eSIM in the UK: how to get one on every network
Which plans support eSIM, what it costs and how to switch from a physical SIM, network by network.
What an eSIM is
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone. Instead of putting a plastic card in the tray, you download your network's profile to the phone, usually by scanning a QR code or through the network's app. Your number, plan and allowances work exactly as they would on a physical SIM.
Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones support eSIM, and many can hold an eSIM alongside a physical SIM, so you can run two numbers on one phone. How you get one, and whether it is free, depends on the network. Each guide below was checked against that network's own help pages.
eSIM guides by network
EE eSIM
Yes, EE supports eSIM on pay monthly phone plans and SIM only plans. EE lists no separate charge for choosing eSIM. The fastest route is to pick eSIM when you order, then download it in the EE app. Already with EE on a physical SIM? Many phones can convert it in the settings menu in a few taps.
Read the guidegiffgaff eSIM
Runs on O2
Yes, giffgaff supports eSIM on its monthly plans and 18-month contract plans, and it costs nothing extra. Everything happens in the giffgaff app. New members join and activate there. Existing members switch via Account > SIM > Replace my SIM. There are no QR codes. You can't start an eSIM on credit alone, and smartwatches aren't supported yet.
Read the guideO2 eSIM
Yes, O2 supports eSIM on Pay Monthly, SIM Only and Pay As You Go. It costs the same as a plastic SIM, so there is no extra fee. The fastest route is to choose eSIM at checkout. Already on an O2 plastic SIM? Look for Convert to eSIM in your phone's settings, or ask O2 for a replacement eSIM.
Read the guideSMARTY eSIM
Runs on Three
Yes, SMARTY supports eSIM on its rolling monthly, Data Only and Social Tariff plans. Its price guide lists no eSIM fee, so you pay only the plan price. New customers choose eSIM at sign-up. Existing customers request one under Replace SIM in the dashboard. You scan an emailed QR code, enter a 4-digit confirmation code, and it usually works straight away.
Read the guideTesco Mobile eSIM
Runs on O2
Yes, Tesco Mobile supports eSIM on pay monthly phone deals and SIM only plans, and it lists no fee for one. The fastest route is an eSIM-only phone on pay monthly: the eSIM downloads when you first switch it on. Otherwise ask customer care or a Tesco Mobile shop for a QR code. Smartwatches aren't supported, and the Pay As You Go pages don't offer eSIM.
Read the guideThree eSIM
Yes, Three offers eSIM on pay monthly and SIM only Three Your Way plans and on Pay As You Go. New customers get eSIM as the default at checkout. There is no charge: Three's price guide lists a replacement SIM as free. Existing customers swap in the Three app under Manage SIM, then Replace SIM. Most eSIMs work straight away.
Read the guideVodafone eSIM
Yes, Vodafone supports eSIM. Every SIM only plan, pay monthly or Pay as you go Plus, can be ordered as an eSIM, and phones bought from Vodafone can come with one. Vodafone does not list a separate eSIM charge. Existing customers switch in My Vodafone: Settings, Plan settings, Manage, Manage my SIM, then Activate my eSIM.
Read the guideVOXI eSIM
Runs on Vodafone
Yes, VOXI supports eSIM on every 30-day SIM only plan, including the VOXI For Now social tariff. VOXI lists no separate eSIM fee, so you pay only the plan price. New customers pick eSIM at checkout. Existing customers swap in VOXI online under Settings > Manage my SIM. Scan the QR code from your email and you can be connected in about 10 minutes.
Read the guideSwitching network with an eSIM
Moving to a new network works the same with an eSIM: text PAC to 65075 to keep your number, give the code to your new network, and install their eSIM when it arrives. See the PAC code guide, or compare SIM-only deals.