Prepare the eSIM transfer before wiping or trading in the old phone. Confirm that the new device and carrier support the transfer method, keep both devices charged and connected, preserve account recovery access, and verify calls, messages, data, and emergency information on the new phone before resetting the old one.
Record the current service
Write down the carrier, phone number, account owner, account number or reference, billing PIN location, device model, and whether the current line uses a physical SIM or eSIM. Record the old and new device identifiers only in a protected account record. Note additional lines, travel eSIMs, watches, tablets, and dual-SIM labels so the correct plan is moved.
Confirm that the new phone is unlocked when required, supports the carrier's bands and eSIM service, and has current system updates. Check the carrier's official instructions because transfer availability depends on the carrier, device combination, country, and account type.
Preserve recovery access
Back up the old phone and confirm that the backup can be selected. Know the Apple or Google account password and the old device screen lock. Move or duplicate any authenticator access and save recovery codes in protected storage. Do not make the phone number the only available factor for the carrier account that controls the transfer.
Keep both phones charged, nearby, and connected to reliable Wi-Fi. Apple's setup guidance states that supported carriers can offer eSIM Quick Transfer and that the old phone number stops working on the previous iPhone after the transfer. Google's Pixel guidance says that eligible transfers can occur during setup or later in settings and may still require carrier activation.
Transfer through the supported path
Follow the new phone's setup flow or the carrier's official app, account page, QR code, or support process. Read the number and plan name before confirming. Do not reuse an old QR code unless the carrier explicitly says it remains valid, and do not share activation codes in chat or email.
Leave the old phone powered on until the transfer reports completion. A failed automatic transfer does not always deactivate the old line; Google notes that the existing device or eSIM may continue to work if transfer fails. Check both devices rather than guessing which one has service.
Verify the new phone
Make an outgoing call and receive a call. Send and receive ordinary text messages, then test mobile data with Wi-Fi turned off. Verify voicemail, hotspot use if included, caller identity, short-code messages, and the correct default line for calls, data, and messaging on dual-SIM devices. Confirm that banking and account-recovery messages arrive without repeatedly requesting codes.
Check that emergency address or Wi-Fi calling settings are current when those services are enabled. Reconnect carrier-linked wearables and confirm that the account portal shows the intended new device. Save the activation confirmation and time.
Retire the old device last
Use the new phone through at least one normal verification cycle before removing data from the old one. Then sign out or remove accounts as instructed, disable any remaining cellular plan only after confirming the active line, and factory-reset the old device through the manufacturer process. If activation or messaging fails, stop resetting devices and contact the carrier from a separate working channel with the recorded account details.
Sources
- Set up cellular service on iPhone — Apple Support
- Transfer a SIM to a new phone — Pixel Phone Help