If your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, an iPhone can move an eligible cellular number from an old iPhone to a new one without a separate carrier call. Carrier support and software requirements determine whether the transfer option appears.
Quick steps
- Put both iPhones nearby, connect them to Wi-Fi, and turn on Bluetooth.
- During setup, follow the cellular-transfer prompt; or open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM on the new iPhone.
- Choose a plan available to transfer from the old iPhone.
- Approve the transfer on the old device.
- Wait for activation on the new iPhone.
- Test calls, messages, and cellular data before erasing the old phone.
What Quick Transfer does
With supported carriers, the new iPhone requests the existing plan and the old SIM or eSIM is deactivated as the new plan activates. Apple’s current guidance also supports transferring more than one number in supported iOS 26 situations.
When the option is not available
The carrier may require its app, a QR code, an activation link, or direct support. Do not delete the old eSIM in an attempt to force the transfer; that can leave you needing a fresh activation.
Android-to-iPhone transfers are expanding
With iOS 26, Apple also supports direct eSIM transfer from compatible Android devices for participating carriers and supported phones. If that option is unavailable for your carrier, use the carrier’s normal activation process instead.
Keep the old phone until the line works
A successful setup screen is not the final check. Place a call, send a message, and turn off Wi-Fi briefly to verify cellular data on the new iPhone before wiping or trading in the previous device.
One more detail worth knowing
Transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone can feel like swapping a SIM card, but without the physical hassle. It's a straightforward process that involves a few taps on your iPhone screen. You first ensure both your old and new iPhones are updated, then disable the eSIM on your old device, and finally activate it on your new iPhone.
How to confirm the change
After you finish transfer esim to another iphone, repeat the action that originally brought you to this guide. Check the visible setting or real-world result rather than assuming the change took effect. If the result differs from the steps above, return to the relevant menu and look for a carrier, account, device, or app-specific control before changing unrelated iPhone settings.
Use eSIM Quick Transfer when the carrier supports it
During iPhone setup or from Settings > Cellular/Mobile Service > Add eSIM, choose the transfer option from a nearby iPhone when it appears. Keep both iPhones nearby, unlocked, and connected as instructed while the carrier moves the line.
Verify service before erasing the old iPhone
After transfer, place a call, send a text, and test cellular data on the new phone. The old eSIM can become inactive as part of the move. If the transfer option is unavailable, use the carrier’s app, QR-code activation, or support process rather than deleting the old eSIM first.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.