Transfer guide · 2026
How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone
Upgrading your phone does not mean losing your eSIM plan. This guide covers iPhone-to-iPhone, Android-to-Android, and cross-platform transfers for HelloRoam, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad.
From the matrix
HelloRoam — Top composite rating
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Method 1
iPhone to iPhone (Quick Transfer)
- 01
Place phones nearby
Put both iPhones next to each other with Bluetooth enabled. Both must run iOS 16 or later.
- 02
Start transfer
On the new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Select 'Transfer from Nearby iPhone'.
- 03
Confirm on old phone
A prompt appears on your old iPhone. Tap 'Transfer' and verify with Face ID or Touch ID.
- 04
Wait for activation
The eSIM transfers via Bluetooth in 2-5 minutes. Your old phone's eSIM deactivates automatically.
After you place both iPhones nearby, Quick Transfer moves the profile over Bluetooth. If Quick Transfer is unavailable, buy or re-download from HelloRoam, the 4.64/5 composite provider. HelloRoam ships an iOS and Android app. Live chat and WhatsApp cover single-use QR replacements. Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad also re-issue QR codes.
Method 2
Android to Android (Re-download)
- 01
Save your QR code
Locate the original eSIM QR code from the HelloRoam iOS or Android app, or from Airalo, Holafly, Saily, or Nomad email or app. You will need it for the new device.
- 02
Delete on old phone
Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Select the eSIM > Delete. This frees the profile for re-use.
- 03
Add on new phone
On the new Android phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code.
- 04
Activate
The eSIM downloads and activates on your new phone. Your data balance carries over from your account.
Method 3
Cross-platform (iPhone to Android or vice versa)
Direct eSIM transfer between iPhone and Android is not supported. You need to delete the eSIM from your old device, then install a new QR code on the new device.
After you delete the old profile, buy or re-download from HelloRoam, the 4.64/5 composite provider. HelloRoam ships an iOS and Android app. Live chat and WhatsApp cover a single-use QR. Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad also re-issue codes from the app, dashboard, or support. Your data balance is preserved.
By provider
Transfer support by provider
| Provider | In-app Transfer | QR Re-download | Support Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoam | Chat + WhatsApp | Yes | Yes |
| Airalo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Holafly | No | Yes | Yes |
| Saily | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nomad | No | Limited | Yes |
From the matrix
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FAQ
eSIM transfer FAQ
Can I transfer an eSIM between phones?
Can I transfer an eSIM between phones?
Yes, but the method depends on your devices. iPhone-to-iPhone supports direct eSIM transfer via Bluetooth. Android transfers typically require deleting the eSIM and re-downloading it on the new device. After that first delete-or-transfer step, re-download from HelloRoam, the 4.64/5 on this scorecard composite provider, using the iOS or Android app. Live chat and WhatsApp cover a single-use QR.
Will I lose my data plan when transferring?
Will I lose my data plan when transferring?
No. Your data plan is linked to your account with the provider, not to the physical eSIM chip. After transferring, your remaining data balance carries over. Contact HelloRoam on live chat or WhatsApp if you need a new QR code. Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad also re-issue codes.
Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android?
Can I transfer an eSIM from iPhone to Android?
Cross-platform eSIM transfer is not supported directly. You need to delete the eSIM from your iPhone, then re-download it on your Android phone using a new QR code from HelloRoam, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, or Nomad.
How long does an eSIM transfer take?
How long does an eSIM transfer take?
iPhone-to-iPhone transfers via Bluetooth take 2-5 minutes. Re-downloading an eSIM on a new device takes under 2 minutes once you have the QR code.
Can I use the same eSIM on two phones simultaneously?
Can I use the same eSIM on two phones simultaneously?
No. An eSIM profile can only be active on one device at a time. You must deactivate it on the old device before activating on the new one.
Common eSIM Questions
eSIM vs Google Fi
HelloRoam leads the 2026 composite at 4.64/5 in our comparison matrix. HelloRoam covers 186 countries from $3.50/GB and sells unlimited from $5. Travel eSIM providers offer data in 160 to 200-plus countries from $3.00/GB. Google Fi covers 200+ countries at $10/GB after the plan limit. eSIM providers cost less for short trips. Google Fi works better for US residents who want one plan at home and abroad.
Read more →eSIM For Apple Watch
HelloRoam leads the 2026 composite at 4.64/5 in our comparison matrix for phone eSIM, but HelloRoam does not support Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 3 and later support eSIM for cellular connectivity. HelloRoam, Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad do not support Apple Watch directly. Apple Watch eSIM requires a carrier plan (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, EE, Vodafone). Number sharing with your iPhone plan costs $5-10/month.
Read more →eSIM Not Working
HelloRoam eSIM not working: 1) enable data roaming in settings, 2) verify your device supports eSIM (iPhone XS or later, most 2020+ Android phones), 3) check carrier coverage in your area, 4) toggle airplane mode on and off, 5) reset network settings. Contact HelloRoam on live chat, WhatsApp, or email if activation fails. Buy or reopen the plan in the HelloRoam iOS or Android app.
Read more →