URL: https://esimworld.co.uk/help/transfer-esim/ Source: eSIM World (esimworld.co.uk) Author: Nadezhda Semenova, entrepreneur, co-founder of the Trippy travel service, https://esimworld.co.uk/author/ Updated: 26 October 2026 # How to transfer an eSIM to a new phone: iPhone, Android and switching between them How to transfer an eSIM to a new phone depends on your network. Of the 15 UK networks we checked, 12 state a route, in the phone's settings or their own app. On iPhone, eSIM Quick Transfer does it from **Settings → Mobile Service** (on some iPhones: **Mobile Data**) → **Add eSIM** if both iPhones run iOS 18.4 or later. A travel eSIM is a separate case. This site is not affiliated with any of the networks mentioned here; we sell eSIMs. [How we compare](https://esimworld.co.uk/how-we-compare/) You do not need us for this. Moving [your UK number](https://esimworld.co.uk/help/keep-your-uk-number/) is your network's job. Read the first sections for your own line, and the last one only if you also carry a travel eSIM. ## Before you start: what you need for an eSIM transfer You need a phone that takes an eSIM, Wi-Fi, and a network that supports the move. Apple lists the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later, on Wi-Fi, with exceptions for some models sold in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao (checked on 24 October 2026, [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118669)). Google says "Pixel 4 and later: All phones work with eSIM" ([Google](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7086887?hl=en-GB)). For another provider's eSIM the phone must be unlocked. On iPhone, **Settings → General → About** shows "No SIM Restrictions" next to Network Provider Lock if it is ([Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118227)). Before you wipe the old phone, check that your network supports a phone-to-phone move (the table below). Google adds that your old phone or eSIM "can still work even if your eSIM transfer isn't successful". Menus can differ by model and software version. Apple puts it as "depending on your network provider and device", and Google as "the following options vary by phone and Android version". ## Transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone eSIM Quick Transfer moves your number between iPhones on iOS 18.4 or later, and only if your network supports it (checked on 24 October 2026, [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118669)). It moves your own UK line, not a travel eSIM. More on iPhones and eSIM: [eSIM on iPhone](https://esimworld.co.uk/esim-iphone/). Apple's conditions: both iPhones signed in with the same Apple Account, the old iPhone unlocked, Bluetooth on and both phones nearby. Then: 1. On the new iPhone, open **Settings → Mobile Service** (on some iPhones: **Mobile Data**). 2. Tap **Add eSIM**. 3. Choose the number to transfer. If you see no list of numbers, tap **Transfer From Nearby iPhone**. 4. Follow the instructions on the old iPhone, then tap **Transfer** or enter the code the new iPhone shows. Menus can differ by model and software version. Apple says the plan on the new iPhone "will deactivate your previous SIM when it activates". With iOS 26 or later you can move more than one phone number. No Quick Transfer on your screen? Your network may not support it. Apple notes that some networks let you move the number in their own app; otherwise ask the network for a new QR code. Of the 15 networks below, only Three names Quick Transfer on its own page (iPhone and some Android). ## Move an eSIM from iPhone to Android, or Android to iPhone Moving across platforms is the network's decision. Apple says that with iOS 26 or later "some network providers and select smartphone manufacturers support" it; otherwise "contact your network provider". For Android to iPhone, Apple says the network then sends a QR code or activates the eSIM itself (checked on 24 October 2026, [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118669)). Three networks say something on their own pages (see the table): - **EE:** moving from an Android phone to an iPhone goes through "Replace my SIM/eSIM" in the EE app. - **Three:** Quick Transfer covers iPhone and some Android phones. - **Tesco Mobile:** a new phone, or a switch between iOS and Android, needs a replacement eSIM. For the other 12 networks we found no cross-platform statement. Ask before you sell or wipe the old phone. ### To a new Pixel A Pixel can pull the eSIM from another Android phone: **Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer SIM from another device** ([Google](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB)). Automatic transfer needs Android 12 or later, current Google Play services and a screen lock on both phones. From an iPhone, the iPhone tab of the same Google page gives **Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer a SIM from another phone → iPhone**, then a QR scan pairs the phones (checked on 26 October 2026, [Google](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS)). Of the UK networks, its list names only EE; on any other, ask your network first. Google also says "depending on your operator, there may be slight differences in the process". Menus can differ by model and software version. ### To a new Galaxy Samsung UK calls it eSIM Instant Transfer. On the new phone, go to **Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM** and tap **Transfer SIM from Galaxy/Android phone**, or **Transfer SIM from iPhone** when the old phone is an iPhone (page updated 16 September 2026, [Samsung](https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/galaxy-esim-and-supported-network-carriers/)). Samsung says "Your new device must be unlocked". Of the UK networks, it names O2, Spusu UK and EE as ones that may allow the move, and only EE for a move from an iPhone; on any other, ask your network first. More on Galaxy phones: [Samsung and eSIM](https://esimworld.co.uk/esim-samsung/). Menus can differ by model and software version. ## Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM Converting moves the same phone from a plastic SIM to an eSIM. Apple says your physical SIM "no longer works" afterwards (checked on 24 October 2026, [Apple iPhone User Guide](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3f11fba92/ios)). It only works if your network supports it. On iPhone: **Settings → Mobile Service** (on some iPhones: **Mobile Data**) → **Add eSIM**, pick the number on the physical SIM, then **Convert to eSIM**. Apple's guide uses US menu labels, so your screen may read differently. On a Pixel 7 or later, including the Fold: **Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs**, select the SIM, then **Convert to eSIM**, on Wi-Fi ([Google](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115471?hl=en-GB)). Menus can differ by model and software version. EE puts conversion in the phone's settings under "Convert your SIM to eSIM". Asda Mobile does the swap free if you call 2732. ## Where each UK network handles eSIM transfers Twelve of these 15 networks state a route to a new phone or a conversion. Sky Mobile and Lyca Mobile are unconfirmed, and BT Mobile has no consumer eSIM page (checked on 24 October 2026). Open the network's own page before you act. | Network | New phone or conversion, as the network states it | Note | |---|---|---| | [EE](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/ee/#esim) | Phone settings, Quick Start, or EE app "Replace my SIM/eSIM" | Android move listed under Replace | | [Vodafone](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/vodafone/#esim) | My Vodafone, "Manage my eSIM": convert, move, delete | Phone must be unlocked | | [O2](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/o2/#esim) | SIM to eSIM swap via support or a store, new QR | PAYG eSIM in an O2 store only | | [Three](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/three/#esim) | Device settings, My3 app, or eSIM Quick Transfer | "Usually straight away", in some cases up to 7 hours | | [iD Mobile](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/id-mobile/#esim) | Replacement eSIM in the app or my.idmobile.co.uk | Delete the old eSIM after installing the new one | | [Lebara](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/lebara/#esim) | Existing customers migrate via a link on the help page | Activation in the UK only; new customers: iPhone Air only | | [giffgaff](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/giffgaff/#esim) | App: Account > SIM > Replace my SIM > Switch to a new eSIM | Needs Wi-Fi or data | | [Tesco Mobile](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/tesco-mobile/#esim) | Activate the eSIM, then text SWAP to 23424 from the old SIM | QR: up to 3 activations on the same phone; digital download: once | | [Sky Mobile](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/sky-mobile/#esim) | Support or store | Transfer unconfirmed | | [VOXI](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/voxi/#esim) | My Account, Settings, eSIM | Existing customers | | [SMARTY](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/smarty/#esim) | Dashboard: replacement SIM, then eSIM | Confirmation code from the dashboard | | [Talkmobile](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/talkmobile/#esim) | App, Profile, Activate replacement SIM, Swap to eSIM | Install in the app | | [Lyca Mobile](https://esimworld.co.uk/roaming/lyca-mobile/#esim) | Not confirmed on its page | Transfer and conversion unconfirmed | | BT Mobile | No consumer eSIM page found | We do not say BT consumers can get an eSIM | | Asda Mobile | Free swap by calling 2732; new phone: delete the profile, scan the QR on the new one | Phones only, not tablets or watches | Tesco's text SWAP needs the eSIM's ICCID, so activate the eSIM first. ## Remove or delete an eSIM Turning a line off keeps the eSIM on the phone. Deleting it removes the profile, and you may need a new QR code from your network to get it back. EE, for one, lists "you've deleted your eSIM" among the cases for its "Replace my SIM/eSIM" route (checked on 24 October 2026). To switch a line off on iPhone: **Settings → Mobile Service**, tap the number and turn off **Turn On this Line** (checked on 24 October 2026, [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/109317)). The eSIM stays on the phone and the line goes quiet. On a [Pixel](https://esimworld.co.uk/esim-google-pixel/), Google's delete path is **Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network**, select the eSIM, then **Erase eSIM** (checked on 25 October 2026, [Google](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9449293?hl=en-GB)). To ask for a password first: **Settings → Security → Advanced → Confirm SIM deletion**. Menus can differ by model and software version. On an iPhone, Apple's path is **Settings → Mobile** → **Delete eSIM**; with several plans, tap the plan, then **Delete Plan** (checked on 26 October 2026, [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102421)). Apple says that if you erase an eSIM, "you'll need to contact your network provider to get a new one", and not to erase one as a troubleshooting step unless your network tells you to. Two networks say what to do with the old phone. iD Mobile: delete the old eSIM after installing the new one. Asda: delete the profile on the old phone, then scan the QR on the new one. Install and test on the new phone first, then delete on the old one. ## Can I move a travel eSIM to a new phone? Not on your own. eSIM Quick Transfer moves your phone number between iPhones where the network supports it (checked on 24 October 2026, [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118669)). Our travel eSIMs are installed from a QR code or a link on the phone that will use them. Our travel eSIM transfer rules are short: to reinstall one or move it to another phone, write to us first, before you delete anything. A deleted profile usually cannot be installed twice from the same code. Install steps are in [how to install an eSIM](https://esimworld.co.uk/how-to-install-esim/). On most of our plans the days start on first connection at your destination (check the activation rule shown on your plan), and there is no ID check. The install window is 365 days on almost all plans. It is set per plan, so read it on the plan page before you buy. Our regional plans are data only. If you change phone before a trip, install the travel eSIM on the phone you will carry, not the one you are retiring. Do not delete it before the trip ends: turn the line off instead. A UK eSIM and a travel eSIM can sit side by side on a dual SIM phone. Apple says the iPhone "can use one mobile data network at a time" ([Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/109317)). So pick the travel line for data; see [data roaming settings](https://esimworld.co.uk/help/data-roaming-settings/) and [what an eSIM is](https://esimworld.co.uk/what-is-an-esim/). Turkey: buy and install your eSIM before you travel. eSIM shops, including ours, may not open on Turkish networks. More phone help is on the [help page](https://esimworld.co.uk/help/). ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I transfer my eSIM from one iPhone to another? Use eSIM Quick Transfer, if your network supports it. On the new iPhone open **Settings**, then **Mobile Service** (on some iPhones: **Mobile Data**), tap **Add eSIM** and choose the number to transfer; if no list appears, tap **Transfer From Nearby iPhone**. Both iPhones need iOS 18.4 or later, the same Apple Account and Bluetooth on. ### How do I transfer an eSIM from my iPhone to my Samsung phone? Ask your network first: the move between iPhone and Android is its decision. Samsung UK's eSIM Instant Transfer starts on the new Galaxy at **Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Transfer SIM from iPhone**, and the new phone must be unlocked. For a move from an iPhone, Samsung names only EE among UK networks. ### What happens if I delete an eSIM? The profile leaves the phone and that line stops working on it. You may need a new QR code from your network to put it back: EE, for one, lists a deleted eSIM among the cases for a replacement. Delete only after the new phone works. ## Sources - [Apple: set up eSIM on iPhone and transfer your number, 118669](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118669) - [Apple: use eSIM while travelling internationally, 118227](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118227) - [Apple: using Dual SIM with an eSIM, 109317](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/109317) - [Apple: erase an eSIM, 102421](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102421) - [Apple iPhone User Guide: convert physical SIM to eSIM](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3f11fba92/ios) - [Google Pixel Help: transfer a SIM to a new phone](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB) - [Google Pixel Help: transfer a SIM to a new phone (iPhone)](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS) - [Samsung UK: Galaxy eSIM and supported devices (eSIM Instant Transfer)](https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/galaxy-esim-and-supported-network-carriers/) - [Google Pixel Help: convert a physical SIM to an eSIM](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115471?hl=en-GB) - [Google Pixel Help: use dual SIMs and delete an eSIM](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9449293?hl=en-GB) - [Google Pixel Help: which Pixels take an eSIM](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7086887?hl=en-GB) - [EE eSIM](https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/getting-started/download-and-use-an-ee-esim) · [Vodafone](https://www.vodafone.co.uk/sim-only/esim) · [O2](https://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-and-devices/sims-and-numbers/esim) · [Three](https://www.three.co.uk/support/sim-support/esim) · [iD Mobile](https://www.idmobile.co.uk/esim) · [Lebara](https://www.lebara.co.uk/en/help/esim.html) · [giffgaff](https://help.giffgaff.com/en/articles/261570-switching-to-an-esim-with-giffgaff) · [Tesco Mobile](https://www.tescomobile.com/help/device-help/esim) · [Sky Mobile](https://www.sky.com/help/articles/esim-sky-mobile) · [VOXI](https://www.voxi.co.uk/esim) · [SMARTY](https://smarty.co.uk/esim) · [Talkmobile](https://talkmobile.co.uk/sim-only/esim) · [Lyca Mobile](https://www.lycamobile.co.uk/en/esim/how-do-i-activate-my-esim/) · [Asda Mobile](https://mobile.asda.com/esim)