No more queues at branches. Vodafone is the first in the Czech Republic to transfer eSIM via Bluetooth

Do you remember the last time you changed your SIM card? Usually, it meant a trip to the store, waiting in line, or at least a call to the infoline. Vodafone is now the first Czech operator to introduce a technology that simplifies the entire process to a few clicks on your phone. It’s called eSIM Transfer and works similarly to data transfer when changing phones.

While competitors still stick to the classic procedure via app or store, Vodafone has bet on cooperation with Google and Samsung. The result is a function that can convert a physical SIM card to an eSIM, move an eSIM between phones, or replace a SIM with an eSIM in the same device. And all this without scanning QR codes or copying long numbers.

How does SIM card transfer without an operator work?

When you first turn on a new phone, the system will automatically offer you the option to transfer the SIM card from your old device. You just need to have Bluetooth enabled, a data connection, and updated software on both phones. The transfer then truly takes only a few minutes.

If you don’t want to do the transfer immediately when setting up your phone, you can find it later in the menu Settings > Mobile Data.

No more queues at branches. Vodafone is the first in the Czech Republic to transfer eSIM via Bluetooth Jakub Kárník News Jakub Kárník News

It’s interesting that Vodafone currently has over 170 thousand customers with eSIM. This is not a negligible number, but it’s still a fraction of the total number of users. The reason is simple – the previous eSIM activation process was not entirely intuitive. You had to obtain a QR code in self-service or at a store, which deterred many people.

Why switch to eSIM? It’s not just about convenience

The biggest advantage of eSIM is, paradoxically, what might seem like a disadvantage – it cannot be removed. If someone steals your phone with a classic SIM card, the first thing they do is throw it out. This disconnects the phone from the network, and the chances of finding it are minimal. With eSIM, this is not possible. The thief would need access to your phone and know the PIN to deactivate the eSIM.

The second advantage will be appreciated especially by those who have both a private and a business number. You can have several eSIMs at once in one phone. You don’t have to carry two phones or switch SIM cards. You simply choose which number you want to use in the settings.

And it’s not just for expensive phones. The Motorola Moto G35 5G for less than 4 thousand Czech crowns already supports eSIM. This technology is gradually making its way into cheaper models, so the argument about high price no longer applies.

Which phones support eSIM Transfer?

So far, the list of supported devices is relatively short, but that will soon change. Currently, the transfer works on Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra and on Pixel 9a. For Pixels, an interesting rule applies – you can transfer a SIM or eSIM from any model Pixel 6 and newer.

Samsung and Google are not random choices. They are two of the biggest players in the Android market, influencing other manufacturers. When they implement something into their phones, others usually follow. Vodafone also assures that the list of supported phones will expand rapidly.

Do you prefer eSIM or a classic SIM card?

Source: press release