eSIM guide: switching phones, selling and buying used
The steps Apple, Google and Samsung give (and a carrier's, where the makers have none), each with a link to the page it comes from. Menu names can change with software updates.
Your carrier decides.
Every eSIM transfer method on this page works only if your carrier supports it. If an option doesn't appear, contact your carrier.
Deleting an eSIM does not cancel your plan.
Apple: "If you want to cancel your cellular plan, you still need to contact your carrier to cancel the plan." Samsung says removing a plan does not affect your subscription with the carrier.
What the words mean
- eSIM
- An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM built into your iPhone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. (Apple)
- Physical SIM (nano-SIM)
- A removable card that goes in the SIM tray. Samsung calls the nano-SIM the smallest SIM size, used by most new phones.
- eSIM-only
- The phone has no SIM tray. Apple: "In some countries and regions, you can only activate certain iPhone and iPad models with an eSIM."
- EID
- The eSIM identification number. It identifies the eSIM in your device. Device Diff never asks for it.
- Dual SIM
- Apple: "Dual SIM enables you to have two active phone numbers or SIMs to make and receive calls and text messages."
- DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby)
- Both lines stay ready for calls and texts. Apple notes that the iPhone uses one cellular data network at a time.
- Dual eSIM
- Two eSIMs used as your two lines, with no physical SIM. Apple: iPhone 13 models and later support Dual SIM with two eSIMs.
How many eSIMs a phone holds
Apple
iPhone XS, XR and later
eSIMs stored: Eight or more eSIMs
Active at once: 2 lines
iPhone 13 models and later also support Dual SIM with two eSIMs, in addition to a physical SIM and an eSIM.
Google
Pixel 3a and later (2 eSIMs at once: Pixel 7 and later, if the carrier allows)
eSIMs stored: Not stated by Google
Active at once: 2
Samsung
Models Samsung lists for Dual SIM with eSIM
eSIMs stored: Not stated by Samsung
Active at once: 2 (physical SIM + eSIM on listed models)
Samsung notes some features are not supported on carrier devices.
Phones that take eSIM only
These have no slot for a SIM card. Check that your carrier supports eSIM before you buy one.
Apple
iPhone Air
Everywhere
Apple
iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max
Bought in the US, US Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Guam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar or Oman
Apple
iPhone Duo
Everywhere (Apple's tech specs say it doesn't support a physical SIM; not yet on Apple's SIM type list)
Google
Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL
US models
Samsung
Samsung: "Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported."
Moving your eSIM
iPhone
iPhone to iPhone (eSIM Quick Transfer)
- Open Settings on your new iPhone
- Tap Cellular
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM
- Choose the plan. If you don't see a list, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone
- On your old iPhone, tap Transfer or enter the code shown on the new iPhone
- Wait for activation. When the new eSIM activates, the old SIM stops working
- If you see Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it
You need
- Your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer
- Same Apple Account on both iPhones
- Old iPhone unlocked
- Both nearby with Bluetooth on
- iOS 18.4 or later on both (iOS 26 or later can move more than one number)
You can also follow the prompts during setup.
Pixel
Pixel to Pixel (or Android to Pixel)
- Keep the old phone nearby
- During setup, choose the SIM to transfer, tap Transfer, then Activate
- After setup: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer SIM from another device
You need
- Android 12 or later on both
- Current Google Play services
- Screen lock set
- Carrier support
Galaxy
Galaxy to Galaxy (or Android to Galaxy)
- On your new phone: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Transfer SIM from another phone
- On your old phone, tap Transfer and enter the code shown on the new phone
- On the new phone, select the SIM and tap Transfer, then tap Transfer on the old phone
- Tap Done on the old phone when finished
You need
- Carrier on Samsung's eSIM transfer list
iPhone
Android to iPhone
- On your iPhone: Settings > Set Up Cellular > Transfer from Android (or Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Android)
- Scan the QR code on your iPhone with your Android phone's camera
- If asked, tap Yes to make it your primary eSIM. The SIM on the Android phone is then deactivated
You need
- iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26
- Android 16 or later
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both
- Supported carrier (Apple's list)
iPhone
iPhone to Android
- On your iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android > Transfer eSIM
- Select the number and double-click the side button to confirm
- On Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Transfer a SIM from another phone > iPhone. On Galaxy: SIM manager > Add eSIM > Transfer SIM from iPhone
You need
- iOS 26.3 or later
- Availability varies by carrier
Any phone
If transfer isn't offered
- Use your carrier's app
- Ask your carrier for a QR code (iPhone: scan with the Camera app; Galaxy: SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code)
- Carrier Activation: on iPhone, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed > Continue
You need
- Carrier supports eSIM on your plan
Before you sell or trade in
iPhone/iPad
Before you sell: iPhone or iPad
- Make sure your new phone already works for calls, texts and data
- Unpair your Apple Watch if you have one
- Sign out of your Apple Account
- Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings
- When asked, choose to erase your device and the eSIM profile
- Contact your carrier if you want to cancel the plan
Good to know
- Erasing an eSIM doesn't cancel the plan
- To use it again you need a new eSIM from your carrier
To delete only the eSIM: Settings > Cellular > Delete eSIM (iPad: Cellular Data). Source: Apple 102421.
Pixel
Before you sell: Pixel
- Make sure your number already works on your new phone
- Settings > System > Reset options > Erase eSIMs, then tap the eSIM and Erase
- Remove your Google Account
- Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset)
Good to know
- Removing a plan doesn't cancel service (Verizon)
Google's factory reset page does not mention eSIMs; the Erase eSIMs menu is from Verizon's official guide.
Galaxy
Before you sell: Galaxy
- Settings > Connections > SIM manager, tap the eSIM, tap Remove and confirm
- Log out of your Samsung and Google accounts and remove SIM and memory cards
- Do a factory reset from Settings
Good to know
- Removing a plan does not affect your subscription (Samsung)
Steps from Verizon's official guide; the subscription note is from Samsung.
Apple Watch
Before you sell: Apple Watch
- Apple Watch app > info button next to your watch > Unpair Apple Watch
- For GPS + Cellular models, choose to remove your plan
- Enter your Apple Account password to turn off Activation Lock
Good to know
- You might need to contact your carrier to cancel
Pixel Watch
Before you sell: Pixel Watch
On the watch: Settings > System > Disconnect & reset > Erase eSIM > Confirm
Good to know
- Cancel the watch plan with your carrier
Galaxy Watch
Before you sell: Galaxy Watch
Galaxy Wearable app > Watch settings > Mobile plans, then remove the plan
Good to know
- Contact your carrier to cancel
Buying a used or foreign phone
iPhone
Buying used: check the carrier lock
- iPhone: Settings > General > About. "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock means unlocked. Only the carrier can unlock it
- Pixel and Galaxy: ask the original carrier. Samsung: if you're asked for an unlock code, contact the phone's original carrier
Any phone
Buying used: remove the previous owner's eSIM
- If an old plan is still listed, delete it (iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Delete eSIM; Galaxy: SIM manager > Remove)
- Then set up your own eSIM with your carrier's app, a QR code or Carrier Activation
Good to know
- Deleting it doesn't affect the seller's subscription; the seller should cancel with their carrier
iPhone
Using an eSIM-only phone abroad
- The iPhone must be unlocked
- Contact your carrier to confirm they support eSIM on your plan, and check the iPhone's cellular bands
Good to know
- Apple notes many apps offer data-only eSIM plans; Device Diff does not recommend any provider
If something goes wrong
Transfer failed
Google: try again, and for persistent issues contact your carrier. Your existing phone or eSIM can still work if the transfer isn't successful.
Deleted your eSIM by mistake
You can't restore it yourself. Apple: "If you erase your eSIM, you'll need to contact your carrier to get a new one."
Phone lost or broken
Quick transfer needs the old phone, so ask your carrier to reissue the eSIM to your new phone.
"No SIM" or "Invalid SIM"
Apple: if your device has an eSIM, contact your carrier.
Your numbers stay with you
This page never asks for your EID, IMEI or phone number. Need to find the IMEI? Where Apple, Google and Samsung say it is
Checked against the makers' and carriers' pages on October 23, 2026.