topic Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime in Android

eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

andy400 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:03:53 GMT

Hi,

I am an O2 customer currently using a Google Pixel 6a with an active eSIM on my account. I will be upgrading to a Google Pixel 9a shortly.

As this is my primary business line, I need to ensure a seamless transition with zero downtime. Could you please clarify the correct process for moving my eSIM to the new device?

Specifically:

Android Quick Transfer: Does O2 currently support the native Android "Transfer SIM from another device" feature during the initial phone setup wizard?
Manual SIM Swap: If the native transfer is not supported, do I need to generate a new eSIM QR code via My O2?
Timing: If I generate a new QR code via the portal, does my current eSIM on the Pixel 6a stop working immediately, or does it stay active until I scan the code on the new phone?

I need to know the specific order of operations to prevent my business number from being unreachable while I wait for the new phone to arrive.

Cheers
Andy

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

MI5 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:07:37 GMT

@andy400

You will need to contact O2 to push a new esim to your MyO2 or go in store with photo ID.

Plastic sims are much preferred for this reason with O2.

Current esim will be disconnected at point of new esim generation.

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

andy400 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:28:20 GMT

Thank you.

Thank you for the clarification regarding the "Push" to the My O2 app.

To avoid losing service before my new device is ready, please confirm if the following Order of Operations is correct:

Setup: I receive the Pixel 9a and set it up fully and transfer my other plastic sim, connect it to Wi-Fi etc. Then I install/login to the My O2 App first.
The Switch: Once step 1 is done, I contact you (O2) to request the eSIM generation?
Activation: My old eSIM disconnects, and I immediately see the "Install eSIM" option appear in the My O2 App on the new Pixel 9a to restore service.?

Is there a number I ring for step 2?

Sorry for all the questions but the online help is very contradictory. I wish there was an "idiots" guide to all this for simple folk like myself 😀

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

MI5 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:32:03 GMT

@andy400

Yes, that sequence will work.

It's 202 for customer service - all numbers in the link I posted above.

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

andy400 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:37:10 GMT

Thank you so much for your time.

Last question. When I phone 202 will they be able to do it whilst I'm on the phone to them or is this done later?

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

madasaf1sh — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:50:34 GMT

They push it to myo2, and you activate it from there...

And it can take upto 24hrs for the new esim to activate (worse case scenario)

Also note if you are a business customer its 8002 and not 202, unless you are using a personal contract for business use which is against the t&c's

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

andy400 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:54:04 GMT

Thanks.

I found this o2 help page which seems to contradict your info. Seems to say I can do all this from my phone without any O2 involvement

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-sims-and-devices/google/pixel-9a-android-15/set-up-and-first-use/article/transfer-esim-to-your-google-pixel-phone

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

MI5 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:58:09 GMT

@andy400

Your choice to either trust us, who know what we are talking about, or O2, who don't......

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

andy400 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:01:45 GMT

That's the thing.

I'm just a non-technical user. There is an official help guide on the O2 website. Surely most people like me would just follow that.

Why has o2 got that article on their site if it's wrong?

I'm not not-trusting you but you can to see it from my point of view. All these different options, contradicatory info on the site. What is a normal non-technical person meant to do with this.

If I had not found this community I would have blindly follow the O2 Official Help Article and ended up in a mess.

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

MI5 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:07:39 GMT

O2 can mess things up at the best of times, without any help @andy400

My advice would be to go in store to do it and walk out with it all working, but that's just me based on experience.

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

andy400 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:10:25 GMT

Thanks, I don't have any stores near me at all, and I have no transport. I'm out in the "sticks". It's nearly 2 hrs in a taxi to get to a store unfortunately.

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

MI5 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:14:29 GMT

@andy400

Fair enough.

As all's been said, I'll just wish you good luck.

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

andy400 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:24:24 GMT

Thank you. I'll let you know how I get on and I'll try to document the whole process so that others may benefit from it.

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

jonsie — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:34:59 GMT

If you call O2 your current esim will be disconnected immediately

You need to be signed into My O2 as you won't have access unless already signed in

Reason being you will need the code which is sent by text message to a sim that has been deactivated

So many things to go wrong as customer service (especially overseas) can mess it up for you

Good luck I hope all goes well for you

Re: eSIM Transfer Query - Android to Android (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9a) - Minimizing Downtime

MI5 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:42:39 GMT

Log in codes are no longer a thing since the VMO2 joint sign in fiasco, as long as you're using a device that has previously been logged in.