eSIMratTransferring an eSIM to a new phone
by RonyTransferring an eSIM means moving a profile from one phone to another. Unlike a physical card you move from tray to tray, an eSIM profile cannot be copied: depending on the case, it transfers through a phone feature (Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer, Android transfer), is reissued by the carrier, or... does not transfer at all, a frequent case with prepaid travel eSIMs.
Why it matters when travelling
The scenario to anticipate: changing phone (purchase, breakage, theft) while a travel eSIM is running. Most prepaid profiles are tied to their first installation: Apple's and Android's transfer features work well for regular carrier lines, far less so for travel eSIMs, where reissue goes through the provider's support.
Before resetting or selling the old phone, deal with the eSIMs: transfer your main line first, note the ICCIDs of active travel profiles, and contact the providers concerned if a plan was still running. Once the phone is wiped, it is too late.
The misconception
“My eSIM follows me automatically when I change phone.”
Only in the best case: regular carrier line, compatible phones, same ecosystem. A prepaid travel eSIM almost always stays attached to the phone where it was installed: the “transfer” actually consists of asking the provider for a reissue, which it grants or not depending on its policy.
In practice, device by device
iPhone to iPhone (Quick Transfer)
- On the new iPhone: Settings, Mobile Data, Add eSIM, then Transfer from nearby iPhone.
- Confirm on the old phone; the line switches over within minutes (the old eSIM deactivates).
- Works for lines of supported carriers; prepaid travel eSIMs are often excluded.
On Android
- Recent Pixels and Samsungs offer an eSIM transfer while setting up the new phone, or via Settings, SIM.
- Support depends on the phone/carrier pairing: if the option does not appear, go through the carrier's app or support.
- For a travel eSIM: contact the provider, manual reissue is the normal route.
What it changes when you compare
Transfer and reissue policy separates good providers from the rest: some reissue a profile free of charge through support when you change or lose a phone, others consider the plan lost. A criterion barely visible at purchase, decisive the day your phone dies abroad: the esimrat comparisons document it.
Compare eSIM plans by destination
The rat's tip: Changing phone right before a trip? Do the transfer of your main line AND the travel eSIM purchase AFTER the migration, straight on the new phone. The reverse order (buy then migrate) creates exactly the most painful use case on the market.
See also
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my travel eSIM to another phone?
Rarely through the phone's automatic features: prepaid profiles are generally tied to their first installation. The standard route is reissue by the provider's support, free at the good players, refused at others. Its policy is in the provider's FAQ.
Does transferring an eSIM erase the profile on the old phone?
Yes: a profile lives in only one chip at a time. The transfer deactivates the original eSIM in favour of the new device; that is the very principle of the standard, which prevents duplicating a line.
I reset my phone without transferring my eSIMs, what now?
For your main line: your carrier reissues an eSIM from the customer area within minutes. For a travel eSIM in progress: contact the provider's support with your purchase email and the ICCID if you have it; reissue depends on its policy.