How To Move Your Number Off A Broken eSIM iPhone

Guide 8c · Connectivity

Broken screen and no SIM card to pop out? Many newer iPhones use an eSIM, a SIM built into the phone. You can still move your number. Here's how.

Works on: iPhones with eSIM, especially US iPhone 14 and newer, which have no SIM tray.

Option 1: Quick Transfer (If The Old Screen Still Works A Little)

You need: both iPhones signed in to the same Apple Account, both on iOS 18.4 or later, Bluetooth on, and the old phone unlocked with its passcode.

1. On the other iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular.
2. Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
3. Pick your number. If you don't see it, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
4. On the old phone, tap Transfer, or type the code the new phone shows.
5. Wait for the plan to turn on. Your old phone's line stops working then.

If you see "Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan," tap it. It opens your carrier's website.

Option 2: Ask Your Carrier (If You Can't Unlock The Old Phone)

• Call your carrier or visit their store from another phone.
• Ask them to move your number to a new eSIM on the other phone.
• They'll send it by notification or a QR code. Follow the prompt on the new phone.

Once your screen is fixed, you can move the number back the same way.

Source: Set up eSIM on iPhone, iPhone 17 Tech Specs (eSIM only) (Apple Support, checked Oct 18, 2026).

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.