Have you ever wanted to transfer your eSIM to a different smartphone? Unsure about how to transfer eSIM from your old iPhone to your new iPhone when upgrading? Or else, having trouble figuring out, or finding the appropriate instructions to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another? If so, you’re not the only one facing this scenario.
Since the release of iOS 16 this year, users are now able to transfer their physical SIM or eSIM card from iPhone to iPhone hassle-freely. This is a great option for those of you who want to keep your phone number and current carrier plan, but upgrade your mobile device at the same time. Learn all about these new features of iOS 16, in this blog post!
A Brief Introduction to eSIM
A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card acts as a “greeting” between a smartphone and a wireless carrier, identifying the mobile device you’re using and directing your gadget to connect with a certain network, and a specific or unique contact number.
On the other hand, an Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) is a digital replacement for the physical SIM card, and it may be reconfigured as often as necessary. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that have become the standard in the industry. Besides, dual-sim iPhones allow you to use two separate phone numbers and support up to eight eSIMs at once.
See Also: How to Unpair Apple Watch without iPhone?
Step-By-Step Guide to Transfer eSIM From One iPhone to Another
There are cellular service providers that allow you to move your SIM card from your old iPhone to your new iPhone without getting in touch with them directly. In addition to using an eSIM, you can change over from a traditional SIM card without any serious issues or problems.
Note: Getting in touch with your carrier to get your eSIM transferred can be done, even if you don’t have access to your present iPhone. Plus, if prompted to do so during iPhone setup, you can transfer either a physical SIM card or an electronic SIM card by following the on-display guidelines.
However, if you need to use multiple SIM cards with your new iPhone, you can do so by following the procedure provided next.
- First, on your novel iPhone, navigate to the “Settings” app.
- Next, keep scrolling until you find the option labeled “Cellular”. Once found, tap on it.
- After that, proceed with tapping on the option i.e., “Add Cellular Plan”.
- Now, select a mobile/cellular plan to port over from another smartphone. Try tapping “Transfer From Another Device/iPhone”, if you’re unable to find a complete catalog of numbers. You must ensure that both devices are running iOS 16 or later, though.
- Next, if you want to verify the transfer, you can look at the preceding iPhone for commands. Here, tap on “Transfer” to verify or authenticate, or else provide the verification code shown on your new iPhone, if prompted to do so.
- Afterward, your new iPhone won’t be fully functional until the cellular plan is activated on it successfully. When you activate the cellular plan on it, your old SIM card will be automatically terminated.
- Now, if a popup or message reading “Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan”, displays on your new iPhone, you must tap it.
To complete the eSIM swap, you will be taken to your service provider’s website. But if you are facing consequences, talk to your service provider for further assistance.
Related: How to Turn Off or Deregister iMessage on iPhone or iPad?
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you figure out how to transfer your eSIM from one iPhone to another peacefully. Whether you’re upgrading to a new iPhone or simply want to have a backup, it’s important to know how to do this so that you can keep your phone number and data plan intact.
If you have any questions or queries, feel free to leave your feedback in the comments section below, and we’ll do our best to help you out, asap. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check if eSIM is activated on iPhone?
To determine if your iOS device is eSIM-ready and network-free, choose Settings -> General -> About. To access the “Carrier Lock” section, please scroll down. In other words, if it says “No SIM Restrictions”, then you can use any SIM card you like.
How to erase or remove the eSIM on your iPhone?
You need to follow the provided procedure carefully, to successfully erase the eSIM on your iPhone in no time at all. First, navigate to Settings App -> Next, tap on Cellular/Mobile Data -> After that, proceed with tapping on the eSIM cellular plan you desire to remove -> Finally, tap on the option i.e., Delete eSIM. That’s all there is to it.
Can I transfer eSIM to Physical SIM?
Yes! It only takes a few seconds to convert from an eSIM to a real or physical SIM, and you can even use both at once — the physical SIM for voice and text communications, and the eSIM for web access. It’s totally up to your own choice, the way you like.
In what ways does eSIM fall short, or is there a drawback to using an eSIM?
A traditional SIM card can be easily removed from a malfunctioning device and inserted into a supplementary or spare smartphone. However, eSIM is not useful in locations without access to eSIM technology. If the telecom companies in your nation don’t accept eSIM phones, you won’t be able to use your cell phone to its full potential.
