How to Move Your T-Mobile eSIM From iPhone to Android

You cannot transfer an eSIM directly between phones — you have to get a new eSIM for your Android device

An eSIM is a digital SIM card stored on your phone's chip, not a physical card you can move. When you switch from iPhone to Android, T-Mobile cannot move your existing eSIM to the new phone. Instead, you will request a new eSIM through T-Mobile, and they will send it to your Android device as a QR code or set up code that you scan or enter to set up service.

The process takes about 15 minutes on your end, though T-Mobile may take a few hours to set up the new eSIM on their system. You will need your T-Mobile account number or phone number, and your Android phone must support eSIM (most newer Android phones do, but not all). Before you start, remove the eSIM from your iPhone so T-Mobile knows you are no longer using it on that device.

Key Takeaways

T-Mobile will deactivate your iPhone eSIM and issue a new eSIM for your Android phone; the old eSIM cannot be moved between devices.
You can request a new eSIM through the T-Mobile app, the T-Mobile website, or by calling T-Mobile customer service at 611 from any phone.
Your Android phone must support eSIM; check your phone's specifications or ask the manufacturer if you are unsure.
You will receive a QR code or set up code to scan or enter on your Android phone, and service usually activates within a few hours.
Remove the eSIM from your iPhone before requesting the new one so T-Mobile can process the switch without confusion.

Remove the eSIM from your iPhone first

Before you request a new eSIM for Android, you need to delete the eSIM from your iPhone. This tells T-Mobile that the eSIM is no longer in use and frees up your phone number for the new device.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Plans. Find your T-Mobile plan and tap the three dots or the info icon next to it. Select Remove Cellular Plan or Delete. Confirm when prompted. Your iPhone will no longer have service on that eSIM, but your phone number stays active on T-Mobile's system — it just needs a new eSIM on your Android phone to work again.

Request a new eSIM through the T-Mobile app or website

The fastest way to get a new eSIM is through the T-Mobile app or website, where you can see the QR code or set up code right away. Open the T-Mobile app or go to t-mobile.com and sign in with your T-Mobile username and password. Look for an option like Manage SIM, Switch Devices, or Get a New SIM — the exact wording varies, but it will be in the account or devices section.

Select your T-Mobile line (the phone number you want to move to Android) and choose eSIM as the type. The app or website will show you a QR code. Have your Android phone ready and open the camera or the Settings app to scan the code, or write down the set up code if one is provided instead. Do not close the app or browser until you have scanned the code or written down the set up code — you may not be able to retrieve it again easily.

Scan or enter the code on your Android phone

On your Android phone, go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > SIM Manager or Mobile Networks. Look for an option to add a new SIM or eSIM. Some Android phones have a + button or an Add SIM option; others may say Add Cellular Plan.

If you have a QR code, use your Android phone's camera app or the setup screen to scan it. If you have an set up code instead, select the option to enter a code manually and type it in. Your Android phone will connect to T-Mobile's system and read the eSIM. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to a few hours. You will see a confirmation message when it is done, and your phone number will show as active on your Android device.

Call T-Mobile customer service if you do not see the option in the app

If the T-Mobile app does not show a Switch Devices or Get a New SIM option, or if you do not have access to the app, you can call T-Mobile at 611 from any phone. A representative will verify your account and send you a new eSIM code by text message or email. They will also confirm that your iPhone eSIM has been removed.

Have your T-Mobile account number or phone number ready when you call. Tell the representative that you are switching from iPhone to Android and need a new eSIM. They will ask which phone number you want to move and may ask you to confirm your Android phone model to make sure it supports eSIM. Once they send the code, follow the same steps as above to scan or enter it on your Android phone.

Verify your Android phone supports eSIM

Not all Android phones support eSIM. Most newer phones from Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other major brands do, but some budget or older models do not. Before you request a new eSIM, check your Android phone's specifications or contact the manufacturer to confirm.

You can also check in your Android phone's settings: go to Settings > About Phone and look for a mention of eSIM or dual SIM support. If you do not see it, your phone may not support eSIM. In that case, you can ask T-Mobile to send you a physical SIM card instead, which works on any phone that has a SIM card slot.

What to do if your Android phone does not support eSIM

If your Android phone does not have eSIM capability, T-Mobile can send you a physical SIM card by mail instead. Call 611 or use the T-Mobile app and select Physical SIM or SIM Card instead of eSIM when you request a new SIM. T-Mobile will mail the card to you, usually within 3 to 5 business days.

When the card arrives, insert it into the SIM card slot on your Android phone (usually on the side of the device; check your phone's manual for the exact location). Your phone will recognize the card and set up service within a few minutes. You do not need to do anything else — just insert the card and wait for the set up confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone eSIM on Android without getting a new one?

No. eSIMs are locked to the phone they are installed on. You cannot move an eSIM from iPhone to Android — T-Mobile must issue a new eSIM for your Android device. The new eSIM will use the same phone number, but it is a separate digital SIM card.

How long does it take for the new eSIM to work?

Usually a few minutes to a few hours. Once you scan or enter the set up code on your Android phone, the eSIM downloads right away, but T-Mobile's system may take a few hours to fully set up service. You will see a confirmation message when it is ready, and you can make calls and use data once the set up is complete.

Do I lose my phone number when I switch to Android?

No. Your phone number stays the same. When you remove the eSIM from your iPhone and request a new eSIM for Android, T-Mobile moves your phone number to the new eSIM. There is no gap in service as long as you request the new eSIM before you need to use your phone on Android.

What if I want to keep my iPhone eSIM active while I test Android?

You can request a new eSIM for Android without removing the iPhone eSIM first, but T-Mobile may not process the request or may deactivate one of them. It is safer to remove the iPhone eSIM first so T-Mobile knows you are switching devices. If you want to keep both phones active temporarily, call T-Mobile at 611 and ask about adding a second line or a temporary eSIM for testing.

Can I go back to iPhone after I switch to Android?

Yes. If you switch back to iPhone later, you will go through the same process in reverse: remove the eSIM from Android and request a new eSIM for iPhone. T-Mobile will send you a new eSIM code, and you can set it up on your iPhone the same way you did on Android.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.