Moving your Verizon eSIM to a new phone can seem a bit daunting, but with the right steps, it's actually quite a smooth process. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM card. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully transfer your Verizon eSIM to your new device.
Moving Your Verizon eSIM to a New Phone: A Comprehensive Guide
Ready to get your new phone up and running with your existing Verizon number? Let's dive in! This guide will cover the most common scenarios, including moving between iPhones, to Android, and addressing potential issues.
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| How To Move Verizon Esim To New Phone |
Pre-Transfer Checklist: What You Need Before You Start
Before you begin the transfer process, ensure you have the following:
Your New Device: Make sure your new phone is eSIM compatible and, importantly, unlocked if it wasn't purchased directly from Verizon. Verizon-purchased phones are typically unlocked after 60 days.
Your Old Device (if applicable): While not always strictly necessary for the final activation, it's highly recommended to have your old phone charged and available for authentication purposes, especially if you only have one line on your account.
Strong Wi-Fi Connection: Both your old (if used for transfer) and new devices must be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network throughout the entire process. This is crucial for downloading the eSIM profile.
My Verizon App: Download and install the latest version of the My Verizon app on your new phone from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). This is the primary tool for most eSIM transfers.
My Verizon Account Credentials: Have your My Verizon username and password handy. You'll need to sign in to the app.
Account Owner/Manager Status: You must be the Account Owner or an Account Manager on your Verizon account to perform this action.
Device Passcodes: Ensure both devices have their screen passcodes enabled and are unlocked during the transfer for security and a smooth process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Devices and My Verizon App
First things first, let's get everything set up for a seamless transfer!
Charge Both Phones: Ensure both your old and new phones are sufficiently charged. A low battery could interrupt the transfer.
Connect to Wi-Fi: On both your old and new devices, connect to a strong and stable Wi-Fi network. This is critical for the eSIM profile download.
Download/Update My Verizon App: On your new phone, go to your respective app store (App Store for iPhone, Google Play Store for Android) and download the My Verizon app. If you already have it, make sure it's updated to the latest version.
Sign In to My Verizon: Open the My Verizon app on your new phone and sign in with your Verizon account credentials. If you're already signed in, you're good to go.
Step 2: Initiating the eSIM Transfer via My Verizon App (Recommended Method)
This is the most straightforward and recommended method for transferring your Verizon eSIM. The My Verizon app is designed to guide you through the process automatically.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
Sub-heading: For Existing Verizon Mobile Lines
Open the My Verizon App: On your new phone, with a Wi-Fi connection and logged into the My Verizon app.
Navigate to Device Management:
Tap on the "Account" tab at the bottom (or "Mobile" tab on some versions).
From the "Devices" section, tap on "All devices".
Select the appropriate mobile number you wish to transfer.
Tap on "Manage device".
Choose Transfer Option:
Look for an option like "Change or replace device on this line" or "Activate or get SIM". Tap on it.
Follow On-Screen Prompts:
The app will typically guide you through a series of prompts. This may involve:
Reviewing "On device activation" information.
Selecting the device you want to activate (your new phone).
Choosing "Use my device's eSIM".
Selecting a number to receive a one-time authorization (OTA) code. This code will be sent to a device on your account for verification. If you only have one line, you'll need your old phone for this.
Entering the received OTA code.
Reviewing the order.
Tapping "Confirm and activate".
eSIM Download and Activation:
Your new phone will then begin the process of downloading and installing the eSIM profile. This may take a few minutes.
For Android/Pixel devices: Once the download and install complete, you might need to tap "Add" to turn on the eSIM.
For iPhone: The device will guide you through adding the cellular plan. You may need to choose a label for your plan, select a default line, and configure iMessage/FaceTime settings.
Restart Your New Phone: Once the activation is complete and your new phone displays "iPhone is activated" (for iPhones) or a similar confirmation, it's a good idea to restart your device.
Sub-heading: For New Lines or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Joining Verizon
If you're activating a new line with Verizon on an eSIM-compatible device, or bringing your own unlocked device to Verizon:
Use the My Verizon App: Install and open the app on your new device, then follow the prompts for your specific device.
My Verizon Website: Alternatively, you can visit Verizon's Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) page on their website, choose a mobile service plan, and follow the steps to install the eSIM onto your device.
Adding a Line to Existing Account: If you're adding a line to an existing Verizon account, you can use the "Add a Line" page of the My Verizon website or, if you have the phone in hand, use the My Verizon app (go to Shop > Bring your device).
Step 3: Specific Considerations for iPhone to iPhone eSIM Transfer
Apple's iOS offers a convenient "Quick Start" feature that can assist with eSIM transfer, especially for iPhones running iOS 15.6 or higher.
Ensure Compatibility: Both your old (source) iPhone (iPhone 11 and newer) and new (target) iPhone (iPhone 12 and newer) should be updated to iOS 15.6 or higher.
iCloud and Passcode: Both iPhones should be signed into the same iCloud account with two-factor authentication enabled, and have the screen passcode enabled.
Proximity: Keep both iPhones charged and close together during the transfer.
Initiate on New iPhone:
On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
If "Add eSIM" isn't immediately available, you might see "Set Up Cellular."
Choose Transfer Option:
From the "Choose a Phone Number" screen, tap the desired line you want to transfer.
Tap "Continue". (If a line is grayed out and says "Transfer Not Supported," it cannot be transferred this way).
Confirm on Old iPhone:
A prompt "Transfer your SIM to this iPhone" will appear on your new iPhone. Tap "Transfer Number".
A "Confirm Transfer on Your Other iPhone" prompt will then appear on your old iPhone. Review it and tap "Transfer SIM".
To confirm the transfer on your old iPhone, you'll usually need to double-click the side button.
Complete Setup on New iPhone:
On your new iPhone, from the "Add Cellular Plan" screen, tap "Continue".
You may need to choose labels for your cellular plans, select a default line for voice and data, and configure iMessage & FaceTime.
Tap "Done" when "Cellular Setup Complete" appears.
Restart: After your new iPhone displays "iPhone is activated," restart it for good measure.
Step 4: Transferring eSIM to an Android Device
Transferring from an iPhone to an Android device (or Android to Android) often involves the My Verizon app, but sometimes a QR code is needed, especially if switching ecosystems.
Using the My Verizon App (Primary Method):
Similar to Step 2, ensure your new Android device is connected to Wi-Fi and the My Verizon app is installed and you're signed in.
Navigate through the app to Account > All Devices > Select your line > Manage device > Change or replace device on this line / Activate or get SIM.
The app will guide you to select your new Android device and proceed with the eSIM download.
Once the eSIM is downloaded, you'll likely need to tap "Add" or similar to enable it in your Android's settings (usually under Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network).
QR Code Method (If My Verizon App Fails or for Cross-OS Transfer):
Deactivate eSIM on Old Phone (if applicable): If you are moving from an iPhone to an Android, you might need to deactivate the eSIM plan on your old iPhone first by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans and tapping "Remove Cellular Plan."
Contact Verizon Support: You may need to contact Verizon Customer Service to request an eSIM QR code for your new Android device. Explain that you're transferring your eSIM to a new Android phone.
Scan QR Code on New Android:
On your new Android device, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network.
Look for an option like "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan".
Choose "Scan QR code" and use your phone's camera to scan the QR code provided by Verizon.
Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the activation.
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
Step 5: Post-Transfer Verification and Troubleshooting
Once you believe the eSIM transfer is complete:
Verify Service:
Check for signal bars on your new phone.
Try making a test call or sending a text message.
Browse the internet using cellular data (turn off Wi-Fi temporarily to test).
Confirm My Verizon App: The My Verizon app should now show your new device as active on your line.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
No Service/SOS Only:
Restart your new phone. A simple restart can often resolve connectivity issues.
Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn Airplane Mode on for a few seconds, then turn it off.
Check Wi-Fi: Ensure your device has a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection.
Verify eSIM Profile: Go into your phone's cellular settings to ensure the eSIM profile is active and enabled. Sometimes, if you have multiple SIMs (physical + eSIM), the correct one might not be selected.
Contact Verizon Support: If the issue persists, there might be a backend issue. Contact Verizon customer support, specifically Tier 2 technical support, as they can sometimes manually push the eSIM activation.
"Error in the Switch" / Activation Delay: Some users have reported delays or errors during activation, occasionally requiring a 24-hour wait. If this happens, keep your new phone connected to Wi-Fi and periodically check for service. Reaching out to Verizon support is the best course of action.
eSIM Profile Not Downloading: Ensure you have enough storage on your device. Clear cache or temporary files if needed. A factory reset might be a last resort, but contact Verizon first.
Important Note on Old Phone: Once your number is successfully transferred to the new device, service on your old phone's eSIM will be deactivated. If it had a physical SIM, you can remove and discard it. You can then use your old phone with a different carrier or for other purposes (like a Wi-Fi-only device).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about moving your Verizon eSIM to a new phone, with quick answers:
How to check if my new phone is eSIM compatible?
You can usually find this information in your device's settings under "About Phone" or "About." Look for an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number, which indicates eSIM capability. You can also check the manufacturer's specifications or Verizon's compatibility checker.
How to prepare my old phone for eSIM transfer?
Ensure your old phone is charged, connected to Wi-Fi, and that you have access to it for any verification codes sent during the transfer process, especially if it's your only line.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
How to transfer my Verizon eSIM if I don't have my old phone?
While having the old phone is recommended for authentication, if it's lost or damaged, you can still attempt to activate your eSIM on the new device through the My Verizon app. You may need to authenticate using a different line on your account or contact Verizon customer support for assistance.
How to transfer a physical Verizon SIM to an eSIM on a new phone?
The My Verizon app usually offers an option to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM during the device change process. You'll follow similar steps as transferring an eSIM, but the app will guide you through the conversion. On iPhones, you can also often initiate this from Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from another iPhone.
How to get a new eSIM profile if I accidentally deleted it?
If you accidentally deleted your eSIM profile, sign in to the My Verizon app on your device, navigate to the "Mobile" tab, select the device, and look for "Activate or get SIM" or "Get a new eSIM profile" to download it again.
How to tell if my Verizon eSIM is active on my new phone?
Check for signal bars on your new phone's status bar. You can also go to Settings > Cellular (iOS) or Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network (Android) to see if your Verizon plan is active. Making a test call or sending a text message is also a good way to verify.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
How to troubleshoot "SOS Only" or "No Service" after eSIM transfer?
First, restart your new phone. If that doesn't work, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi. If issues persist, contact Verizon customer support; there might be a backend issue requiring their intervention.
How to avoid losing data when transferring my eSIM?
Transferring an eSIM profile only moves your cellular plan. It does not affect your personal data (photos, apps, contacts). However, it's always a good practice to back up your old phone's data to iCloud, Google Drive, or your computer before setting up a new device.
How to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android (or vice-versa) with Verizon?
This process might require contacting Verizon customer support for a QR code, as direct transfer tools (like Apple's Quick Start) are typically for within the same operating system. The My Verizon app might facilitate it, but if not, Verizon support can provide the necessary QR code.
How to get help from Verizon if I'm stuck during the eSIM transfer?
If you encounter persistent issues, the best course of action is to contact Verizon customer support. You can call their support line, use their online chat, or visit a Verizon store for in-person assistance. Be prepared to provide your account details and describe the problem thoroughly.
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