How to Transfer an eSIM to a New iPhone

The safest way to move an eSIM to a new iPhone is to keep the old iPhone working until the number has activated and been tested on the new one. A supported network may offer eSIM Quick Transfer, but it is not available for every account, tariff or device combination. If the transfer option is missing, use the provider's replacement-eSIM or QR-code process instead.

Before you begin

• Update both iPhones to the latest version of iOS they support.
• Sign in to both devices with the correct Apple Account.
• Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, unlock the old iPhone and keep the phones next to each other.
• Keep access to the mobile provider's app, website or account security details.
• Save recovery codes for banking, email and other services that rely on the mobile number.
• Do not erase the old iPhone or delete its eSIM.

Apple's current Quick Transfer instructions require both devices to be nearby, unlocked and using compatible software. Provider support remains part of the process: an iPhone can show the transfer option even though a particular business account, legacy tariff or network arrangement still needs provider action.

Transfer during new-iPhone setup

1. Turn on the new iPhone and connect it to Wi-Fi.
2. When the mobile-service setup screen appears, choose the number offered from the nearby iPhone.
3. Confirm the request on the old iPhone and enter any verification code shown on the new device.
4. Leave both phones nearby until the new iPhone reports that the mobile plan is active.
5. If the new iPhone opens a provider page, complete the provider's verification steps.

When the plan activates on the new iPhone, the previous SIM or eSIM for that number is normally deactivated. That is why the old device must remain available until the process finishes.

Transfer after the new iPhone is already set up

1. Open Settings on the new iPhone.
2. Open the mobile or cellular section shown by your version of iOS.
3. Tap Add eSIM, Set Up Mobile or the equivalent option.
4. Select the number offered from the old iPhone, or choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
5. Approve the transfer on the old iPhone and wait for activation.

Do not force a menu path copied from an older screenshot. Apple changes labels between iOS releases and between UK language settings, but the current route remains within the mobile-service section of Settings.

If Quick Transfer is not offered

Use the provider's official replacement process. Depending on the network, this may involve:

• downloading a replacement eSIM through the provider's app;
• installing a plan assigned directly to the new iPhone;
• scanning a new QR code;
• visiting a store or completing an account-security check; or
• contacting a business-account administrator.

A QR code from the original activation may have expired or already been consumed. Do not assume that keeping an old screenshot guarantees recovery.

Move more than one number carefully

Recent iOS versions may offer more than one number during migration, but each line still needs separate verification. After transfer, label the lines clearly and check which one is used for calls, messages and mobile data. A travel or work line should not silently become the default data line.

Verify the result before erasing anything

1. Check that the expected telephone number and provider name appear on the new iPhone.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi and load a web page using mobile data.
3. Make an ordinary call to a known non-emergency number.
4. Send and receive a normal text message if the plan includes SMS.
5. Confirm that incoming calls reach the new iPhone.
6. Check access to banking, email and two-factor authentication.

Never use 999 or 112 as a test call. If ordinary calls, texts or data do not work, restart the new iPhone and contact the provider before deleting the profile or resetting network settings.

Only then retire the old iPhone

Once the line has worked reliably on the new device, you can remove old account access, erase the previous iPhone or prepare it for sale. If the old iPhone will remain as a spare, remember that the transferred number no longer provides mobile service on it.