Google Will Soon Allow Android Users to Easily Migrate Their eSIM Profile by Converting a Physical Sim Card to eSIM

In the ever-evolving world of technology, Android users are about to experience a major quality-of-life improvement in their eSIM experience. Google is currently developing a system for transferring eSIMs between devices and converting physical SIM cards into eSIMs. This new feature will make it easier for Android users to switch their eSIMs between phones and factory reset their devices without having to go through the hassle of contacting their carrier and scanning a QR code.

The new feature will allow users to transfer an existing eSIM onto a new device or a fresh Android install with ease. Google is also making it easier to convert physical SIM cards into eSIMs with this feature. With the current eSIM system, users have to de-register the eSIM before re-registering with a QR code from their carrier. But with the new feature, users will no longer have to wait for their carrier to set up an eSIM or switch to eSIM from a physical SIM card.

Google will be implementing this feature in its Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 release. In addition to 31 new emoji and a feature that lets you force-theme icons on your home screen, this release also contains code that hints at the eSIM transfer and conversion feature. Apple has already simplified this process for iPhone users in iOS 16 by providing a tool to convert physical SIM cards or migrate eSIMs from previous phones, and now it looks like Google is following suit.

Unfortunately, this feature may not be available to all Android devices through AOSP, and, instead, may have to keep things exclusive to Pixel phones. Transferring eSIMs might only work when moving from one Pixel to another or when factory resetting the same device, and converting physical SIM profiles to eSIM would likely depend on carrier support. 

Conclusion

Google’s new system for Android users is intended to make transferring and activating eSIMs on a new device a much simpler and quicker process. While the full compatibility information is not yet available, and the feature is likely to be limited to Pixel phones, this could still be a major quality-of-life advance for Android’s eSIM experience.