For digital nomads, maintaining seamless connectivity across borders is essential for productivity and peace of mind. Understanding how to transfer an eSIM between devices can save you significant time, money, and frustration when upgrading your phone or dealing with unexpected device issues.
As more travelers adopt eSIM technology for its convenience and flexibility, knowing how to transfer an eSIM has become a valuable skill in the location-independent professional’s toolkit. This process varies between carriers, device types, and eSIM implementations, creating potential confusion during critical connectivity moments.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the ins and outs of eSIM transfers, providing clear instructions for various scenarios to ensure you stay connected regardless of device changes or technical challenges while working remotely.
Understanding the fundamentals of eSIM transfers
Before diving into specific transfer methods, it’s essential to understand what happens when you transfer an eSIM from one device to another and the technical limitations you might encounter.
What exactly is an eSIM transfer?
When we discuss how to transfer an eSIM, we’re referring to the process of moving your mobile service profile from one device’s embedded SIM to another. Unlike physical SIM cards that can be physically removed and inserted into different phones, transferring an eSIM involves digital reactivation of your cellular service plan on your new device.
This process typically requires generating a new activation code or QR code from your carrier and activating it on your new device. The technical nature of an eSIM means it’s not a direct “copy and paste” operation but rather a deactivation on one device and reactivation on another.
For digital nomads, understanding this fundamental difference is crucial when planning device upgrades or replacements in areas with limited internet access or carrier support.
🌟 Pro tip: before attempting to transfer an eSIM while traveling, verify your carrier supports remote transfers and have a backup connectivity option ready in case you encounter complications during the process.
Compatibility considerations when transferring eSIMs
Not all eSIM profiles can be transferred between any two devices. Several factors determine compatibility when learning how to transfer an eSIM successfully:
Device compatibility is the primary consideration. Both your original device and your target device must support eSIM functionality. This is standard on newer iPhone models (XS and newer), Google Pixel (3 and newer), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and newer), and various other premium smartphones.
Carrier policies also significantly impact your ability to transfer an eSIM. Some mobile carriers restrict how many times you can transfer a plan or may require contacting customer support to authorize the transfer. Others offer self-service options through their mobile apps or websites.
Operating system compatibility can also affect transfers. Moving between iOS and Android devices typically requires additional steps compared to transfers between devices on the same platform.
💡 Did you know? When you transfer an eSIM, your phone number and service plan remain unchanged – only the digital profile containing your authentication credentials gets updated in the carrier’s system and on your new device.
Step-by-step guide: how to transfer an eSIM between devices
The specific process to transfer an eSIM varies depending on your carrier and devices. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering the most common scenarios digital nomads encounter.
Transferring an eSIM between iPhones
Apple has streamlined the process of transferring an eSIM between iPhone devices through its Quick Start feature. Here’s how to transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another:
- Place your new iPhone near your current iPhone.
- When the Quick Start screen appears on your current iPhone, tap “Continue.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your new iPhone.
- When prompted for cellular plan setup, select “Transfer from another iPhone.”
- Your current iPhone will display a message asking to transfer your cellular plan.
- Tap “Transfer” to confirm.
- Wait for the activation process to complete on your new iPhone.
- Once complete, your eSIM plan will be active on your new device.
This process works seamlessly between recent iPhone models like the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series. However, when traveling, ensure you have a stable internet connection, as this transfer requires online verification with your carrier’s systems.
How to transfer an eSIM on Android devices
For Android users, the process to transfer an eSIM varies more widely depending on the manufacturer and carrier. Here’s a general approach that works for many Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices:
- On your current device, contact your carrier through their app or customer service.
- Request a QR code or activation code for eSIM transfer.
- Set up your new Android device and connect it to Wi-Fi.
- Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add Mobile Plan.
- Select “Scan carrier QR code” or “Enter activation code” depending on what your carrier provided.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the eSIM on your new device.
- Once activated, your old device’s eSIM will typically deactivate automatically.
When planning to transfer an eSIM between Android devices during international travel, we recommend ensuring reliable internet connectivity for a smooth activation process. A travel-focused data plan from Holafly can provide the necessary backup connectivity during this transition, especially when moving between countries with different network standards.
🌟 Pro tip: take screenshots of your current eSIM settings, including APN configurations, before initiating any transfer. This information can be invaluable if you need to manually configure your connection on your new device.
Carrier-specific methods to transfer an eSIM
Each mobile carrier implements eSIM transfers differently, so understanding your specific carrier’s process is essential. Here’s how to transfer an eSIM with some major international carriers:
For T-Mobile customers:
- Access the T-Mobile app or website
- Select “Manage lines” or “Replace SIM”
- Choose the eSIM option and follow the activation instructions
- The app will generate a QR code or SMS with an activation code
For Verizon subscribers:
- Use the My Verizon app
- Navigate to “Devices” > “Activate or Switch Device”
- Select the line you wish to transfer
- Choose “eSIM” as your SIM type and follow the prompts
For AT&T users:
- Download the myAT&T app
- Select “Manage device & features” > “Replace device or SIM”
- Choose “Replace SIM only” > “eSIM”
- Follow the instructions to generate an activation QR code
For international carriers, the process varies even more widely. We recommend contacting your carrier’s customer support before traveling to understand their specific requirements for transferring an eSIM between devices.
Key steps to prepare for transferring carrier eSIMs:
- Check your account status and ensure no outstanding balances
- Verify both devices support your carrier’s eSIM implementation
- Back up your important data before beginning the transfer
- Have your account credentials and verification methods accessible
- Ensure stable internet connectivity throughout the process
- Allow 15-30 minutes for the transfer to complete
- Keep your old device powered on until the transfer is confirmed
Troubleshooting common issues when transferring eSIMs
Even with careful preparation, you may encounter challenges when attempting to transfer an eSIM. Understanding how to address these issues is crucial for digital nomads who rely on consistent connectivity.
Activation failures and error codes
If you receive error messages while trying to transfer an eSIM, don’t panic. Most activation failures fall into a few common categories with straightforward solutions:
Network connectivity issues often cause activation failures. Ensure both devices have stable Wi-Fi connections, as cellular data alone may not be sufficient for the transfer process. Try switching to a different network if problems persist.
Authentication failures typically relate to account verification. Double-check that you’re using the correct credentials and that your account is in good standing with your carrier. Some carriers implement temporary security holds on accounts showing unusual activity, which may include eSIM transfers while traveling internationally.
Compatibility problems can arise when transferring between different device generations. In some cases, you may need to request a specific activation code format compatible with your new device.
🌟 Pro tip: if you encounter persistent issues when trying to transfer an eSIM, request that your carrier generate a new activation code rather than repeatedly trying the same one. Each code is typically valid for a limited time and number of attempts.
Carrier support for eSIM transfer issues
When self-service methods fail, contacting your carrier is the next step. Here’s how to effectively work with carrier support to resolve eSIM transfer problems:
Contact your carrier through their international support number or online chat if available. Be prepared to verify your identity through multiple methods, as carriers implement strict security protocols for eSIM operations.
Clearly explain that you’re attempting to transfer an eSIM to a new device, specifying both device models and your current location. This helps the support agent understand your specific situation.
Ask for step-by-step guidance rather than attempting to troubleshoot independently. Some carriers have specific processes for travelers experiencing eSIM transfer difficulties that may not be documented in their standard support materials.
Final thoughts on transferring eSIMs for digital nomads
Understanding how to transfer an eSIM between devices is a valuable skill for location-independent professionals. While the process has become more streamlined in recent years, it still requires preparation and knowledge of your specific carrier’s procedures.
For digital nomads, we recommend performing device upgrades and eSIM transfers before embarking on international travel when possible. Having a backup connectivity option, whether that’s a local physical SIM or a separate eSIM plan on another device, provides insurance against unexpected transfer complications.
As eSIM technology continues to evolve, transfer processes will likely become more standardized and user-friendly. Until then, the strategies outlined in this guide should help you navigate the current landscape of eSIM transfers with confidence.
Need more insights on staying connected while embracing the digital nomad lifestyle?
Explore our comprehensive connectivity guides for location-independent professionals in various destinations worldwide.
Your journey to seamless global connectivity begins with Nomada 👉
Frequently asked questions about transferring eSIMs
No, you can only transfer an eSIM to devices that support eSIM technology. Additionally, both devices must be compatible with your carrier’s specific eSIM implementation. Always check device specifications and carrier compatibility before attempting a transfer.
No, transferring an eSIM properly preserves your phone number. The transfer process moves your service profile, including your phone number, to the new device. Your number remains unchanged throughout the process.
This varies by carrier. Some carriers limit the number of transfers within a certain timeframe (typically 3-5 transfers per year), while others have no explicit limits. Check your carrier’s terms of service or contact customer support for specific policies.
Yes, but the process is generally more complex than transfers between devices on the same platform. You’ll typically need to request a new activation code from your carrier and use the manual activation process rather than any platform-specific transfer tools.
After successfully transferring an eSIM, the profile on your old device is typically deactivated automatically. The device will show “No SIM” or “No service” for that line. Your old device can still be used with Wi-Fi or with a different SIM card.
