eSIM Guide
eSIM. Your SIM is
Now Digital. No Card
Required.
Built into your phone. Activated in minutes online. Supports two numbers at once. Here is everything you need to know about eSIM in the UK.
eSIM Guide
Built into your phone. Activated in minutes online. Supports two numbers at once. Here is everything you need to know about eSIM in the UK.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM card that is permanently built into your device's hardware — it is soldered to the circuit board during manufacture and cannot be removed or physically swapped. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card to activate a mobile plan, you activate an eSIM digitally: your network generates a QR code or in-app activation token, you scan it or tap it on your device, and within minutes your plan is live. No visit to a store. No waiting two to five days for a SIM card to arrive in the post. No physical card to lose or damage.
The "e" in eSIM stands for embedded. The key distinction from a traditional SIM is not that you can't change the plan — you can switch networks with an eSIM just as easily as with a physical card — but that you change it digitally. The hardware stays in the phone; only the software profile assigned to it changes.
Apple iPhone: Every iPhone from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018 models) onwards supports eSIM. All iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series models support eSIM. In some markets (including the US), iPhone 14 onwards are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. In the UK, iPhones retain both a physical SIM tray and eSIM capability through at least the iPhone 16 series. Note: iPhones sold in mainland China largely do not support eSIM — only certain models and purchase routes support it in the Hong Kong and Macau markets.
Samsung: Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE and all subsequent Galaxy S-series models support eSIM. All Galaxy Z Fold (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and Galaxy Z Flip (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) models support eSIM. Galaxy Note 20 series supports eSIM. Select Galaxy A-series (A35, A54, A55, A56) support eSIM — check individual model specifications. Most Galaxy S-series models sold through US carriers have eSIM capability disabled by carrier lock; UK-bought and unlocked devices support it fully.
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and all subsequent Pixel models support eSIM. Pixel phones sold in Hong Kong do not support eSIM. Pixel Fold supports eSIM.
Other manufacturers: Most flagship Android phones from major manufacturers since 2020 support eSIM. This includes Motorola Razr and Edge series, Sony Xperia 1 V and VI, OnePlus 11/12/13 (global variants), Oppo Find X6/X7 Pro, and selected Xiaomi 14/15 global variants. Always check the specific regional model variant — manufacturer websites list eSIM support clearly. Tip: dial *#06# on any phone. If you see an "EID" number listed alongside the IMEI, your device has eSIM capability.
One of the most practically useful aspects of eSIM is dual SIM functionality. On most modern smartphones, you can operate one physical SIM and one eSIM simultaneously — two different phone numbers, two different networks, two different plans, all on the same device. You choose which SIM to use for calls, texts, and data through your phone's settings. This is ideal for keeping a personal and work number on the same handset, or for maintaining your UK number while also running a local data-only eSIM when abroad. iPhone 13 and later support operating two eSIMs simultaneously without any physical SIM — useful when one eSIM holds a local travel plan and another holds your UK number.
All three UK MNOs — EE, O2, and VodafoneThree (both Three and Vodafone brands) — support eSIM across all their plan types including SIM Only, Pay Monthly, and PAYG. Most major MVNOs now support eSIM: Giffgaff (O2), Sky Mobile (O2), iD Mobile (Three), and SMARTY (Three) all offer eSIM activation. Tesco Mobile has rolled out eSIM progressively. For Lebara and Lycamobile, check their current websites as support varies. eSIM activation typically happens via the network's app, and the QR code/profile is usually delivered instantly or within minutes of ordering online.
eSIM has transformed international travel for data connectivity. Rather than hunting for a local SIM card shop at the airport (often overpriced) or paying expensive daily roaming charges from your UK network, you can purchase a local eSIM data plan for your destination country before you leave, and activate it the moment you land — while your UK number remains active on your physical SIM or a second eSIM profile. Specialist eSIM travel providers including Airalo, Holafly, and Saily sell short-term data plans for individual countries and regions, often significantly cheaper than UK network roaming rates. Check the provider's compatibility list for your device before purchase.