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New Contributor
April 16, 2026
Question

transfer of sim card to new phone.

  • April 16, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 391 views

I have started to set up my new phone but when I select to transfer SIM card the new phone tells me the SIM card in my old phone is not transferrable. When I put the SIM card to the new phone nothing happens. What does this mean and how do I fix it

    1 reply

    Owethu M
    iD Mobile Employee
    iD Mobile Employee
    April 17, 2026

    Hi ​@Lauramyers

     

    Thanks for getting in touch and I’m sorry for the confusion you’re experiencing.

     

    Based on what you’ve described, your new phone is referring to an eSIM transfer, not a physical SIM. The message saying the SIM is “not transferable” means that your current eSIM/profile can’t be moved directly between devices.

     

    This is expected behaviour in many cases, as eSIMs often can’t be transferred automatically and instead need to be reissued on the account.

     

    📌 Why this is happening

    • Your existing eSIM is tied to your old device
    • The system is not allowing a direct transfer to the new phone
    • Inserting a physical SIM won’t change this if your line is already set up as an eSIM


    ✅ What needs to be done

    You’ll need to request a replacement eSIM, which will:

    • Deactivate the old eSIM
    • Issue a new QR code
    • Allow you to activate your number on your new phone


    💬 How to request your eSIM

    Please contact our Customer Services team:

    Live Chat (fastest option)

    👉 https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat

    Type “talk to an agent” to reach a person

     

    📱 Social Media
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iDMobileUK
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idmobileuk/

     

    Owethu