MWC 2023: Transfer of eSIM to Android becomes easier

Once again this year, technology enthusiasts were able to examine upcoming technology highlights at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. In addition to the latest hardware, software innovations were also presented. Among other things, Google presented an exciting update of its in-house operating system Android OS. This is to significantly simplify the transfer of an eSIM. However, the exclusive rights for the new feature are to be held by only one network operator for the time being.

Transfer of eSIMs will be easier in the future

Those who call an eSIM their own will be able to avoid the annoying insertion and removal of SIM cards. But this foolproof handling ends when you want to transfer the eSIM to a new smartphone. In cooperation with network operators, Google has now developed a way to transfer an eSIM from one Android smartphone to another much more easily. In developing the new technology, the tech company from California is said to have primarily relied on support from Germany. After all, Deutsche Telekom helped with the modern process, which was now presented at MWC 2023. Of course, the support from the network operator was not entirely altruistic. After all, Telekom was able to buy the right to be the first provider to make the new method available to its users.

Other highlights from MWC 2023:

Deactivation of old eSIM no longer necessary

Who previously wanted to transfer his active eSIM under Android to a new device, came around the deactivation on the old device not avoid. But that was not enough. On the new smartphone, the entire setup process then had to be gone through again. The Android update, which is to be launched this year, is supposed to be different. Here, the old device simply exchanges the necessary information with the new smartphone via short-range radio. This will look familiar to iPhone owners in particular.

After all, a fairly similar feature already exists on Apple iOS. As the eSIM market grows and thrives, it was an important one for the GSMA, the industry association of network operators, to make an adjustment. Telekom, for example, has stated that more than 40 percent of its own customers now rely on an eSIM. So that Google also benefits from Telekom’s exclusive rights, only owners of the Google Pixel 7 should be able to profit from the update at first. By the way, you can read how the Google 7 Pixel Pro performs in our detailed test report.