Transferring eSIM between devices with different operating systems It's always been one of the biggest challenges for those who decided to upgrade their phone. While moving photos, contacts, or apps between an iPhone and an Android has improved over time, managing eSIM cards made the process very complicated, requiring contact with the carrier and, in many cases, waiting days or repeating repetitive steps.
However, soon Apple will take an important step with the arrival of iOS 19According to various sources and leaks in beta versions, the company is developing a feature that will allow users to easily and directly transfer eSIM profiles from an iPhone to an Android device, without relying on a carrier or any additional procedures. This will make switching ecosystems much easier for users who wish to do so, even in emergency situations or permanent changes.
How does eSIM transfer from iPhone to Android work?
The new option will be called “Transfer to Android” and will be available in the iPhone settings, specifically in the section 'Transfer or reset iPhone' within General. From there, users can initiate the eSIM transfer wirelessly and ensure that all data related to the digital card is transferred without technical complications.
The process will be quite intuitive. The iPhone will generate a unit’s QR code that the user must scan with their Android phone. Doing so will automatically install the eSIM profile on the new device. In some cases, it will be necessary to enter login credentials and a password, also generated by the iPhone, for this operation.
For added security, if the wireless transfer encounters any issues, the QR code will serve as a backup method, reducing the risk of losing your connection when switching phones.
Requirements and limitations: Only from iOS 19
An important aspect is that This feature will only be available for Apple devices running iOS 19 or higher.Phones with older versions of the operating system will still need to use traditional methods, contacting the carrier to request a new QR code and activate the eSIM on Android.
Currently, in countries like the United States, some iPhones work exclusively with eSIM and they've eliminated physical cards, making this functionality even more relevant. Until now, the only option was to contact mobile provider support, a process that could be slow and frustrating.
A step towards greater flexibility and cross-platform compatibility
This new feature in iOS 19 represents a change in Apple's policy, traditionally known for its closed ecosystem and difficulty working with other operating systems. Allowing direct eSIM transfer makes life easier for those looking to switch brands, try new options, or repurpose old devices. While for now only iPhone-to-Android transfers are being discussed, there are rumors that Google may also be developing a reverse feature, though without official confirmation.
In addition, this improvement may have a positive impact on the second-hand marketThe ability to easily transfer eSIMs will make used phones more attractive to new buyers and simplify their setup without complicated procedures.