How to Transfer an eSIM to Another Phone

Moving to a new phone should feel exciting, not technically exhausting. Fortunately, transferring an eSIM is usually simpler than moving a physical SIM card. The exact steps depend on your phones and Australian mobile provider.

Some devices support direct transfers between nearby phones. Others require your carrier’s app, QR code, or activation process. The important part is getting the order right. Transfer and test your mobile service before wiping your old device.

That way, your calls, texts, and mobile data remain available throughout the changeover. If you are wondering how to transfer an eSIM to another phone, the steps below will help you make the switch safely.

Can You Transfer an eSIM to Another Phone?

Yes, most eSIM services can move to another compatible smartphone. However, an eSIM isn’t simply a digital file you copy across.

Your mobile provider links the eSIM profile with your active service. Therefore, the new phone must receive an authorised profile before connecting. Depending on your setup, that authorisation may happen automatically between nearby devices.

In other cases, your provider manages the transfer through its app. Some carriers may instead supply another QR code or activation method.

When transferring your existing service, you generally keep the same mobile number. You’re moving the service between devices rather than changing providers. Switching carriers while keeping your number is a separate process called number porting.

Once the new eSIM activates successfully, the old profile normally stops providing service. Apple confirms that an old iPhone SIM deactivates after successful transfer.

Before moving your eSIM, it helps to understand the basics. Read our guide to using eSIM on iPhone for setup guidance and useful compatibility information.

What to Check Before Transferring Your eSIM

A few minutes of preparation can prevent an afternoon of troubleshooting. Before starting, check these essentials:

• Confirm eSIM compatibility: Make sure your new phone supports eSIM technology.
• Update both phones: Current software often includes newer transfer and activation features.
• Connect to reliable Wi-Fi: Activation commonly needs an internet connection.
• Turn Bluetooth on: Nearby device transfers usually rely on Bluetooth during setup.
• Keep both phones together: Don’t factory reset or pack away the old device yet.
• Know your carrier login: You may need your Telstra, Optus, Boost, or provider account.
• Keep verification access: Your provider might send an SMS or authentication request.
• Back up important data: Protect photos, contacts, messages, authenticator data, and files.
• Check imported devices carefully: Overseas models may have different Australian eSIM support.

Not sure whether your phone supports eSIM? Many devices display an EID after dialling *#06#. You can also check your phone’s SIM settings or manufacturer specifications. Boost specifically advises checking compatibility for phones purchased overseas.

Most importantly, don’t erase the old phone before finishing the transfer. Losing access too early can make account verification considerably harder.

How to Transfer an eSIM From iPhone to iPhone

Apple offers one of the simplest device-to-device transfer systems. With a supported provider, eSIM Quick Transfer moves your service without requiring carrier support staff.

Transfer Your eSIM During New iPhone Setup

Place your old and new iPhones beside each other first. Make sure Bluetooth remains enabled on both devices.

Start setting up the new iPhone using Apple’s Quick Start process. When the Set Up Mobile screen appears, choose the number you want transferred.

Follow the prompts displayed on both phones. Your old iPhone may request confirmation before releasing the mobile service.

Keep both devices nearby until activation finishes completely. Once activated, the previous SIM profile stops providing service on the old iPhone.

Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer requires both iPhones to use iOS 16 or later. Both phones should also use your Apple Account and remain unlocked nearby.

Transfer an eSIM After Setting Up Your iPhone

Already finished setting up the new iPhone? No dramas. You can still transfer the service through Settings.

Go to:

Settings → Mobile → Set Up Mobile or Add eSIM

Choose an available mobile plan from your previous iPhone. If nothing appears, select Transfer From Nearby iPhone.

Then approve the request on your old device. Enter any verification code displayed on your new phone when requested.

Once activation finishes, make a test call before changing anything else. Apple specifically recommends confirming mobile connectivity after activation.

Still getting familiar with eSIM on iPhone? Our iPhone eSIM guide explains how it works, how to activate it, and what to check before switching devices.

How to Transfer an eSIM From Android to Android

Android transfers can vary more because manufacturers use different menus. Your carrier also determines whether automatic eSIM migration is available.

Transfer an eSIM to a Google Pixel

Google allows supported SIM transfers during initial phone setup. Your new Pixel may automatically detect an eligible service while copying data.

For automatic transfer, Google currently requires both devices to have:

• Android 12 or later
• Current Google Play services
• A screen lock configured

You can also move an eSIM after finishing setup.

Open:

Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer SIM from another device

Keep your existing phone nearby and follow both screens carefully. If transfer detection fails, Google recommends contacting your mobile provider for activation.

One useful detail often gets overlooked here. A failed transfer doesn’t necessarily deactivate your existing eSIM. Google says the previous service may continue working when migration fails. That gives you some breathing room while troubleshooting.

Transfer an eSIM to a Samsung Galaxy

Samsung’s process depends on your Galaxy model, software, and provider. Current Australian Galaxy devices manage eSIM profiles through SIM manager.

Start by opening:

Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM

Your Galaxy may discover an available mobile plan automatically. Alternatively, your provider might require a carrier QR code or separate activation.

Samsung’s newer Smart Switch system can also transfer eSIM information during supported migrations. However, Samsung clearly notes that eSIM transfer availability varies by carrier.

That distinction matters in Australia. Having an eSIM-capable Galaxy doesn’t automatically guarantee direct migration with every network.

How to Transfer an eSIM From iPhone to Android

Crossing from Apple to Android has become easier recently. However, Australian carrier support remains the important piece of the puzzle.

Newer Android and iPhone software can support direct cross-platform eSIM migration in compatible combinations. Samsung’s latest Smart Switch system can transfer eSIM information alongside selected data. Carrier support still determines whether that transfer completes successfully.

When direct transfer appears during Android setup:

• Keep your iPhone and Android phone connected to Wi-Fi.
• Turn Bluetooth on for both devices before starting.
• Follow the Android phone’s setup and pairing prompts.
• Scan any displayed QR code using your old iPhone.
• Approve the eSIM transfer when your iPhone requests confirmation.
• Wait until your Android phone connects to the mobile network.

If no eSIM transfer option appears, don’t force the process. Finish setting up your Android phone and use your Australian provider’s activation method instead.

At the time of writing, cross-platform support remains less universal than iPhone-to-iPhone transfers. Your provider’s current support page should always be the final word.

How to Transfer an eSIM From Android to iPhone

Moving an eSIM from Android to iPhone depends heavily on carrier support. Australian users may not always see a direct transfer option, even when both phones support eSIM. If the option appears during setup, follow Apple’s on-screen transfer instructions. Otherwise, contact your mobile provider or use its eSIM activation process.

On supported devices, start setting up your new iPhone. When you reach Transfer Your Apps & Data, select From Android and follow the onscreen instructions. Compatible devices may also support QR-based transfer during setup.

When direct transfer isn’t supported, your provider can activate your existing number through carrier activation, an app, or another eSIM profile. Apple recommends contacting your provider when transferring an eSIM from a non-Apple device.

Keep your old Android phone active during the process. You may still need it for verification or transfer confirmation.

How to Transfer an eSIM With Your Australian Mobile Provider

Sometimes, going straight through your carrier is easier. This approach is particularly useful when built-in phone transfers fail.

Telstra eSIM Transfer

Telstra customers can transfer an existing eSIM through the My Telstra app.

Select the relevant mobile service and find Set up or manage eSIM. Then choose the transfer or restore option and follow the prompts.

Telstra also provides this process when your old eSIM profile disappears. In some restoration cases, activation can take several hours.

If an iPhone says your number can’t transfer directly, finish setting up the new phone first. Telstra then recommends completing the transfer using My Telstra.

Optus eSIM Transfer

Optus also handles transfers through its mobile app.

On your new device, open My Optus and follow:

Account → SIM Management → Transfer or Restore eSIM

Continue through the authentication and activation prompts displayed within the app.

Optus customers with compatible Apple devices can also use Apple eSIM Quick Transfer. Both devices should remain nearby throughout that process.

What About Boost, amaysim, Vodafone, and Other Providers?

Processes differ among Australian providers, particularly smaller mobile virtual network operators.

Boost offers Transfer or restore eSIM through the My Boost Mobile app. If direct iPhone transfer fails, Boost recommends finishing phone setup before using this app-based option.

amaysim currently supports transfers through its app or another activation method. Importantly, amaysim states that automatic device-to-device transfer during setup isn’t currently supported on its service.

Vodafone Australia also supports eSIM activation on compatible devices. Its current device guides show QR-code activation through the phone’s eSIM settings. The exact process can vary by device, so check Vodafone’s latest instructions before removing your existing eSIM.

Other providers may use apps, account portals, fresh QR codes, or support-assisted activation. Check your provider’s latest instructions before deleting anything from the old phone.

Can You Transfer an eSIM Using a QR Code?

Yes, some carriers provide QR codes for eSIM installation. However, a QR code doesn’t necessarily behave like a reusable password.

Your provider may issue a QR code specifically for one activation. After using it, scanning the same code on another device may fail.

For example, amaysim advises that its eSIM QR codes are generally single-use. A new phone may therefore require another code or app-based transfer.

On an iPhone, carrier QR codes can be scanned during setup. After setup, you can also scan them through the Camera app. Apple supports tapping compatible QR codes received through certain emails or browsers too.

Samsung phones provide a similar option through:

Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM

From there, choose the carrier QR-code option when available.

Travel eSIMs can follow different rules. Some travel providers allow reinstallation while others issue device-specific profiles. Check that provider before removing a travel eSIM you still need.

What Happens to the eSIM on Your Old Phone?

Once the new eSIM activates, your existing service usually leaves the previous device. In simple terms, one mobile service shouldn’t remain active on two ordinary phones simultaneously.

However, don’t race ahead and delete the profile manually.

First, confirm the new phone can:

• Make an outgoing call
• Receive an incoming call
• Send and receive SMS messages
• Connect through mobile data
• Receive authentication or banking texts

Testing SMS deserves particular attention. Many Australian banking, government, and account services still use phone numbers for authentication.

After everything works, you can safely continue preparing the previous phone for sale or handover.

What to Do When Your eSIM Won’t Transfer

An eSIM transfer failure doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. Often, one setting or carrier restriction causes the problem.

Check Whether Your Carrier Supports Direct Transfer

Start with your provider rather than repeatedly resetting both phones.

A handset might support eSIM while its carrier doesn’t support direct migration. This distinction becomes especially important during iPhone-to-Android transfers.

Update Both Phones

Older software may hide newer transfer features or cause activation errors.

Install available system updates before trying the process again. Apple and Google both recommend using current supported software for eSIM transfers.

Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

A stable internet connection helps download and authenticate the new profile. Nearby transfer systems may also depend on Bluetooth for device discovery.

Move both phones close together and retry the process.

Restart the New Phone

Sometimes activation completes while the network connection doesn’t refresh immediately.

Restart the handset after activation. You can also toggle Aeroplane Mode on and off. Apple and Telstra both recommend these basic steps while troubleshooting connectivity.

Avoid Reusing an Old QR Code

That QR code sitting in an old email might look handy. Unfortunately, it may already have served its purpose.

Request another activation method when your provider uses single-use codes.

Contact Your Mobile Provider

Still getting nowhere? Your carrier can check whether the service remains attached to the previous eSIM.

Before calling, have your mobile number and account details ready. Your provider may also request your new phone’s IMEI or EID.

Transferring Your eSIM Before Selling Your Old Phone

Upgrading often means the previous phone is ready for another home. Before selling it, move your eSIM while you still control both devices.

A sensible order looks like this:

1. Back up your photos, contacts, messages, and important files.
2. Transfer your apps and personal data to the new phone.
3. Move your eSIM and activate the mobile service.
4. Test calls, texts, mobile data, and verification messages.
5. Sign out of Apple, Google, Samsung, and other accounts.
6. Disable activation locks or device-finding services where required.
7. Factory reset the previous phone only after everything works.

That sequence reduces the risk of locking yourself out midway through the upgrade.

Once your old phone is completely cleared, you can decide what happens next. Australians who no longer need their previous device can check its value through Mobile Guru’s sell your phone service instead of leaving it forgotten in a drawer.

If you’re still choosing your replacement, Mobile Guru also has top quality refurbished phones in Australia across Apple, Samsung, and Google ranges.

Transfer First, Then Move On From Your Old Phone

Transferring your eSIM is usually straightforward when you follow the right order. Start by activating the service on your new phone before changing anything else. Then test calls, texts, mobile data, and important verification messages. This simple check can save plenty of frustration later.

Once everything works properly, you can safely erase the old device. From there, your upgrade is almost complete. If you’re still looking for your next phone, explore Mobile Guru’s range of refurbished phones. You’ll find professionally tested devices across popular Apple, Samsung, and Google models at more affordable prices.