How to Transfer Your eSIM to a New Phone

What You Need to Know

eSIM profiles are tied to a specific device. Unlike physical SIM cards, you can't just pop them out and move them over. When you get a new phone -- whether it's an upgrade, a replacement, or a switch between iPhone and Android -- you'll need to contact support to transfer your plan.

The important thing: Once an eSIM profile is deleted from a device, it cannot be reinstalled from the same QR code. The QR code is consumed during the original installation. To get your plan on a new device, you'll need Only eSIM support to issue a new eSIM.

Also important: eSIM profiles do not transfer automatically during phone setup, even when using tools like Apple Quick Start, Samsung Smart Switch, or Google's data transfer. Those tools may move your apps, photos, and settings, but eSIM profiles are handled separately and are not guaranteed to come along.

Option 1: You Still Have Your Old Phone

This is the more straightforward scenario. If your old phone is working and accessible:

1. Contact Only eSIM support first at onlyesim.com -- provide your order number and explain that you're switching to a new device
2. We'll check your plan -- if you still have data and validity remaining, we can issue a new eSIM for your new phone
3. Delete the eSIM from your old phone once support confirms the new eSIM is ready:
   • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap the eSIM > Remove eSIM (or Remove Cellular Plan on older iOS)
   • Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > tap the eSIM > Delete SIM
   • Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > tap the eSIM > Remove
4. Install the new eSIM on your new phone by scanning the new QR code provided by support
5. Configure your settings -- enable the line, turn on Data Roaming, and set the eSIM as your default data line

Important: Do not delete the eSIM from your old phone before contacting support. Reach out first so we can coordinate the transfer.

Option 2: Your Old Phone Is Lost or Stolen

If you can't access your old device, the process is a bit different:

1. Secure your accounts first

   • Consider remote-wiping your old device using Find My iPhone (Apple) or Find My Device (Google) -- this will erase the eSIM profile along with everything else
   • If your physical SIM was in the lost phone, contact that carrier to suspend the line

2. Contact Only eSIM support with the following:

   • Your order number
   • The email address on your account
   • A brief description of what happened

3. We'll investigate on our end. Depending on the plan and provider, we may be able to issue a new eSIM for your replacement device. This isn't guaranteed for every plan, but we'll do everything we can.

4. If a new eSIM is issued, install it on your new phone following the standard process

What About Apple Quick Start and Samsung Smart Switch?

These phone-to-phone transfer tools are excellent for moving apps, contacts, and settings -- but their eSIM handling is inconsistent.

• Apple Quick Start may offer to transfer eSIM profiles during setup on newer iPhones (iOS 16+), but this depends on the carrier and plan type. Travel eSIM plans from third-party providers like Only eSIM are often not eligible for this automatic transfer.
• Samsung Smart Switch similarly may or may not transfer eSIM profiles. It's not reliable for travel eSIMs.
• Google's transfer tool does not transfer eSIM profiles.

Our recommendation: Don't rely on automatic transfer. Contact Only eSIM support to coordinate moving your plan to a new device.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

• Contact support before deleting anything. Do not delete the eSIM from your old phone until support has confirmed next steps. Once deleted, the original QR code cannot be reused.
• Transfer before you travel. If you know you're getting a new phone before a trip, handle the eSIM transfer while you're still at home on WiFi. Don't wait until you're at the airport.
• Keep your purchase confirmation email. It contains your order details, which helps our support team locate your plan quickly.

Need Help With Your Transfer?

If you're stuck or unsure about moving your eSIM to a new device, reach out to our support team at onlyesim.com with your order number. We'll walk you through the best option for your situation.