eSIMs are gaining popularity among OEMs, with more and more people embracing them, especially for their second SIM card. With iPhones in the US no longer featuring physical SIM slots and offering native eSIM transfer, there’s an increasing demand for a seamless eSIM experience on Android phones as well. It appears that Google is addressing this need with Android.
Google has been diligently working on enabling eSIM profile transfers for Android users for quite some time. And now, it seems that the company has made remarkable progress in this area. Thanks to the insights provided by code sleuth AssembleDebug, we can now catch a glimpse of how this feature will function on Android phones.
How The eSIM Transfer Process Will Work
According to the images shared by AssembleDebug on X (formerly known as Twitter), the process of transferring begins on your current Android phone. From there, you will be prompted to scan a QR code displayed on the phone where you wish to transfer your eSIM. Finally, following the scanning of the QR code, you will need to adhere to a set of instructions to successfully complete the transfer process.
First look –
Google has already announced & working on the capability of transferring your eSIMs. Initiate transfer on current device, scan the QR displayed on other device on which you want to transfer it. Once scanned, you need to complete the process on your other device. pic.twitter.com/PmO2X4W1c9— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) August 21, 2023
Once available, this eSIM transfer will seamlessly and effortlessly migrate your eSIM from your old Android phone to your newly purchased one, eliminating the need to contact carriers or deactivate/reactivate your eSIMs.
There are compelling reasons to transition from physical SIM cards to virtual SIMs. However, for many Android users, the lack of seamless eSIM profile transfer has been a major deterrent. Fortunately, with Google’s ongoing development of the eSIM profile transfer feature, the Mountain View tech giant may finally persuade skeptics to embrace the virtual SIM technology.
Also Read: What’s eSIM and how is it different to the traditional SIM card?
Investigative journalist Mishaal Rahman first made the discovery in the Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 update, revealing hidden codes related to the eSIM transferring feature. Released in January, this update hinted at the possibility of seamlessly converting a physical SIM card from an old phone into an eSIM profile on a new device. However, further information on this conversion process is yet to be unveiled, leaving us curious about its execution.
Another aspect that remains uncertain is the timeline for Android users to enjoy the convenience of transferring their eSIMs effortlessly. Although Google has not yet confirmed, it is speculated that Android 14 may be the first version to grant users the freedom to transfer their eSIMs without any intervention from carriers.
