Switching to a new Samsung phone is exciting — until you realise your eSIM doesn’t automatically move with you. Unlike a physical SIM card you can pop out and slot in, an eSIM is embedded in your device and tied to your carrier account. Transferring it requires a few specific steps.
This guide walks you through exactly how to transfer your eSIM to a new Samsung phone in 2026, covering every method — carrier app transfer, QR code reactivation, and manual entry — along with carrier-specific steps for Indian users on Jio and Airtel.
Upgrading to a new Samsung Galaxy phone doesn’t mean you have to get a new mobile number. If your carrier supports eSIM, you can transfer your existing eSIM from your old device to your new Samsung phone quickly and securely. Whether you’re switching to the latest Galaxy S, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, or Galaxy A series, the process is easier than ever in 2026.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical SIM card. Many mobile carriers now support eSIM transfers through QR codes, carrier apps, or Samsung’s built-in eSIM transfer feature. The exact steps may vary depending on your carrier and device model, but the overall process is straightforward.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to transfer an eSIM to a new Samsung phone in 2026, including the requirements, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and solutions for common activation issues. We’ll also explain what to do if you no longer have access to your old phone and how to ensure your eSIM is activated successfully on your new Galaxy device.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to move your eSIM to your new Samsung phone safely without losing your mobile number, contacts, or cellular service.
What Happens to Your eSIM When You Get a New Phone
Your eSIM profile — which contains your phone number, carrier plan, and network credentials — is stored on your old device and linked to your carrier account. When you get a new Samsung phone, that profile needs to be moved to the new device’s eSIM chip.
There are three ways this can happen:
- Carrier app transfer — Some carriers let you transfer your eSIM directly through their app, without calling customer support.
- QR code reactivation — Your carrier deactivates the eSIM on your old phone and sends a new QR code to scan on your new Samsung device.
- Manual activation code — Your carrier provides an activation code you enter manually into your new phone’s eSIM settings.
Which method is available depends on your carrier. In India, Jio and Airtel both support eSIM transfers but use slightly different processes.
Before You Start: Checklist
Before beginning the transfer, make sure:
- Your new Samsung phone supports eSIM (see supported models below)
- Your carrier plan supports eSIM (most postpaid plans do; some prepaid plans do not)
- You have your registered mobile number and email address handy
- You have access to your old phone (to deactivate the existing eSIM)
- Wi-Fi is available on your new Samsung phone (needed during eSIM setup)
- Your new Samsung phone is unlocked or locked to the same carrier as your eSIM
Samsung Phones That Support eSIM in 2026
Most mid-range and flagship Samsung devices released from 2020 onwards support eSIM. Here are the current models confirmed for eSIM support:
Galaxy S Series:
- Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables):
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3
Galaxy A Series (select models):
- Samsung Galaxy A55, A54, A35, A34
- Samsung Galaxy A25 (select markets)
Note: eSIM availability on Galaxy A series varies by country and carrier. In India, eSIM support on A series models depends on the specific variant sold — check your device’s Settings > Connections > SIM Manager to confirm.
How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Samsung Phone:-
Method 1: Transfer eSIM Using Samsung’s Built-In Transfer Tool
Samsung’s newer devices running One UI 6.x and above include a built-in eSIM transfer feature that works when setting up a new device.
Step 1: Power on your new Samsung phone and begin the setup process.
Step 2: When you reach the SIM setup screen, select Transfer SIM or Set up eSIM.
Step 3: Choose Transfer from old phone if prompted.
Step 4: On your old Samsung phone, open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > eSIM.
Step 5: Select Transfer eSIM to new device and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 6: Both phones will display a confirmation code. Verify the codes match on both devices.
Step 7: Confirm the transfer. The eSIM profile will deactivate on your old phone and activate on your new one.
Important: This built-in transfer works only between Samsung devices and requires both phones to be connected to the internet. It also requires your carrier to support Samsung’s eSIM transfer protocol — not all Indian carriers do yet. If this method is unavailable, use the carrier-specific method below.
Method 2: Transfer eSIM on Jio (India)
Jio supports eSIM transfers through the MyJio app and through customer care. Here is the process for 2026:
Via MyJio App
Step 1: On your old phone, open the MyJio app and log in with your Jio number.
Step 2: Go to My Account > Manage eSIM.
Step 3: Select Deactivate eSIM on current device.
Step 4: On your new Samsung phone, open the MyJio app (download from the Play Store if not installed).
Step 5: Go to My Account > Get eSIM.
Step 6: Verify your identity with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 7: MyJio will send an eSIM QR code to your registered email address.
Step 8: On your new Samsung phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
Step 9: Select Scan QR code and scan the QR code sent to your email.
Step 10: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete activation. Your Jio eSIM will be active on your new Samsung phone within a few minutes.
Via Jio Customer Care
If the app method does not work:
- Call Jio customer care at 199 from your Jio number
- Request eSIM transfer to a new device
- Provide your new Samsung phone’s EID number (found in Settings > About Phone > SIM Status > EID)
- Customer care will send a QR code to your registered email
- Scan the QR code on your new device as described above
Jio eSIM activation time: Usually instant to 4 hours. If not activated after 4 hours, restart your new Samsung phone.
Method 3: Transfer eSIM on Airtel (India)
Airtel supports eSIM transfers through the Airtel Thanks app and via SMS.
Via Airtel Thanks App
Step 1: On your old phone, open the Airtel Thanks app.
Step 2: Go to My Account > Manage SIM > eSIM Settings.
Step 3: Select Transfer eSIM to new device and confirm deactivation on the old device.
Step 4: On your new Samsung phone, download and open the Airtel Thanks app.
Step 5: Log in with your Airtel number.
Step 6: Go to My Account > Get eSIM.
Step 7: Complete KYC verification — you may need to take a selfie and enter your Aadhaar number for re-verification.
Step 8: Airtel will send a QR code to your registered email.
Step 9: On your new Samsung phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add mobile plan > Scan QR code.
Step 10: Scan the Airtel QR code. Your eSIM will activate within minutes.
Via SMS
Step 1: From your Airtel number, send an SMS: SIMCHG <your new Samsung EID> to 121
Step 2: You will receive a confirmation SMS with instructions.
Step 3: Follow the SMS instructions to complete the transfer. Airtel will send a QR code to your registered email within 2–4 hours.
Airtel eSIM activation time: Usually within 2–4 hours. Network connectivity on the new device begins after activation completes.
Method 4: Manual eSIM Activation (Carrier-Provided Code)
Some carriers provide a manual activation code instead of a QR code. Here is how to enter it on a Samsung phone:
Step 1: Go to Settings on your new Samsung phone.
Step 2: Tap Connections.
Step 3: Tap SIM Manager.
Step 4: Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
Step 5: Select Enter activation code manually instead of scanning a QR code.
Step 6: Enter the activation code provided by your carrier exactly as given (it is case-sensitive).
Step 7: Tap Connect and follow the prompts.
Step 8: Once confirmed, your eSIM will activate. This may take a few minutes.
How to Find Your New Samsung Phone’s EID Number
Your carrier may ask for your new phone’s EID (Embedded Identity Document) number during the transfer process. Here is how to find it:
Method 1 — Settings: Go to Settings > About Phone > Status Information > EID
Method 2 — Dial pad: Open the phone dialer and type *#06#. Your IMEI and EID numbers will appear on screen.
Method 3 — Device box: The EID is printed on the retail box of your Samsung phone alongside the IMEI number.
Setting Up Dual SIM with eSIM on Samsung
One of the main advantages of eSIM on Samsung phones is the ability to run two numbers simultaneously — useful if you want to keep a physical SIM for one carrier and use eSIM for another.
Step 1: After activating your eSIM, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
Step 2: Both your physical SIM and eSIM should appear here.
Step 3: Set your preferred SIM for:
- Calls — Choose which number to use for outgoing calls, or set it to ask each time
- Messages — Choose default SMS SIM
- Mobile data — Choose which SIM handles data (you can only use one at a time for data)
Step 4: You can label each SIM (e.g., “Jio Data” and “Airtel Calls”) for easy identification.
Tip for Indian users: A common setup is using Jio eSIM for data (better 5G coverage in most Indian cities) and Airtel physical SIM for calls (stronger call quality and coverage in some regions), or vice versa depending on your location.
Troubleshooting Common eSIM Transfer Issues
eSIM QR code not working:
- Make sure you are scanning the QR code in good lighting
- Try increasing screen brightness on the device displaying the QR code
- Download a fresh QR code from your carrier if the original has expired (most QR codes expire within 24–48 hours)
eSIM activated but no network signal:
- Restart your Samsung phone after eSIM activation
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and select your carrier manually
- Check if airplane mode was accidentally left on
“eSIM not supported” error on new Samsung phone:
- Verify your Samsung model supports eSIM (check the list above)
- Confirm your Samsung phone is not carrier-locked to a different network
- Some Samsung phones sold in certain markets have eSIM disabled — check with Samsung support
Transfer failed or stuck:
- Do not use your old phone during the transfer — it can interrupt the process
- Ensure both devices have stable internet connections during transfer
- If using the Samsung built-in transfer, keep both phones within proximity (within 1 metre)
Old phone still showing active eSIM after transfer:
- Contact your carrier to manually deactivate the eSIM on the old device
- An eSIM can only be active on one device at a time — if the old device shows as active, the new device will not work
FAQs
Q: Can I transfer my eSIM to a new Samsung phone without contacting my carrier?
Samsung’s built-in eSIM transfer (One UI 6+) allows device-to-device transfer without calling the carrier, but this works only if your carrier supports the protocol. For Jio and Airtel in India, the carrier app method is currently the most reliable.
Q: Will I lose my phone number during the eSIM transfer?
No. Your phone number stays the same. The eSIM transfer moves your carrier profile — including your number and plan — to the new device.
Q: Can I transfer an eSIM from a non-Samsung phone to a Samsung phone?
Yes. The QR code method works regardless of what phone you are transferring from. Contact your carrier to deactivate the eSIM on your old device and issue a new QR code for your Samsung phone.
Q: How long does eSIM transfer take on Samsung?
The Samsung device-to-device transfer takes 5–10 minutes. Jio QR code activation is usually instant to 4 hours. Airtel QR code activation typically takes 2–4 hours.
Q: Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time on a Samsung phone?
Yes. Samsung’s Galaxy S and Z series support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), meaning you can have one eSIM and one physical SIM active simultaneously.
Q: What happens to my eSIM if I factory reset my Samsung phone?
Factory resetting your Samsung phone deletes the eSIM profile from the device. You will need to contact your carrier for a new QR code or activation code to reinstall it.
Q: Is there a charge for transferring eSIM to a new Samsung phone?
Jio and Airtel do not charge for eSIM transfers in India. However, if you have lost access to your registered email or number, re-verification fees may apply in some cases. Check with your carrier.
Conclsion
Transferring an eSIM to a new Samsung phone is straightforward once you know which method your carrier supports. For most Indian users on Jio or Airtel, the carrier app method — MyJio or Airtel Thanks — is the quickest and most reliable route.
The key steps to remember: deactivate on the old device first, find your new phone’s EID number, request a new QR code from your carrier, and scan it through Samsung’s SIM Manager. The whole process typically takes under 30 minutes from start to finish.
If you run into trouble, your carrier’s customer care line is the fastest resolution — both Jio (199) and Airtel (121) have dedicated eSIM support teams.