How to Transfer an eSIM From One iPhone to Another

The fastest way to move your eSIM is through your iPhone's Settings app, not by contacting your carrier

You can transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another in two ways: by scanning a QR code your carrier provides, or by using the Transfer Cellular Plan feature built into iOS 16 and later. The QR code method works on any iPhone model and any carrier. The built-in transfer feature is faster if both phones are in your hands at the same time and both run iOS 16 or newer. Neither method requires you to call your carrier or visit a store, though some carriers may ask you to confirm the transfer through their app or website after it completes.

The entire process takes between one and five minutes, depending on which method you use and how quickly your carrier's servers respond. Once the transfer finishes, your old iPhone will lose cellular service on that line, so plan the move when you have access to Wi-Fi on both devices.

Key Takeaways

The Transfer Cellular Plan feature (iOS 16+) moves your eSIM in minutes if both iPhones are nearby and updated.
The QR code method works on any iPhone and any iOS version, but requires your carrier to send you a QR code first.
Your old iPhone will lose cellular service once the transfer completes, so plan the move when you have access to Wi-Fi.
Some carriers require you to confirm the transfer through their app or website, even though the iPhone handles the technical move.
If the transfer fails, you can delete the eSIM from your old phone and request a new QR code from your carrier.

Transfer using the built-in iPhone feature (iOS 16 and later)

If both iPhones are in front of you and both run iOS 16 or newer, use the Transfer Cellular Plan feature. This is the fastest method and requires no carrier involvement. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Transfer Cellular Plan. Hold the new phone near your old iPhone when prompted. Your old iPhone will show a notification asking you to confirm the transfer. Tap Transfer on the old phone, then wait for the process to complete — usually one to two minutes.

Once the transfer finishes, your old iPhone will no longer have cellular service on that line. Your new iPhone will show the plan as active. Some carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, may send you a confirmation email or ask you to verify the transfer through their carrier app within a few hours. This verification step does not affect the transfer itself; it is the carrier's record-keeping. You do not need to take any action unless your carrier specifically asks you to confirm through their app.

Transfer using a QR code from your carrier

If your new iPhone runs iOS 15 or earlier, or if the built-in transfer feature does not work, request a QR code from your carrier. Contact your carrier through their website, app, or phone line and ask them to send you an eSIM QR code. Most carriers email it within minutes, though some may mail a physical card with the code printed on it. Do not share this QR code with anyone — it contains the information needed to set up your eSIM.

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Choose "Use QR Code" and point your camera at the QR code. Your iPhone will read it and begin activating the eSIM. This usually takes two to five minutes. Once set up completes, your old iPhone will lose service on that line. Your carrier may still send a confirmation email or ask you to verify through their app, but the eSIM is already active on your new phone at this point.

What to do before you transfer

Back up your old iPhone to iCloud or your computer before transferring the eSIM. The eSIM transfer itself does not affect your photos, messages, or apps, but having a backup protects your data in case something goes wrong during the move. Make sure both phones are charged to at least 50 percent battery, and have Wi-Fi available on both devices — your old phone will need internet to confirm the transfer, and your new phone will need it to read carrier settings after the eSIM activates.

If you are switching carriers at the same time, contact your new carrier first and ask whether they will port your number or issue a new one. If they are porting your number from your old carrier, your old carrier may deactivate your line automatically once the port completes. In that case, you do not need to manually transfer the eSIM — the new carrier will send you a QR code or eSIM details to set up on your new phone. Coordinate the timing with both carriers so your service does not drop unexpectedly.

Troubleshooting a failed transfer

If the Transfer Cellular Plan feature fails, restart both iPhones and try again. Make sure both phones are on the same Wi-Fi network and that neither is in Airplane Mode. If it fails a second time, use the QR code method instead: contact your carrier and ask for a new QR code, then set up it on your new phone as described above.

If you are stuck with an eSIM on your old phone that will not transfer, you can delete it and request a fresh QR code from your carrier. On your old iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, tap the plan you want to remove, and choose Remove Cellular Plan. Confirm the deletion. Then contact your carrier and ask for a new QR code to set up on your new phone. This resets the eSIM and usually resolves set up errors that occur during the transfer process.

Carriers that support eSIM transfer

Most major US carriers support eSIM transfer through one or both methods. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular all allow transfers via the built-in feature or QR code. Regional carriers and MVNOs vary — some support both methods, some support only QR codes, and a few do not support eSIM at all. If you are unsure whether your carrier supports eSIM, check their website or contact them before you buy your new iPhone.

International carriers also vary widely. If you are traveling or moving to another country, contact your carrier in that country to confirm they support eSIM and which transfer method they use. Some carriers outside the US require you to visit a physical store or complete additional verification steps before they will issue an eSIM QR code. Planning ahead prevents delays when you arrive with a new phone.

What happens to your old iPhone after the transfer

Once the eSIM transfer completes, your old iPhone will have no cellular service on that line. It can still connect to Wi-Fi and use data through Wi-Fi calling if your carrier supports it. If you plan to sell or give away your old iPhone, erase it completely by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes all your data and resets the phone to factory condition.

If you want to keep your old iPhone as a backup or for another purpose, you can leave it as is — the erased eSIM will not cause problems. You can also add a different eSIM to your old phone later if you want to reactivate it on a different carrier or plan. The phone will function normally on Wi-Fi even without an active cellular plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer an eSIM if my old iPhone is not nearby?

No, the built-in transfer feature requires both phones to be in the same location. If your old phone is not available, contact your carrier and request a new QR code. Your carrier can deactivate the eSIM on your old phone remotely and send you a code to set up on your new phone, though this process varies by carrier and may take longer than an in-person transfer.

Will I lose my phone number when I transfer the eSIM?

No, your phone number stays the same. The eSIM contains your carrier plan and phone number. When you transfer it to your new iPhone, both move with it. Your old iPhone will lose service, but your number remains active on your new phone.

What if my carrier does not support eSIM?

If your carrier does not offer eSIM, you will need a physical SIM card for your new iPhone. Contact your carrier and ask them to mail you a SIM card, or visit a store to pick one up. You can then insert it into your new iPhone's SIM tray. This does not affect your phone number or plan.

Can I have the same eSIM active on two iPhones at the same time?

No, an eSIM can only be active on one device at a time. Once you transfer it to your new iPhone, it stops working on your old one. If you need service on both phones, you would need two separate plans and two eSIMs, or use a physical SIM card on one phone and an eSIM on the other.

Do I need to tell my carrier before I transfer the eSIM?

No, you do not need to notify your carrier in advance. The transfer happens on your phones, and your carrier is notified automatically. Some carriers send a confirmation email afterward, but this is informational only and does not require action on your part.

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.