Android has introduced a convenient method to transfer eSIMs to different phones.
Apple already serves some markets with its eSIM-only iPhones, and soon we may see Google follow the same path. Reports coming this week suggest that Android will finally make it easy to transfer eSIM profiles to another device, finally making it a viable option for millions of Android users.
The details of this feature come via Mishaal Rahman in this report, where he spotted the new option while using Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 Ultra with the new One UI update. The tipper was given the option to transfer an eSIM from one Android to another and both were different brands, which is a clear upgrade to the previous support.
eSIM transfer was possible by scanning a QR code, which worked on several Android phones. Samsung has offered an eSIM transfer option for Galaxy devices running One UI 5.1, but it seems that the latest version allows transfer from a Samsung phone to a non-Samsung phone.
The fact that Samsung has managed to unlock eSIM transfer to other Android 14 phones suggests that Google is close to making the feature compatible with all phones running Android 14. Having said that, the advisor noted that eSIM migration support is only available if you are on a certain network in the US.
Apple sells its iPhone models only in the eSIM version in the US, and the new compatibility will allow many people to switch from iPhone to Android or vice versa if they want to continue using their phones with eSIM-only profiles.
eSIM is now available as a secondary network option on most premium phones such as the Pixel 8 series and iPhone 15 models, and making the migration option easier is driving more Android users in India to ditch physical SIM networks.
