Got a new phone? Exciting. Now comes the part nobody warns you about.
Transferring or delete an eSIM isn’t like moving a physical SIM card, where you just pop it out and slide it in. It’s a bit different. Some eSIMs can transfer. Some can’t. Some plans lock you to one device forever. And if you delete it without knowing what you’re doing, you might lose your plan entirely.
Don’t worry, though. This guide covers everything: how to transfer an eSIM, how to delete one safely, what to do when your provider doesn’t allow transfers, and how to check if your new phone is even ready for an eSIM in the first place.
Let’s get into it.
First Things First: Can Your eSIM Actually Transfer?
This is the question most people skip and then regret later.
Not all eSIM plans support transfers between devices. It depends entirely on your provider’s policy. Some eSIM providers, including many travel eSIM providers, issue single-device plans. Once activated on your phone, that’s it. The plan is tied to that device.
Before you do anything else, contact your eSIM provider and ask two questions:
- Does my plan support transfer to a new device?
- Will I lose my plan if I delete it from my current phone?
If your provider says yes to the transfer, great. Follow the steps below. If they say no, you’ll need to either buy a new plan or wait until your current one expires before setting up on the new phone.
Also, Is Your New Phone Ready for eSIM?
Before transferring anything, your new phone needs to actually support eSIM.
Check out this guide on How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM (iPhone + Android) it walks through exactly how to confirm compatibility in under two minutes, whether you have an iPhone or Android.
Quick check: open your phone dialer, type *#06# and look for an EID number. If you see one, you’re good. No EID? Your new phone doesn’t support eSIM.
Also, make sure your new phone is unlocked. A carrier-locked phone will block eSIM plans from other providers just like it blocks physical SIMs.
How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone — iPhone 📱
Apple made eSIM transfer pretty simple for newer models, though the exact method depends on your iOS version.
Method 1: Transfer During iPhone Setup (Quickest Way)
If you’re setting up a brand new iPhone and your old phone is nearby:
- Start the setup process on your new iPhone
- When you reach the “Transfer Your Data” screen, choose Transfer from iPhone
- Follow the on-screen steps. iOS will ask if you want to transfer your eSIM too
- Confirm the transfer on both phones when prompted
Your eSIM moves across automatically. No QR codes. No calling your provider.
Important: This works for carrier eSIMs (your regular mobile plan). Travel eSIM plans from third-party providers like Commbitz may not transfer this way; check with your provider first.
Method 2: Convert eSIM to QR Code (for Supported Plans)
Some providers let you convert your eSIM back to a QR code so you can re-scan it on your new device.
- Log into your provider’s app or account dashboard
- Look for the “Transfer eSIM” or “Move to New Device” option
- If available, your provider will generate a new QR code
- On your new iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code
- Scan the QR code
- Done ✅
Method 3: Contact Your Carrier Directly
If neither method above works, call or message your carrier and ask them to push the eSIM to your new device remotely. They’ll need your new phone’s EID number. You can find it at Settings → General → About.
How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone — Android 📱
Android transfer options depend heavily on your phone brand and provider.
Samsung to Samsung:
- On your old Samsung: Settings → Accounts and Backup → Samsung Cloud → check what’s backed up
- On your new Samsung, during setup, sign in with your Samsung account
- When prompted, select “Bring data from old device”
- Follow the steps; some carrier eSIMs transfer automatically through this process
- During Pixel setup, choose “Copy apps and data”
- Connect old and new Pixel phones
- Google will ask if you want to transfer your SIM. Follow the prompts
Other Android devices:
The cleanest option is the QR code method, same as iPhone Method 2 above. Log into your eSIM provider’s dashboard, generate a transfer QR code if available, and scan it on your new device via Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Cards → Add eSIM.
How to Delete an eSIM From Your Phone 🗑️
Delete an eSIM is easy. The important thing is to do it carefully.
Before you delete an eSIM, read this:
Deleting an eSIM from your phone removes it permanently from that device. If your plan doesn’t support reinstallation, you lose it. If your QR code was single-use, it won’t work again.
Always check with your provider before delete an eSIM. Ask them if you can reinstall the eSIM on another device after deleting. If yes, save your QR code. If not, only delete once you’re truly done with that plan.
Delete eSIM on iPhone:
- Settings → Cellular
- Tap the eSIM line you want to remove
- Scroll down and tap Delete eSIM
- Confirm when prompted
Delete eSIM on Android:
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Cards
- Tap the eSIM you want to remove
- Tap Delete or Remove eSIM
- Confirm
The eSIM is now removed from your device. Your plan’s status after deletion depends entirely on your provider’s policy.
What Happens to Your eSIM Plan After Switching Phones?
This is where people get confused. Here’s how it usually works:
Carrier eSIM (your regular monthly plan): Your carrier’s plan stays active in their system; it’s tied to your account, not just your device. Contact your carrier to move it to your new phone. Most do this remotely for free.
Travel eSIM from providers like Commbitz: Travel eSIM plans vary. Some Commbitz plans are single-device. Some allow reinstallation. Log into your Commbitz account at commbitz.com, check your plan details, or contact support before deleting from your old phone. They can tell you exactly whether your plan transfers or whether you’d need a new one.
The safest approach is alwaysto contact support first. Delete the second. Never the other way around.
eSIM Transfer Checklist ✅
Run through this before you start:
✅ Confirmed your new phone supports eSIM (check with *#06# for EID number)
✅ Confirmed your new phone is carrier-unlocked
✅ Asked your eSIM provider if your plan supports device transfer
✅ Saved your original QR code or activation email
✅ Checked whether your QR code is single-use or reusable
✅ Backed up your old phone before starting
✅ New phone is fully charged (setup processes drain battery)
Common Questions and Problems
“My eSIM transferred, but there’s no signal on the new phone.”
Check that data roaming is turned on for the eSIM line. Go to Settings → Cellular → tap the eSIM → enable Data Roaming. Also, make sure the eSIM is set as your active data line and not sitting as secondary.
“My provider says my plan doesn’t support transfer.”
You have two options: wait until the plan expires and buy a new one for your new device, or purchase a new plan now and run the old one out on your original phone. If you bought a Commbitz eSIM and your plan has data remaining, contact their support team; they may be able to help depending on the plan type.
“I deleted my eSIM, and now the QR code doesn’t work.”
This happens when a QR code is single-use. Contact your provider immediately with your order details. Many providers can issue a replacement QR code, though this depends on their policy.
“I lost my QR code.”
Log into your provider’s app or account dashboard. Most providers store your QR code in your order history. Commbitz keeps your plan details in your account at commbitz.com so you can access them anytime.
FAQs 🤔
Q1: How do I transfer my eSIM to a new phone? The method depends on your provider and phone. For iPhones, you can transfer during the new iPhone setup process or use a QR code generated by your provider. For Android, use your provider’s app or contact them directly. Always confirm your plan supports transfer before starting.
Q2: Can I transfer a travel eSIM from Commbitz to a new device? It depends on the specific plan. Some Commbitz plans are single-device after activation. Log in to your account at commbitz.com or contact Commbitz support before deleting your eSIM. They can confirm whether your plan allows reinstallation on a new device.
Q3: What happens if I delete my eSIM by accident? Contact your eSIM provider immediately with your order details. If your QR code is still valid, you can reinstall it. If the QR code was single-use, your provider may be able to generate a new activation code depending on their policy.
Q4: Does transferring or delete an eSIM from my old phone happen automatically? Yes. An eSIM can only be active on one device at a time. Once it’s moved to your new phone, it’s no longer active on your old one. You don’t need to manually delete it from the old phone before transferring, but deleting it afterward keeps things tidy.
Q5: How do I know if my new phone is ready for an eSIM? Type *#06# in your phone dialer. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. For a full step-by-step guide, including iPhone and Android instructions, check out How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM (iPhone + Android) it covers every phone model and what to look for.
Final Word ✨
Switching phones doesn’t have to mean losing your eSIM. It just means doing things in the right order.
Check compatibility first. Ask your provider about the transfer policy before touching anything. Save that QR code. And when in doubt, contact support before deleting, not after.
Commbitz support can walk you through plan transfers, check your activation status, and make sure you don’t lose any remaining data in the process.
New phone. Same plan. Same connection. You’ve got this. 📱🌍
🌍 Need Help With Your Commbitz eSIM?
Switching phones and not sure what to do with your plan? 👉 Visit commbitz.com to check your plan status, contact support, and manage your eSIM in one place.
Bookmark this guide. Share it with anyone getting a new phone this season. ✈️📶
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