How do I move my eSIM to a new phone?
An eSIM does not pop out and move like a physical card. Because many travel eSIMs allow only a single installation, you should not simply delete it from the old phone and expect to reinstall it on the new one: that can use up the one install you have. If you need to switch devices, contact Drift support with your order number before removing anything, and we will advise whether a re-issue is possible for your plan.
Why an eSIM is not portable like a card
A physical SIM carries its identity in the card, so moving phones is just moving the card. An eSIM is a software profile tied to the device it installed on, and many travel eSIMs are provisioned for one installation only. Deleting the profile does not reliably free it to reinstall elsewhere: in some cases the install is simply gone.
What to do instead
If you are changing phones mid-trip or before travel, do not delete the eSIM first. Contact support with your order number and ask whether your plan can be re-issued to a new device. Some plans allow it; others do not, and knowing before you act saves you a lost eSIM. For newer phones, built-in device-to-device transfer during setup sometimes carries an eSIM across: but treat that as a bonus, not a guarantee, and check with support first. This applies the same across the Americas.
If you are selling or resetting the old device, confirm the eSIM situation first. A factory reset removes the profile, and if the plan cannot be re-issued that data is lost.
FAQ
Can I move my eSIM to a new phone myself?
Not reliably. Many travel eSIMs allow only one installation, so deleting and reinstalling can lose it. Contact support before switching devices.
I deleted my eSIM: can I get it back?
Sometimes, depending on the plan. Contact support with your order number as soon as possible; a re-issue is not guaranteed but is worth requesting.
Does device-to-device transfer move an eSIM?
On some newer phones it can during setup, but it is not guaranteed for travel eSIMs. Check with support before relying on it.
Browse every setup and troubleshooting topic in the Drift Americas Help Center.