We’re excited to announce the launch of On Device Transfer (ODT) — a new feature that makes eSIM activate easier than ever. With ODT, users can:
- Convert from a physical SIM to an eSIM effortlessly
- Transfer your physical SIM or eSIM in your old phone to an eSIM in your new phone
All through your phone’s settings, no QR codes or emails needed 👍😊
Currently, ODT is supported on select Apple and Samsung devices. Want to check if your phone is compatible? Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through how to check in your settings. If your device isn’t supported yet, hang tight, more devices will be supported soon.
Why do you need ODT
💭Thinking About Switching to eSIM?
eSIM is a convenient and secure way to manage your mobile connection. And with ODT, you can convert to eSIM directly through your phone, no need for QR codes or calls to customer care.
📱Thinking of Getting a New Phone?
Switching phones? ODT makes it easy to switch from a physical SIM to eSIM with just a few clicks.
Before You Begin: What You Need
Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re ready for the transfer:
Check eSIM Compatibility
Samsung
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
- If you have the option to Add eSIM your device is compatible.
Apple
- Go to Settings > Mobile Services > Add eSIM.
- If this option is available, your device is compatible.
Back Up Your Data
While your eSIM transfer won’t affect your data, it’s always smart to back up your contacts, messages, and photos just in case.
Reliable Internet Connection
Ensure both your old and new phones are connected to a stable WiFi network.
Types of On Device Transfer
1. Physical SIM to eSIM – same phone
2. Physical SIM to eSIM – switching/upgrading phones
3. eSIM to eSIM - switching/upgrading phones
Please keep in mind that these steps are for existing Three customers. If you are new to Three and wish to activate an eSIM you need to have a look at our blog All About: eSIM
Ready? Let’s Transfer Your eSIM
1. Physical SIM to eSIM – Same phone
Samsung
Before you start.
- Connect both old and new devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Keep both devices close to each other.
- On the old device, ensure:
- An active SIM
- A screen lock enabled
- The latest software version installed
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager
- Tap the SIM card that you want to convert to an eSIM
- Tap Convert to eSIM
- In the popup, tap Convert eSIM
- Your eSIM is now active 😊
- Don't forget to remove the physical SIM from your phone!
iPhone
Before you start;
- Connect both old and new devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Keep both devices close to each other.
- On the old device, ensure:
- An active SIM
- A screen lock enabled
- Signed in to iCloud
- The latest software version installed
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Services > Convert to eSIM.
- Tap Convert to eSIM.
- All you have to do now is wait for your eSIM to activate.
- All that’s left to do is remove the physical SIM from your iPhone, restart your iPhone and away you go😊
*Keep in mind your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone is activated.
2. Physical SIM to eSIM – switching/upgrading phones
Samsung
Before you start.
- Connect both old and new devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Keep both devices close to each other.
- On the old device, ensure:
- An active SIM
- A screen lock enabled
- The latest software version installed
New Phone
- Open Settings
- Tap Connections
- Select SIM Manager
- Tap Add eSIM
- Choose Transfer SIM from another device
(Menu names may vary slightly depending on your phone model)
Old Phone
- A SIM Transfer pop-up will appear — tap Transfer
- You’ll be prompted to enter a verification code shown on your new phone
New Phone
- Select your phone number when prompted
- Tap Transfer
Old Phone
- Tap Transfer
- Once you see Done, tap it to complete the process
Final Step: Activate Your eSIM
New Phone
- Open Settings
- Go to Connections
- Tap SIM Manager
- Select your transferred SIM
- Tap Convert to eSIM
- When the pop-up appears, tap Convert eSIM
⭐ Keep in mind your previous SIM card will be deactivated as soon as your eSIM is active.
iPhone
Before you start.
- Connect both old and new devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Keep both devices close to each other.
- On the old device, ensure:
- An active SIM
- A screen lock enabled
- Signed in to iCloud
The latest software version installed
New Phone
- On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
- Select your mobile number or Transfer From Nearby iPhone
Old Phone
- Click Transfer. You may be asked for a verification code. This will be displayed on the screen of your new iPhone.
- This step may take a few minutes. When the eSIM is active, your physical SIM will be deactivated.
New Phone
- If a banner appears on your new iPhone that says Finish Setting Up Your Network Provider's Data Plan, tap it. You will be redirected to your network provider's web page to transfer your eSIM.
- Keep in mind your previous SIM card will be deactivated as soon as the new eSIM is active.
3. eSIM to eSIM - switching/upgrading phones
Samsung
Before you start.
- Connect both old and new devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Keep both devices close to each other.
- On the old device, ensure:
- An active SIM
- A screen lock enabled
- The latest software version installed
New Phone
- On your new device, Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM
- On your new device, tap Transfer SIM from another device
Old Phone
- On your old device, you will see a popup for SIM transfer. Tap Transfer
- On your old device, enter that 6-digit verification code that you see on your new device
New Phone
- On your new Galaxy device, select a phone number from the list provided by your old Galaxy device, then tap Transfer
Old Phone
- On your old device, tap Transfer
- The selected number is transferred to your new Galaxy device from your old device
- On your old device, tap Done
- The eSIM that is for the selected number will be automatically downloaded and activated on your new Samsung Galaxy device
⭐ That’s it — your eSIM is now active on your new phone!
iPhone
Before you start.
- Connect both old and new devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Keep both devices close to each other.
- On the old device, ensure:
- An active SIM
- A screen lock enabled
- Signed in to iCloud
- The latest software version installed
New Phone
On your new phone, select Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM
Select Transfer From Nearby iPhone
Old Phone
Follow the instructions on the screen to confirm the transfer
*Your new phone may request a verification code, which will be displayed on your Old Phone.
With ODT, switching phones has never been simpler🎉
For more information on setting up an eSIM with Samsung, click here
For more information on setting up an eSIM with an iPhone, please click here
FAQ's
Can I use ODT when moving between manufacturers?
ODT will only work when moving between Apple to Apple or Samsung to Samsung.
Please note that ODT is currently only available on select iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices.
I don't have an ODT compatible device. Can I still use eSIM?
Yes, without a ODT compatible device, you can switch to eSIM using a QR code. To start your move to eSIM today, click here.
Please note that your device must be eSIM compatible.
Why is this new service only available on iPhone and Samsung devices?
Currently, the eSIM transfer feature is exclusive to the iPhone and select Samsung devices due to specific hardware and software requirements. We are working closely with other manufacturer to expand this functionality to more devices in the future.