eSIM management • phone upgrade • travel
How to transfer an eSIM to another phone
eSIMs are convenient until the moment you switch devices. Then the big question hits: can you transfer the eSIM, or do you need to install it again? The honest answer is that “transfer” can mean different things depending on your phone and the provider—so the safest approach is to treat it as a controlled move: secure the old device, remove/disable the old eSIM, then add the eSIM to the new phone.
What “transfer eSIM” actually means
With a physical SIM, you transfer service by moving the card. With an eSIM, you’re dealing with a digital profile stored on a device. So “transfer” usually means one of these:
- Device-to-device transfer supported by the phone OS (common on newer iPhones; also possible on Android depending on manufacturer/carrier).
- Reinstall on the new device using a QR code or in-app setup (very common for travel eSIMs).
- Provider-assisted move where support disables the old profile and issues a fresh activation method.
If you’re upgrading phones before a trip, the simplest path is usually: install the eSIM on the phone you’ll actually travel with, then test connectivity steps on Wi‑Fi.
Before you transfer: do these checks first
This section saves you from the two most common failures: trying to add an eSIM on a phone that can’t use it, and trying to move an eSIM from a locked device.
- Confirm your new phone supports eSIM and is updated.
- Confirm the device is unlocked: ZetSIM notes that carrier-locked phones may only support eSIMs from that carrier.
- Have Wi‑Fi ready on the new device (installation typically requires internet).
- Keep the QR code or app access available (email or ZetSIM app).
- On the old phone, take note of which line is used for data and what’s turned on.
- On the new phone, sign in to the same Apple ID/Google account if you rely on built-in transfer tools.
- Plan a clean cutover time (ideally on Wi‑Fi, not mid-commute).
How to transfer an eSIM to another iPhone
iPhone-to-iPhone transfers can be straightforward when both devices are available and your carrier supports eSIM transfer. If you don’t see transfer options, fall back to reinstalling via QR code or provider support.
Scenario A: You have both iPhones
- Keep both phones near each other and connected to Wi‑Fi.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings → Cellular and look for options to add/transfer an eSIM.
- Follow on-screen prompts to move the plan.
- Once the new iPhone is working, turn off the plan (or remove it) on the old iPhone if it remains present.
Scenario B: You only have a QR code (common for travel eSIMs)
- On the new iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
- Scan the QR code you received by email or in the app.
- Label the line (example: “ZetSIM Travel”).
- Select it for Cellular Data when you need it.
Don’t skip labeling. When you’re traveling, selecting the wrong line for data is how roaming charges and “no internet” moments happen.
How to transfer an eSIM to another Android phone
Android transfers depend heavily on brand and carrier. Some devices support transferring during phone setup; others require reinstalling the eSIM profile. If there’s no obvious transfer option, the reliable approach is reinstall using the QR code or in-app activation.
Scenario A: Transfer during Android phone setup (when supported)
- Start the new phone setup and follow prompts related to SIM/eSIM transfer.
- Keep the old phone nearby and unlocked when requested.
- Confirm the eSIM appears under SIMs/SIM Manager on the new device.
Scenario B: Reinstall the eSIM on the new Android
- On the new phone: Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections).
- Go to SIMs / SIM Manager → Add eSIM (or Add mobile plan).
- Scan or upload the QR code provided by the eSIM provider (email/app).
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line if it’s a travel data plan.
If the new phone is carrier-locked, ZetSIM warns it may only support eSIMs from that carrier, which can block third-party eSIMs.
How to transfer eSIM to a new phone without the old phone
This is the high-stress version: your old phone is lost, stolen, broken, or wiped. In many cases, you can’t “transfer” from a device that doesn’t exist anymore—you need the profile disabled and a new setup method.
What to do immediately
- Secure your accounts: change passwords, enable device protections.
- Disable the eSIM profile if it can be used fraudulently: ZetSIM instructs customers to contact support immediately to disable an active eSIM if the phone is lost.
- Prepare your new phone (eSIM compatible, unlocked, Wi‑Fi ready).
If you lose a phone with an active eSIM, treat it like losing a wallet. Disabling the profile quickly is the correct move.
Moving a ZetSIM travel eSIM to another phone
ZetSIM is built for travelers: buy a plan, receive your QR code by email or in the app, scan to install, then switch on data roaming to activate at your destination. If you’re switching phones, the clean approach is to set up ZetSIM on the phone you’ll actually use for the trip.
ZetSIM setup (reference flow)
- Select country and plan.
- Checkout and pay, then receive the QR code by email or in the app.
- Scan QR to add the eSIM.
- Switch on Data Roaming on the eSIM line to activate when you arrive.
Official steps: https://www.zetsim.com/pages/how-it-works-section
Travel tip: install in advance, activate on arrival
ZetSIM states you can install before traveling and activate once you reach your destination. That’s also the safest window for device changes: do the move at home on Wi‑Fi, not at the airport.
Payments supported: major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Top-up is available 24/7.
Troubleshooting: eSIM won’t add or won’t connect on the new phone
Issue 1: “Add eSIM” is missing
- Confirm the device is eSIM-compatible.
- Update the operating system.
- Check for carrier restrictions.
Issue 2: eSIM adds successfully but no data works
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line.
- Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM line (ZetSIM’s activation step).
- Restart the phone and wait a minute for network registration.
Issue 3: Device is carrier-locked
ZetSIM notes that carrier-locked phones are restricted to eSIMs from that carrier, which can prevent third-party eSIMs from working.
FAQ: how to transfer eSIM to another phone
Can I transfer an eSIM from one phone to another?
Often yes, but the method depends on device and provider. Some phones support device-to-device transfer; otherwise, you reinstall using a QR code or provider-issued setup in an app.
Do I need to delete the eSIM from my old phone?
If you’re no longer using the old device, turning off or removing the eSIM profile helps avoid confusion and reduces risk of the wrong line being used later.
How do I transfer an eSIM to a new phone without the old phone?
You typically can’t perform a direct transfer. You’ll need to set up the eSIM on the new phone using the QR code or app, and contact the provider if the old profile must be disabled.
What if I lost my phone with an active ZetSIM eSIM?
ZetSIM advises contacting support immediately to disable your eSIM profile to help prevent unauthorized use.
Can I install ZetSIM before traveling?
Yes. ZetSIM eSIMs can be installed in advance and activated once you reach your destination.
Where do I get my ZetSIM QR code again?
ZetSIM states you receive the QR code by email or in the app after purchase.
Do I need to turn on data roaming for ZetSIM?
ZetSIM’s setup includes switching on data roaming on the eSIM line to activate and connect at your destination.
What payment methods does ZetSIM accept?
Major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Move your eSIM the safe way
When you change phones, think “secure, disable, reinstall.” Keep Wi‑Fi handy, confirm eSIM compatibility, and use the QR code or app flow to get ZetSIM working on the new device. If the old phone is lost, disabling the profile quickly is the right first step.
