eSIM - how easy is it to transfer to a new phone?

[martin2345uk]

If you get an eSIM with EE, and you want to transfer it to a new phone (not necessarily one you bought through EE) how easy is this to do?

Or for example if you break your phone and need to swap the SIM to a new one..?

With a physical SIM obviously it's just a case of putting in into the new phone but what happens with eSIM?

[Katie_B]

Good afternoon @martin2345uk. 

Thanks for coming here. 

Information on how to get a replacement eSIM/transfer your eSIM to a new phone can be found on our help page 'Set up and use an eSIM'. 

Katie

[martin2345uk]

Hi, I can't see anything on that page about what happens if your current iPhone breaks/becomes unusable - how do you move the eSIM to a new phone in that case?

[Katie_B · Accepted solution]

In this case if your old iPhone is broke you would need a replacement eSIM @martin2345uk.

This can ordered via the EE app, by giving us a call or visiting your local EE Store.

Katie

[Matt_124]

Hi @martin2345uk,

It is nowhere near as simple as a physical SIM and can go wrong quite easily. 

If your phone is inoperable, there is no way to retrieve the eSIM from it and you would have to request a SIM replacement from EE to get back up and running.

Also can't be switched between phones from different manufacturers as easily (iPhone to Android or vice versa). 

The good news is that no phone is e-SIM only within the UK as of yet, so you have the choice of having either as it currently stands.

I believe some USA and Australian-bought models are e-SIM only however.

[martin2345uk]

Hmmm seems like there is no obvious advantages to eSIM?? Unless you want to make use of having multiple lines...!

Soon iPhones will not have SIM card slots at all, so I guess this is the future..!