Android Smartphones Get Google’s eSIM Transfer Tool

Over the past few years, there has been a surge in the popularity of embedded SIM or eSIM. Initially utilized in smartwatches, this technology is now being integrated into smartphones by manufacturers. In fact, Apple took a step further last year by making the iPhone 14 exclusively compatible with eSIM in the United States, completely eliminating the physical SIM slot. While utilizing an eSIM offers various benefits, such as the capacity to store multiple profiles, it can be perplexing when it comes to transferring your SIM card to another device.

To address this, Google announced in February that Android would get support for eSIM migration, and now we have our first look at the feature.

eSIM migration on Android

According to a report by 9to5Google, Android will soon get support for an eSIM transfer tool that will allow users to transfer their eSIM profile to another compatible device. This feature already exists in iPhones and works almost flawlessly, and Google plans to implement the same in its operating system. It was found embedded in Google Play Services. User @AssembleDebug posted screenshots of the eSIM migration feature on X (formerly Twitter).

While the feature isn’t live yet, AssembleDebug revealed that transferring an eSIM would require starting the transfer on the current device and then scanning a QR code on another device using an interface similar to Android’s Quick Pair feature. After that, the appropriate process has to be done on the device to which you want to transfer the eSIM profile.

“Google has already announced and is working on the ability to transfer eSIM cards. Start the transfer on your current device, scan the QR code on the second device you want to transfer it to. Once scanned, you need to complete the process on your second device.”

Although it is not yet known if the feature will work on all operating systems like Android-iOS or vice versa, Android users can transfer their eSIM cards to other devices using this feature.

Why use an eSIM card?

eSIM can offer users an advantage over traditional SIM cards because they are more convenient. Changing the SIM card does not require physically removing the SIM card and inserting it into another device. Instead, you can transfer eSIM profiles to another device and you’re good to go. In addition, eSIM cards can also be more secure, as no one can discreetly remove your SIM card from your device and use it for malicious activities.

Although it has these advantages, only premium smartphones currently offer eSIM capabilities. As it is a relatively new technology, not all countries offer eSIM services.