Managing your eSIM

Can I Transfer My eSIM to a New Phone?

eSIM plans are device-locked and generally can't be transferred. Here's what to do when upgrading phones, and how to avoid losing your active travel plan.

3 min read

Unlike a physical SIM card you can slot from one phone to another, an eSIM profile is cryptographically bound to the device it was installed on. This is a security feature — it prevents eSIM profiles from being copied, cloned, or moved without authorisation.

Why eSIMs can't simply be transferred

When you install an eSIM using a QR code, the activation process links that specific profile to your device's hardware identifier. The QR code becomes single-use and void — it cannot be scanned again on a different phone, even if you delete the eSIM from the original device.

This is standard across all eSIM providers and is part of the GSMA's eSIM specification — not a Vyroam-specific policy.

What to do when upgrading phones

If you're getting a new phone and your Vyroam plan is still active or unused, the options are:

  • Use your old phone until the plan expires, then switch to the new device for future purchases
  • Contact Vyroam support — if the plan hasn't been used yet, we may be able to reissue a new QR code for your new device
  • If the plan is partially used, unfortunately the remaining data can't be moved — the profile is bound to the original device

Don't delete an active eSIM

Never delete an eSIM from your phone while your plan is still active. Deletion is permanent — the QR code cannot be reused and you'll lose access to any remaining data.

If you have an active plan and need a new phone urgently

If your phone is broken or lost mid-trip and you have an active Vyroam plan, contact our support team immediately. We'll assess whether a plan reissue is possible. In most cases, purchasing a new plan on the replacement device is the quickest solution to get back online.

For future trips, we recommend keeping your eSIM plan purchase close to your travel date — this minimises the risk of phone changes between purchase and use.

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Can I Transfer My eSIM to a New Phone? | Vyroam