iPhones May Soon Let You Take Your eSIM to Android Without Deleting It From the First Phone

Safaricom might have been an early adopter of eSIM tech, but transferring an eSIM between devices — especially across iOS and Android platforms — is a nightmare. And if you’ve ever tried moving your eSIM from an iPhone to an Android phone, you know the frustration is real. But not long, because a fix might finally be on the way.

Thanks to a fresh discovery in Google’s SIM Manager app, it looks like iOS 19 could bring the long-awaited ability to transfer an eSIM from an iPhone directly to an Android phone — wirelessly, and without begging your carrier for a new QR code. The leak, uncovered by Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority, shows that Google is already prepping for this in its Android 16 beta.

Here’re the strings:

<string name="qr_code_fallback_title">Enter session ID and passcode</string>
<string name="qr_code_fallback_description">On your other device, go to <b>Settings</b> app > <b>General</b> > <b>Transfer or Reset iPhone</b> > <b>Transfer to Android</b> > <b>Other Options</b></string>
<string name="qr_code_fallback_footer_text"><b>"Still can't connect wirelessly?"</b>"
Make sure your other device is running iOS 19 or later versions."</string>

According to the clues, iPhones running iOS 19 might gain a new “Transfer to Android” option tucked inside the Settings app. Think of it like AirDrop’s cousin — but for your mobile network. You’d scan a QR code on your new Android phone or use a generated passcode and session ID to manually kick off the process. In short, fewer headaches, no customer service calls, and more control in your hands.

This is a big deal for Kenyan users, especially given the rocky eSIM rollout we’ve seen with providers like Safaricom. Remember our review earlier this year on the eSIM drama with the S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max? If not, catch up here. For users tired of jumping through hoops every time they switch platforms, this could be the beginning of real freedom.

While the feature hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, Apple’s WWDC 2025 is just around the corner — and we’re keeping our fingers crossed. If this pans out, it could be one of the most practical updates we’ve seen from Apple in a while — and an unexpected gift for Android fans.

But for now, we wait.