eSIM Quick Transfer is the easiest way to move a cellular plan from one iPhone to another. Keep both iPhones nearby, turn on Bluetooth, sign in to the same Apple Account, and follow the instructions on the new iPhone. The plan activates on the new iPhone and deactivates on the old one.

What You Need Before Transferring Your eSIM

Requirement What to check
Carrier support Your carrier must support eSIM Quick Transfer
iOS version Both iPhones should run iOS 18.4 or later
Apple Account Sign in to the same Apple Account on both iPhones
Bluetooth Turn on Bluetooth on both devices
Distance Keep both iPhones close together
Old iPhone access Know the passcode for the old iPhone
Internet connection Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or a hotspot

Apple lists AT&T, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, C Spire, Red Pocket, Spectrum, T-Mobile, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile and other US carriers as supporting at least one eSIM activation method. Support varies by carrier, so check with your provider if Quick Transfer is unavailable.

Transfer an eSIM During New iPhone Setup

  1. Turn on the new iPhone and begin setup.
  2. When the cellular setup screen appears, choose Transfer your phone number from another iPhone.
  3. Keep the old iPhone unlocked and nearby.
  4. Follow the instructions on both iPhones.
  5. Tap Transfer on the old iPhone when prompted.
  6. Enter the verification code shown on the new iPhone, if requested.
  7. Wait for the cellular plan to activate.
  8. Make a phone call and test mobile data before erasing or trading in the old iPhone.

Once the plan activates on the new iPhone, the previous SIM or eSIM deactivates automatically.

Transfer an eSIM After Setting Up the New iPhone

If you have already finished setup, transfer the eSIM through Settings:

  1. Open Settings on the new iPhone.
  2. Tap Cellular. In some regions, this option is called Mobile Service.
  3. Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
  4. Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone, or select the phone number you want to move.
  5. Confirm the transfer on the old iPhone.
  6. Enter the verification code shown on the new iPhone, if prompted.
  7. Wait for the plan to activate.
  8. If Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan appears, tap it and follow the carrier's instructions.

What to Do if "Transfer From Nearby iPhone" Does Not Appear

If Transfer From Nearby iPhone does not appear, check carrier support, software versions, Bluetooth, Apple Account access and the connection between the two devices.

Try these steps:

  • Update both iPhones to the latest iOS version available.
  • Confirm that both iPhones use the same Apple Account.
  • Unlock the old iPhone with its passcode.
  • Turn Bluetooth off, then turn it on again.
  • Keep the iPhones close together.
  • Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi.
  • Restart both iPhones.
  • Open Settings > Cellular on the new iPhone and check whether the number appears.
  • Turn Airplane Mode on, then turn it off.
  • Check for a carrier settings update under Settings > General > About.

If the eSIM still will not activate, contact your carrier. Have your phone number, carrier account PIN or password, IMEI and EID ready. You can find the IMEI and EID under Settings > General > About.

Transfer the eSIM With a Carrier QR Code or App

If your carrier does not support Quick Transfer, it may offer a QR code, app or activation link instead.

QR Code

  1. Contact your carrier and request a replacement or transfer eSIM QR code.
  2. Open the Camera app on the new iPhone and scan the code.
  3. Tap the Mobile Plan Detected notification.
  4. Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan.
  5. Enter the carrier's confirmation code, if requested.

On iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later, you may also be able to press and hold an eSIM QR code shown in a supported email app or browser. Tap Add eSIM when the option appears.

Some carriers let you transfer or activate an eSIM through their app. Others send an activation link. Install the carrier's official app or open the link on the new iPhone, then approve the Activate New eSIM prompt.

Can You Transfer Multiple eSIM Numbers?

Yes. With iOS 26 or later, Apple supports transferring more than one phone number to a new iPhone when the carrier and device support the feature. Transfer each eligible number during setup or through Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.

The Safest Order to Follow

Keep the old iPhone active until the new iPhone can:

  1. Make and receive a phone call.
  2. Send and receive a text message.
  3. Connect to mobile data with Wi-Fi turned off.
  4. Show the correct phone number under Settings > Cellular.

After these checks succeed, you can erase, sell or trade in the old iPhone.