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

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 Roundup: iOS 26

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Top Rated Comments

Apple$ Avatar
1 day ago at 02:57 pm
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: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
platinumaqua Avatar
22 hours ago at 05:00 pm

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: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
1 day ago at 02:49 pm

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: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechRunner Avatar
23 hours ago at 03:09 pm
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: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
22 hours ago at 04:28 pm
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: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
goobot Avatar
21 hours ago at 05:44 pm

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.
Never had a SIM card fail on me personally. I haven’t left the us since getting an eSIM phone but a lot of people seem to say it’s a pita when abroad. Also now I’m forced to pay the activation fee when getting a new phone
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)