In the UK, you can get an eSIM from EE, O2 or Vodafone for use in your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phone.
eSIM or embedded SIM technology is now available on the latest smartphones from Apple, Samsung and Google. On devices like the iPhone 13 and the Galaxy S22, you can download an eSIM to your phone. This will allow you to get connected without the need for a physical SIM card. You can also use an eSIM to activate dual-SIM functionality on these phones.
At present, it’s possible to get an eSIM on compatible Pay Monthly plans from EE, O2 and Vodafone. In addition, there are several other mobile networks currently working on eSIM support. For instance, Three offered eSIMs for a short period during 2020 and is now planning to relaunch it in 2022. Similarly, Virgin Mobile offered eSIMs for a short period in 2021, but this has now been discontinued. Meanwhile, BT offers eSIM support but this is only available to BT Business customers.
In this article, we’ll look at eSIM technology in the UK. We’ll start by asking what eSIMs are and how they compare to the traditional SIM cards that have been in use for more than 30 years. We’ll then look at the devices you can use an eSIM with and at the support for eSIM across different UK networks.
| eSIM Plans: | From £6/month |
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| eSIM Providers UK: | |
| Compatible Devices: |
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Contents
What is eSIM?
In mobile phones, eSIM or “embedded SIM” is a new version of SIM card technology where the SIM card is embedded inside your device.
Instead of having a physical SIM card from your mobile network that you slot into your device, eSIM uses a reprogrammable chip inside your smartphone. To download and install an eSIM, you’ll normally need to scan a QR code with your phone.
Compared to traditional SIM cards, there are both advantages of disadvantages of using an eSIM.
The advantage of using eSIM technology is it can make it a lot easier and faster to change to another mobile network. Rather than waiting for a SIM card to be sent to you through the post, you can simply download or scan an eSIM to use a new network straight away. In addition, some mobile phones support dual-SIM connectivity when an eSIM is used. By using both an eSIM and a physical SIM card in your phone at the same time, you can have two phone numbers and two price plans active at the same time (e.g. one for personal usage and another for work usage).
The downside of eSIM is that only a couple of mobile networks currently offer eSIM-compatible plans in the UK. In addition, eSIM is normally available only on Pay Monthly plans and not on a Pay As You Go basis. There can also be complications when changing to another phone. With eSIM, it isn’t as simple as taking out a physical SIM card and putting it inside another phone. In addition, if you’re changing to a mobile phone that lacks support for eSIM, you’ll need to change your eSIM back into a physical SIM card before you’re able to use it.
eSIM Compatible Devices
The list of smartphones with eSIM support include the following devices:
- Apple iPhone 11
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 12
- Apple iPhone 12 Mini
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 13
- Apple iPhone 13 Mini
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 14
- Apple iPhone 14 Plus
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone SE 2020
- Apple iPhone SE 2022
- Apple iPhone XS
- Apple iPhone XS Max
- Apple iPhone XR
- Google Pixel 31
- Google Pixel 3 XL1
- Google Pixel 3a
- Google Pixel 3a XL
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 5a
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6a
- Huawei P40
- Huawei P40 Pro
- Motorola Razr2
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy S21+
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
1 The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are able to hold both a physical SIM card and eSIM. You can change between the two but only one can be used at a given time. You therefore won’t be able to have two phone numbers at the same time.
2 The Motorola Razr is an eSIM-only device. It doesn’t support physical SIM cards.
For more information, see our full list of eSIM compatible phones.
Most of the above smartphones offer dual-SIM connectivity in conjunction with eSIM support. This means you can use a traditional plastic SIM card, an eSIM, or both at the same time. If you’re using both a traditional SIM card and an eSIM at the same time, you’ll be able to have two phone numbers and two mobile networks on your phone at the same time.
For more information on how to set up and use eSIM on your phone, refer to your smartphone manufacturer’s website as follows:
- Apple: How to use dual SIM and eSIM (for compatible iPhone devices)
- Samsung: Using Galaxy smartphones with eSIM (for compatible Samsung Galaxy phones)
- Google: How to use dual SIMs (for compatible Google Pixel phones)
- Huawei: How to add an eSIM to your phone (for compatible Huawei P40 phones)
- Motorola: How can I activate the eSIM on Razr? (for Motorola Razr)
eSIM on UK Mobile Networks
In the following section, we’ll discuss the availability of eSIM on UK mobile networks.
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EE
To get an eSIM on EE, you’ll need to start with a normal plastic SIM card. Once you’ve got one, you can order an eSIM to replace your normal plastic SIM card. To get a replacement eSIM pack, you can log in to My EE, you can visit your nearest EE retail store, or you can call EE’s customer services team on 150 (0800 956 6000 if you’re calling from another network). Once you have your eSIM pack, you can use EE’s SIM swap webpage to transfer your plan onto an eSIM. If you’d like an EE Pay Monthly SIM card that can be changed into an eSIM, consider one of the following EE SIM-only deals:
All of EE’s eSIMs include access to their 5G network. In addition, you’ll get a Smart Benefit included when you choose an EE Smart SIM card. For instance, this could be an inclusive subscription to Apple Music, Netflix or BT Sport Ultimate. Source: EE Help: What is an eSim? |
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O2
To move your O2 Pay Monthly plan onto an eSIM, you’ll need to obtain an O2 eSIM pack. You can get one by visiting your nearest O2 retail store or by calling O2’s customer services team on 202. Once you have an eSIM pack, it can take up to 24 hours to transfer your plan onto an eSIM. If you’d like a new O2 SIM card that can be swapped for an eSIM when you receive it, O2 currently offers the following SIM-only deals:
All of O2’s eSIMs will give you access to the O2 Priority app along with O2 Extras such as inclusive Disney+. You’ll also get access to O2’s 5G network if you request a 5G eSIM pack. Source: O2 Help and Support: eSIM |
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Three
Three previously offered eSIMs on a trial basis between September 2020 and December 2020. However, they paused the distribution of eSIMs owing to some issues. It’s now expected that eSIMs will relaunch on Three in 2022. If you already have an eSIM from Three, you’ll still be able to continue using it. Source: Three Help: eSIM Support |
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Virgin Mobile
If you have an existing Virgin Mobile Pay Monthly SIM card, you can check to see whether it’s possible to move it onto an eSIM. You can do this through your Virgin Mobile account or by calling 0800 052 0422. If you’re a Virgin Media Volt customer, your mobile service will be provided by O2 rather than Virgin Mobile. If this is the case, you’ll need to follow the instructions on O2’s website instead. Source: Virgin Media Help: eSIM Support |
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Vodafone
The following plans offer 4G coverage on an eSIM and are available from £6/month:
Alternatively, you can get a 5G-ready Vodafone Red plan on eSIM:
Vodafone also offers a range of unlimited data plans that can be used on eSIM:
To ensure you receive your plan on an eSIM, choose the “eSIM” option when you checkout online. This is shown in the screenshot below:
You can also get an eSIM on Vodafone Business if you’re planning to use the eSIM for your business or for work. If you’re an existing Vodafone Pay Monthly customer, you can move your current plan onto an eSIM. To do so, follow the instructions on Vodafone’s website. It takes around 10 minutes to move your current Vodafone price plan to an eSIM. As well as supporting the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, Vodafone also has eSIM support available on the Apple Watch and on other wearable devices. There’s more information about this in Vodafone’s help centre. Source: Vodafone Help: Discover eSIM |
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Other NetworksBesides EE, O2 and Vodafone, you can also get an eSIM from specialist roaming providers. For instance, Airalo offers a short-term plan with 3GB data for $10/month (approx £8.30). This is a data-only plan from Uki Mobile which offers 4G coverage from the O2 network. Unlike the plans above, there’s no need to be a UK resident. However, you’re getting a data-only service without a UK phone number so it isn’t particularly suited for long-term usage in the UK. Amongst the other UK network providers:
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On EE, it’s currently possible to get an eSIM on Pay Monthly, 
On O2, it’s possible to move your Pay Monthly contract onto an eSIM. This includes handset, SIM Only and business plans. However, it isn’t possible to get an eSIM on 
At present, Three isn’t allowing customers to get 
At present, it isn’t possible for new Virgin Mobile customers to get an eSIM. Although they still have information about eSIMs 
On Vodafone, you can 
Frequently Asked Questions
| Which UK mobile providers offer eSIM? | At present, you can get an eSIM from the following UK mobile networks:
For a list of eSIM-compatible deals, see our guide to eSIM plans in the UK. |
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| How can I change my regular SIM card to an eSIM? | On EE and O2, you’ll need to order a physical SIM card to begin with. This can then be changed to an eSIM at a later date, by ordering a replacement eSIM pack.
On Vodafone, you can order an eSIM straight away by choosing the relevant option when placing your order online. |
| Which mobile devices are compatible with eSIM? | You can use an eSIM in selected mobile phones from Apple, Google, Huawei, Motorola and Samsung. Compatible devices include Apple’s iPhone 13 and Samsung’s Galaxy S22. In most devices, eSIM will also enable dual-SIM connectivity, allowing you to have two phone numbers at the same time on your device. |
More Information
For more information about eSIM in the UK, please see the EE, O2, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone websites. You can also see our guide to eSIM plans in the UK.
Dave said:
I started off with a Pisces eSim from Keepgo and a 1P PAYG plan and eSim total cost $6 plus £4. That gives 1Gb data valid for 12 months (and longer if topped up) and 120 days for voice/sms at 1p a minute/message (again longer if topped up). The data plan is valid throughout Europe inc UK. My grand-daughter doesn’t use the phone much outside so should be fairly cheap over a year, about £12 for calls and maybe another $18 for data. Winner! Used intelligently these eSims slash costs.
ChrisS said:
Thanks Ken for the info on the hidden EE £10 eSIM.
Just signed up using your link.
Thanks
ChrisS replied:
Just to add, SIM arrived today because of no post yesterday so porting my number won’t happen now until Monday but setting up the eSIM in MyEE was a simple affair so all’s good to go.
Will said:
Virgin Mobile have now discontinued eSIMs 🙁
Ken replied:
Hi Will,
Thanks for the heads up! Do you have any more information about the eSIM being discontinued? I wasn’t able to find any reference to this on the Virgin Media website but it’s possible they just haven’t updated it…
Thanks,
Ken
Andrew replied:
I tried to get one this evening and they said they definitely don’t do them. Didn’t make any reference to when that changed. When I said all the research I had done said they did they just kept repeating “we only do physical sim”!!
carl replied:
I just got a contract, and they do not have eSim on Virgin