How to Transfer eSIM from iPhone to iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide & Carrier Tips

Okay, let's talk about moving that tiny digital SIM card between iPhones. You'd think transferring an eSIM from your old iPhone to a shiny new one would be straightforward, right? I sure did – until I spent two hours on hold with my carrier last upgrade. That frustrating experience made me dig deep into every possible method, carrier quirks, and hidden pitfalls. Now I'm sharing everything so you can skip the headache.

Look, eSIM technology is great until you need to switch devices. Unlike physical SIM cards you can pop out, these digital profiles require specific steps that vary by carrier and iOS version. Get it wrong, and you might lose service completely. Not cool when you're setting up a new phone.

But here's the good news: Whether you're using Quick Start during setup or manually transferring later, I've tested all methods across multiple carriers. You'll get the real-deal steps plus crucial details most guides miss – like why your carrier might block transfers or how to avoid unexpected fees.

What You Absolutely Need Before Starting

First things first – don't even attempt this without checking these boxes. Last month, my buddy Dave rushed into this and discovered mid-transfer that his carrier doesn't support self-service eSIM moves. Cue three days without phone service.

• Both iPhones must be present (old and new), unlocked, and charged above 50%
• Carrier requirements met:
  • Active cellular plan on old device
  • Account in good standing (no overdue bills)
  • Supported carrier (see table below – some are trickier than others)
• iOS version compatibility:
  • Minimum: iOS 16 on both devices for most carriers
  • Ideal: iOS 17 or later for seamless transfer
  • Pro tip: Update BOTH devices before starting
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (cellular data won't cut it during transfer)

Step-By-Step Transfer Methods That Actually Work

Alright, let's get practical. I've ranked these methods from easiest to most painful based on my tests across three iPhone generations. Your approach depends on whether you're setting up a brand new phone or moving service mid-cycle.

Method 1: During Quick Start Setup (Fastest Way)

This is Apple's magic trick when unboxing a new iPhone. When both devices are near each other during initial setup, you'll get the "Transfer Cellular Plan" option. But it's finicky – worked perfectly on my iPhone 15 Pro but failed on my wife's older 12.

1 Power on new iPhone and place it near old device
2 Follow prompts until "Transfer from iPhone" screen appears
3 Tap "Transfer Cellular Plan" when prompted
4 Keep both devices connected to power and Wi-Fi
5 Wait for "Cellular Plan Ready" notification (takes 2-5 minutes)

Why this failed for me once: My old iPhone had pending iOS updates. The system won't tell you – it just spins forever.

Method 2: Manual eSIM Transfer via Carrier

For transfers after initial setup or when Quick Start fails. Carriers handle this wildly differently – T-Mobile lets you do it instantly in their app, while Verizon forces website logins. Here's the universal process:

1 On new iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > "Add Cellular Plan"
2 Scan carrier QR code OR select carrier from list
3 Authenticate with carrier account (text verification code)
4 Confirm transfer on old device when prompted
5 Wait for activation text (can take 15 minutes)

Annoying reality check: Most carriers bury their eSIM transfer portals. For AT&T, you need to search "eSIM transfer" in their support site to find the secret tool. Verizon hides it under "Manage Devices."

Method 3: Nuclear Option - Contacting Carrier Support

When all else fails (like with my Vodafone UK experience). Prepare for this:

• Account PIN ready (they always ask)
• IMEI of new iPhone (find in Settings > General > About)
• EID number (below IMEI – 32 digit code)
• 30-90 minute time commitment

Honestly? I hate this method. Last time I did it, the rep transferred me to three departments before someone understood eSIM transfer from one iphone to another. Record the case number they give you – you'll need it when calling back after it inevitably fails.

Why Transfers Fail (And Exactly How to Fix Them)

Based on carrier forums and my own disasters, here's why your transfer bombs and how to recover without tears:

That "Ineligible Device" error cost me two days once. Turns out my "unlocked" iPhone still had a carrier lock from a forgotten installment. Always check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock before starting.

Carrier-Specific Oddities You Should Know

After helping 12 people transfer eSIMs last year, I've seen carrier quirks that'll make you facepalm:

• Verizon's Midnight Glitch: eSIM transfers between 11PM-3AM ET often fail due to system maintenance
• T-Mobile's Secret Limit: You can only initiate 3 eSIM transfers per month per account
• AT&T's Geography Lock: Won't activate eSIM if new iPhone shows different state location
• International Gotcha: Roaming blocks most transfers – wait until you're home

Seriously, AT&T's location thing is wild. My cousin moved from Texas to California mid-transfer and had to borrow a local friend's Wi-Fi to complete activation.

Keeping Your Number Safe During Transfer

My biggest fear? Killing my phone number forever. To avoid this nightmare:

• Never delete eSIM on old iPhone before confirmation SMS arrives on new device
• Screen record the transfer process (helps support recover numbers)
• Save physical SIM as backup if possible before going eSIM only

When I transferred my secondary line last month, I stupidly removed the eSIM too early. Number recovery took 48 brutal hours. Don't be me.

Phone-to-Phone Transfer Timeline Explained

Wondering how long you'll be offline? Here's realistic timing from my tests:

That activation phase is where anxiety peaks. With T-Mobile, mine took 7 minutes. Verizon? 38 minutes staring at "Activating..." If it hits 60 minutes, reboot both devices before calling support.

Real Answers to Burning eSIM Transfer Questions

Can I transfer eSIM to another iPhone without the old device?

Technically yes, but it's messy. Carriers require IMEI and EID from both devices. Without the old iPhone, you need account ownership proof. I helped a friend do this after her phone was stolen – required visiting a store with ID and police report.

Why won't my carrier let me move eSIM?

Three likely reasons: Outstanding device payments (even if "unlocked"), being in a business account without admin rights, or regional restrictions. My Canadian SIM refused to transfer while I was traveling in Brazil.

Do I lose data during transfer?

Surprisingly no. During my transfers, iPhones maintained data via Wi-Fi until cellular activated. But SMS and calls are dead during the switchover – usually 5-15 minutes.

Can I reuse an eSIM?

Nope, and this confuses everyone. Once deactivated, eSIMs become digital paperweights. You'll always need a new profile when switching devices. That QR code you scanned initially? Worthless now.

Will my carrier charge me?

Most US carriers dropped eSIM fees for online transfers. But Verizon hits you with $35 if you need store help. International carriers are worse – Three UK charges £5 per transfer after the first free one.

Final Thoughts From My eSIM Battle Scars

Look, transferring cellular plans between iPhones should be simple. Apple pushes eSIM hard since iPhone 14, but carriers haven't caught up. After seven successful transfers and three disasters, here's my hard-won advice:

• Always transfer during weekday business hours – weekend support is clueless
• Print your EID and IMEI numbers before starting (Settings > General > About)
• Carrier apps suck – use their websites for transfers
• Budget 45 minutes even if it should take 5

Remember when swapping physical SIMs took 30 seconds? I miss that. But once you survive your first eSIM transfer between iPhones, it gets easier. Mostly.

The key is knowing your carrier's secret handshake. For me, AT&T's eSIM transfer tool finally worked when I used Safari instead of Chrome. Maddening, but typical. Now go conquer that digital SIM move!