An eSIM transfer can remain pending when the old and new phones cannot complete the carrier’s device-to-device process. For a travel eSIM, the more important question is whether that profile supports transfer at all: many prepaid travel profiles must be installed from the original instructions and cannot be moved through Apple or Android carrier-transfer tools.
Quick answer: Keep both phones connected to power and reliable Wi-Fi, confirm Bluetooth and the required account settings, and wait without deleting the eSIM from the old phone. If this is a NoveSIM travel eSIM, stop the carrier-transfer attempt and contact NoveSIM Support before removing the installed profile.
First identify what is being transferred
A carrier line tied to a mobile number may support Apple’s or Android’s transfer workflow. A QR-installed travel eSIM is different: it is commonly issued for one installation and may not be eligible for device-to-device transfer.
Check the plan instructions and provider account before continuing. If the new phone says “Transfer from nearby phone” but the provider never stated that transfer is supported, do not assume the option can move the travel profile.
Do not delete the working profile
Leave the eSIM on the old phone while its status is known. Deleting it does not force a pending transfer to complete and may remove the only usable copy. Many installation QR codes cannot simply be scanned again.
If the old phone has already been erased, do not repeatedly retry the QR code. Contact the provider with the order number and both device models so they can determine whether replacement or reissue is possible.
Check the conditions for a supported phone transfer
- Update both phones to a supported operating-system version.
- Connect both devices to stable Wi-Fi and power.
- Enable Bluetooth and keep the devices close together.
- Sign in with the required Apple or Google account.
- Remove VPN restrictions or captive-portal Wi-Fi during the attempt.
- Keep the old phone unlocked when the new phone requests confirmation.
Menu names and availability vary by model, region and carrier. A transfer feature appearing in Settings does not guarantee that every installed eSIM is eligible.
What “pending” can mean
The new phone may be waiting for approval from the old device, for the carrier to release the line or for the setup service to regain internet access. Check both screens for a hidden confirmation prompt. If the old phone still shows the line as active, avoid making calls or changing SIM settings during the transfer.
When the status does not change after a reasonable wait, cancel only through the visible transfer workflow if that option is offered. Do not factory-reset either device to solve a single pending line.
For a NoveSIM travel eSIM
NoveSIM plans provide mobile data and are separate from the carrier line that owns your telephone number. Do not use a phone’s “transfer cellular plan” feature unless the NoveSIM instructions explicitly permit it.
Contact NoveSIM Support before deleting the profile. Include the order number, old and new phone models, operating-system versions, current country, the exact pending message and a safe screenshot. Never include the QR code or activation code in a public message.
If the transfer concerns your primary number
Your mobile carrier—not the travel-data provider—controls transfer of the line that carries your normal number, voice service and SMS. Use the carrier’s official activation channel or contact its support team. A NoveSIM data eSIM cannot move or replace that telephone number.
Keep access to account verification methods until the transfer finishes. Some banks and services depend on SMS to the primary line and may not accept data-app alternatives.
After the new phone is ready
Confirm that the intended eSIM appears and is enabled before erasing the old phone. Select the correct line for Mobile Data and apply Data Roaming only to the travel eSIM when its instructions require it. Disable automatic data switching if the home line must not use roaming data.
Test a normal website away from Wi-Fi. Confirm calls and SMS separately on the number-owning carrier line, because a data-only travel eSIM is not expected to provide conventional voice service.
Related Articles
- Can I transfer an eSIM to a new phone?
- eSIM asking for an activation code
- eSIM after a factory reset
- Keep your number with a data eSIM
- Contact NoveSIM Support
FAQ
How long should an eSIM transfer remain pending?
A supported transfer normally progresses while both phones are online and nearby. If it remains unchanged or shows an error, check both devices for prompts and contact the responsible carrier or provider.
Can I delete the eSIM from the old phone to speed it up?
No. Keep the profile until the new installation is confirmed. Deletion can remove a working eSIM without resolving the pending transfer.
Can a NoveSIM travel eSIM be transferred through phone settings?
Do not assume it can. Follow the original plan instructions and contact NoveSIM Support before attempting to move or delete the profile.
Who handles the transfer of my normal phone number?
The mobile carrier that owns the number handles that transfer. A data-only travel eSIM provider cannot transfer the carrier line used for calls and SMS.
Final Recommendation
Treat a pending transfer as an eligibility and approval issue, not a reason to erase either device. Confirm which provider owns the line and whether its eSIM supports device-to-device transfer.
Preserve the old profile, collect the exact error and contact the correct support team. For NoveSIM, request guidance before deleting or attempting to reinstall the travel eSIM.
