Google has initiated the groundwork to enable QR code-based eSIM transfers on Android.
As previously announced earlier this year, the tech giant is actively developing support for an eSIM transfer functionality within the Android ecosystem. This feature will empower users to seamlessly shift their eSIMs between devices without external assistance, as reported by 9To5Google.
The introduction of this feature is vital since, at present, there exists no inherent method for transferring eSIMs among Android devices. This process currently relies entirely on the carriers.
To initiate the transfer process, users will be prompted to scan a QR code.
The report noted, “Given that most of these functions are not yet operational, our access was limited to this initial phase. @AssembleDebug has also managed to unveil a user interface reminiscent of Fast Pair that appears prior to scanning the QR code.”
In contrast, Apple has simplified the eSIM transfer procedure for iPhones by integrating a tool into iOS, allowing for effortless wireless eSIM migration between iPhones.
In the previous month, Google released the Android 14 Beta 4 update, featuring an ‘auto-confirm unlock’ feature, numerous bug fixes, enhancements in system performance, and more.
According to Android researcher Mishaal Rahman, the ‘auto-confirm’ feature unlocks the user’s phone automatically when they input the correct PIN. However, this functionality necessitates a PIN of at least six digits.
Additionally, Rahman noted that the update introduced fresh default profile picture choices. Furthermore, users can now locate their phone’s year of manufacture by navigating to Settings > About phone > Model.
He also commented, “In Android 14, the ‘ring volume’ and ‘notification volume’ sliders are now completely separate, with no option to merge them again. In previous beta versions, this separation was governed by a DeviceConfig flag, which is no longer in use.”
