Got a new phone? How to keep your eSIM and move it across safely
If you've just bought a new phone and still have an active eSIM plan, a little worry is completely normal. Especially if you bought the eSIM for a trip and haven't used it yet, or you still have data left in your plan, the first question is usually the same: "Will I lose my eSIM when I switch phones?"
The short answer: not always. What happens depends on the rules of the provider you're using. Let's walk through all of it in plain terms.
Why isn't an eSIM like a regular SIM card?
Popping a physical SIM out of one phone and into another takes a few seconds.
An eSIM, on the other hand, is installed inside the phone as a digital profile. You can't just pull it out and move it to another phone. When you reset the phone, delete the eSIM profile, or change devices, that profile doesn't automatically travel to the new phone.
On top of that, with many providers the QR code used for activation only works once. That's why it's important to save your QR code and activation details before you delete an eSIM.
If you can, don't delete the eSIM
If you're not just using the phone temporarily, or you aren't using the eSIM right now, the safer option is to turn it off in Settings instead of deleting it.
In that case:
- your eSIM profile stays on the phone;
- you can reactivate it whenever you like;
- there's no need to install it again.
Keep your QR code
Don't worry about losing your QR code.
For the eSIM you bought from LimitSim, your:
- QR code,
- activation details,
- sharing link
are all saved in your account and in the email sent to you at the time of purchase. Whenever you need them, you can open those details again and use them.
How do you move it to a new phone?
If you're switching phones completely, follow these steps:
- On the old phone, check how much data you have left in your plan.
- Find the QR code in your LimitSim account or in your email.
- On the new phone, go to Settings → Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code and finish the setup.
With some plans this goes through without a hitch.
But with some eSIM plans, the activation code can only be used once. If the QR code no longer works, don't rush to buy a new eSIM. Contact us first. Where it's possible, we can reactivate the eSIM or provide a new activation code.
Data you've already used doesn't come back
Reinstalling the eSIM doesn't restore the data you've already used.
For example:
- you bought a 10 GB plan;
- you've used 4 GB;
after you move the eSIM to the new phone, your balance will still be 6 GB.
In other words, only the remaining data is kept; the data you've already used isn't given back.
Frequently asked questions
- If I delete the eSIM, will my plan be deleted too?
When an eSIM is deleted, the profile on that device is deleted as well. With some plans you can reinstall it with the same QR code, while with others the activation code only works once. That's why you should always keep your QR code and activation details.
If the eSIM won't reactivate, get in touch with us before buying a new plan. Where possible, we can restore the eSIM or provide a new activation code.
- Can I use the same eSIM on two phones?
No. One eSIM profile can only be active on one device at a time.
- I changed my phone during a trip. What should I do now?
Log in to your LimitSim account or email, find the QR code, and try installing it on the new phone.
If the QR code doesn't work, contact our support team before buying a new eSIM. We'll check your current plan and offer a possible solution.