Deutsche Telekom enables seamless eSIM switching between iOS and Android
eSIM transfer between Android and iOS is cumbersome. Deutsche Telekom is Europe's first network operator to introduce seamless switching.
Deutsche Telekom makes it easy to switch eSIMs between iOS and Android.
(Image: Deutsche Telekom)
Deutsche Telekom customers who want to take their eSIM with them when switching between the iOS and Android worlds will no longer need to use QR codes or apps in future. According to the Deutsche Telekom press release, the Group is currently the only network operator in Europe to offer seamless switching.
According to Telekom, the range of supported devices is still very limited, especially on the Android side. While apparently all iPhones with iOS 26 are supported, only the Pixel 10 series is supported on the Google side. According to Telekom, other Android devices will follow shortly.
According to the network operator, the eSIM transfer is started directly in the settings of the new smartphone. The operating system recognises the old device with the eSIM installed and "initiates the secure switch". In the background, the Telekom system checks whether the device, tariff, and user are authorised to switch and then approves the switch.
As part of this process, the existing mobile phone profile is transferred; the phone number and tariff remain the same, explains the network operator.
GSMA standard as the basis
According to Telekom, the simpler eSIM transfer between different operating systems is based on the GSMA standard TS.43 and an entitlement server developed by Telekom. The server is used to manage authorisations and control the "secure process". Telekom also wants to offer the service in other countries in the future.
Videos by heise
If the Google documentation from 26 July 2025 is to be believed, the TS.43 standard will be supported on the Android side from version 12. Accordingly, an easier eSIM change could also be possible with older devices, but network operators must support this and possibly fulfil other requirements. The first rumours about seamless eSIM switching between platforms have been circulating since June of this year.
Switching an eSIM between smartphones has been possible at Deutsche Telekom between iOS devices since 2020 and between Android devices since 2023 without any detours.
(afl)
