Android is getting eSIM transfer support this year

Google is adding support for eSIM transfer to Android devices later this year. The process is designed to make it super simple for users to transfer their mobile plan to a new device. All without having to swap physical SIM cards. While swapping a SIM isn’t exactly a difficult process, the use of eSIM does make for a more convenient option. So long as mobile phone carriers support the feature as well.

The eSIM transfer support for Android is part of a wider set of announcements that Google made at Mobile World Congress this week. In addition to this new convenience for swapping mobile plans to a new device, Google is preparing for the arrival of some new features for apps like Google Keep, and some improvements for Wear OS 3. Google also announced that it’s working with its Android partners, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, to ensure longer lifetime support for OS and security updates. Allowing users to keep their devices for longer.

That’ll end up working in conjunction with the eSIM transfer support. Since customers can stick with older devices for longer periods of time. Though it is worth keeping in mind that devices will need to be running whatever version of Android supports the feature.

eSIM transfer support for Android begins with Deutsche Telekom

Support won’t necessarily be quick to roll out. With Google noting that Deutsche Telekom will be the first carrier to adopt support. The good thing is the feature is built off of the global standard created by the GSMA. So once things do start moving, more support should begin to arrive at a quicker pace. That of course does mean that there won’t be support for US carriers right away. Unless some of them hop on board between now and when the support is rolled out to Android.

Which is always a possibility. Google says the support is coming later this year, but doesn’t mention exactly when.