Samsung beat Google to the punch by introducing the ability to convert your physical SIM card into an e-SIM right from your smartphone, even though we had anticipated this functionality for later in the year. Not only that, but you may also move your e-SIM from one smartphone to another. In this article, we walk you through each step in detail.
For a while now, Google has been waiting to be the first to give users more control over their e-SIM. More specifically, the company guaranteed that it will soon be feasible to switch from the still-dominant physical SIM card to the more well-liked e-SIM. Reminder: In some nations, the Pixel 8 may only be eSIM compatible.
In the end, Samsung was the one to launch. Indeed, One UI 5.1 now enables you to do just that, as Android specialist Mishaal Rahman revealed. Even better, you may easily move your e-SIM from one smartphone to another by following a few simple steps. We'll walk you through the process.
HOW TO GET AN ESIM FROM YOUR PHYSICAL SIM CARD
The first thing to keep in mind is that, as was already indicated, this manipulation currently only functions on Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 5.1. If you are unsure whether the overlay has been set up on your smartphone, you can check the settings of that device or refer to this article for a list of compatible models.
Here is how to convert your physical SIM card into an eSIM after the necessary tests have been made:
Log into your smartphone's settings.
Navigate to the Connections tab, then select SIM Manager.
Select your physical SIM card by tapping its name.
Decide to convert to an eSIM.
Before diving into the vacuum, though, there are a few things to keep in mind. In fact, as Mishaal Rahman notes in his thread, by switching to an eSIM, you put yourself at risk for transfer issues if you switch smartphones. As we will see shortly, if manipulation is truly feasible, it is still only accessible on compatible Galaxy smartphones. a consideration to make before beginning the conversion, therefore.
HOW TO TRANSFER YOUR ESIM CARD FROM ONE DEVICE TO ANOTHER
Once more, both of your devices must be running One UI 5.1. The smartphone from which you want to retrieve the e-SIM is thus also affected by this. If so, follow these instructions:
Log into your smartphone's settings.
Navigate to the Connections tab, then select SIM Manager.
Click Add e-SIM.
Choose the option for SIM transfer from another device.
Place your second smartphone next to the smartphone on which the e-SIM is stored.
On your old smartphone, select Transfer.
The eSIM from your old smartphone is now present in your new one. All you have to do is choose it from the settings menu you were in if you want to get all of your calls and messages.