How do I move my SIM and data from iPhone SE 1st generation to iPhone 13?

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Level 1

4 points

How do I move my SIM and data from iPhone SE 1st generation to iPhone 13?

I live in the UK, and I'm getting a refurb iPhone 13, as my old secondhand 1st generation SE iPhone is irretrievably dying (after a few repairs over the years). How do I transfer my sim card and data to the new phone? The old 1st generation SE has no e-sim capability).

I'm assuming that I start by backing everything up on iTunes on my laptop... But after that, what next?

(My network is giffgaff. I've also posted a question in the giffgaff community forum.)

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: From 1st gen SE to iPhone 13: sim card/data?

iPhone 4s, iOS 9

Posted on Jul 30, 2025 1:03 PM

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Answer 1

sberman

Level 10

277,144 points

Jul 30, 2025 1:30 PM in response to BeorcYr

See this.

Transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Jul 30, 2025 2:16 PM in response to BeorcYr

Transferring the SIM card should be as simple as removing it from the old phone and putting it in the new phone. As I recall, both of those phones use a nano sim.

Remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 3

SravanKrA

Level 10

442,780 points

Aug 2, 2025 6:25 AM in response to BeorcYr

About data transfer:

This may help --> 3 Ways to transfer data from an old iPhone to a New iPhone… - Apple Community

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Answer 4

SravanKrA

Level 10

442,780 points

Aug 2, 2025 6:24 AM in response to BeorcYr

The following is extracted from: About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)

Use eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone

Some network providers support eSIM Quick Transfer, allowing you to transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them. You can also convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM.

Make sure that you’re signed in with your Apple Account on both devices, or that your previous iPhone is unlocked with the device passcode, nearby with Bluetooth turned on, and using iOS 16 or later. If you don't have access to your current iPhone, contact your network provider to transfer your eSIM.

While you're setting up your iPhone, if you're asked to transfer your SIM, follow the onscreen instructions to transfer your physical SIM or eSIM. If you need to transfer more than one SIM to your new iPhone, transfer your additional SIMs by following the steps below.

Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
Choose a mobile data plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone. This requires both devices to have iOS 16 or later.
Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. To confirm, tap Transfer or, if asked for a verification code, enter the code that's displayed on your new iPhone.
Wait for the mobile plan to be activated on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your new iPhone is activated.
If a banner appears on your new iPhone that says Finish Setting Up Your Network Provider's Data Plan, tap it. You will be redirected to your network provider's web page to transfer your eSIM. If you need help, contact your network provider.