How to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another is usually easier than it sounds. If your carrier supports Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer, you can move your phone number directly to a new iPhone without calling customer service or scanning a QR code.
The exact requirements can vary by iOS version, iPhone model, and carrier, so checking those details first can save you from getting stuck halfway through the setup. Here’s how the transfer works, what to do when Quick Transfer isn’t available, and what to check before you erase your old iPhone.
1. Before You Transfer Your eSIM
Before starting to learn how to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another, keep both iPhones nearby and make sure you have a reliable internet connection.
Most importantly, don’t erase or reset your old iPhone yet. You want to keep it available in case the new phone needs additional verification, or the transfer doesn’t go through on the first attempt.
Before you begin:
- Make sure both iPhones support eSIM.
- Sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices when required by the Quick Transfer setup.
- Unlock the old iPhone with its device passcode.
- Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
- Keep the two iPhones close together.
- Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or another available internet connection.
- Check whether your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer.
You don’t normally need to record the ICCID before using Quick Transfer. However, knowing your phone number and carrier can be helpful if you need to contact the carrier as a backup.
2. How to Transfer eSIM From One iPhone to Another
If your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, Apple lets you move your cellular plan directly from your old iPhone to your new one.
On the new iPhone:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Select the phone number or cellular plan you want to transfer. If it doesn’t appear automatically, look for the option to transfer from a nearby iPhone.
- Follow the instructions that appear on the old iPhone.
- Confirm the transfer when prompted. You may also be asked to enter a verification code shown on the new iPhone.
- Wait for the cellular plan to activate on the new iPhone.
Once activation is complete, check the signal indicator and make a test call or use mobile data.
Don’t erase the old iPhone until you’ve confirmed that the number works properly on the new one, or in other words, the how to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another is completely successful
>>> Read more: How to Erase iPhone: 3 Quick Methods for Every Situation
3. Does eSIM Transfer Work Automatically Between iPhones?
Yes, eSIM transfer can work automatically between iPhones during the initial setup process, provided both devices meet specific requirements.
Apple uses a feature called eSIM Quick Transfer to move a cellular plan from an old iPhone to a new one without needing to contact the carrier.
Key Requirements for Automatic Transfer
Quick Transfer depends on both your devices and your carrier. Before starting, check that:
- Both iPhones support eSIM.
- The devices meet Apple’s current software requirements for Quick Transfer.
- The old iPhone is unlocked and available to approve the transfer.
- Bluetooth is turned on and the phones are kept close together.
- The new iPhone has an internet connection, such as Wi-Fi.
- Your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer.
Carrier support is especially important. If your carrier doesn’t support Quick Transfer, the transfer option may not appear even when both iPhones are otherwise compatible.
When Carrier Activation Is Required
If eSIM Quick Transfer isn’t available, your carrier may use its own activation process instead. This can happen when the carrier doesn’t support Quick Transfer or requires additional account verification before moving your number. When that happens, you’ll need to use another activation method, which can vary depending on your carrier.
Depending on the carrier, you may receive a QR code, carrier app, activation link, or other instructions to set up the eSIM. The exact process varies, so check your carrier’s current instructions before proceeding. The next section explains the most common alternative, using a carrier-provided QR code.
4. What to Do if Quick Transfer Isn’t Available
Quick Transfer isn’t supported by every carrier, so don’t assume something is wrong with your iPhone if the option doesn’t appear. Your carrier may use another activation method instead.
Depending on the carrier, you may be able to activate the eSIM using a:
- QR code
- Carrier app
- Activation link
- Manual activation process
For a QR code:
- Contact your carrier and request an eSIM for the new iPhone.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code or the corresponding QR code option.
- Scan the code provided by your carrier.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation.
If your carrier doesn’t provide a QR code, ask which eSIM activation method it currently supports. Carrier procedures can change, so following the carrier’s current instructions is safer than relying on a fixed list of supported providers.
5. Transferring More Than One eSIM
If you use two phone numbers on your iPhone, the transfer process can depend on your iPhone model, iOS version, and carrier. Don’t assume that every line must always be transferred separately.
After setting up the new iPhone, open Settings → Cellular and check that your expected phone numbers appear. If more than one line is available for transfer, follow the prompts shown during setup.
If a second line doesn’t appear, you may need to transfer or activate it separately using Quick Transfer or your carrier’s preferred method. Afterward, confirm that each line can make calls, send messages, and use cellular data before erasing the old iPhone.
>>> Read more: How to Transfer Data From One iPhone to Another in 5 Reliable Ways
6. What Happens to the Old iPhone After eSIM Transfer?
Once the cellular plan has been successfully activated on the new iPhone, the transferred number will no longer provide cellular service on the old iPhone. The eSIM transfer itself does not erase your photos, apps, messages, or other personal data.
The Old Cellular Plan Usually Deactivates
After a successful how to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another, you may notice:
- No cellular service: The transferred number stops working on the old iPhone.
- Personal data remains: Your photos, apps, messages, and other files stay on the device.
- Wi-Fi still works: The old iPhone can continue using Wi-Fi and internet-based features.
Confirm Everything Before Resetting the Device
Before erasing the old phone, test the new iPhone first. Make a call, send a text, and briefly turn off Wi-Fi to confirm that mobile data works.
Once everything checks out, you can erase the old iPhone if you’re selling, trading it in, or giving it to someone else. If you’re keeping it as a backup, remember that it will need its own active cellular plan to make calls or use mobile data.
7. FAQ
Q1. How do I transfer my eSIM into my new phone?
Yes. If your carrier supports Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer and your iPhones meet the current requirements, you can transfer the plan yourself. If Quick Transfer isn’t available, your carrier may provide a QR code, app, activation link, or another setup method.
Q2. Can I transfer an eSIM myself?
Yes, using Apple’s built-in Quick Transfer feature. It doesn’t require contacting the carrier as long as both iPhones are nearby, running iOS 16 or later, and the carrier is on Apple’s supported list. If it isn’t supported, the carrier can issue a QR code instead.
Q3. Will my eSIM automatically transfer to my new iPhone?
No, not without taking action. Even with Quick Transfer available, the process has to be started manually from the new iPhone’s Settings. Setting up a new iPhone without doing this leaves it without cellular service until the eSIM is transferred.
Conclusion
How to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another usually starts with Apple’s Quick Transfer feature. When your carrier supports it, you can move your cellular plan directly between the two iPhones with just a few confirmations.
If that option isn’t available, a carrier-provided QR code, app, or activation method can usually get the new phone connected. The most important step is what happens after the transfer: test calls, texts, and mobile data on the new iPhone before erasing the old one.
That small check can save you from turning a simple phone upgrade into a much bigger connectivity problem.
