Planning to upgrade your smartphone? While moving your photos, contacts and applications to a new device is relatively simple, transferring your mobile number can sometimes be confusing, especially if you use an eSIM.

Unlike a traditional SIM card, an eSIM is digitally embedded in a compatible smartphone. This means you cannot simply remove it from your old phone and insert it into a new one. Instead, you need to transfer or reactivate your eSIM through your telecom operator.

The good news is that Jio and Airtel offer digital processes that allow eligible customers to request an eSIM transfer without visiting a service centre. Here's how to do it.

Things to check before transferring your eSIM

Before starting the transfer, make sure you have completed a few basic checks:

• Confirm that your new smartphone supports eSIM functionality.

• Keep your old smartphone with you until the transfer is complete.

• Connect your new phone to a stable Wi-Fi network.

• Keep your registered mobile number active for OTP verification.

• Find your new phone's EID number, which identifies its eSIM hardware.

To find the EID, dial *#06# on your new smartphone. If supported, the device will display its EID along with other identification details.

If you use two eSIM-enabled numbers, remember that you may need to complete a separate transfer process for each number.

How to transfer an eSIM for Jio users

Jio customers can initiate the eSIM transfer process through the MyJio application.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the MyJio app on your existing smartphone.

2. Search for eSIM and select the option to switch or upgrade to eSIM.

3. Complete the required email verification.

4. Enter the EID number of your new smartphone.

5. Verify the request using the OTP sent to your registered Jio number.

6. Follow the instructions provided by Jio to confirm the transfer.

According to the process described, an automated confirmation call may arrive after a cooling period of approximately two hours. Follow the instructions to complete the request.

Once the request is approved, Jio will provide instructions for downloading and activating the eSIM profile on your new smartphone.

The exact process and waiting period may vary depending on the device and current Jio procedures.

How Airtel users can transfer their eSIM

Airtel customers can also initiate an eSIM-related request through the Airtel Thanks app.

Here's how:

1. Open the Airtel Thanks app.

2. Navigate to the relevant Manage Services or eSIM section.

3. Select the option to get an eSIM for another device, if available.

4. Enter the EID number of your new smartphone.

5. Complete the required verification using the OTP sent to your registered number.

6. Follow any additional instructions or confirmation calls from Airtel.

Once the request is processed, follow the activation instructions on your new smartphone to download and install the eSIM profile.

The available options may differ depending on your device, operating system and Airtel's current eSIM transfer procedure.

Transferring an eSIM from one iPhone to another

Apple offers an eSIM Quick Transfer feature that makes moving between compatible iPhones relatively straightforward.

To use it:

1. Open Settings on your new iPhone.

2. Select Mobile Service or Cellular.

3. Tap Add eSIM.

4. Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone, if the option is available.

5. Keep both iPhones close to each other.

6. Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions and approve the transfer on your old iPhone.

Once the transfer is completed, your mobile plan should become active on the new device. The previous eSIM may be deactivated automatically.

However, Quick Transfer availability depends on your carrier, country and device compatibility. If the option does not appear, you may need to use your operator's transfer procedure instead.

Can Android users transfer an eSIM directly?

Some Android smartphones also offer an eSIM transfer feature that allows users to move their mobile plan from an old device to a new one.

Depending on the manufacturer, operating system version and telecom operator, you may find an option such as Transfer SIM or Transfer from another device under the SIM or Network settings.

However, this feature is not universally supported. Jio and Airtel customers should check whether their particular smartphone and mobile plan are eligible before starting the process.

Important precautions before transferring your eSIM

An eSIM transfer requires a little preparation because your existing connection may stop working once the transfer is completed.

Keep these points in mind:

• Do not manually delete the eSIM from your old phone before completing the transfer.

• Keep your old device available until the new phone successfully connects to the network.

• Ensure that your registered mobile number can receive verification messages during the process.

• Check whether your banking and UPI applications require additional verification after the transfer.

• Be aware that SMS services may be restricted temporarily after an eSIM-related SIM swap or transfer for security reasons. Check your operator's latest rules before proceeding.

Is visiting a service centre necessary?

Not always. If your smartphone and telecom operator support digital eSIM transfers, you can complete the process through the relevant application or your phone's settings.

However, not every device or mobile connection supports direct transfer. In some cases, you may need to contact your operator or visit an authorised service centre.

The key is to check compatibility and follow your operator's current instructions before switching devices. With a little preparation, moving your mobile number to a new smartphone can be much easier than dealing with a physical SIM card.