User level: Level 1 (4 points)E sim problem my new phone that I e sim transferred from the old phone has stopped working and now I want to e sim transfer back to old phone and it’s not letting me
[Edited by Moderator]
Original Title: E sim
Posted on Oct 5, 2026 6:44 PM
User level: Level 10 (454,138 points)Oct 5, 2026 9:31 PM in response to SamuelOgbeiwi
If you have transferred your eSIM from one iPhone to another and the eSIM is not working properly on the new iPhone, you may want to transfer it back to the original device. However, if you are unable to do so immediately, this may not necessarily be an iPhone problem.
In India, carriers may impose a security waiting period—often 24 hours after an eSIM transfer—before allowing the eSIM to be transferred or reissued again. Such restrictions are generally intended to prevent unauthorised SIM swaps, identity theft, and fraudulent access to mobile services.
Therefore, if you have already transferred the eSIM to the new iPhone, the inability to immediately transfer it back to the old iPhone could be a carrier-imposed security restriction, rather than a fault with either iPhone.
The best course of action is to contact your mobile carrier and explain exactly what happened: when the eSIM was transferred, which device it was transferred to, and that you now need to move it back to the original iPhone. Ask them specifically about their eSIM re-transfer/re-issue waiting period and security restrictions.
Your carrier is ultimately the right party to confirm the applicable policy and, if possible, help you restore the eSIM service. Trying repeatedly from the iPhone may not overcome a carrier-side restriction.
User level: Level 6 (9,019 points)Oct 5, 2026 9:03 PM in response to SamuelOgbeiwi
Contact Apple Support as the prompt advises or contact your carrier for further assistance
User level: Level 10 (97,882 points)Oct 5, 2026 9:37 PM in response to SamuelOgbeiwi
Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗
Make sure your iPhone 16 Pro Max is updated to the latest iOS version, as eSIM options may appear after updates.
Go to Settings ➢ Cellular ➢ Add eSIM.
If the option isn’t there, contact your carrier to confirm eSIM support and request activation; some carriers must enable it first.
Learn → how to setup ESIM on iPhone. ↓
Need more help?
Good Luck! 👋🏼😉
Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer
User level: Level 10 (454,138 points)Oct 5, 2026 9:28 PM in response to SamuelOgbeiwi
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Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256371067