How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone: The Complete 2025 Guide

  • eSIM

5 min read

How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone: The Complete 2025 Guide

eSIM Transfer: What You Need to Know in 2025

    If you’re upgrading your phone, switching devices, or just exploring new mobile tech, you might be asking yourself: how do I transfer an eSIM to a new phone? Or even, can you transfer an eSIM at all?

    The short answer: yes, you can — but the process varies depending on your device, your carrier, and whether you’re using the same number or starting fresh.

    In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about eSIM transfer — including:

    • How to transfer an eSIM to a new phone (iPhone & Android)
    • Whether you can convert a physical SIM to an eSIM
    • When it's better to just install a new eSIM instead
    • What RedDogFish users need to know

What Is an eSIM Transfer?

    What is an eSIM Transfer

    What is an eSIM Transfer

    An eSIM transfer refers to the process of moving an existing eSIM profile (which includes your mobile data plan and number) from one device to another. This could mean:

    • Transferring your existing eSIM plan to a new iPhone or Android phone
    • Converting a physical SIM card to an eSIM on the same or new device
    • Re-downloading an eSIM QR code from your provider (like RedDogFish)

    Many users want to know how to transfer eSIM to new phone because they’re upgrading their device and don’t want to lose their current plan or settings.

Can You Transfer an eSIM?

    Yes, you can transfer eSIMs — but the process depends on your carrier and your device. Some carriers support automatic eSIM transfer via Bluetooth or iCloud (for Apple), while others require you to scan a new QR code or contact support.

    🔑 With RedDogFish, we recommend installing a new eSIM if you’re switching phones. It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t require any data migration.

How to Transfer eSIM on iPhone

    How to Transfer eSIM on iPhone

    How to Transfer eSIM on iPhone

    If you’re wondering how to transfer eSIM to new iPhone, Apple has made it relatively easy — especially with iOS 16 and later.

    Option 1: Transfer eSIM During Setup

    When setting up your new iPhone:

    1. Turn on the new iPhone and go through the setup steps.
    2. When asked, choose Transfer SIM from another iPhone.
    3. Keep your old iPhone nearby with Bluetooth turned on.
    4. Follow the prompts to complete the eSIM transfer wirelessly.

    This works if:

    • You still have the old phone
    • Both phones are signed into the same Apple ID
    • Your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer (RedDogFish does not, since our eSIMs are data-only and prepaid)

    Option 2: Reinstall eSIM with QR Code

    If you're using a prepaid data-only eSIM (like RedDogFish), your best option is to:

    1. Log into your RedDogFish account.
    2. Find your previous purchase or plan.
    3. Click Resend QR Code or Reinstall eSIM (if available).
    4. Scan the QR on your new phone via Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.

    This is the fastest way to get back online — no need for iCloud or SIM transfer steps.

How to Transfer eSIM on Android

    How to Transfer eSIM on Android

    How to Transfer eSIM on Android

    If you’re switching Android phones and need to transfer eSIM, the process will vary depending on the brand.

    Samsung Galaxy (One UI 5 and later)

    Samsung has added a Transfer eSIM function for Galaxy phones:

    1. On your old phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
    2. Select the eSIM and choose Transfer to another device.
    3. Use the Samsung Smart Switch app or QR pairing to send it to your new phone.

    ⚠️ This feature may not work with all carriers. RedDogFish eSIMs must be reinstalled using a QR code.

    Google Pixel

    Pixel users can’t directly transfer eSIMs. You’ll need to:

    • Delete the old eSIM from your Pixel
    • Scan a new QR code on the new device

    If your eSIM is from RedDogFish, we’ll help you reactivate your data plan on the new phone quickly.

How to Transfer SIM Card to eSIM

    How to Transfer SIM Card to eSIM

    How to Transfer SIM Card to eSIM

    Many people also ask how to transfer a SIM card to eSIM — meaning they want to convert a physical SIM to a digital one.

    Here’s how:

    iPhone (iOS 16+)

    1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Convert to eSIM
    2. Follow the on-screen steps
    3. Restart your device

    Not all carriers support this feature. RedDogFish does not convert physical SIMs to eSIM — we only offer prepaid mobile internet via eSIM.

    Android

    On some Samsung and Google phones, the conversion process may be supported. Look for:

    • Settings > Network > SIM Manager > Convert to eSIM

    Again, this depends on your current carrier.

What to Do If eSIM Transfer Fails

    If your eSIM transfer doesn’t work, don’t panic. Most likely, you’ll need to:

    • Delete the eSIM profile from the old phone
    • Reinstall it using a new QR code or confirmation email
    • Contact your provider for help reactivating your plan

    With RedDogFish, we keep it simple:

    • One-click re-installation
    • Support via email and help center
    • No contracts, no number ports — just instant mobile internet

RedDogFish eSIM Transfers: What You Should Know

    At RedDogFish, our eSIMs are prepaid data-only plans. This means:

    • No phone number is tied to your eSIM
    • You don’t need to transfer your number
    • If you switch phones, just scan your original QR code again

    If your phone is lost, broken, or replaced — just reach out to us. We’ll help you reactivate your plan on your new phone in no time.

Need a New eSIM Instead?

    Sometimes, transferring isn’t the best option — especially if:

    • Your old eSIM is expired
    • You need a plan for a new destination
    • You want a fresh start on a new phone

    In that case, just get a new RedDogFish eSIM. Choose your destination, buy a plan, and install in minutes.

Get Your RedDogFish eSIM Today

    Get Your RedDogFish eSIM Today

    Get Your RedDogFish eSIM Today

    Whether you’re looking to transfer an eSIM to a new phone or need a new data plan for travel, RedDogFish makes it easy. We specialize in fast, flexible, prepaid mobile internet eSIMs — no contracts, no roaming fees, no stress.

    Ready to stay connected? Get your eSIM now and enjoy fast mobile internet anywhere you go.