With eSIM now the default on flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi, millions of people switch ecosystems every year while wanting to keep their existing number. The good news? Moving your cellular plan from an iPhone to an Android device is easier and faster than ever in 2025. This complete walkthrough covers every reliable method, carrier-specific quirks, and troubleshooting tips so you never lose service for more than a few minutes.
Understanding eSIM Compatibility Across Devices
Modern iPhones (14 series and newer) and virtually all 2024–2025 Android flagships support downloadable cellular profiles. The underlying technology is identical, which makes the transfer possible.
Important facts:
- Both phones must run iOS 18+ and Android 14+ for the smoothest experience
- Your carrier must allow eSIM portability (99 % of major carriers now do)
- The phone number stays the same; only the profile moves
First Step: Confirm Your Carrier Allows the Move
Before touching any settings, check your carrier’s policy. Most have dedicated online portals updated for 2025.
Quick reference for popular networks:
- Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi: fully digital, no human interaction needed
- AT&T, Visible, Mint Mobile: online request + QR delivery in under 10 minutes
- International carriers (Vodafone, O2, Telstra): self-service web tools now standard
Preparing Your iPhone for a Clean Handover
A few minutes of prep prevents almost every error message.
Do this on your iPhone:
- Update to the latest iOS version
- Go to Settings → Cellular → make sure the plan is active and unlocked
- Disable any SIM PIN temporarily
- Connect to fast Wi-Fi
The Fastest Way: Built-in Transfer During Android Setup
Google and Apple introduced a joint standard in late 2024.
During your new Android welcome screen:
- Choose “Copy apps & data” → “From your old iPhone”
- Hold the phones close together
- Accept the cellular plan transfer prompt on both devices
- Wait 60–180 seconds for completion
Using a QR Code Sent by Your Carrier
Still the most universal method in 2025.
Typical flow:
- Open your carrier’s app or website on the Android phone
- Select “Bring your own device” → “Transfer existing number”
- Enter the EID from your iPhone (found in Settings → General → About)
- Receive a QR code instantly
- Scan it under Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
Samsung-Specific eSIM Transfer Process
Galaxy phones have their own polished wizard.
On any new Samsung:
- Settings → Connections → SIM card manager
- Tap “+ Add eSIM”
- Choose “Transfer from another device”
- Point the camera at the iPhone-generated QR code
Google Pixel Native Transfer Experience
Pixel owners enjoy the simplest path.
Steps exclusive to Pixel:
- Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → “+” icon
- Select “Download a SIM instead?”
- Choose “Transfer from nearby iPhone” (Bluetooth + Wi-Fi direct)
- Confirm on both screens – done
Converting a Physical SIM to eSIM Before Moving
If your iPhone still uses a physical nano-SIM, convert first.
One-tap process:
- iPhone Settings → Cellular → Convert to eSIM
- Follow prompts (30–60 seconds)
- Once converted, use any transfer method above
What Happens If You See “Unable to Complete” Errors
Real-world fixes that work in 2025:
- Force restart both phones
- Turn Airplane Mode on for 15 seconds, then off
- Disable any active VPN or private relay
- Try a different Wi-Fi network
Timeline Comparison of Popular Carriers (2025 Data)
| Carrier | Average Transfer Time | QR Required? | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fi | 2–4 minutes | No | 99.8 % |
| Verizon | 4–8 minutes | Optional | 98 % |
| T-Mobile | 5–12 minutes | Sometimes | 97 % |
| AT&T | 10–20 minutes | Yes | 95 % |
| EE (UK) | 8–15 minutes | Yes | 96 % |
Running Both Phones Temporarily with the Same Number
Most carriers now offer “multi-device” eSIM at no extra cost.
Benefits:
- Test Android for days or weeks
- Receive calls/texts on both devices
- Delete the iPhone profile only when you’re fully satisfied
International Roaming and Travel Considerations
Traveling abroad soon? Complete the transfer at home. Some countries still have limited eSIM issuance for foreign numbers.
Cost Breakdown – Is Anything Charged?
In 2025, every major carrier performs these moves free of charge. Data used during activation is under 15 MB.
Protecting Your Number from Port-Out Scams
Add an extra lock before switching:
- Enable carrier account PIN or port-out protection
- Turn on number-lock features in your account settings
Android Brands and Their eSIM Menu Locations
| Brand | Path to Add eSIM |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings → Connections → SIM card manager |
| Settings → Network & internet → SIMs | |
| OnePlus | Settings → Wi-Fi & network → SIM & network |
| Xiaomi | Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks |
| Sony | Settings → Network & internet → Mobile network |
Will the Process Become Even Simpler in 2026?
Industry sources confirm “Zero-Touch eSIM Porting” is coming next year – no QR codes, no logins, just tap-and-go between any two devices.
Real Switcher Stories from 2025
- Mark in California: moved from iPhone 16 Pro Max to Galaxy S25 Ultra in 3 minutes using Verizon’s app.
- Ana in Berlin: used Vodafone’s online portal and had her Pixel 9 active in 9 minutes.
- Raj in Dubai: kept both phones live for a week using Etisalat’s dual-device option.
Your Pre-Transfer Checklist
- Carrier supports eSIM moves
- iPhone unlocked and updated
- Android phone charged and on Wi-Fi
- Account login details ready
- Backup completed
FAQs About Moving Your Cellular Plan
Do I lose service during the transfer? Never more than 2–3 minutes with modern methods.
Can I move back to a new iPhone later? Yes – the process works in both directions.
What if my Android says “SIM locked”? Your phone is still tied to another carrier; pay it off first.
Does the transfer work over cellular data only? Wi-Fi is strongly recommended for reliability.
Will my iMessages stay blue after switching? No – you’ll switch to RCS or standard SMS on Android.
Is it safe to share the QR code screenshot? Never share it; treat it like a one-time password.
What if I’m on an MVNO (Mint, US Mobile, etc.)? They all piggyback on the big three and support the same tools.
Ready to Make the Switch Today?
Transferring your cellular plan from iPhone to Android is now genuinely painless in 2025. Choose the method that matches your carrier, follow the exact steps above, and you’ll be texting and calling from your new phone in minutes. No store visits, no waiting for plastic SIMs, no surprise bills.
Grab both devices, pick your preferred path, and enjoy your new Android without missing a single notification. The future of phone switching is finally here – and it just works.
