Guides

Moving your eSIM and number when the old phone is locked or dead

6 minute read · beginner

Your number belongs to your carrier account, not to the handset. If the old phone still works, move the line first and wipe it last. If the old phone is already locked or dead, you can usually still keep the number — it becomes a carrier request, not a recovery-mode job.

If the old phone still works: new phone first, old phone last

  1. iPhone to iPhone: eSIM Quick Transfer works when both devices are yours, nearby, and signed in to the right Apple Account. Follow the on-screen handoff.
  2. Android: this varies by carrier. Many use their own app or a QR code issued through store chat. Some will still ship a physical SIM if you ask.
  3. Wait until the new phone shows service and you have made a real call and sent a real text.
  4. Only then erase the old phone.

Do not wipe the old phone first. A wipe usually deletes the eSIM on it, and the transfer tools want the old device alive and in your hand.

If the old phone is locked, dead or already erased

You cannot authorise a transfer from a phone you cannot open. You can still keep the number.

  1. Collect the IMEI of both phones — the old one from the box or your carrier account if you cannot open it.
  2. Have your account PIN and the account holder's ID ready.
  3. Call or chat with the carrier and ask them to issue a new eSIM (or SIM) to the phone you still control.
  4. Finish the line move first. Deal with the locked handset afterwards, as a separate screen-lock problem.

Travel eSIMs are a separate question

A travel eSIM has nothing to do with the carrier lock on your phone. A carrier-locked phone may accept a travel eSIM on its second slot, or may not, depending on the carrier. Check before you fly.

Stop and get help when

  • You are not the account holder and cannot get their authorisation.
  • Your line lost service and you did not start a transfer — treat that as possible SIM-swap fraud and call the carrier from another phone.

Official route

Your carrier's customer service, with both IMEIs and your account PIN.

Who this is for: You must be the account holder on the line, or authorised on the account.