Can You Transfer Your Travel eSIM to a New Android Phone?

• In almost all cases, Android’s built-in eSIM transfer will not move a travel eSIM.

• Android transfer tools move supported carrier lines. Your carrier, phone and software all have to support the feature.

• WonderConnect is a separate, data-only travel eSIM. It does not provide a number for calls or SMS.

• Some WonderConnect plans can be reinstalled on another device; others are single-device only. Check the plan’s eSIM details first.

• For a plan that supports device switching, remove it from the old phone and scan the QR code on the new one.

An eSIM is a digital SIM stored inside your phone. It replaces the removable plastic card.

The word “eSIM” can describe two different things on your phone:

• Your carrier eSIM: The line from your home mobile operator. It normally includes your regular phone number, calls, texts and data.

• Your travel eSIM: A separate plan bought for mobile data abroad. WonderConnect eSIMs are data-only. They do not include a local phone number, calls or SMS.

Android’s built-in transfer does not copy every eSIM from your old phone. It is designed to move your regular mobile plan—the one from your home operator that normally includes your phone number, calls and texts. The transfer works only if that operator supports it.

A travel eSIM is different. WonderConnect and other travel eSIM providers supply a separate data plan for use abroad. This plan is not connected to your home operator, so Android’s transfer tool normally cannot move it.

If your WonderConnect plan supports device switching, remove the eSIM from the old phone and install it on the new one using the QR code from your confirmation email.

Current Android phones may offer carrier-SIM transfer during setup or later in Settings. Google’s Pixel instructions say automatic transfer requires both devices to have:

• Android 12 or later.

• The current version of Google Play services.

• A screen lock set up.

Update both phones and check the live instructions for your model. Your carrier may still require separate activation.

The Usual Steps on a Pixel

1. Keep the old phone nearby and start setting up the new Pixel.

2. When asked, choose the carrier SIM you want to move.

3. Tap Transfer, then Activate.

4. Follow the prompts on both phones.

You can also try it after setup:

1. Open Settings on the new Pixel.

2. Tap Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM.

3. Tap Transfer SIM from another device.

4. Follow the instructions on screen.

If transfer is not offered, contact the carrier.

Smart Switch mainly copies content such as apps, photos, contacts, messages and settings. On newer Galaxy phones, the setup process may also offer to move an eligible carrier eSIM. However, this depends on the mobile carrier.

Samsung states:

“Availability of eSIM transfer may vary by carrier.” — Samsung Smart Switch

To check whether carrier-eSIM transfer is available:

1. Open Settings on the new Galaxy phone.

2. Tap Connections.

3. Tap SIM manager.

4. Tap Add eSIM.

5. Select Transfer SIM from another phone.

6. Follow the instructions on both phones.

If this option does not appear, the phone or carrier may not support it. Follow the carrier’s activation instructions instead. Samsung also maintains a list of participating carriers.

These steps apply to eligible carrier eSIMs. A WonderConnect travel eSIM normally will not appear as a transferable line. If your WonderConnect plan supports device switching, remove it from the old phone and install it on the new Galaxy using the QR code from your confirmation email.

Direct iPhone-to-Android carrier-eSIM transfer is new. It works only with supported devices and carriers.

Apple’s cross-platform eSIM page says its system-level transfer requires an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26, a compatible Android phone with Android 16 or later, a participating carrier, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Phone makers may set additional requirements for their own migration flow.

For a current Pixel, you may see this route:

1. Open Settings on the new Pixel.

2. Tap Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM.

3. Tap Transfer a SIM from another phone > iPhone.

4. Follow the prompts on both phones.

If the option does not appear, contact the carrier.

Android 17 introduces a newer way to set up an Android phone from an iPhone. On supported phones, this setup can copy more information than the older process, including passwords, saved Wi-Fi networks and an eligible eSIM.

Google currently lists the following supported devices:

• Pixel 8 and later.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

If your phone supports the upgraded process, it will show a QR code while you set it up. Scan the code with your iPhone and follow the instructions on both screens. The option to move an eSIM will appear only if the phone and mobile carrier support it. See Google’s current Android transfer guide.

Samsung gives more specific software requirements for its upgraded iPhone-to-Galaxy process: Android 17 or later on the Galaxy and iOS 26.6 or later on the iPhone. Samsung says this process is not available in mainland China. See Samsung’s Smart Switch requirements.

This is separate from Apple’s direct carrier-eSIM transfer feature, which works with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26 and a compatible Android phone running Android 16 or later. It also requires a supported carrier. See Apple’s current requirements.

All these features are designed to move an eligible eSIM from your regular mobile carrier. They do not normally move a WonderConnect travel eSIM. If your WonderConnect plan supports device switching, remove it from the iPhone and install it on the new Android phone using your QR code.

No. If your plan supports device switching, you must remove the travel eSIM from the old phone and reinstall it on the new one using the QR code.

1. Check whether the plan allows a device change. Open the plan’s eSIM details in the WonderConnect app or your account on the website. Confirm whether it is limited to one device or can be reinstalled.
   
   

2. Remove the eSIM from the old phone. A transferable WonderConnect eSIM cannot remain installed on two devices at once. If you leave it on the old phone, installation on the new one will fail.
   
   

3. Connect the new Android phone to stable Wi-Fi and install the eSIM. Scan the QR code from your purchase confirmation email. If you prefer, use the fast-install option in the WonderConnect app or enter the activation codes manually.
   
   

4. Set WonderConnect as the data line. Open the phone’s SIM or mobile-network settings. Turn on the WonderConnect eSIM and choose it for mobile data. At your destination, enable Data Roaming for that line. You can keep your home SIM active for calls and texts if needed.
   
   

5. Check that it works. At your destination, turn off Wi-Fi and open a webpage using mobile data.
   
   

For a WonderConnect plan that supports device switching, you can reuse the QR code after removing the eSIM from the old phone. Other providers may issue single-use QR codes or require different steps.