM transfer, as processes vary by carrier.
• Allow 15–30 minutes for the complete transfer process including eSIM activation.

What if the Transfer Fails?

• Restart both devices and try again.
• Contact your carrier's technical support.
• For third-party eSIMs, contact the provider's customer support directly.

Conclusion

Transferring your eSIM to a new iPhone is designed to be simple, especially with iOS 16's Quick Transfer feature. For carrier plans, transferring is usually seamless. For third-party travel eSIMs, check provider policies in advance to ensure you know what to expect. With a little preparation, you'll have all your eSIM plans active on your new iPhone in no time.