How do I fix a new Android phone stuck on Connecting to transfer?
Answer
When a new Android phone says Connecting to transfer, check for signal or a No SIM message, restart once, then try one outgoing call. During a number transfer, the old phone may drop to Emergency calls only—use Wi‑Fi or the new phone once it has any signal instead of forcing the old line.
Follow these steps
Check SIM and signal status
On the new phone, look at the status bar for signal bars and any No SIM or SIM error message. Confirm the physical SIM or eSIM setup step finished if setup asked for it.
You should see: You know whether the new phone sees a SIM and any signal at all.
Restart the new phone once
Restart the new phone once, wait through boot, and return to the activation or transfer screen without skipping ahead repeatedly.
You should see: The phone returns to Connecting to transfer, or moves forward to the next setup step.
Try one outgoing call
When any signal appears, place one short outgoing call to a known number to confirm the line is active on the new phone.
You should see: The call connects, rings, or fails with a clear carrier message you can read.
Use the working phone during the transfer
If the number is still moving over and the old phone already shows Emergency calls only, use Wi‑Fi calling on the new phone if available, or wait on the new device instead of expecting the old phone to keep normal service.
You should see: You can reach people on the new phone, or you understand the old phone will stay limited until transfer completes.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The Connecting to transfer message, signal bars, No SIM or SIM errors, and whether the old phone shows Emergency calls only.
Before you change anything: Keep both phones charged and nearby. Do not remove the SIM repeatedly during an active transfer unless support asks you to. Note any exact error codes shown during activation. Avoid third-party activation apps that ask for payment.