How to Transfer an eSIM Between iPhones in iOS 16: Complete Guide
Before going through the quick steps, let’s first briefly discuss eSIM (for those uninitiated) and also find out the basic requirements for transferring eSIM between iPhones.
What is an eSIM and How It Works?
For those unfamiliar, an eSIM is a digital SIM that enables you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without needing to use a physical nano-SIM. While eSIM has been around for quite some time, Apple first introduced it on iPhone XS and XS Max in 2018. What makes an eSIM so handy is the ability to let you switch mobile networks with ease. Without having to order a new SIM and inserting it into your iPhone, you can get started with a different network with just a phone call or by going to the mobile carrier’s website. On top of all, you also do not have to use a “SIM ejector” tool to remove the old SIM from your phone; which is a big plus from the convenience perspective.
What are the Requirements for Transferring eSIM Between iPhones?
To transfer a phone number from one iPhone to another, there are five essential requirements that you need to fulfill upfront:
Your iPhone must be protected with a passcode. If you are yet to enable passcode, head over to the Settings app -> Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode -> Turn on Passcode.Ensure that your iPhone is near. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked.Be sure you have Bluetooth enabled on your device. Head into the Settings app -> Bluetooth and ensure that it is enabled. Alternately, bring up the Control Center on your iPhone and hit the Bluetooth icon to turn it on. As already outlined above, make sure your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later.”
Quick Way to Transfer eSIM in iOS 16
- To get going, open the Settings app on your new iPhone.
- Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Right above the Cellular Data section, tap the Set Up eSIM or Add eSIM option.
- If asked, make sure to tap the Transfer From Another iPhone button. Now, you should see a message saying, “To transfer a phone number from another iPhone, make sure your other iPhone is passcode protected, nearby, unlocked, has Bluetooth turned on, and is running iOS 16 or later.” Double check these requirements and follow the prompts to complete the whole process.
How to Transfer eSIM Between iPhones in iOS 15 or Earlier
If you are using iOS 15 or earlier version, follow the steps below to transfer the eSIM.
- On your new iPhone, launch the Settings app and tap on Cellular.
- Now, tap on Add Cellular Plan
- Note that if your eSIM plan is listed, select the “Add Cellular Plan” option at the bottom of the screen Just in case your eSIM is not listed, make sure to verify whether or not you signed in with the same Apple ID. Besides, I would also suggest you check your previous iPhone for a message asking if you would like to transfer your eSIM phone number to your new phone.
- Next, tap on the Transfer option to approve.
- Next up, make sure to put your old iPhone next to your new iPhone to continue.
- Up next, when your new iPhone shows a notification to Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan, tap it to continue.
- Now, you will be directed to your carrier’s webpage to complete the transfer of your eSIM. Once the transfer process completes, be sure to place a call on your new iPhone to figure out if it’s working. If it has started to work, you can remove your cellular plan from the previous iPhone.
Signing Off…
There you have it! So, that’s the quick way to transfer eSIM in the latest iteration of iOS. Just like the iPhone haptic feedback, the ability to lock notes with Face ID, and the option to automatically bypass CAPTCHAs, it had also been a little under the hood. By the way, what do you have to say about this new add-on? Make sure to share your feedback with us.
