iOS 26 Finally Lets You Transfer eSIM to Android — Here’s How

With iOS 26, Apple has quietly broken a long-standing wall that limited users’ freedom to switch platforms. You can now transfer your eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device—and vice versa—without needing to call your carrier. This subtle but powerful update marks a huge leap toward platform flexibility, especially for those ready to make the jump from iOS to Android (or back again).

iPhone to Android eSIM Transfers: Now Much Easier

Thanks to a discovery by a Reddit user on US Mobile’s Dark Star eSIM, a new “Transfer to Android” option has appeared in the Cellular settings on iPhones running iOS 26 beta. This new setting lets users migrate their eSIM profiles directly to Android—no carrier calls, no waiting for a new QR code.

It’s a small toggle with massive implications, cutting down a traditionally clunky, manual process into a near-seamless experience.

However, the feature is still in its early stages. It may not work with all carriers or plans just yet, so it’s worth waiting for the stable iOS 26 rollout before relying on it.

Moving to iPhone? Android to iOS Just Got Easier Too

iOS 26 also includes a new “Transfer from Android” option when setting up a new eSIM on iPhone. Tapping it generates a QR code your Android device can scan, starting the transfer. This method also works in reverse: Android generates a QR code, and your iPhone scans it.

This looks like a coordinated effort between Apple and Google, as the Android 16 beta also hinted at native cross-platform eSIM support.

Why This Update Matters

While iPhone-to-iPhone eSIM transfers have been smooth since iOS 18, switching between iPhone and Android was a hassle and required:

• Reaching out to your carrier
• Waiting for a QR code
• Manually deleting and activating eSIM profiles

With iOS 26, that’s no longer the case.

Cross-platform eSIM transfers are now easier, faster, and more user-controlled, empowering people to change ecosystems without getting stuck in technical red tape.

Switching Made Simple

Whether you’re moving to Android for customization freedom or jumping to iPhone for iOS 26 features like Apple Intelligence or Call Recording, this change ensures your carrier doesn’t slow you down.

Apple appears to be moving toward a more platform-agnostic future—something users have long been asking for.

What do you think about Apple and Google finally working together on this? Could this pave the way for easier data transfers in the future? Let us know in the comments!

Related articles worth reading:

• iOS 26 Adds Charging Time Estimate for iPhone Battery: Here’s How It Works
• iOS 26 Brings Spatial Scenes to All iPhones—Here’s What That Means
• eSIM Not Working on iPhone? 13 Ways to Fix It
• iOS 26 vs Android 16: Form Over Functionality