Switching to a new smartphone is usually a pleasant experience, until you transfer your phone number. The virtual SIM card, or eSIM, in particular, can raise concerns for many people: What if I delete my old phone, the code won't activate on my new one, and I'm left without signal and two-step verification for my bank before the weekend?
I recently dealt with this scenario myself when switching to a new Samsung. The good news is that Samsung and Czech operators already have tools today that make the whole process a matter of a few minutes. Below you will find everything you need.
Preparation before replacing your phone
Before you start tinkering with the settings, there are a few things to keep in mind. Specifically, these:
- Stable Wi-Fi connection: When transferring an eSIM, an encrypted profile is transferred from the operator's server. Mobile data from the transferred SIM is not working at that time.
- Access to operator self-service: Keep a backup of your app login (My T-Mobile, My O2 or My Vodafone) on another device (computer, tablet). If the system transmission fails, generate a new QR code in it.
Transfer in settings Galaxy
Samsung offers as part of the upgrade One UI direct system transfer of eSIM. The advantage is that it does not require manual scanning of paper cards. The procedure is as follows:
- On your new Samsung, go to Settings→Connections→SIM Manager.
- Click on "}Add eSIM.
- Choose an option Transfer SIM card from phone Galaxy/ Android.
- A prompt will appear on your old phone to confirm the transfer. Accept it and enter the verification code (Old phone PIN/pattern or displayed numeric code).
- Select the desired eSIM profile and confirm the download to your new device.
Gallery
This direct transfer between two Samsung phones works incredibly elegantly – within a minute you can see the lines disappearing from one phone and popping up on the other. However, there is one major "but" on the part of Czech operators.
Procedure and restrictions of Czech operators
Even though Samsung has this feature in the system, not all Czech operators support native touchless transfer without generating a new profile.
T-Mobile
- How to best transfer an eSIM: My T-Mobile application/system transfer
- What to watch out for: T-Mobile supports direct transfer in settings. If that fails, just generate a new QR code in My T-Mobile.
O2
- How to best transfer an eSIM: My O2 self-service (new QR code)
- What to watch out for: Old paper e-vouchers tend to become invalid after the first use. You must request a "Transfer to another device" in the app.
Vodafone
- How to best transfer an eSIM: Self-service My Vodafone (new QR code)
- What to watch out for: The old QR code from the e-voucher cannot be scanned again. You can generate a new e-voucher for free at the self-service store and scan it with your new phone.
Universal secure way via QR code
If the live broadcast does not take place, follow these steps:
- Open the operator's application/self-service on your PC or tablet.
- In the SIM management section, request an eSIM replacement/transfer to another device, after which a QR code will appear.
- Scan the QR code in a new Galaxy (see SIM Manager→Add eSIM→Scan QR Code).
Activation errors and safe deletion of the old profile
The two most common critical errors that occur during transmission are:
- Hasty deletion of a profile from an old phone: People often delete the eSIM from their old phone before generating a new code. If you delete the old profile and don't have a new QR code or access to the SMS to log in to the self-service, you will block your access and will have no choice but to go to the branch with your ID card.
- Scanning the old (already used) QR code: The eSIM security standard specifies that the activation QR code is usually one-time use. Attempting to scan it again will result in an error of "Profile already used" or "Invalid code".
Correct order of steps (how to avoid being left without a signal)
- Activation on a new device: Transfer or scan a new QR code on your new phone Galaxy.
- Practical verification of functionality: Wait for your phone to connect to your carrier's network. Try making a call, sending a text message, and turning off Wi-Fi to test your mobile data.
- Receiving a test SMS: Have a verification SMS sent to you (e.g. from another number), to make sure that incoming communication is working.
- Deleting an old profile: Once your new phone is fully functional, go to SIM Manager on your old device, tap the eSIM profile, and select Remove/Delete.
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I personally had no problem transferring my eSIM to my new Samsung – my carrier is T-Mobile, so I managed it easily using the system transfer. But the process via QR code is no more complicated, just a bit longer.
