A developer discovered a new eSIM-related feature in an Android GMS update. This function makes it very easy to transfer an eSIM profile from one smartphone to another. Excellent news about two months before the launch of Pixel 8 which, according to some rumors, could be compatible only eSIM.
Do you know the eSIM? This is a particularly interesting technology to facilitate the management of subscriptions to mobile operators. Indeed, theeSIM is a digital SIM card, embedded directly in the motherboard of the smartphone. Since it is dematerialized, you do not have to wait to go to the store or to receive it by post to install it in your phone. And you can have multiple subscriptions, which is perfect when traveling abroad.
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Only managing an active eSIM is not as easy as moving a physical SIM card. Fortunately, since 2022, iOS has included tools to automatically transfer an eSIM profile from one iPhone to another. But this is not yet the case with Android. Google has tackled the subject, as we saw at the beginning of the year. We published an article on a new eSIM management tool discovered in a firmware beta for Pixels. However, the management procedure was not yet as smooth as that proposed by Apple.
Google wants to automate the management of eSIM profiles in Android
But it’s only a matter of time. A developer discovered in a GMS update a new function related to eSIM cards. This allows toautomate the transfer and activation of an eSIM profile from one Android smartphone to another. Which is very similar to what Apple offers. For this, the owner of the two phones must scan with his new mobile a QR Code displayed on his old device. The affected update was released by Google on August 20, 2023.
This information is interesting for two reasons. First because the eSIM is becoming more democratic : more and more brands are offering eSIM compatible smartphones. And it is increasingly important to find features that will facilitate the use of this technology. Then because a leak claims that the Pixel 8 could only be eSIM compatible. As with the iPhone 14, this could only concern the North American versions of the Pixel 8. If this is confirmed, streamlining the management of eSIM profiles becomes a major priority for Google, whose next terminals are expected next October…
First look-
Google has already announced & working on the capability of transferring your eSIMs. Initiate transfer on current device, scan the QR displayed on other device on which you want to transfer it. Once scanned, you need to complete the process on your other device. pic.twitter.com/PmO2X4W1c9—AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) August 21, 2023
In the meantime, if you want to know more about the eSIM, we advise you to take a look at our dedicated file and our explanatory video (which you can find below).