Getting a new iPhone is always exciting! The sleek design, upgraded camera, faster processor – it’s a tech enthusiast’s dream. But amidst the unboxing excitement comes a crucial task: moving your cellular service. If you’re using an eSIM (embedded SIM), the process is different from swapping a physical SIM card. Gone are the days of fumbling with tiny trays and ejector tools. Instead, Apple offers streamlined digital methods.

But how exactly do you transfer an eSIM from your old iPhone to your shiny new one? It might seem daunting, but Apple has made it remarkably straightforward in recent iOS versions. Whether you’re setting up your new device for the first time using Quick Start or need to transfer it later, this guide has you covered.

For users of platforms like Ajo, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity is vital for managing finances, receiving notifications, and staying in control. A smooth eSIM transfer ensures you don’t miss a beat. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different methods available as of April 2025, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure your digital SIM makes the jump successfully.

What Exactly is an eSIM?

Before diving into the transfer process, let’s quickly recap what an eSIM is. Unlike a traditional physical SIM card that you insert into your phone, an eSIM is a digital SIM that’s embedded directly into your iPhone’s hardware (specifically, a small chip).

Think of it like a rewritable SIM card built right in. You don’t need to physically swap anything to change carriers or plans (though carrier activation is still required).

Benefits of Using an eSIM:

1. Convenience: Activate plans digitally without visiting a store or waiting for a physical SIM.
2. Dual SIM Capability: Most modern iPhones support using an eSIM alongside a physical SIM, or even two eSIMs simultaneously (iPhone 13 and later). This is great for having separate personal and business lines, or a local plan when traveling.
3. Security: If your iPhone is lost or stolen, the eSIM cannot be physically removed and put into another phone, potentially adding a layer of security.
4. Space Saving: Eliminates the need for a physical SIM tray (as seen in US models of iPhone 14 and later), allowing for potentially different internal designs.
5. Easier International Travel: Purchase and activate local eSIM plans digitally before you even land, often saving significant roaming costs.

Now that we understand the ‘what’ and ‘why’, let’s get to the ‘how’.

Prerequisites for a Smooth eSIM Transfer

Before you begin, ensure you have the following in place:

1. iOS Version: Both your old and new iPhones must be running iOS 16 or later. This version introduced Apple’s simplified eSIM transfer features. To check, go to Settings > General > About. It’s always best to update both devices to the latest available iOS version.
2. Carrier Support: Your mobile carrier must support eSIM technology and Apple’s eSIM transfer feature (either Quick Start transfer or manual transfer). Most major carriers worldwide do, but it’s wise to double-check with your specific provider if you’re unsure. You can usually find this information on their website’s support or FAQ section.
3. Bluetooth Enabled: Ensure Bluetooth is turned ON on both iPhones. The transfer process often uses Bluetooth to detect the nearby device. (Settings > Bluetooth)  
4. Wi-Fi Connection: While not always strictly mandatory for all transfer types, having both phones connected to a stable Wi-Fi network is highly recommended and often required for activation steps.
5. Old iPhone Nearby & Unlocked: Keep your old iPhone close to the new one, unlocked, and ensure you know its passcode. You’ll need to approve the transfer on the old device.
6. New iPhone: Your target device where the eSIM will reside.

Method 1: Transferring Your eSIM via Quick Start (During Initial Setup)

This is arguably the simplest method and Apple’s preferred way. It happens organically when you’re setting up a brand new iPhone or one that has been factory reset.

Steps:

1. Begin Setup: Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old iPhone. The Quick Start screen should appear on your old iPhone, offering to set up the new one. Tap “Continue.”
2. Authenticate: You might be prompted to scan an animation on the new iPhone using your old iPhone’s camera or enter your old iPhone’s passcode on the new device. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Set Up Face ID/Touch ID: Proceed through the setup screens on your new iPhone (Wi-Fi, Face ID/Touch ID, creating a passcode).
4. Transfer Data: Choose how you want to transfer your data (from iCloud backup, directly from iPhone, etc.).
5. Transfer Your Phone Number: This is the crucial step! During the setup process, you’ll reach a screen titled “Transfer Your Phone Number” or “Set Up Cellular.”
   • You should see your phone number(s) associated with the eSIM(s) on your old iPhone listed.
   • Select the number(s) you want to transfer to the new iPhone.
   • Tap “Continue” at the bottom of the screen.
6. Confirm on Old iPhone: You’ll likely receive a prompt on your old iPhone asking you to confirm the transfer. Tap “Transfer” or follow the specific instruction shown. You might need to enter your passcode.
7. Activation: Your new iPhone will begin activating the eSIM. This can take a few minutes. You’ll usually see “Activating…” in the status bar. Wait for the process to complete. You should see your carrier name and signal bars appear once successful.
8. Complete Setup: Continue with the rest of the iPhone setup process.

Once finished, your eSIM is active on your new iPhone, and it will be deactivated on your old one.

Method 2: Transferring Your eSIM After Initial Setup (Manually)

What if you already set up your new iPhone without transferring the eSIM during Quick Start? Or maybe you skipped that step initially? No problem. You can still transfer the eSIM manually, provided both phones meet the prerequisites (iOS 16+, Bluetooth on, nearby, etc.).

Steps:

1. On Your NEW iPhone:
   • Go to Settings.
   • Tap on Cellular.
   • Tap Add eSIM. (If you already have other SIMs, it might say Add Cellular Plan).
2. Choose Transfer Method:
   • You should see an option like Transfer From Nearby iPhone or similar wording. Tap this option.
   • Important Note: If you don’t see this option, it might mean your carrier doesn’t support this specific transfer method, or one of the prerequisites isn’t met (check iOS version, Bluetooth, proximity). In this case, you might need to use Method 3 (QR Code/Carrier App).
3. Follow Prompts on NEW iPhone:
   • Your new iPhone will instruct you to ensure your old iPhone is nearby, unlocked, has Bluetooth on, and is running iOS 16 or later. Confirm you meet these requirements.
4. On Your OLD iPhone:
   • A notification prompt should appear asking if you want to transfer your phone number to the new iPhone.
   • Tap Transfer Phone Number (or similar wording).
   • You might be asked to enter a verification code displayed on your new iPhone. Enter this code carefully on your old iPhone.
5. Confirm Transfer: Tap Transfer on the old iPhone to approve the move.
6. Wait for Activation: Back on your new iPhone, the eSIM will begin activating. As with Quick Start, you’ll see status indicators. Wait for the carrier name and signal bars to appear.
7. Cellular Setup Complete: Once activated, you’ll get a confirmation message on your new iPhone. Your eSIM is now active on the new device and deactivated on the old one.

Method 3: Using a QR Code or Carrier App

This method is often used if:

• Your carrier doesn’t support Apple’s direct transfer methods (Quick Start or manual transfer).
• You encounter issues with the direct transfer methods.
• Your carrier specifically instructs you to use a QR code.

Steps:

1. Contact Your Carrier or Check Their Website/App: This is usually the first step for this method. Your carrier will need to provide you with an eSIM activation QR code. They might:
   • Email it to you.
   • Display it in your online account portal.
   • Provide it via their dedicated mobile app.
   • In some cases, require you to call customer support.
2. On Your NEW iPhone:
   • Go to Settings > Cellular.
   • Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
3. Choose QR Code Option:
   • Instead of selecting “Transfer From Nearby iPhone,” look for and tap the option Use QR Code.
4. Scan the QR Code:
   • Your iPhone’s camera will activate. Position the camera to scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
   • If you can’t scan (e.g., the code was sent to the same device), there’s usually an option to Enter Details Manually. Tap this, and your carrier should provide the necessary SM-DP+ Address, Activation Code, and potentially a Confirmation Code. Enter these details precisely.
5. Activate eSIM:
   • Once the code is scanned or details are entered, tap Activate eSIM or Continue.
   • Your iPhone will connect to the carrier’s server to download the eSIM profile and activate your service. This may take a few minutes.
6. Confirmation: You’ll receive a notification once the eSIM is activated and ready to use.

Using a Carrier App: Some carriers have streamlined this process further through their official apps. You might download the app, log in, and find an option within the app to activate or transfer your eSIM to the new device, guiding you through the necessary steps. Check your carrier’s support resources to see if this is an option.

Bonus: Converting a Physical SIM to an eSIM on the Same iPhone

Perhaps you’re not transferring between phones yet, but you want to free up the physical SIM slot (e.g., for a travel SIM) or just embrace the digital future. Many carriers allow you to convert your active physical SIM to an eSIM directly on your iPhone.  

Steps:

1. Check Carrier Support: Verify your carrier supports this conversion feature.
2. Go to Settings: On your iPhone with the physical SIM you want to convert, go to Settings > Cellular.
3. Look for Conversion Option: You might see an option like Convert to eSIM. Tap it.
4. Confirm: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the conversion. Tap Convert Cellular Plan and then Convert to eSIM.
5. Wait for Activation: The iPhone will activate the eSIM. This might take a few moments.
6. Remove Physical SIM: Once the activation is complete and you see your carrier signal via the eSIM, you can power down your iPhone and remove the now-deactivated physical SIM card.

Troubleshooting Common eSIM Transfer Issues

While usually smooth, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are common problems and potential fixes:

1. “Transfer From Nearby iPhone” Option Missing:
   • Check iOS: Ensure BOTH phones are on iOS 16 or later. Update if necessary.
   • Check Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is ON on both devices.
   • Check Proximity: Keep the phones close to each other.
   • Check Carrier Support: Your carrier might not support this specific feature. Contact them or try the QR code method.
   • Restart Both Phones: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches.  
2. Transfer Fails or Gets Stuck:
   • Check Wi-Fi: Ensure both phones have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
   • Restart: Try restarting both iPhones and attempting the transfer again.
   • Check Carrier Outage: Occasionally, carrier activation servers might be down. Check your carrier’s status page or social media.
   • Wait: Activation can sometimes take longer than expected. Give it 10-15 minutes before assuming it failed.
3. eSIM Activates but No Service:
   • Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then off. This forces the phone to reconnect to the network. (Settings > Airplane Mode or Control Center).
   • Restart iPhone: A restart often helps establish the connection.
   • Check Cellular Settings: Go to Settings > Cellular. Ensure the line is turned on and check for any carrier updates (Settings > General > About – a prompt may appear if an update is available).
   • Reset Network Settings: This removes Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings but can fix persistent connectivity issues. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.  
   • Contact Carrier: The issue might be with your account provisioning on their end.
4. Prompt to Approve Transfer Doesn’t Appear on Old iPhone:
   • Check Lock Status: Ensure the old iPhone is unlocked.
   • Check Bluetooth/Proximity: Verify Bluetooth is on and the phones are close.
   • Check Notifications: Make sure notifications are enabled and you haven’t accidentally dismissed the prompt.
   • Restart Old iPhone: Try restarting the old device.
5. “SIM Not Supported” or “Carrier Lock” Message:
   • This usually means your new iPhone is locked to a different carrier than the one your eSIM is associated with. You’ll need to contact the carrier the phone is locked to and request an unlock before you can use an eSIM from another provider.

Carrier Specific Considerations & International Travel

• Minor Variations: While the iOS interface is standardized, some carriers might have slightly different prompts or require an extra verification step. Always follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
• Check Carrier Website: Before starting, it’s never a bad idea to quickly visit your carrier’s support page regarding eSIM transfer for any specific notes or requirements they might have.
• International Travel: The beauty of eSIM shines here. Keep your primary eSIM active (perhaps turning off data roaming to avoid charges) and easily add a local eSIM plan for affordable data in your destination country using the QR code method.

Why Seamless Connectivity Matters (Especially for Ajo Users)

In today’s connected world, and especially for managing important aspects of life like finances through platforms such as Ajo, staying online is crucial. A smooth eSIM transfer ensures:

• Uninterrupted Access: Continue managing your savings, contributions, and financial goals without disruption.
• Timely Notifications: Receive important alerts and updates from Ajo immediately on your new device.
• Enhanced Security: Linking your trusted phone number (via eSIM) securely to your financial apps adds a layer of verification.
• Flexibility: Use dual SIM capabilities to keep your personal and financial communications separate if desired.

Conclusion

Transferring your eSIM to a new iPhone has evolved from a potentially confusing task to a remarkably user-friendly process, thanks to Apple’s focus on integration with iOS 16 and later. Whether you use the seamless Quick Start method during initial setup or the manual transfer option afterward, moving your digital SIM is usually just a few taps away.

Should you encounter hiccups, the QR code method provided by your carrier serves as a reliable fallback. Remember the prerequisites – updated iOS, Bluetooth, proximity, and carrier support – and troubleshooting steps to overcome common hurdles.

By following this guide, you can confidently switch your eSIM service to your new iPhone, ensuring you stay connected for everything important – from catching up with friends and family to managing your financial well-being with services like Ajo. Embrace the digital convenience of eSIM and enjoy your new device!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q1: Can I transfer my eSIM back to my old iPhone?
  • A: Yes, you can generally transfer the eSIM back using the manual transfer method (Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer From Nearby iPhone on the old phone, then approve on the new phone), provided both meet the requirements. The eSIM can typically only be active on one device at a time.
• Q2: Does transferring an eSIM cost money?
  • A: Generally, no. Neither Apple nor most carriers charge a fee for using the built-in iOS transfer methods. However, always confirm with your carrier, as policies can vary, especially for generating new QR codes.
• Q3: What happens to the eSIM on my old iPhone after transfer?
  • A: Once successfully activated on the new iPhone, the eSIM profile is automatically deactivated on the old iPhone. It no longer has cellular service associated with that number.
• Q4: Can I transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone (or vice-versa)?
  • A: Direct OS-to-OS eSIM transfer features like Apple’s Quick Start or Nearby Transfer are typically not cross-platform. To move service between Android and iPhone, you will almost always need to contact your carrier and use the QR code or carrier app activation method on the new device.
• Q5: How many eSIMs can I store on my iPhone?
  • A: You can store multiple (often eight or more) eSIMs on a compatible iPhone. However, you can typically only use one or two active cellular plans simultaneously (depending on the iPhone model – iPhone 13 and later support two active eSIMs). You can switch between your stored eSIMs via Settings > Cellular.
• Q6: Do I need to erase my old iPhone before transferring the eSIM?
  • A: No, you don’t need to erase the old iPhone before the transfer. You need it powered on, unlocked, and nearby to approve the transfer. You should, however, securely erase your old iPhone after you’ve confirmed everything (eSIM, data, apps) is working correctly on your new device before selling, trading, or giving it away.