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iOS 26 Adds Support for Transferring an eSIM to and From Android

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With iOS 26, Apple is adding support for transferring an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device, and vice versa. The new functionality will make it easier for smartphone users to move their numbers between platforms, alleviating the need to contact a carrier for help with a transition between iPhone and Android.

ios 26 android transfer esim
Some ‌iOS 26‌ users have noticed a "Transfer to Android" option in their cellular settings, though it is not an option for all plans at the current time. On Reddit, an iPhone user with US Mobile's Dark Star eSIM found a cellular option to transfer an eSIM to an Android device.

When adding an eSIM in ‌iOS 26‌, there's also a "Transfer From Android" option. Tapping on it provides a QR code that can be scanned with an Android device to start the transfer process, and that's also how the iPhone to Android transfer process works.

Apple appears to have implemented the new functionality alongside Google. Prior to when ‌iOS 26‌ debuted, an Android 16 beta featured a reference to a "Transfer to Android" feature that hinted at the new cross-platform transferring options.

In iOS 18, it is simple to transfer an eSIM from iPhone to iPhone, but it is not easy to transfer an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device. It typically requires contacting a carrier to get a QR code, as there is no automated way to make the transition. With ‌iOS 26‌, many iPhone users who want to move to Android should have an easier time doing so.

Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Top Rated Comments

P
platinumaqua
10 months ago

It's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Never had to run to a carrier store to replace a bad eSIM. Easy to add. I've got a Verizon work iPhone that I added my personal Xfinity line to. One phone, two active lines from two different carriers. All done from the privacy of my own home.
I can count on one hand how many times my physical SIM has failed and I still have all fingers unused.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple$ Avatar
Apple$
10 months ago
Finally! This is the most annoying thing about eSIM. Glad it’s being fixed now for the frequent Android and iOS switchers. I may try eSIM next time I get another Android phone.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
10 months ago

With iOS 26, Apple is adding support for transferring an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device, and vice versa.
This could be handy for me at some point.

Thx Apple!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
10 months ago
Personally I like a device that has eSIM + Physical SIM onboard for maximum flexibility.

I run dual SIM that way on my 13 Mini.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechRunner Avatar
TechRunner
10 months ago
Man, it's going to make it hard for me to resist grabbing a Pixel 10 Pro (to go with my 16PM) when my wife gets hers if I can do the swap that easily. Poverty, here we come!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
F
firefuze
10 months ago

........they use different plans and are provisioned differently....... why would they add that? And why would anyone want that hassle?
Where’s the ‘hassle’ in having the ability? The hassle is not being able to. With physical SIM cards you could move between devices, now you can’t.

I can use the data component of my phone plan in my iPad and vice versa if I wish and have done so many times in the past, commonly when I have a friend/family from overseas visit, I give them my iPad SIM card to use in their phone to avoid roaming charges - as all they need is data. Rarely need to make cellular calls or SMS these days, so there are use cases even if they are niche.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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