How to Transfer SIM Card from Android to iPhone

Switching from an Android phone to an iPhone is an exciting step for a more seamless, integrated user experience. However, one of the first challenge you'll encounter is transferring data from Android to iPhone, especially your SIM card. This procedure may appear difficult, but with the proper information and methods, it may be simple.

In this post, we'll go over everything you need to know about how to transfer SIM card from Android to iPhone, including physical SIM cards and eSIM transfers, as well as how to selectively transfer contacts. Let's get into the specifics.

Can You Transfer Your Android SIM to iPhone?

The simple answer is yes, you can transfer your Android SIM card to an iPhone. However, there are a few factors to consider before making the switch:

💡 Compatibility: Ensure that your SIM card is compatible with your new iPhone. iPhones typically use Nano SIM cards, which are smaller than the Micro SIM or Standard SIM cards found in older Android phones. If your Android phone uses a different type of SIM card, you may need to cut the SIM card down to size or get a new Nano SIM card from your carrier.

💡 eSIM vs. Physical SIM: iPhones from the iPhone XS series onwards support eSIM technology, allowing you to use a digital SIM card in addition to a physical one. If your Android phone also supports eSIM, you can transfer the eSIM to your new iPhone. Otherwise, you’ll transfer your physical SIM card to eSIM.

💡 Carrier Lock: Some Android phones are carrier-locked, meaning they can only be used with a specific carrier's SIM card. Before transferring your SIM card to an iPhone, check if your Android device is locked. If it is, you may need to unlock it through your carrier before the SIM card can be used on an iPhone.

How to Transfer SIM Card from Android to iPhone

It is a straightforward process to transfer a physical SIM card from an Android phone to iPhone. If you're moving to an iPhone model with physical SIM compatibility, follow these instructions to correctly move your SIM card from Android to iPhone.

Step 1. Turn off the previous Android phone, and extract the physical SIM card using a SIM ejector tool.

Step 2. Remove the SIM card from the SIM tray of your iPhone, and make sure the SIM tray is perfectly locked in place.

How to Transfer eSIM from Android to iPhone

If you’d like to use eSIM on iPhone or your iPhone is U.S. version iPhone 15, you may wonder how to transfer Android SIM to iPhone eSIM. This part offers you effective methods to transfer eSIM from Android to iPhone.

1# Transfer eSIM from Android to new iPhone via Carrier Activation

If you have an iPhone 15, it will automatically provide eSIM. Simply connect your iPhone 15 to a Wi-Fi network so that it can communicate with your carrier's activation servers. Now, follow the steps below to transfer SIM to eSIM on iPhone via carrier activation.

Step 1. Set up your new iPhone 15, when prompted, connect iPhone 15 to a Wi-Fi network.

Step 2. Wait for the iPhone 15 activation process to complete > When you see Cellular Setup Complete window, tap Continue to finish the setup process and eSIM has been added on your iPhone.

2# Transfer eSIM from Android to iPhone via Carrier App

If your carrier does not support Apple's eSIM Carrier Activation, you can transfer your eSIM from an Android device via the carrier app. Over 40 network operators in the United States enable eSIM activation via carrier applications. However, you will be unable to activate your eSIM during the first iPhone 15 setup procedure.

Step 1. Finish the iPhone setup process, select Set up later when you reach the Set up cellular screen.

Step 2. Download the carrier app from iPhone App Store, and open it. Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer or activate your eSIM on iPhone.

3# Transfer eSIM from Android to iPhone via QR Code

It is also possible to configure your eSIM during the initial setup of iPhone 15 if your carrier supports eSIM transfer or activation through a QR code. In the US, more than 40 carriers provide eSIM activation through QR code services. The code is usually sent through mail or provided at the store where you bought your iPhone.

Step 1. Setup and get to Set up cellular screen on your iPhone > Select Use QR code.

Step 2. Follow the instructions to point your iPhone camera at the QR code, and wait for the iPhone eSIM activation process to complete.

Step 3. Select Continue to finish the setup process when you see Cellular Setup Complete.

How to check if eSIM is transferred successfully on iPhone
To learn if your iPhone is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked, you can go to Settings > General > About > Scroll down to Carrier lock section, which should say NO SIM restrictions.

Bonus: Transfer Selective Contacts from Android to iPhone

When switching from an Android device to an iPhone, you might not want to transfer all your contacts, especially if you have duplicates or outdated entries. After transferring SIM card from Android to iPhone, you may need a transfer app to help you selectively transfer contacts from Android to iPhone.

Several third-party apps allow for selective contact transfer between Android and iPhone. One popular option is AOMEI FoneBackup, which provides a user-friendly interface for transferring selected contacts.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI FoneBackup on your Androidand iPhone from App Store > Launch AOMEI FoneBackup and switch the Wi-Fi option on. (No need to connect to Wi-Fi)

Step 2. Open AOMEI FoneBackup on your Android device, and tap Connect Device > Connect to iOS. Then, scan the QR code using your iPhone to connect to your device.

Step 3. On your Android phone, locate File Transfer > Contacts > Preview and select the desired contacts that you wish to transfer and tap Send.

Step 4. Then, tap Confirm on your iPhone to receive the contacts> After that, go to the Contacts app on your iPhone to check the transferred files.

AOMEI FoneBackup also offers a desktop version for Windows PC, which enables you to backup iPhone files to computer, like backing up iPhone contacts to PC.

Conclusion

That’s all for how to transfer SIM card from Android to iPhone. Whether you're dealing with a physical SIM card or an eSIM. With this guide, you should have no trouble making the switch. Additionally, selectively transferring contacts ensures that your new iPhone is clutter-free and contains only the most relevant information.