Unable to transfer eSIM to new iPhone 16 from iPhone 14

RoamingReady — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:37:13 GMT

Hi community,

I'm trying to transfer my Public Mobile eSIM from my old iPhone 14 to a new iPhone 16, but it's not working. Here's all the details here:

- Old phone: iPhone 14 (eSIM active, everything works fine)
- New phone: iPhone 16 (brand new, unlocked, eSIM compatible)
- Province: Ontario
- Current plan: 50GB Canada-US 5G plan

Steps I've tried:
1. During new iPhone setup, chose "Transfer From Nearby iPhone" → got error "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Transfer. This cellular plan cannot be transferred because the plan is not supported by your carrier."
2. On the old phone, went to Settings > Cellular > removed the Public Mobile eSIM profile.
3. Logged into the Public Mobile app on the new phone → Shop → Mobile plans → selected my current plan → chose eSIM installation → got QR code by email, scanned it → "SIM activation failed" or "Invalid QR code".
4. Tried reinstalling the app, restarting both phones, resetting network settings, airplane mode on/off — no luck.

Now the new phone shows "No Service", and I'm still using the old one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Re: Unable to transfer eSIM to new iPhone 16 from iPhone 14

softech — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:27:27 GMT

@RoamingReady

With PM's eSIM, you don't use the "transfer" process with iPhone. You have to rebuy a new one. Luckily, you can get a replacement for FREE

To rebuy new eSIM for FREE, first, download the app on your new phone and login. If you have problem with receiving 2FA code, click "Didn't Receive code" or "Resend code" and choose either Send email or Send voice message

Once logged in, Click Account from the bottom, then click Purchase SIM Card and select eSIM.

Once it confirms your phone is eSIM compatible, click Pay $ and Install (the system will check and apply a $5 credit to bring the total price back to $0 at checkout), and follow the prompt to complete and purchase and install eSIM on your device
(in rare case that PM charges you for the replacement esim, you can submit a ticket with PM support and ask them for reimbursement)

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/esim-faqs

While direct eSIM to eSIM transfers are not supported, we do offer the option to transfer service from one eSIM to another by purchasing a new eSIM. If you are already using a Public Mobile eSIM, when you request a new eSIM, we automatically identify you as an existing eSIM user and waive the replacement fee, provided you meet certain conditions.

To qualify for a fee waiver when transitioning between eSIMs, you must meet the following criteria:
* The current Public Mobile eSIM must be actively installed in the device you’re transferring from.
* The eSIM must have been purchased at least 15 days prior to the new request.

topic Re: Unable to transfer eSIM to new iPhone 16 from iPhone 14 in Get Support

Unable to transfer eSIM to new iPhone 16 from iPhone 14

Re: Unable to transfer eSIM to new iPhone 16 from iPhone 14