How to Transfer eSIM to a New iPhone in 2026 the Easy Way

Switching to a new iPhone no longer means losing your mobile connection or spending hours on carrier setup. Thanks to Apple’s improved eSIM technology, transferring your mobile plan between iPhones is now quicker, smarter, and fully digital.

If you’re upgrading to an iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 in 2026, this guide will show you exactly how to move your eSIM using Apple’s built-in transfer features and manual methods. You’ll also discover how to pick the best eSIM plan for your travels so you can stay online anywhere in the world.

Holiday eSIM is recognized as one of the most reliable eSIM providers for travelers, making it the ideal choice for iPhone users who value strong coverage and easy activation.

What Is an eSIM and Why It Matters for iPhone Users

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your iPhone. It replaces the need for a physical SIM tray and lets you activate a mobile plan instantly by scanning a QR code or using Apple’s Quick Transfer tool.

With eSIM, you can:

• Add or change mobile carriers without visiting a store
  
  
• Use multiple plans on one device (for work and travel)
  
  
• Avoid roaming fees by using regional eSIM plans like those from Holiday eSIM
  
  
• Enjoy faster activation since everything is handled digitally
  
  

Before You Begin: Check Compatibility and iOS Version

All iPhones from iPhone XR, XS, and newer support eSIM. However, some models support multiple eSIMs or dual active lines.

Compatible iPhones (as of 2026)

• iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
  
  
• iPhone 11 series
  
  
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen)
  
  
• iPhone 12 series
  
  
• iPhone 13 series
  
  
• iPhone 14 series (eSIM-only in the US)
  
  
• iPhone 15 series
  
  
• iPhone 16 series
  
  

Make sure both your old and new iPhones are running iOS 18 or later for the smoothest transfer.

Step 1 – Use Quick Transfer to Move eSIM Automatically

Apple’s Quick Transfer feature lets you move your eSIM from your old iPhone to your new one without contacting your carrier.

Follow these steps:

1. Place both iPhones close to each other and turn them on.
   
   
2. On your new iPhone, go to Settings › Cellular › Add Cellular Plan.
   
   
3. Tap Transfer From Another iPhone.
   
   
4. On your old iPhone, confirm the transfer request.
   
   
5. Wait for a message prompting you to enter a verification code displayed on the new iPhone.
   
   
6. Once verified, your eSIM activates automatically on the new device.
   

After a successful transfer, the eSIM on your old iPhone becomes inactive.

If you’re traveling soon, this is the perfect time to add a travel eSIM for international data. For example, you can activate the Unlimited Europe Data eSIM 1 – 30 Days to enjoy unlimited high-speed data in 50+ European destinations. It’s data-only, supports hotspot use, and activates instantly by QR code.

Step 2 – Transfer During Initial Setup on a New iPhone

If your iPhone is brand new, the transfer process appears automatically during setup.

Here’s how to move your eSIM as you set up the phone:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the onscreen setup prompts.
   
   
2. When asked to set up Cellular, choose Transfer From Another iPhone.
   
   
3. A pop-up appears on your old iPhone asking to Transfer SIM.
   
   
4. Enter the verification code shown on your new iPhone.
   
   
5. Wait a few minutes while the eSIM plan activates.
   
   

Your number and data plan are now ready to use.

If you travel frequently or work across countries, consider adding a regional eSIM plan to your iPhone. For example, the Orange Holiday 100 GB Voice & Data Europe eSIM 30 Days gives you 100 GB of 5G data, 120 international minutes, and 1,000 SMS. It’s an ideal option for those needing both data and calls across the UK and Europe.

Step 3 – Add eSIM Manually Using Carrier Details

Sometimes automatic transfer may fail because of network restrictions or carrier limitations. You can still activate your eSIM manually.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Open Settings › Cellular › Add Cellular Plan.
   
   
2. Choose Enter Details Manually.
   
   
3. Enter the information from your carrier:
   
   
• SM-DP+ address
  
  
• Activation code
  
  
• Confirmation code
  
  
4. Tap Add Cellular Plan to confirm.
   
   
5. Your iPhone 15 or 16 will verify the details and activate the new plan.
   

If you’re adding a global travel eSIM instead of a local carrier, consider the Worldwide Holiday Data Only eSIM (20 GB Zone 1). It connects you in over 100 countries with 20 GB of high-speed data for 30 days — perfect for business trips or vacations that cross continents.

Step 4 – Remove or Erase an eSIM Plan

You may need to erase an eSIM if you’re selling or trading in your old iPhone, or after a successful transfer.

To remove only the eSIM:

1. Go to Settings › Cellular.
   
   
2. Tap the plan you want to delete.
   
   
3. Select Remove Cellular Plan.
   

To erase your entire device including eSIMs:

1. Open Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone.
   
   
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
   

Deleting your eSIM this way protects your data and stops the old profile from being reused.

Tips to Avoid Activation Issues

• Keep both iPhones updated to the latest iOS version.
  
  
• Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network before starting the transfer.
  
  
• If activation fails, restart both devices and try again.
  
  
• Make sure the old iPhone’s cellular plan is active before transfer.
  
  
• Avoid using VPNs during activation.
  

Best Travel eSIM Options for iPhone Users in 2026

For travelers upgrading to iPhone 15 or 16, choosing the right eSIM makes a huge difference in data quality and convenience.

• Orange Holiday 20 GB Europe eSIM 30 Days – Includes 20 GB of 5G data, French phone number, 30 minutes outside Europe (unlimited within), and 200 SMS outside Europe (unlimited within). Great for moderate users.
  
  
• Unlimited Europe Data eSIM 1 – 30 Days – Best for heavy data users and digital nomads who need unlimited internet across Europe.
  
  
• Worldwide Holiday Data Only eSIM (20 GB Zone 1) – Ideal for long-haul travelers or global connectivity without voice needs.
  

These can all be installed instantly on iPhone XR and later models by scanning the QR code you receive via email.

UKTD Europe eSIM Coverage List

The UKTD Europe eSIM connects you in nearly every European country, island, and territory without roaming fees.

Destinations include:
Andorra, Azores, Aland Islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Belgium, Cyprus, Crete, Corfu, The Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France Mainland, Gibraltar, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, Vatican City.

That wide coverage makes the UKTD Europe eSIM a strong option for travelers moving between countries, cities, and islands with no interruptions.

Full List of eSIM-Compatible Devices (2026)

Most newer phones, tablets, and laptops now support eSIM.

Apple (iPhone)

iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11 series, SE 2 (2020), SE 3 (2022), 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max

Samsung (Galaxy Series)

Galaxy Note 20 / Ultra / 5G variants, S20 to S22 Ultra 5G, Z Flip series, Z Fold 2 5G, Galaxy Fold

Google (Pixel)

Pixel 2 (Google Fi only), 2 XL, 3 / 3 XL (except AU/TW/JP), 3a / 3a XL, 4 / 4 XL, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro

Huawei

P40, P40 Pro, P50 Pro, Mate 40 Pro

Sony Xperia

Xperia 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 1 IV, 5 IV

Motorola

Razr 2019, Razr 2020, Razr 5G

Other Devices

Nuu Mobile X5, Gemini PDA, Rakuten Mini, Rakuten Big-S, Rakuten Big, Surface Pro X, Honor Magic 4 Pro, Fairphone 4

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical card. It’s built into the device and can store multiple plans.

2. Can I transfer my eSIM from an old iPhone to a new one?
Yes. You can use Apple’s Quick Transfer feature or add your eSIM manually using carrier details.

3. Is Quick Transfer safe?
Yes. It uses Apple’s secure encryption to move your eSIM data directly between devices without exposing your information online.

4. Can I use a travel eSIM alongside my main number?
Absolutely. You can keep your primary line active and add a second eSIM for data or regional use. For example, use a Holiday Europe plan for data while your local SIM handles calls.

5. What if the transfer fails?
Make sure both iPhones run iOS 18 or later and are connected to Wi-Fi. You can always delete and re-add the eSIM manually if needed.

6. Do eSIM plans work internationally?
Yes. Holiday eSIM offers global plans like the Worldwide Data Only eSIM (20 GB Zone 1) that work in 100+ destinations.

7. Can I transfer multiple eSIMs to my new iPhone?
Yes, iPhone 15 and 16 models support multiple active eSIMs, allowing you to switch between carriers or regions with ease.