How to transfer your eSIM to a new phone
If you haven't switched the plan on yet, simply install the original QR code on the new phone and remove the old profile afterwards. If it's already active, use eSIM Quick Transfer between iPhones, or Android's transfer during setup. When neither works, Zwitchy support can re-issue the eSIM to your new device.
Contents
- The short answer
- How a Zwitchy travel eSIM works (quick reminder)
- Option 1: Plan not activated yet? Just install it on the new phone
- Option 2: Apple eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhone to iPhone)
- Option 3: Android and Google transfer during setup
- Option 4: Already active and can't move it? Ask Zwitchy to re-issue it
- Which option is right for you?
- Your home number stays put
- Before you switch: a quick checklist
Got a new phone and wondering what happens to your Zwitchy travel eSIM? An eSIM is a small profile tied to the specific device it was installed on, so it doesn't follow you automatically the way an app or your photos do. The good news: depending on your situation, moving it is usually straightforward.
The short answer
What you can do depends mainly on one thing, whether your travel eSIM plan has already been activated. If you installed it but haven't switched it on at your destination yet, you can often just install it fresh on the new phone. If it's already active, some phones can transfer it directly, and if yours can't, Zwitchy support can re-issue it to your new device.
Never delete the eSIM from your old phone until the plan is confirmed working on the new one, once a profile is deleted, it usually can't be recovered.
How a Zwitchy travel eSIM works (quick reminder)
A couple of facts make the rest of this easier to follow.
- Your Zwitchy eSIM is data-only. It handles internet on local partner networks abroad; your calls, texts and bank OTP codes stay on your home SIM.
- Installing the eSIM does not start the plan. Your data allowance and validity begin only when you switch the eSIM on at your destination.
- Because the plan is data-only, moving it never affects your home phone number, that lives on a separate line.
Option 1: Plan not activated yet? Just install it on the new phone
This is the easiest case. If you bought the plan and installed the QR code but haven't travelled or switched it on yet, the allowance hasn't started, so you can simply set it up on your new phone instead.
- Find your original QR code or activation details in your Zwitchy account or confirmation email.
- On the new phone, add the eSIM using that QR code, follow our step-by-step setup guide.
- Remove the not-yet-activated profile from the old phone only after the new phone shows it correctly.
- Leave it switched off until you arrive, so the plan starts on schedule.
If you already scanned the QR once and it won't scan again, contact Zwitchy support and we'll help you get it onto the new device.
Option 2: Apple eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhone to iPhone)
Newer iPhones can move an eSIM to another iPhone over Bluetooth, without rescanning anything. Both iPhones need to be nearby, updated and signed in. Apple explains the exact steps and which models are supported in Apple's eSIM setup guide.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings and start Add eSIM (Set Up Cellular).
- Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone and follow the prompts on both devices.
- Confirm on the old iPhone, and the profile moves across.
Option 3: Android and Google transfer during setup
Many Android phones, including Google Pixel, can bring an eSIM across when you set up the new phone or from the SIM settings. Support varies by manufacturer and carrier, so check your device's instructions, Google covers Pixel in its eSIM help.
- Start the transfer during the new phone's setup wizard, or open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Follow the on-screen steps to move or re-download the eSIM.
- If the option isn't offered, use Option 1 above or Option 4 below.
Option 4: Already active and can't move it? Ask Zwitchy to re-issue it
If your plan is already running and your phones don't support a direct transfer, don't try to force it. Contact Zwitchy support with your order details and the new device, and we can re-issue the eSIM to your new phone, carrying over your remaining data where possible.
You can reach us any time from the Help or Contact page.
Warning: don't delete an active eSIM from your old phone before it's confirmed on the new one. Deleting the profile can permanently remove the plan, and a travel eSIM usually can't be restored from a backup.
Which option is right for you?
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Plan bought but not activated yet | Reinstall the QR on the new phone (Option 1) |
| Active plan, iPhone to iPhone | eSIM Quick Transfer (Option 2) |
| Active plan, Android or Pixel | Transfer during setup (Option 3) |
| Transfer not supported, plan active | Ask Zwitchy to re-issue (Option 4) |
Your home number stays put
Because your Zwitchy eSIM carries only data, switching phones never moves your phone number, calls or texts, those belong to your home SIM. If you want WhatsApp, iMessage and your number to keep working abroad, see keeping your number on a travel eSIM.
Before you switch: a quick checklist
A minute of prep saves a lot of hassle.
- Check the new phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable, use our compatibility checklist or the device checker.
- Have your Zwitchy account login or confirmation email handy.
- Keep the old phone powered on and nearby until the eSIM is confirmed on the new one.
- After transfer, set Data Roaming ON for the travel eSIM (it only ever uses partner networks, so there's no roaming bill) and keep your home SIM's roaming off.
Will I lose my remaining data when I move the eSIM?
If the plan hasn't started, nothing is used yet. If it's active and transferred directly or re-issued by Zwitchy, your remaining allowance carries over where the transfer supports it. A fresh reinstall of an already-started plan may not, so contact support if you're unsure.
Can I just scan the same QR code again on the new phone?
Sometimes. Many QR codes are single-use, so a second scan may fail. If the plan isn't activated yet this often works; if the code won't scan, contact Zwitchy support to have it re-issued.
Does transferring the eSIM change my phone number?
No. Zwitchy eSIMs are data-only, so your number, calls and texts stay on your home SIM and are never affected.
What if I already deleted the eSIM from my old phone?
Reach out to Zwitchy support with your order details. If the plan is still valid we can usually re-issue it to your new device, though a deleted profile can't always be recovered.
Do I need Wi-Fi to set up the eSIM on my new phone?
Yes, install or transfer the eSIM over Wi-Fi before you travel, just like the first time. Switch it on only once you arrive at your destination.
