To transfer a physical SIM to an eSIM, open your phone's cellular or SIM settings, choose the active physical SIM, and select the option to convert or transfer it to eSIM. The exact steps depend on your phone, carrier, and whether you are staying on the same device or moving your number to a new phone.

You need an eSIM-compatible phone, an eSIM-supported mobile plan, and an internet connection, usually Wi-Fi. Carrier support varies by country, plan, device model, and software version.

First, Identify Which Type of Transfer You Need

Situation What to do
Physical SIM to eSIM on the same phone Use Convert to eSIM, if your phone and carrier support it
Physical SIM from an old phone to eSIM on a new phone Use Transfer SIM or Add eSIM on the new phone
Switching carriers Ask the new carrier for eSIM activation through its app, a notification, or a QR code
Moving from Android to iPhone Check whether your carrier supports direct transfer. If not, request eSIM activation from the carrier

How to Convert a Physical SIM to eSIM on iPhone

If your carrier supports SIM conversion, you can convert the physical SIM on the same iPhone without requesting a replacement card.

  1. Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Tap Cellular or Mobile Service.
  4. Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
  5. Select the number connected to the physical SIM.
  6. Tap Convert to eSIM.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  8. Make a call, send a text message, and test mobile data.

The physical SIM stops working after the conversion. Keep it in the phone until the eSIM connects successfully.

If "Convert to eSIM" Is Missing on iPhone

The option may be unavailable because:

  • Your carrier does not support direct SIM conversion.
  • Your iPhone model or region does not support the feature.
  • The iPhone needs a software update.
  • Your carrier requires activation through its app, website, customer service, or a QR code.

Ask the carrier for an eSIM replacement for your existing number. Apple says carriers may activate an eSIM through a notification, eSIM Quick Transfer, or a carrier-provided QR code.

How to Convert a Physical SIM to eSIM on Google Pixel

Google's built-in SIM conversion feature is available on Pixel 7 and later, including Pixel Fold models, when the carrier supports eSIM service.

  1. Connect the Pixel to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Tap Network & internet.
  4. Tap SIMs.
  5. Select the physical SIM.
  6. Scroll down and tap Convert to eSIM.
  7. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  8. Confirm that calls, texts, and mobile data work.

The physical SIM stops working after conversion. Check eSIM compatibility with the carrier before starting.

How to Convert a Physical SIM to eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy phones with eSIM support may offer direct SIM conversion. The exact settings depend on the Galaxy model, carrier, country, and software version.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap SIM manager.
  4. Select the physical SIM.
  5. Tap Convert to eSIM.
  6. Confirm the conversion.
  7. Wait for the eSIM profile to activate.
  8. Restart the phone if prompted.
  9. Test calls, texts, and mobile data.

Some carriers require a QR code or another activation method instead of direct conversion.

How to Transfer a SIM to eSIM on a New Phone

Use the new phone to start the transfer. Keep the old phone nearby and do not erase it until the new eSIM connects.

iPhone to iPhone

On the new iPhone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
  4. Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
  5. Follow the instructions on both iPhones.
  6. Confirm the transfer on the old iPhone.
  7. Make a call, send a text, and test mobile data before erasing the old phone.

Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer feature works with some supported carriers. The number stops working on the old iPhone after the transfer finishes.

Android to Android

On a new Samsung Galaxy phone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap SIM manager.
  4. Tap Add eSIM.
  5. Select Transfer SIM from another phone.
  6. Follow the instructions on both phones.
  7. Enter the verification code shown on the new phone, if requested.
  8. Select the number to transfer.
  9. Confirm the transfer on both devices.

Samsung supports SIM transfers between selected Galaxy and Android phones. Availability depends on the carrier and device.

iPhone to Samsung Galaxy

On the new Galaxy phone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap SIM manager.
  4. Tap Add eSIM.
  5. Select Transfer SIM from iPhone.
  6. Use the iPhone to scan the QR code shown by the Galaxy phone.
  7. Select the number on the iPhone.
  8. Confirm the transfer.
  9. Turn on the new eSIM in SIM manager.

This option works only with supported carriers. Samsung lists AT&T, FirstNet, T-Mobile, and Verizon among the supported United States carriers for certain iPhone-to-Galaxy transfers.

Android to iPhone

Android-to-iPhone transfers depend more heavily on the carrier. If the iPhone does not show a transfer option, contact the carrier and request eSIM activation for the iPhone.

The carrier may provide a QR code, send an activation notification, or complete the transfer through its app.

What to Do If Your Phone Has No "Convert to eSIM" Option

Use the carrier's eSIM activation process:

  1. Check that the phone works with the carrier's network.
  2. Confirm that the phone is not blocked or restricted.
  3. Request an eSIM replacement or SIM-to-eSIM transfer.
  4. Install the carrier's app if required.
  5. Scan the carrier's QR code or accept its activation notification.
  6. Restart the phone.
  7. Test calls, texts, and mobile data.

Do not delete an existing eSIM or remove the physical SIM until the replacement eSIM is active. Deleting the wrong eSIM profile can leave the phone without service and may require a new activation profile from the carrier.

How to Check That the eSIM Transfer Worked

The transfer is complete when:

  • The phone shows the carrier name or a network signal.
  • The new eSIM appears under Cellular, Mobile Service, or SIM manager.
  • You can make and receive calls.
  • You can send and receive text messages.
  • Mobile data works with Wi-Fi turned off.
  • Your phone number appears correctly in the cellular settings.

After these checks succeed, you can remove the old physical SIM or erase the old phone. The physical SIM cannot be reused after the number has been activated on the eSIM.

Quick Paths by Phone Type

Phone or situation Menu path
iPhone, same phone Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → select the number → Convert to eSIM
Google Pixel Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → select the SIM → Convert to eSIM
Samsung Galaxy Settings → Connections → SIM manager → select the SIM → Convert to eSIM
New phone Settings → Cellular or SIM manager → Add eSIM → Transfer SIM
No transfer option Contact the carrier for a QR code or another activation method

The main choice is whether you are converting the SIM on the same phone or moving the number to another phone. Direct conversion is the fastest option when it appears in the settings. If the option is missing, the carrier must activate the eSIM.