This article serves as the missing guide for those who, like me, faced challenges when obtaining clear instructions on this process. The support staff at the per-minute call center directed me to visit a physical store, stand in line, and wait for assistance.

I want to clarify that this guide pertains to a Vodafone Business plan with an active eSIM. Thus, some steps or instructions differ for a residential/personal plan.

I recently upgraded to a white iPhone 14 Pro Max. After the automatic transfer process, which took care of all iOS-related data, I was left with a non-transferable active eSIM on my old iPhone. The advice from Vodafone's call center almost led me to a physical Vodafone Romania store. However, I chose to delete the eSIM profile from my old iPhone first.

To delete the eSIM from your iPhone (running iOS version 16.3.1), follow these steps:

Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Delete eSIM (from the eSIM provider section - mine read "VODAFONE RO").

The next step can be tricky. You must have retained your QR code and eSIM activation code. In my case, Vodafone provided the QR code (through our company's account representative) in a PDF file, while the activation code was sent via an SMS from Vodafone.

To add the eSIM to your new iPhone (running iOS version 16.3.1), follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
2. Scan the QR above code.
3. Enter the confirmation code associated with that specific QR code when prompted.
4. Wait briefly (approximately 30 seconds, in my experience).
5. Once completed, restart your iOS, and you can now use your iPhone with the transferred eSIM.

Suppose you're on a Vodafone residential/personal plan. In that case, deleting the eSIM from an iPhone will usually trigger a new QR code to be sent to your contact email and the activation code via SMS (based on contract details – possibly an alternate number). This was a new experience for me since it involved a company-owned iPhone.

In conclusion, always make backup copies of your eSIM QR and activation codes. Storing them in iCloud is a practical option.

Best of luck with your transfer!