How to Convert Physical SIM to eSIM Before You Travel

The Ultimate Guide: How to Convert a Physical SIM to an eSIM for Travel

Unlock seamless travel connectivity. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM on both iPhone and Android before your trip.

Alper

12 January 2026

8 min read

Why You Should Convert Your Physical SIM to an eSIM Before Traveling

Imagine this: you’ve just landed at Charles de Gaulle after a long flight, and you need to call your hotel or pull up a map to the train station. Instead of fumbling with tiny SIM card trays and pointy ejector tools, you simply turn your phone on, and it connects. This isn't travel magic; it's the power of an eSIM. Making the decision to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM before you leave home is one of the smartest travel preps you can make. It frees up your physical SIM slot for a local or regional travel eSIM, giving you the best of both worlds: your home number on one line and affordable local data on the other. This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it, ensuring you’re connected the moment you arrive. Before you begin, it's crucial to confirm you have one of the many eSIM compatible devices on the market.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

A little preparation goes a long way. Before you dive into the settings, make sure you have these four things ready. Skipping this step is the number one reason people run into issues.

An eSIM-Compatible Smartphone: This might seem obvious, but not all phones support eSIM technology. Generally, this includes iPhone XS and newer models, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S-series and Flip/Fold phones. A quick search for your model and "eSIM support" will give you a definitive answer.
A Stable Wi-Fi Connection: The conversion process involves downloading your SIM profile from your carrier's servers. A weak or intermittent Wi-Fi connection can interrupt this process and cause it to fail. Do this at home or in an office, not on spotty public Wi-Fi.
Support from Your Home Carrier: This is the big one. Not all mobile carriers support a direct physical SIM-to-eSIM conversion. Major carriers in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia typically do, but it's essential to check their website or call customer support to confirm. Ask them specifically about "eSIM Quick Transfer" (for iPhone) or their digital SIM card conversion process.
Updated Operating System: Make sure your phone's software is up to date. Apple and Google frequently release updates that improve eSIM functionality and fix bugs, so running the latest version of iOS or Android is key for a smooth process. If you need a visual walkthrough, our interactive setup guide can also help familiarize you with the general eSIM activation steps.

How to Convert Your Physical SIM to an eSIM: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process differs slightly between iOS and Android, but the core principle is the same: you're telling your phone to digitize the information on your physical SIM card. Follow the steps for your device below.

Activate eSIM on iPhone (Using iOS Quick Transfer)

Apple has made this process incredibly straightforward on recent versions of iOS. If your carrier supports it, you can do this in just a few minutes without needing to scan a QR code.

Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Navigate to Cellular: Tap on "Cellular" (or "Mobile Data" in some regions).
Find the Conversion Option: Look for an option that says "Convert to eSIM" or "Add eSIM." If your physical SIM is in the phone, iOS should automatically detect it and offer the conversion option.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts: Tap "Convert Cellular Plan" and then "Convert to eSIM." The phone will take a few moments to communicate with your carrier and download the eSIM profile.
Remove the Physical SIM: Once the process is complete, your iPhone will confirm that the cellular plan is now active on the eSIM. It will then instruct you to remove the physical SIM card from the tray. Your phone number and plan are now fully digital. That's it! You're ready to use a travel eSIM in the now-empty physical slot for your next trip to the States or elsewhere by getting a United States eSIM.

Activate eSIM on Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.)

The Android ecosystem is a bit more fragmented, so the exact steps can vary by manufacturer and carrier. However, the general path is similar.

Check Your Carrier's App: Many Android-friendly carriers (like T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.) handle the conversion process through their official app. Log in, look for account or device settings, and find an option like "Switch to eSIM" or "Activate digital SIM."
Scan a QR Code: If the app method isn't available, your carrier will likely need to issue you a QR code. You may need to request this by logging into your account on their website or by contacting customer support.
Navigate to SIM Settings: On your phone, go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > SIMs (or SIM card manager).
Add a New eSIM: Tap the '+' icon or "Add eSIM." The phone will ask if you want to download a SIM. Choose this option.
Scan and Activate: Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code provided by your carrier. It will then download and install the eSIM profile, transferring your number and plan. Once confirmed, you can remove the old physical SIM card.

What Happens to My Physical SIM Card After Conversion?

This is a question we get all the time. Once you successfully convert your physical SIM to an eSIM, the physical card is permanently deactivated. It becomes a useless piece of plastic. Your phone number, data plan, and carrier connection are now tied to the digital eSIM profile stored securely inside your phone. You can safely cut it up and discard it. Some people like to keep it as a memento or a backup in the unlikely event they need to prove account ownership, but it holds no active network connection.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Transition

Having helped thousands of travelers make the switch, we've learned a few things that make the process foolproof.

Do It a Few Days Before You Travel: Don't wait until you're packing your bags or, even worse, at the airport. Perform the conversion at least 48 hours before your departure. This gives you plenty of time to troubleshoot with your carrier if something goes wrong.
Backup Your Contacts: While the conversion process shouldn't affect your contacts, it's always wise to ensure they are backed up to your Google or iCloud account, not just the SIM card itself. Modern phones rarely store contacts on the SIM anymore, but it's a good habit.
Understand Your Phone is Now 'Dual SIM': Once your primary number is on an eSIM, your physical SIM slot is free. This is the key benefit for travelers. You can now purchase a data-only travel eSIM for your destination and use it alongside your home number. This is a far more elegant solution than juggling multiple plastic cards, as highlighted in our guide comparing Europe eSIMs to local SIMs.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are a few common hurdles and how to clear them.

"Convert to eSIM" Option is Missing: This almost always means one of two things: either your carrier doesn't support the feature, or your phone is carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to confirm support and ask them to unlock your device if you've met their requirements.
Activation Fails Midway: This is often caused by an unstable Wi-Fi connection. Move closer to your router, restart your phone, and try the process again. If it continues to fail, there may be a temporary issue with your carrier's activation servers. Wait an hour and retry.
I Can't Receive Calls/Texts After Conversion: The first step is a simple restart. If that doesn't work, go into your cellular settings and ensure the eSIM line is turned on and set as your primary for voice and text. Sometimes these settings can get reset during the switch. As you plan your data needs for your trip, using a smart data calculator can help you pick the right size plan.

Your Ticket to Smarter Travel Connectivity

Taking a few minutes to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM is a game-changer for international travel. It declutters your wallet, eliminates the risk of losing your tiny home SIM card, and unlocks the true power of a modern smartphone: dual SIM capability. By moving your home number to a digital format, you open the door to seamless, affordable local data with a travel eSIM, wherever your adventures take you. You'll land, turn on your travel data line, and be connected instantly—no more airport Wi-Fi hunts or expensive roaming bills. Your future traveling self will thank you. Now that your phone is ready, why not explore a United Kingdom eSIM for your next European getaway?

Can I convert my physical SIM to an eSIM for travel?

Yes, absolutely. Converting your primary physical SIM to an eSIM is a great pre-travel step. It frees up the physical SIM slot on your phone, allowing you to easily install a local or regional travel eSIM for affordable data abroad while keeping your home number active for calls and texts.

How do I transfer my phone number from a physical SIM to an eSIM?

The process involves using your phone's built-in settings to digitize your SIM profile. For iPhones, it's typically under Settings > Cellular > Convert to eSIM. For Android, it's often done through your carrier's app or by scanning a QR code from your carrier in Settings > Network > SIMs > Add eSIM. Your phone number and plan are transferred automatically.

What happens to my physical SIM after converting to an eSIM?

Once the conversion to an eSIM is successful, your physical SIM card is permanently deactivated by your carrier. It no longer has any connection to the network and becomes a non-functional piece of plastic. You can safely discard it.

Is it better to use an eSIM or physical SIM when traveling?

Using an eSIM for your travel data is generally better. It allows you to keep your home number active on your primary line (which you converted to an eSIM) while using a travel eSIM for cheap, local data. This dual-SIM setup avoids high roaming fees and the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.

Can I convert a prepaid SIM to an eSIM?

This depends entirely on the carrier. Many major carriers support converting postpaid plans to eSIM, but support for prepaid plans can be more limited. It's essential to check your prepaid provider's website or contact their customer service to confirm if they offer this option for your specific plan.

What if my carrier doesn't support converting to an eSIM?

If your home carrier doesn't offer a direct conversion, you can't digitize that specific line. However, you can still use a travel eSIM. You would simply purchase a travel eSIM for your destination and physically remove your home SIM card upon arrival, replacing it only when you return home.