Anyone who uses a Samsung smartphone in conjunction with an eSIM and is planning to switch to a new smartphone from the South Korean manufacturer will now have an especially easy time changing devices in the Vodafone network: Samsung smartphones now support ‘eSIM transfer’ based on the industry standard GSMA TS43. esim transfer on samsung smartphones

Vodafone is the first mobile network operator in the world to support eSIM transfer with the new ‘eSIM Profile Re-Use’ feature on Samsung devices. This means that the eSIM is transferred from the old phone to the new one when the device is changed. Vodafone also uses a new technical process for the transfer process in which the eSIM access data is deleted from the smartphone and then transferred to the new device. Technically, no new profile is created during this process, but the existing one is reused.

How does the eSIM change work so far?

Previously, when switching to a new cell phone, a customer had to delete the eSIM profile from the old cell phone using the ‘classic eSIM transfer’ and then manually download the same eSIM profile onto the new device via QR code or even set up a completely new eSIM profile. “With the new process, a real transfer of the eSIM profile now takes place. The eSIM profile is transferred from the old Samsung smartphone to the new Samsung device with one click during setup. This means less digital data waste is generated, as the existing eSIM profile is reused and the customer can continue to use their eSIM customer data,” says Ralf Kaumanns, technology expert at Vodafone.

Vodafone had already introduced this form of eSIM transfer on the iPhone in September 2023. An additional advantage of the eSIM transfer is that the customer can automatically convert their Vodafone SIM card from the old device to an eSIM of the latest generation. In addition, an eSIM that is still based on an older standard can be automatically converted to an eSIM based on the latest standard.

These Samsung devices already support eSIM transfer

Samsung devices require a firmware update for eSIM transfer. The prerequisite is the Samsung operating system OneUI 6.1 or newer and the eSIM transfer activation from Samsung. The Galaxy S24 series is one of the first devices to support eSIM transfer. The Galaxy S21, S22 and S23 series will follow soon. The Samsung Z Flip3 and the Samsung Z Fold3 as well as numerous Galaxy A models from A04s onwards will also receive an update.

This is how the eSIM transfer works when setting it up for the first time

• Place the old and new unlocked smartphones next to each other and select “Transfer SIM from another device”.
• Enter the verification code displayed on the new smartphone on the old smartphone.
• Now tap “Transfer” and the eSIM will be transferred to the new device (or a SIM will be converted to an eSIM).

How the eSIM transfer works via the settings

• In the settings under Connections, select “SIM Manager”.
• Select the menu item “Transfer SIM card from another device” and follow the instructions on the display.
• Now the eSIM is transferred or the SIM is converted into an eSIM.

However, customers can continue to use their existing eSIM access data (QR code and confirmation code) for setup.

eSIM transfer on iPhones

Vodafone is the first provider in the world to offer this form of eSIM transfer to its mobile phone customers. Other manufacturers and smartphones that support the new process are expected to follow in the coming months.

Previously, when switching to a new cell phone, you had to delete the eSIM profile from the old cell phone and then manually download the same eSIM profile onto the new device via QR code or even set up a completely new profile. “With the new process, a real transfer of the eSIM profile now takes place. The eSIM profile is transferred from the old iPhone to the new iPhone with one click during setup. This means less digital data waste is generated because the existing eSIM profile is reused,” says Ralf Kaumanns, technology expert at Vodafone.

However, customers can continue to use their existing eSIM access data (QR code and confirmation code) for setup. The prerequisite for using the new function is an iPhone XS/XR or newer with Apple’s operating system iOS 17.

How the eSIM transfer works via the settings

• In the settings under mobile communications, select ‘Add eSIM’
• Select ‘Transfer from Nearby iPhone’ and follow the on-screen instructions
• Now the eSIM is transferred

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a small chip that is permanently installed in the device. The ‘e’ in eSIM stands for embedded – which means ‘built-in’. Many devices are already eSIM-capable. Customers can use the eSIM not only on their smartphones but also on other devices such as smartwatches, tablets, or laptops. And here they can also use their phone number and data volume on several devices at the same time.

What are the advantages of eSIM?

The eSIM reaches the customer quickly. It is downloaded and activated on the smartphone within minutes. The Vodafone eSIM can be used again and again. This is because its QR code and confirmation code (ePIN) are permanently stored in the MyVodafone app. From here it can be easily transferred to a new smartphone (eSIM transfer). The eSIM is small – so small that it hardly takes up any space in the device. This leaves room for other hardware components or enables smaller designs. Last but not least, the eSIM saves plastic. And that protects the environment. esim transfer on samsung smartphones