Quick answer: Whether you can transfer an eSIM to a new phone depends on both devices, their operating systems, the carrier or eSIM provider, and the specific plan. Some iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and Google Pixel phones support built-in eSIM transfer, but a travel eSIM may not participate in that process. Check your Caylet order for statuses such as transfer supported, same-device reinstall only, or support required. Do not delete the eSIM or erase the old phone until the plan is active and tested on the new device.

Photos, contacts, and apps can usually be copied during a phone upgrade, but an eSIM is not a normal file.

An eSIM profile may be restricted by:

• Device hardware and software.
• The carrier or travel eSIM provider.
• Plan validity.
• EID binding.
• Installation or transfer limits.
• Whether the old phone remains available.
• Cross-platform transfer support.
• Country, region, and carrier availability.

A Transfer SIM button on the new phone therefore does not guarantee that every travel eSIM can move.

Understand the four possible processes

1. Built-in eSIM transfer

The new phone requests the line directly from the old phone, such as:

• Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
• Transfer SIM from Galaxy/Android phone.
• Transfer SIM from another device on Pixel.

The carrier or provider must still support the transfer.

2. Re-download the same eSIM on the new phone

Instead of copying the profile, the provider authorizes another download. This may require:

• The original QR code.
• A replacement QR code.
• Manual installation details.
• A support-assisted reissue.
• Release of the old EID binding.

3. Reinstall on the same device

This means downloading the profile again on the original phone after deletion. It is not the same as moving it to another device.

A product may support same-device reinstall but block cross-device transfer.

4. Buy a new eSIM

Consider a new purchase only when the original plan cannot be transferred or reissued and you still need service.

Do not make repurchasing the first upgrade step.

Phone support does not guarantee plan support

A new iPhone may show Transfer From Nearby iPhone, but a particular travel eSIM may not appear in the list. The same limitation applies to Galaxy and Pixel transfer tools.

Check your Caylet order before upgrading

Look for a status such as:

• Transfer supported
• Same-device reinstall only
• Cross-device transfer supported
• Old-device removal required
• Support required
• Not transferable
• Replacement QR available
• Activation expired

Also confirm:

• Whether the plan remains active.
• Remaining data.
• Whether validity has started.
• Whether add-ons or top-ups are attached.
• Installation or transfer limits.
• Whether the profile is bound to the old EID.
• Whether support must release that binding.
• Whether the old profile will be disabled after transfer.

If the order does not provide a clear answer, contact support before deleting anything.

The safest phone-upgrade order

1. Keep the old phone and make sure you can unlock it.
2. Do not delete the eSIM from the old phone.
3. Do not factory-reset the old phone.
4. Charge the new phone and connect it to stable Wi-Fi.
5. Update both phones.
6. Confirm that the new phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
7. Check the Caylet order’s transfer policy.
8. Start the official transfer or reinstall process on the new phone.
9. Wait for activation to finish.
10. Turn off Wi-Fi and test mobile data on the new phone.
11. Confirm data balance, validity, and settings.
12. Erase or sell the old phone only after successful testing.

When a transfer succeeds, the old line may be deactivated. Keep the old phone until the new one is fully working.

Transfer from iPhone to a new iPhone

Apple supports eSIM Quick Transfer when compatible devices and carriers participate.

Transfer during new-iPhone setup

The setup process may show phone numbers or cellular plans that can be moved. Follow the prompts on both devices and keep them:

• Nearby.
• Unlocked.
• Connected to Wi-Fi.
• Using Bluetooth.
• On supported software versions.

Transfer after setup

On the new iPhone, go to:

Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular

or:

Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM

Then choose:

Transfer From Nearby iPhone

Confirm the transfer on the old iPhone. If requested, enter the verification code displayed on the new iPhone.

When the plan activates on the new iPhone, the corresponding line on the previous device is normally deactivated.

Apple may label Cellular as Mobile Data in some regions.

What if the travel eSIM is missing from the transfer list?

Possible reasons include:

• The provider does not support Quick Transfer.
• A replacement profile is required.
• The plan is restricted to the original device.
• The profile has expired.
• Support action is required.
• Device or software requirements are not met.

Do not delete the profile from the old iPhone just because it is absent from the list.

Transfer between iPhone and Android

Some compatible devices and carriers support direct transfer between iPhone and Android, but this does not include every travel eSIM.

A compatible new phone may display a QR code or pairing flow. Current Apple software may provide paths such as:

Settings → Cellular → Transfer eSIM

or:

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Transfer to Android

When moving from Android to iPhone, a compatible iPhone may offer:

Set Up Cellular → Transfer from Android

or:

Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer from Android

The exact flow depends on:

• iOS version.
• Android manufacturer and version.
• Carrier.
• Country or region.
• The eSIM product.

If the Caylet order does not explicitly support cross-platform transfer, use a provider reissue or support process instead.

Transfer to a new Samsung Galaxy

Samsung offers eSIM Instant Transfer on some Galaxy devices.

On the new Galaxy phone, go to:

Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM

You may see:

Transfer SIM from Galaxy/Android phone

A typical flow is:

1. Start the transfer on the new phone.
2. Accept the transfer request on the old phone.
3. Enter the verification code shown on the new phone.
4. Select the line.
5. Confirm again on the old phone.
6. Wait for activation on the new Galaxy device.

Some newer Galaxy devices may also offer Transfer SIM from iPhone, with the new Galaxy device generating a QR code that the old iPhone scans.

Availability varies by Galaxy model, One UI version, region, carrier, and eSIM product.

Transfer an eSIM to Google Pixel

On the new Pixel, go to:

Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Transfer SIM from another device

Follow the prompts on both devices.

Google may also offer SIM or eSIM transfer during initial Android setup when the carrier participates. If the process repeatedly fails, contact the carrier or provider.

Transfer between Android phones

Cross-brand Android transfer remains inconsistent.

Possible outcomes include:

• A transfer prompt during initial setup.
• Transfer SIM from another device in Settings.
• A manufacturer-specific transfer flow.
• A requirement to download a replacement QR code.
• A provider-assisted reassignment.
• No cross-device support.

Do not assume Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, and other Android brands use the same process.

What if the old phone is broken, lost, or already erased?

A nearby-device transfer normally cannot work without the old phone.

Try this:

1. Sign in to your Caylet account.
2. Check whether the order supports replacement or cross-device transfer.
3. Contact support.
4. Provide the order number and full new-phone model.
5. Explain that the old phone is unavailable.
6. Share an EID or IMEI only through a secure support channel when required.
7. Wait for confirmation that the old binding can be released or the profile can be reissued.

Do not use unofficial eSIM-unlocking or remote-unbinding tools.

Can you scan the original QR code on the new phone?

Not necessarily.

The original QR code may:

• Be single-use.
• Be limited to the original EID.
• Already be marked as downloaded.
• Remain valid.
• Require support reauthorization.
• Be outside its installation deadline.

If the new phone shows:

This code is no longer valid
Plan already in use
Unable to activate eSIM

stop scanning repeatedly and contact support.

Does plan validity restart after transfer?

Do not assume that it does.

If the plan is already active:

• The validity period may keep running.
• Used data normally does not return.
• Daily high-speed allowance rules do not restart.
• An add-on may remain attached to the original ICCID or profile.
• The original expiration time may remain unchanged.

The Caylet order page should display provider-side status instead of calculating validity from the new installation time.

What must be configured after transfer?

Verify:

• The eSIM line is on.
• It is selected for mobile data.
• Data roaming.
• APN.
• Automatic data switching.
• Supported partner networks.
• Hotspot settings.
• Roaming settings on the primary SIM.
• Data balance and validity.

A visible line label does not prove that the full setup is complete.

What if transfer fails?

Troubleshoot in this order:

1. Confirm that the new phone supports eSIM.
2. Confirm that it is carrier-unlocked.
3. Update both devices.
4. Keep both phones nearby and unlocked.
5. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
6. Check the order’s transfer policy.
7. Confirm that the profile still exists on the old phone.
8. Do not repeatedly delete or scan.
9. Save the exact error message.
10. Ask Caylet support to verify provider-side status.

If the eSIM appears on the new phone but has no internet, read:

eSIM Installed but Not Working? A Complete Troubleshooting Guide

If it remains on Activating or shows an activation error, read:

eSIM Stuck on Activating or Unable to Activate?

When can you remove the eSIM from the old phone?

Wait until all of the following are true:

• The eSIM appears on the new phone.
• Activation succeeds.
• The phone registers on a supported network.
• Mobile data works with Wi-Fi off.
• Data balance and validity are correct.
• Calls or SMS work when included.
• You no longer need to fall back to the old phone.

What not to try first

• Do not delete the eSIM from the old phone first.
• Do not factory-reset the old phone first.
• Do not repeatedly scan the original QR code.
• Do not attempt to release EID binding yourself.
• Do not assume transfer resets validity.
• Do not buy unofficial eSIM-transfer tools.
• Do not publish QR codes, EIDs, IMEIs, ICCIDs, or activation codes.
• Do not place a duplicate order before checking the original plan.

Phone-upgrade checklist

Before transfer

• The new phone supports eSIM.
• The new phone is carrier-unlocked.
• Both devices are updated.
• The old phone remains accessible and unlocked.
• The original eSIM remains on the old phone.
• I checked the order’s transfer policy.
• The plan is still valid.
• I saved the order and installation details.
• I checked add-on or top-up dependencies.
• I have not erased the old phone.

After transfer

• The eSIM appears on the new phone.
• The line is active.
• It is selected for mobile data.
• Data roaming is configured correctly.
• The APN is correct.
• The phone registered on a supported network.
• Mobile data works with Wi-Fi off.
• Data balance and validity are correct.
• I will erase the old phone only after testing.

Frequently asked questions

Can every eSIM be transferred to a new phone?

No. The devices, operating systems, carrier or provider, and the specific plan must all support transfer.

Can iPhone’s Transfer From Nearby iPhone move a travel eSIM?

Only when the travel eSIM provider supports the feature. Do not delete the old profile if it does not appear.

Can Android phones transfer eSIMs directly?

Some Pixel, Galaxy, and other compatible Android devices can, but support varies by brand, model, software, and provider.

Can an iPhone eSIM be transferred to Android?

Some compatible devices and carriers support cross-platform transfer, but not every travel eSIM does.

What if the old phone is broken?

Support may need to release the old device binding or issue a replacement profile. This is not guaranteed.

Can I scan the original QR code on the new phone?

Not always. Many QR codes are single-use or tied to the original device.

Does validity restart after transfer?

Usually not. Provider-side validity and usage normally continue.

Can the old and new phones use the same eSIM at the same time?

Normally, the same profile cannot remain active on both devices. Activation on the new phone may deactivate the old line.

Should I delete the eSIM from the old phone first?

Usually no. Wait until the new phone is active and tested unless the product or support instructions specifically require removal first.

Do I need to buy another plan if transfer fails?

Ask support whether the profile can be reissued or reinstalled before paying for a duplicate plan.

Official references

• Apple: Set up eSIM and use eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone
• Apple: Transfer your eSIM from Android to iPhone
• Apple: Transfer an eSIM from iPhone or iPad to Android
• Samsung: Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers
• Google Pixel: Transfer a SIM to a new phone
• Google Pixel: Set up a new eSIM
• Google Android: Switch to a new Android device

Whether a particular travel eSIM can transfer, requires reissue, has installation limits, uses EID binding, or preserves validity should be confirmed through the Caylet order and support.

Summary

The safest phone-upgrade process is:

1. Do not delete the eSIM from the old phone.
2. Check the Caylet order’s transfer policy.
3. Confirm that the new phone is compatible and unlocked.
4. Update both devices.
5. Use the official system transfer flow when available.
6. If it is unsupported, check for reinstall or provider reissue.
7. Reconfigure mobile data, roaming, and APN on the new phone.
8. Test with Wi-Fi off.
9. Confirm data balance and validity.
10. Erase the old phone only after everything works.

A Transfer SIM button is only a tool. The specific eSIM product and provider rules still determine whether the transfer can succeed.