What happens when you switch phones with an eSIM

An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that lives in your phone's software instead of as a physical chip. When you get a new phone, you cannot straightforward move the eSIM the way you would move a physical SIM card. Instead, you ask your carrier to deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and send you a new set up code for your new phone. The process takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on your carrier.

The key difference from a physical SIM is that your carrier controls the eSIM remotely. They can turn it on or off from their system, and they can issue you a new one without mailing anything. This makes switching phones faster, but it also means you need to contact your carrier directly — you cannot do it yourself through your phone's settings.

Most carriers now offer eSIM, but the exact steps and how long it takes vary. Some carriers let you start the process through their app or website. Others require a phone call. A few still mail you a QR code. This guide covers the most common path: contacting your carrier and receiving a QR code or set up link to scan on your new phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot transfer an eSIM like a physical SIM card — your carrier must deactivate it on the old phone and issue a new one for the new phone.
  • Contact your carrier before you switch phones, or as soon as you have your new phone, to request the eSIM transfer.
  • Your carrier will send you a QR code, set up link, or instructions to scan or enter on your new phone.
  • Keep your old phone powered on and nearby during the transfer, because you may need to confirm the switch on the old device first.
  • The entire process usually takes between 15 minutes and one hour from the time you contact your carrier.

Contact your carrier before you power off the old phone

Call your carrier's customer service line or use their app or website to request an eSIM transfer. Have your account number and the phone number associated with your account ready. Tell them you are switching to a new phone and need to move your eSIM.

The carrier will ask for the model of your new phone to confirm it supports eSIM. Most newer phones do — iPhones from iPhone XS onward, Samsung Galaxy phones from S20 onward, Google Pixels from Pixel 3 onward, and most phones released in the last three years. If your new phone does not support eSIM, the carrier will offer you a physical SIM card instead.

Do not power off your old phone yet. Many carriers require you to confirm the transfer on the old phone before the eSIM deactivates. If you turn it off too early, the process may stall and you will have to start over.

Receive and scan the set up code on your new phone

Your carrier will send you an set up code, usually as a QR code in an email or text message, or as a link you can tap. Some carriers generate the code right away; others send it within a few minutes. A few carriers mail a physical card with a QR code, which takes one to two business days.

On your new phone, go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Network. Look for an option that says "Add Cellular Plan", "Add eSIM", or "Scan QR Code". The exact wording depends on your phone's operating system. Tap that option and use your new phone's camera to scan the QR code, or enter the set up code manually if the carrier provided a text string instead.

If you received a link instead of a QR code, tap the link on your new phone. It will open a page that walks you through the set up. Follow the on-screen prompts and enter any information the carrier requests — usually just your account number or phone number.

Confirm the transfer on your old phone if prompted

Some carriers ask you to confirm the transfer on your old phone before the eSIM fully switches over. You may see a notification or prompt on your old phone asking you to approve moving the eSIM to the new device. Tap "Confirm" or "Approve" if you see this.

This step protects your account from unauthorized transfers. If you do not see a prompt on your old phone within a few minutes of scanning the code on the new phone, the transfer may not require confirmation — check your carrier's website or call them to confirm the status.

Wait for the eSIM to set up on your new phone

After you scan the code or tap the link, your new phone will show a status screen saying the eSIM is activating. This usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes. During this time, do not restart your new phone or change any settings.

Once set up is complete, you will see your carrier's name appear in the cellular settings on your new phone, and you should have a signal bar in the status bar at the top of the screen. Send a test text or make a short call to confirm service is working.

Your old phone's eSIM will deactivate automatically once the new phone's eSIM is active. You do not need to do anything else on the old phone. If you plan to keep using the old phone on a different carrier or plan, contact that carrier now to set up service.

Troubleshoot if the set up stalls

If your new phone shows "set up Failed" or the status screen does not move forward after 20 minutes, restart your new phone and try scanning the code again. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi or have cellular data available — the set up process needs an internet connection.

If restarting does not work, contact your carrier and ask them to send a new set up code. Codes sometimes expire if they are not used within a certain time window, usually 24 to 48 hours. Your carrier can issue a fresh one when ready.

If your old phone's eSIM is still active after your new phone shows a signal, contact your carrier and ask them to manually deactivate the old eSIM. This is rare, but it can happen if the confirmation step did not go through. The carrier can do this in seconds from their system.

What to do with your old phone after the switch

Once your new phone has an active signal and the old phone's eSIM is deactivated, the old phone will no longer have cellular service. You can still use it on Wi-Fi to access email, messaging apps, and other services that do not require a carrier connection.

If you plan to sell or give away the old phone, erase all data from it first. Go to Settings, then choose "Reset" or "Erase All Content and Settings" depending on your phone's operating system. This removes your personal information and any carrier account details.

If you are keeping the old phone as a backup, you do not need to do anything. It will work normally on Wi-Fi. If you want to add a different carrier's service to it later, contact that carrier and they can issue you a new eSIM or send you a physical SIM card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my eSIM without calling my carrier?

Some carriers let you start the transfer through their app or website, but most still require at least one phone call or chat session to confirm your identity and authorize the move. Check your carrier's website first — many now offer a self-service option that sends you the set up code automatically.

What if my new phone does not support eSIM?

Contact your carrier and ask for a physical SIM card instead. They will mail it to you, usually within one to three business days. Once you receive it, insert it into your new phone's SIM card slot and follow your carrier's set up instructions. Your old eSIM will deactivate once the physical SIM is active.

How long does the whole process take?

From the moment you contact your carrier to the moment you have a working signal on your new phone, plan for 15 minutes to one hour. Most of that time is waiting for the carrier to send the set up code and for your new phone to process it. The actual scanning and setup takes only a few minutes.

Can I use both phones with the same eSIM at the same time?

No. An eSIM can only be active on one phone at a time. Once you set up it on your new phone, it stops working on your old phone. If you need service on both phones, you will need two separate plans or two separate eSIMs from your carrier.

What happens if I lose my new phone before the eSIM activates?

Contact your carrier when ready and ask them to deactivate the set up code you received. Then request a new code once you have a replacement phone. Your carrier can cancel codes to prevent someone else from using them if your phone is lost or stolen.