Upgrading to a new iPhone in 2026 raises an immediate practical question for eSIM users: how do you move your Jio, Airtel, or Vi eSIM from your old iPhone to the new one? Unlike physical SIM cards that simply slide out and into the new device, eSIM transfer requires a specific process — either Apple’s Quick Transfer feature (wireless, no carrier contact needed) or carrier-mediated re-issuance (requires contacting Jio/Airtel/Vi for a new QR code).
Understanding which method works for your specific combination of iPhone models and Indian carrier determines how smoothly your iPhone upgrade goes. This guide covers every iPhone eSIM transfer scenario in 2026 — from the fastest Quick Transfer process to manual carrier re-issuance when Quick Transfer is unavailable.
- Check out Actical – Apple iPhone eSIM Settings 2026
iPhone eSIM Transfer — Two Methods Overview
Method 1: Quick Transfer (Wireless, No Carrier Contact)
What it is: Apple’s built-in feature that transfers eSIM wirelessly between iPhones — no need to contact the carrier, no new QR code required.
Requirements:
- Both iPhones on iOS 16 or later
- Bluetooth enabled on both devices
- Wi-Fi enabled on both devices
- Carrier must support Quick Transfer
Indian carrier Quick Transfer support:
- Jio: ✅ Supported
- Airtel: ⚠️ Partial support
- Vi: ⚠️ Limited support
Speed: 5–10 minutes total
Method 2: Carrier Re-Issuance (Manual)
What it is: Contact the carrier to issue a new eSIM QR code for a new iPhone — activate from scratch.
Requirements:
- New iPhone EID number
- Access to carrier app or store
- OTP verification on registered number
Works for: All Indian carriers, all iPhone models
Speed: 15–30 minutes (app) or store visit
Method 1: Quick Transfer — Step-by-Step
Prerequisites Check
Step 1 — Verify both iPhones meet requirements:
On old iPhone:
- Settings → General → Software Update → confirm iOS 16+
- Settings → Bluetooth → confirm On
- Settings → Wi-Fi → confirm connected
On new iPhone:
- Same iOS 16+ requirement
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
Step 2 — Note old iPhone’s eSIM:
Settings → Cellular → note which carrier eSIM you want to transfer
Step 3 — Ensure old iPhone is charged:
Keep the old iPhone above 20% battery during transfer
Quick Transfer Process
On new iPhone (the device receiving eSIM):
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular
- Tap Add eSIM
- Tap Transfer from Nearby iPhone
iOS 18 screen shows:
“Move a cellular plan from your other iPhone. Place your other iPhone near this iPhone.”
- Place the old iPhone close to the new iPhone (within 30cm — as close as possible)
On old iPhone:
- Notification appears: “Transfer Cellular Plan to [new iPhone name]?”
- Tap Transfer
- Face ID or passcode authentication required on old iPhone
- Confirm transfer
Carrier verification (may occur):
- Some carriers send an SMS to the registered number for verification
- Enter OTP if prompted (arrives on old iPhone — check before transferring)
Transfer completes:
- Progress indicator on new iPhone
- “Cellular Plan Added” confirmation
- eSIM active on new iPhone
- Old iPhone’s eSIM automatically deactivated
Total time: 5–10 minutes
Quick Transfer — What Happens to Old iPhone
After successful Quick Transfer:
- Old iPhone’s eSIM is deactivated automatically
- “No SIM” shown for transferred eSIM on old iPhone
- eSIM profile may remain stored but inactive
- Old iPhone cannot make calls on transferred number
Before selling old iPhone:
Settings → Cellular → [transferred eSIM profile] → Delete eSIM → confirm deletion
Quick Transfer — Supported Combinations
Not all iPhone combinations support Quick Transfer equally:
| Old iPhone | New iPhone | Quick Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12+ | iPhone 13+ | ✅ Best support |
| iPhone 11 | iPhone 12+ | ⚠️ Limited |
| iPhone XS/XR | iPhone 12+ | ⚠️ Limited |
| Any | iPhone 16 series | ✅ Full support |
Best Quick Transfer: iPhone 12 or newer to iPhone 13 or newer — most reliable combination.
Method 2: Carrier Re-Issuance
When Quick Transfer is unavailable or fails, carrier re-issuance is the reliable alternative.
Step 1 — Get New iPhone EID
On the new iPhone, dial *#06#
Two EID numbers appear (on dual eSIM iPhones) — note both:
- EID 1 (primary eSIM slot)
- EID 2 (secondary eSIM slot)
Screenshot this information before proceeding.
Jio eSIM Transfer — Re-Issuance Process
Via MyJio App (Fastest — 15 minutes):
- Open MyJio on any device (old or new iPhone, or Android)
- Sign in with your Jio account
- Tap My Account → Get eSIM
- Select Transfer eSIM to New Device
- Enter new iPhone EID (from *#06# on new iPhone)
- Verify OTP sent to Jio number
- Confirm transfer request
- New QR code generated → scan in Settings on new iPhone
- Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → scan
- Jio eSIM active on new iPhone
Via SMS:
- On new iPhone: dial *#06# → note EID (last 15 digits)
- From any phone: Send “SIMCHG [15-digit EID]” to 199
- Reply 1 to confirm
- QR code received via SMS/email
- Scan in Settings on the new iPhone
Via Jio Store:
Bring both iPhones + Aadhaar → store transfers in 10–15 minutes.
Airtel eSIM Transfer — Re-Issuance Process
Via Airtel Thanks App:
- Open Airtel Thanks on any device
- Go to Account → My Plan → Manage SIM
- Select Switch to eSIM or Transfer eSIM
- Enter new iPhone details when prompted
- Verify OTP
- The app generates a new QR code OR pushes the profile directly
- If QR: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan
- If push: iOS notification → tap → confirm in Settings
- Airtel eSIM active on new iPhone
Via Airtel Customer Care:
Call 121 → request eSIM transfer → provide new iPhone EID → QR code sent.
Via Airtel Store:
Physical visit with Aadhaar and both iPhones → in-store transfer.
Vi eSIM Transfer — Re-Issuance Process
Via Vi App:
- Open Vi app
- Navigate to My Account → SIM Services
- Select Transfer eSIM
- Enter new iPhone EID
- Verify OTP
- QR code generated → scan in Settings on the new iPhone
- Vi eSIM transfers
Vi Store (Most Reliable for Vi):
Vi’s app-based eSIM transfer can be inconsistent — store visit recommended for Vi eSIM transfers to avoid issues.
Transferring Multiple eSIMs (Dual eSIM Transfer)
iPhones with dual eSIM capability (iPhone 12 and newer) — both eSIMs may need to be transferred when upgrading.
Scenario: Moving Jio + Airtel eSIMs from Old to New iPhone
Option 1 — Quick Transfer both (if supported):
Transfer Jio eSIM first:
- Settings on new iPhone → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer from Nearby iPhone
- Follow the Quick Transfer process for Jio
- Jio eSIM transferred to EID slot 1
Transfer Airtel eSIM second:
4. Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer from Nearby iPhone again
5. Old iPhone shows Airtel eSIM available for transfer
6. Follow the process → Airtel transferred to EID slot 2
Option 2 — Mixed method:
Quick Transfer Jio (if supported) → Airtel re-issuance via app → both active on new iPhone.
Option 3 — Both via re-issuance:
Jio → MyJio app → new QR → scan
Airtel → Airtel Thanks app → new QR → scan
Both activated on new iPhone independently.
Physical SIM + eSIM — Transfer Considerations
Indian iPhone users typically have:
- 1 physical SIM (Jio or Airtel)
- 1 or 2 eSIMs
Physical SIM: Simply move the nano-SIM card from the old iPhone SIM tray to the new iPhone SIM tray — no transfer process needed.
eSIM: Use Quick Transfer or carrier re-issuance as above.
Typical Indian iPhone upgrade scenario:
Old iPhone setup:
- Physical SIM: Jio (primary)
- eSIM 1: Airtel (work)
New iPhone setup:
- Move Jio physical SIM to new iPhone SIM tray ✅
- Transfer Airtel eSIM via Quick Transfer or Airtel Thanks app ✅
- Configure line preferences on new iPhone ✅
eSIM Transfer During iPhone Setup (Migration)
Apple’s iPhone migration process (Quick Start) includes an eSIM transfer option:
Quick Start Setup
When setting up a new iPhone for the first time:
- Turn on the new iPhone near the old iPhone
- Quick Start appears on the old iPhone: “Set Up New iPhone”
- Tap Continue → the camera opens on the old iPhone
- Scan animation on new iPhone screen
- Enter old iPhone passcode on new iPhone
- Transfer Your Data: Select “Transfer from iPhone”
- eSIM Transfer option appears:
“Would you like to transfer your cellular plan?” - Tap Transfer → eSIM transfers during setup process
Advantage: eSIM transfer integrated into complete iPhone setup — no separate process needed.
Carrier verification: May still require OTP verification during transfer.
Before You Transfer — Important Checklist
Data Backup (Unrelated to eSIM but Critical)
Before transferring eSIM or setting up new iPhone:
- iCloud backup: Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
- Verify backup completed before starting transfer
Note Your Numbers
From old iPhone Settings → Cellular:
- Note all carrier names and phone numbers on active eSIMs
- Screenshot for reference during transfer
Prepare Carrier Credentials
Have ready (in case needed during re-issuance):
- Carrier account login (MyJio/Airtel Thanks/Vi app)
- Registered phone number for OTP
- Aadhaar number (if store visit needed)
Check New iPhone Unlock Status
Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock:
“No SIM restrictions” → unlocked → any carrier eSIM transfers
“[Carrier] locked” → carrier-locked → only same carrier eSIM works
After eSIM Transfer — Setup Steps
Configure Lines on New iPhone
After eSIM transfer is complete:
1. Label lines:
Settings → Cellular → tap each line → edit label:
- “Jio Personal,” “Airtel Work,” “Travel eSIM”
2. Set default call line:
Settings → Cellular → Default Line → select primary number
3. Set cellular data line:
Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select data SIM
4. Enable Wi-Fi Calling:
Settings → Cellular → [line] → Wi-Fi Calling → On
(For Jio and Airtel — improves call quality)
5. Configure data switching:
Settings → Cellular → Allow Cellular Data Switching → On
(Automatically uses the other SIM when the primary data SIM has no signal)
6. Verify network:
Both lines should show signal bars in Settings → Cellular
Make a test call from each line to confirm
eSIM Transfer Troubleshooting
“Transfer from Nearby iPhone” Not Appearing
Causes:
- iOS version below 16 on either iPhone
- Bluetooth disabled on either device
- Carrier does not support Quick Transfer
Fix:
- Update both iPhones to iOS 16+
- Enable Bluetooth on both
- If carrier unsupported — use re-issuance method
Quick Transfer Fails Midway
Fix sequence:
- Ensure both iPhones remain close throughout transfer
- Keep both screens on during transfer
- Disable Low Power Mode on both iPhones
- Retry: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer from Nearby iPhone
If it fails repeatedly:
→ Use carrier app re-issuance instead
“This Transfer Cannot Be Completed” Error
Causes:
- Carrier does not support Quick Transfer for this eSIM profile
- iPhone models incompatible with Quick Transfer
- Network connectivity issue
Fix:
Contact carrier directly for re-issuance — request a new QR code for the new iPhone EID.
Jio eSIM Not Transferring via MyJio App.
Common issue: MyJio app shows an error during transfer request.
Fix sequence:
- Force close MyJio → reopen
- Check MyJio app version → update if available
- Try a different network (Wi-Fi vs mobile data)
- Try SMS method: SIMCHG [EID] to 199
- Visit a Jio store as a final option
Old iPhone Still Showing eSIM as Active After Transfer
Expected behavior: Old iPhone’s eSIM deactivates automatically after Quick Transfer.
If still showing active:
- Old iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [transferred eSIM] → Turn Off This Line
- If persistent: Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Delete eSIM
- Contact carrier to confirm deactivation on their end
New iPhone eSIM Shows “No Service” After Transfer
Fix:
- Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Turn Off This Line → 10 seconds → Turn On
- Airplane Mode on → 30 seconds → off
- Settings → Cellular → [line] → Network Selection → Automatic
- Restart new iPhone
- If still no service: Contact carrier with transfer reference number
International eSIM Transfer Scenarios
Transferring Travel eSIM (Airalo/Nomad) to New iPhone
Process:
- Note remaining data on travel eSIM (Airalo app → My eSIMs)
- Check if eSIM provider supports device transfer
- Most travel eSIM providers: contact support for transfer
- Airalo: Support → Device Transfer request with old and new EID
- If transfer not supported: purchase new travel eSIM for new iPhone
Note: Travel eSIM providers vary significantly on transfer policies — check before upgrading iPhone if active travel eSIM has significant remaining balance.
US iPhone to Indian iPhone eSIM Transfer
Scenario: Upgrading from US eSIM-only iPhone to Indian iPhone
Old: US iPhone 15 (eSIM only) with Jio eSIM
New: Indian iPhone 16 (physical SIM + dual eSIM)
Process:
- Jio eSIM transfer via Quick Transfer (if supported) OR
- MyJio app → Get eSIM → enter new iPhone 16 EID → new QR code
- Activate on new iPhone 16 eSIM slot
- New iPhone 16 SIM tray available for an additional physical SIM
Selling Your Old iPhone After eSIM Transfer
After transferring eSIM to new iPhone — prepare old iPhone for sale:
Delete All eSIM Profiles
Settings → Cellular → [each eSIM profile] → Delete eSIM
Delete every stored eSIM profile — prevents potential misuse.
Factory Reset
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
This removes all data AND eSIM profiles.
Confirm before erasing:
- eSIM transferred to new iPhone ✅
- Backup completed ✅
- All eSIM profiles deleted ✅
iPhone eSIM Transfer — Comparison with Android
| Feature | iPhone eSIM Transfer | Android eSIM Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Transfer (wireless) | ✅ iOS 16+ | ❌ No equivalent |
| Setup integration | ✅ Quick Start | ⚠️ Limited |
| Carrier re-issuance | ✅ Standard | ✅ Standard |
| Indian carrier support | ✅ All 3 carriers | ✅ All 3 carriers |
| Ease of transfer | ✅ Easiest | ⚠️ Manual only |
iPhone advantage: Quick Transfer is genuinely superior to any Android eSIM transfer method — wireless, carrier-contact-free, integrated into device setup process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer an eSIM from an old iPhone to a new iPhone?
Fastest method: Settings on new iPhone → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer from Nearby iPhone → place old iPhone close → approve transfer on old iPhone. Requires iOS 16+ on both devices and carrier support. Alternative: MyJio or Airtel Thanks app → request new eSIM for new device EID → scan QR code.
Does Jio support Quick Transfer for eSIM on iPhone?
Yes — Jio supports Quick Transfer for eSIM between iPhones running iOS 16 or later. Place the old iPhone near the new iPhone → Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer from Nearby iPhone → follow prompts → Jio eSIM transfers wirelessly without contacting Jio.
Can I transfer eSIM without contacting carrier?
Yes — Apple’s Quick Transfer (iOS 16+) transfers eSIM wirelessly without contacting Jio, Airtel, or Vi directly. Both iPhones need iOS 16+, Bluetooth enabled, and the carrier must support Quick Transfer. If Quick Transfer fails or the carrier is unsupported — carrier app re-issuance is required.
What happens to old iPhone eSIM after transfer?
The old iPhone’s eSIM deactivates automatically after a successful transfer — no calls or data on that number from the old iPhone. eSIM profile may remain stored but inactive. Before selling the old iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Delete eSIM for all stored profiles → Factory Reset.
Can I transfer both Jio and Airtel eSIM to new iPhone?
Yes — transfer each eSIM separately. Quick Transfer Jio first (new iPhone EID slot 1) → Quick Transfer Airtel second (EID slot 2). Or use the MyJio app for Jio transfer and the Airtel Thanks app for Airtel transfer independently. Both eSIMs are active on the new iPhone.
How long does iPhone eSIM transfer take?
Quick Transfer: 5–10 minutes total. Carrier app re-issuance: 15–20 minutes. Jio SMS method (SIMCHG to 199): 30–60 minutes for QR code delivery. Store visit: 20–30 minutes including wait time. Network registration after activation: an additional 1–5 minutes.
Conclusion
iPhone eSIM transfer in 2026 is the smoothest device upgrade experience available — Apple’s Quick Transfer feature makes moving Jio and Airtel eSIMs between iPhones faster than any Android alternative.
Fastest transfer method: Quick Transfer (Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer from Nearby iPhone) — 5–10 minutes, no carrier contact, works for Jio and partially for Airtel.
Most reliable for all carriers: Carrier app re-issuance — MyJio, Airtel Thanks, or Vi app generates a new QR code for the new iPhone EID — 15–20 minutes, works for every carrier and every iPhone combination.
For dual eSIM users: Transfer each eSIM separately — Quick Transfer or app method for each carrier → both active on the new iPhone within 30 minutes.
Before upgrading your iPhone — note all eSIM carrier names and numbers, ensure carrier apps are updated, have Aadhaar ready in case a store visit is needed, and complete an iCloud backup. With these preparations, iPhone eSIM transfer is straightforward regardless of which method you use.
