Google may soon make it easier for Android users to transfer eSIM profiles

Google is reportedly working on a system to convert physical SIM cards into eSIMs. This would also allow users to easily transfer an existing eSIM from an old device to a new one. Google has just started distributing its Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 release, offering Pixel fans a preview of any updates that might appear in March’s Feature Drop. This latest version includes code that displays the major quality of life improvements for Android’s eSIM experience, in addition to 31 new emojis and a feature that allows you to force themed icons on your home screen.

According to a thread by tweets by tipster Mishaal Rahman, Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 introduces a new system property called euicc.seamless transfer enabled in non qs. This hints at the upcoming feature that will most likely allow users to transfer an eSIM profile from an old Android phone to a new phone. Users may also be able to convert a physical SIM card from an old phone to an eSIM profile from a new phone.

Android currently does not allow users to transfer eSIM profiles from one phone to another. To do this, users must deactivate the eSIM profile on their old phone and activate it on the new device. The process is rigorous and users may need to contact the carrier to activate the eSIM on the new phone.

iOS, on the other hand, includes a built-in quick transfer feature that allows users to transfer physical or eSIMs from an old one iPhone to a new model without contacting the carrier. Google is reportedly trying to bring similar features to Android.

The tweets also add that Google is adding the feature to the SIM Manager app on its Pixel phones, as well as a number of phones that come preloaded with Google Mobile Services. However, full compatibility information is not yet available.

Transferring eSIMs between devices is not a native feature of eSIM configuration, the tweets add. This means that Google may not be able to make this feature accessible to all Android devices through the use of AOSP, and instead may have to limit it to Pixel phones in the early stages. Transferring eSIMs can be limited to moving from one Pixel to another or factory resetting the same device. The conversion of physical SIM profiles to eSIM is likely to be operator dependent.