Transfer eSIM From iPhone to Android (and Back)

Updated October 2026. Requirements and carrier lists checked against Apple Support, Google's Pixel Help and the Android blog on 22 October 2026.

Short answer: you can now move an eSIM between iPhone and Android without a trip to the store, but only if your carrier and both phones support it. iPhone to Android needs iOS 26.3 or later on the iPhone and a compatible Android 17 phone (Pixel and Galaxy first); you start it from Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android. Android to iPhone needs an iPhone 11 or newer on iOS 26 and an Android 16+ phone; you start it from Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android. If your carrier isn't on the supported list, the fallback is the old way: ask your carrier for a new eSIM.

The supported carrier list is the part that decides everything, so check that first.

Jump to:

• Supported carriers and phones
• Before you start
• iPhone to Android
• Android to iPhone
• If your carrier isn't supported
• FAQ

Which carriers and phones support it

Apple and Google publish separate lists, and they're not identical. Here's what each says right now.

On the Android side, Google's announcement listed the Galaxy S26 series, Pixel 10, Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a, OPPO Find X9 and Find N6, and the vivo X300 Ultra as supported first, with more Galaxy, OPPO, OnePlus and HONOR models "coming soon".

If your carrier is missing, that's not a phone problem and no setting will fix it. Plenty of big networks aren't on these lists yet. Skip to the fallback section.

Before you start

• Update both phones to the latest software.
• Connect both to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth. Apple lists both as requirements. Don't rely on the phone's own mobile data; that's the line you're moving.
• Keep the old phone charged and nearby. You need both screens during the transfer.
• Know your carrier account login. If anything goes wrong, you'll need it to get a replacement eSIM.
• Pick a quiet moment. Your number can be unreachable for a few minutes during the switch, so don't start this right before you need a bank OTP or an important call.

iPhone to Android, step by step

You can do it while setting up the Android phone (it moves your photos, messages and contacts as well), or later from the iPhone's Settings app. These are the Settings steps from Apple's support page.

Step 1: Start the transfer on the Android phone

For an eSIM-only move on a phone that's already set up, go to the Android phone's settings and start adding an eSIM. On a Pixel, Google's path is Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer a SIM from another phone > iPhone. The Android phone will show a QR code.

Step 2: Open Transfer eSIM on the iPhone

On the iPhone, open Settings > Cellular, and under Transfer to Android, tap Transfer eSIM. (For a full data move, it's Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android instead.) Put the phones next to each other and tap Continue.

Step 3: Scan, pick the number, confirm

Use the iPhone's camera to scan the QR code on the Android phone. Choose the number you want to move, and when asked, double-click the iPhone's side button to confirm. If the camera won't scan, tap Other Options and type in the session ID and pairing code shown on the Android phone.

Once it finishes, Apple is clear that the number stops working on the iPhone. Make a test call from the Android phone before you reset or sell the iPhone.

Android to iPhone, step by step

From Apple's Android-to-iPhone page. You can also do this during the new iPhone's setup.

Step 4: Open Transfer from Android on the iPhone

On the iPhone, go to Settings > Set Up Cellular > Transfer from Android. If the iPhone already has another SIM, it's Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android. The iPhone shows a QR code.

Step 5: Scan it with the Android phone and transfer

Scan the iPhone's QR code with the Android phone's camera. On the Android phone, choose the number and tap Transfer. If the iPhone asks, tap Yes to make it your primary line. When it says it's done, tap Done and OK.

No camera luck? On the Android phone, go to Settings > Google services > All services > Pair with iPhone or iPad > Transfer eSIM, and enter the session ID and pairing code from the iPhone.

Step 6: Make a test call

Apple's last step is simply to make a call on the iPhone. If it doesn't connect, contact your carrier. The eSIM on the Android phone is switched off once the move completes, so don't wipe that phone until you've confirmed calls and data work.

If your carrier isn't supported

This is the situation most people around the world are in right now, and it's fine. It's just slower.

• Use your carrier's app first. Many carriers let you request a new eSIM or "change device" from their app or website, and send a QR code or activate it directly on the new phone.
• Otherwise, a store visit or support call. Ask for an eSIM swap to a new device. Expect an identity check. That's a good thing, because SIM-swap fraud is real.
• Converting from a physical SIM? Same process: ask the carrier for an eSIM for the new phone.
• Travel eSIMs from data-only providers usually aren't covered by these tools. Check with the provider; some let you reinstall on a new phone, many don't.

While you're switching phones, it's a good time to set up ad blocking on the new one. If you run a home DNS blocker, my AdGuard Home setup guide covers pointing your phones at it.

If calls drop indoors after the move, check that Wi-Fi Calling is switched on for the new phone; my Wi-Fi Calling fixes cover both Android and iPhone.

If you've done this transfer on a carrier that isn't on either list, let me know in the comments. These lists change often, and I'll update them.

FAQ

Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android without calling my carrier?

Yes, if your carrier is on Apple's or Google's supported list and both phones meet the software requirements. The iPhone needs iOS 26.3 or later and the Android phone a compatible Android 17 build. Otherwise, your carrier has to issue a new eSIM.

Does my eSIM keep working on the old phone after the transfer?

No. Once the transfer completes, the line is deactivated on the old phone. Make a test call on the new phone before resetting the old one.

Why doesn't Transfer eSIM show up on my iPhone?

Usually because the iPhone isn't on iOS 26.3 or later, or your carrier doesn't support cross-platform transfer. Update first, then check the carrier list.

Which Android phones support eSIM transfer from iPhone?

Google listed the Galaxy S26, Pixel 10, Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a, OPPO Find X9 and Find N6, and vivo X300 Ultra first, with more models coming. Check with your phone maker for your exact model.

Will my WhatsApp and messages move too?

The eSIM only moves your phone number. Apple's full Transfer to Android flow can also move photos, contacts, calendars, call history and messages. Third-party app data moves only where the app developer supports it.