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Transfer eSIM From One Phone To Another Without Losing Service
Moving an eSIM to a spare phone shouldn’t cut you off. This guide shows how to transfer an eSIM from one phone to another so your mobile stays live and you can make and receive calls. We cover iPhone and android, QR and EID methods, and what to do if signal drops. Need a hand now? Get in touch and we’ll walk you through it.
What an eSIM is and why transfers fail
An eSIM is a digital eSIM profile embedded in your device that carries your mobile plan and phone number. Because the embedded sim lives on a chip, many carriers keep one active profile per line. If you delete it before you activate the new one, service can stop until it’s re-provisioned.
Transfers fail when a carrier blocks moves, the QR code is expired, wifi drops mid download, or compatibility rules on the mobile network get in the way. Some eSIMs need a fresh activation each time, while others allow a guided eSIM transfer.
Why issues happen
- Expired QR code or the wrong eSIM plan type (prepay vs postpaid)
- Deleting the old line before the new phone is working
- Region or device compatibility limits
Tip: keep a physical sim or physical sim card as a fallback if your carrier supports it.
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Prep checklist to transfer your eSIM without downtime
Before you move an eSIM from one device, line up the basics so calls stay live. Keep either device charged, connected to wi-fi, and signed into backups.
Prep steps
- Make sure your device is eSIM-enabled and current; go to settings and check cellular options.
- Note your EID and mobile number; some carriers ask for them.
- Confirm you can scan a fresh QR code or request an eSIM download from customer care.
- Keep the old line active until you complete the setup on the new device.
- Helping an elder relative? Pause call forwarding so you can test.
If you want to transfer 2FA codes too, move those after the eSIM so you can still receive an sms if needed.
iPhone eSIM to a new iPhone step-by-step
Apple supports moving an eSIM to a new iPhone quickly. On the old iPhone, leave the line on. On the new iPhone, go to settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and choose transfer your eSIM if shown. Apple may use bluetooth with both phones nearby and sure your device is connected to wi-fi.
Follow the steps
- On the new phone, choose transfer an eSIM or transfer your eSIM.
- Approve on the old phone, then wait for download and activate.
- Test calls and mobile data; only then delete the old line.
- If prompted to scan the QR, use the carrier’s code and transfer the eSIM.
If the option doesn’t appear, use the QR code or EID method instead. Learn how to transfer eSIM via Apple’s tutorial if needed.
Android to iPhone and back without losing service
On android, flows vary by brand. A samsung or pixel often needs a fresh QR code and activation. For android to iPhone, request a new eSIM or eSIM option in your carrier app, then scan on the iPhone. To go iPhone back to an android device, generate a new QR code again.
Android quick paths
- Pixel: go to settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add; download the profile and activate.
- Samsung: Mobile settings > Cellular/SIM manager > Add mobile plan; scan or enter EID.
- Test calling before you delete the old line.
Moving ipad data plans is similar, but some carriers won’t transfer your number used for voice to tablets. Manage eSIM in device settings and check plan compatibility.
QR, EID and carrier activation paths explained
There are three common ways to move an eSIM from one phone to a spare: proximity transfer, QR code install, or EID manual activation. Some lines need a new eSIM each time; others allow a swap with two active briefly while you test on a new phone.
Choose the right path
- Proximity transfer: fastest on iPhone when available.
- QR code: scan from your carrier portal; don’t delete the old line first.
- EID manual: read the EID to customer care so they can push a profile.
If you would like to change from prepay to postpaid or switch a sim only plan, do that after your upgrade so you don’t block provisioning.
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If things go wrong during the move
No service after a move usually means the profile didn’t finish. Keep calm, stay connected to wi-fi, and try these ways to fix it:
Steps that often work
- Toggle cellular, then reboot both devices.
- Re-add via QR code; don’t cancel midway.
- Ask customer care to push a fresh download to your new device.
- If a profile is stuck, disable it, then delete and re-add.
If your phone number shows but calls fail, check line order on dual sim phones and configure your default for calls. On some carriers you must activate roaming once to trigger sync.
When this may not be the right fit
An eSIM move may not suit if your carrier forbids transfers on corporate lines, your device isn’t eSIM-enabled, or the spare mobile phone is network-locked. Very old sims tied to legacy plans may not support eSIM at all.
Consider instead
- Use a physical sim until the account is updated
- Keep the line on the old phone and forward while you wait
- Visit a store for in-person proofing if online checks fail
How to judge if you need this now or later
Do it now if you’re repairing a screen, travelling, or the old phone is failing. Wait if you’ve got pending port-in or billing changes, because some systems block an eSIM move during audits.
Quick decision cues
- You rely on your mobile for work and can’t risk downtime
- You have the QR code ready and both phones on wi-fi
- You can test calls before removing the old line
Where this connects to phone repairs and next steps
We make eSIM moves part of check-in for screen repairs so your mobile stays up while hardware work happens. Bring both devices; we’ll guide the transfer, test calling, then start the repair.
Next steps with Phone Expert
- Book, arrive with both devices and your eSIM plan details
- We supervise the transfer eSIM flow and signal tests
- We only remove the old line once the new phone works
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Keep the old line active until the new phone connects. Use proximity or QR code, then remove the old line last. That’s how to transfer eSIM from one phone safely.
Some carriers require a new eSIM QR for each download. Others support re-use within hours. If it fails, ask for a push using your EID.
No. Your balance stays with the line. Just ensure the eSIM plan is the same (prepay or postpaid) when you move it.
Use scan the QR from your carrier, or read out your EID so they can transfer eSIM from one device on their end.
Yes. For android to iPhone (or back), request a new QR and add it as above. Pixel supports sims in settings; iPhone uses Cellular > Add eSIM.
Need a safe transfer today?
We can transfer eSIM from one device in-store, check signal, and keep your mobile service live. Book now and we’ll help you transfer your number with minimal fuss.
