How To Transfer An eSIM To A New iPhone

Essentials to know

• Transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone is usually quick and simple, especially with Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer when both phones are available.
• Preparation matters for businesses: keeping iOS updated, having Wi-Fi and planning the transfer helps avoid missed calls or messages.
• You can still transfer your eSIM if your old phone is lost or broken, but this is done manually through your provider for security.
• Your number stays the same, so apps like WhatsApp Business continue working as normal once the eSIM is active on the new device.
• eSIMs make upgrades easier for small businesses, letting you switch phones without waiting for SIM cards or disrupting customers.

Upgrading to a new iPhone should feel exciting – not stressful. But if you use an eSIM for your business number, it’s natural to worry about what happens next. Will your number move across smoothly? Will customers still be able to reach you? And what about apps like WhatsApp Business?

The good news is that transferring an eSIM between iPhones is usually straightforward, especially with newer devices. As long as you’re prepared and follow the right steps, your business number can be up and running on your new phone quickly, with minimal disruption.

This guide explains how eSIM transfers work, what you’ll need, and how to avoid common problems – with a focus on those most relevant to small businesses in the UK.

What is an eSIM, and why do small businesses use them?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that’s built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you download a digital profile that connects your device to a mobile network.

Small businesses often choose eSIMs because they:

• Allow you to run a business number alongside a personal number on one phone
• Can be activated or moved without waiting for a physical SIM
• Make it easier to manage numbers as your business grows
• Reduce the risk of lost or damaged SIM cards

For many business owners, an eSIM is the simplest way to keep work and personal communications separate, while still carrying just one device.

When you’ll need to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone

You’ll usually need to transfer your eSIM if you:

• Upgrade to a new iPhone
• Replace a damaged device
• Switch work phones but want to keep the same business number
• Move from a personal setup to a more business-focused one

If your business number is set up on an eSIM rather than a physical SIM, it won’t automatically move across unless you transfer it.

What you need before transferring an eSIM between iPhones

Before you start, it’s worth checking a few things to avoid unnecessary delays:

• Both iPhones should be updated to the most recent version of iOS
• Your Apple ID should be signed in on both devices
• Bluetooth should be switched on
• You should have access to your mobile account or eSIM provider details
• Your old phone should be nearby, charged, and unlocked (if using Quick Transfer)

Note: While the transfer takes place between two devices, the new iPhone typically needs a Wi-Fi connection in order to complete the activation with the network provider.

If your old phone is unavailable, don’t worry – there are still options, which we’ll cover later.

How to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another (Quick Transfer)

Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer is the easiest option when both phones are working. Here’s how to get started:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and begin setup
2. When prompted, choose to transfer your mobile plan
3. Select the eSIM from your old iPhone
4. Confirm the transfer on both devices
5. Wait for activation to complete

Once finished, your eSIM will deactivate on the old phone and activate on the new one. Your number, calls and texts should work as normal.

In some cases, the same process can also be used to convert an existing physical SIM into an eSIM, removing the need for a plastic SIM card altogether.

Quick Transfer is designed to minimise downtime, which is ideal if you rely on your phone for customer communication.

How to transfer an eSIM manually via your mobile provider

If Quick Transfer isn’t available, you can usually transfer your eSIM manually. This typically involves:

• Logging into your provider’s account portal or contacting support
• Requesting a new eSIM for your replacement device
• Scanning a QR code or entering activation details
• Confirming that the old eSIM has been deactivated

Manual transfers can take a little longer, but they’re reliable – especially if you’re changing phones at different times, switching networks, or setting up remotely.

Note: The exact steps may vary depending on your network provider and phone model, so it’s worth checking with their support team before you begin.

Transferring a business eSIM vs a personal eSIM

The technical steps for transferring business eSIMs and personal eSIMs are often the same, but there are some practical differences worth keeping in mind when you’re transferring a number you rely on for work.

With a personal eSIM, minor delays are usually more of an inconvenience than a real problem, as they don’t tend to affect day‑to‑day responsibilities.

With a business eSIM, even a short interruption can have a knock‑on effect – for example, a missed customer call or a delayed response to an enquiry. That’s why it’s sensible to take a little extra care and:

• Transfer during quieter hours if possible
• Let colleagues or customers know you may be briefly unavailable
• Check everything is working before relying on the new phone

A small amount of preparation helps ensure your business stays reachable and professional throughout the switch.

Transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone from Android

If you’re moving from an Android phone to an iPhone, you can still bring your eSIM number with you – but the process is usually handled manually by your provider. In most cases, this means:

• Requesting a new eSIM or QR code from your provider
• Activating the eSIM on your new iPhone during setup or via Settings
• Confirming the old Android eSIM has been deactivated

Some providers also offer app-based activation or in-store support for Android-to-iPhone transfers. Because Android eSIMs are sometimes platform-specific, it’s best to contact your provider before switching devices to avoid delays.

Common problems when transferring an eSIM (and how to fix them)

Luckily, most issues are easy to resolve once you know what to look for:

The eSIM won’t transfer

Make sure both phones are up to date and signed in correctly. Restarting both devices often helps.

No signal after transfer

Check that the eSIM is active in Settings and that mobile data is switched on.

Calls work, but data doesn’t

This is usually a network refresh issue – turning flight mode on and off can help.

Bluetooth issues during transfer

If the phones don’t connect properly, turning Bluetooth off and on again – or restarting both devices – often resolves the issue.

The old phone still shows the eSIM

It may take a short time for the deactivation to complete. If it persists, contact your provider.

Can you transfer an eSIM if your old iPhone is lost or broken?

Yes, in most cases, you can still transfer an eSIM without your old phone working, but you’ll need to do it manually through your provider.

In this situation, the old eSIM is usually deactivated for security reasons, and a new eSIM profile is issued for your replacement phone. This protects your number and prevents misuse if the device has been lost or stolen.

In some cases, your provider may ask you to remove or delete the eSIM from your old device before re‑adding it to the new one. This should only be done when your provider directs you to do so to avoid accidental loss of service.

How long does it take to transfer an eSIM?

In most cases, transferring an eSIM is a quick and straightforward process, especially when both devices are working normally.

• Quick Transfer usually takes just a few minutes from start to finish
• Manual transfers can take a little longer, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your provider and the method used

While delays are uncommon, they can occasionally happen during busy periods or if your provider needs to carry out additional security checks. Planning the transfer at a convenient time, such as during quieter working hours or at the end of the day, can help minimise any disruption.

How to check your eSIM transfer was successful

Once the transfer is complete, it’s worth doing a quick check before relying on your new phone for business. You can confirm your eSIM is active by:

• Looking for your network name at the top of the screen
• Going to Settings and checking that your eSIM appears under mobile plans
• Making a test call or sending a message
• Checking mobile data works as expected

If everything works normally, your transfer is complete, and you can use your new phone going forward.

Does transferring an eSIM affect WhatsApp Business or business apps?

Transferring the eSIM itself doesn’t delete apps or data, so your phone and its contents remain exactly as they were. However, apps like WhatsApp Business are linked to your phone number rather than the device itself.

As long as the same number is active on your new phone, everything should carry on as normal:

• Your WhatsApp Business account will remain intact
• Your chats can be restored from a recent backup
• Customers won’t notice any difference or interruption

To be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to back up WhatsApp Business before switching devices. That way, even if something unexpected happens during setup, your chat history is protected.

Security and data protection considerations for small businesses (UK only)

If your eSIM is used for business, it’s likely linked to personal data such as customer names, contact details or message history. That means it’s worth taking a little extra care when switching devices, particularly if your phone is used regularly for customer communication.

Under UK data protection laws, small businesses are expected to take reasonable steps to protect this information. In practice, this usually means:

• Making sure devices are protected with strong passcodes, Face ID or Touch ID
• Reporting lost or stolen phones promptly so numbers can be suspended if needed
• Ensuring business data is only accessible to authorised users

Handling the transfer carefully helps keep your business messages and contacts secure, and means you can switch phones knowing everything is set up properly from the start.

What to do if your eSIM won’t transfer

If things still aren’t working, try not to worry – most problems have a straightforward explanation and can usually be sorted without much delay

A few simple checks are often enough to get things moving again:

• Check your network status and coverage to make sure there isn’t a temporary outage
• Restart the device and retry activation, as this can refresh the connection
• Contact your eSIM provider with your account details to hand so they can look into it for you

In most cases, once the provider can verify your identity and device, they’ll be able to resolve the issue and get your eSIM up and running.

Tips for managing multiple numbers on one iPhone

If you run more than one number on your phone, taking a little time to set things up clearly can make day‑to‑day use much simpler and help prevent mistakes.

A few small habits can make a big difference:

• Clearly label each line in your iPhone settings, so it’s always obvious which number you’re using
• Assign different ringtones to business and personal numbers to avoid answering calls on the wrong line
• Check which number is set as the default for calls and messages, especially after changing phones
• Keep a simple record of which apps are linked to which number, particularly for messaging or business tools

These small steps help reduce confusion, save time, and ensure your communications stay organised and professional.

Bringing it all together with YourBusinessNumber

Upgrading your iPhone doesn’t have to disrupt your business. With the right preparation, transferring an eSIM is quick, secure and predictable.

With YourBusinessNumber, you can keep full control of your business number, activate or reissue an eSIM digitally, and run business and personal lines on one device without juggling physical SIM cards. Everything is managed online, with clear pricing and flexibility as your business grows.

New phone, same business number – without the hassle.

Ready to move your business eSIM with confidence? Get started with YourBusinessNumber today.