Google appears to have silently introduced an eSIM transfer facility allowing users to port their eSIM profiles when setting up new Android devices. This was discovered by journalist Mishaal Rahman who could shift his eSIM from a Samsung S24 Ultra to an LG phone and Pixel 8 Pro.
Initially limited to Galaxy phones, the option surfaced on Samsung’s OneUI 6.1 setup menu without the ‘for Galaxy’ tag suggesting expanded Android interoperability. This possibly ties into Google’s announcement around eSIM switching at February’s MWC event.
Built On Samsung’s Prior Capabilities
The functionality seems to leverage capabilities originally built into OneUI 5.1 by Samsung for its own devices. By opening it for the Android ecosystem, Samsung helped catalyze the anticipated manufacturer-agnostic eSIM transfer system for smartphones.
For now though, transfers seem restricted to T-Mobile network users only. But with the infrastructure for secure QR code-based porting ready, extending support to more carriers appears a matter of ecosystem alignment.
Paving Way For Universal eSIM Mobility
As eSIM adoption spreads, such tools that let users easily shift operator profiles when upgrading devices or numbers when switching networks reduce transitional hassles. While availability remains limited currently, the long-term possibilities for universal eSIM mobility between any smartphones are clearly exponentially higher.
Google’s low-key activation of Android eSIM transfer capacities signals steady progress toward that future aided by Samsung’s foundational developments that opened interoperability.
