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EE eSIM: how to get one, what it costs and which phones work

Checked 23 September 2026

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.

EE eSIM at a glance

eSIM available on
Pay monthly and SIM only plans
Cost
No separate eSIM fee listed
Where to get it
At checkout, in the EE app, by post (QR pack) or in store
Swap from a physical SIM
Convert to eSIM in your phone settings
Smartwatch eSIM
Apple, Samsung and Google Pixel watches, £9 a month or included on some plans

Which EE plans support eSIM

Plan typeeSIMNotes
Pay monthly Yes Choose eSIM when you order a phone. It comes pre-installed and switches on during the phone's setup.
SIM only Yes Choose eSIM when you order and download it straight away through the EE app.
Pay As You Go No EE's eSIM help lists only pay monthly and SIM only routes, and its pay as you go pages only offer a SIM card sent by post. The one pay as you go eSIM EE sells is a data-only Travel eSIM for visitors to the UK.

How to get a EE eSIM

New customer buying a phone

  1. Order a pay monthly phone from EE and choose eSIM at checkout.
  2. When the phone arrives, switch it on and follow the setup screens.
  3. The eSIM is already on the phone and connects during setup.

New customer on a SIM only plan

  1. Order a SIM only plan and choose eSIM.
  2. Install the EE app on your phone and log in.
  3. Download the eSIM from the app. You can also ask EE to post you a QR pack to scan instead.

Existing customer switching from a physical SIM

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and update your phone's software.
  2. iPhone: go to Settings, then Mobile Service, and tap Convert to eSIM.
  3. Android: go to Settings, then Network and Internet, pick your active SIM and tap Convert your SIM to eSIM.
  4. Samsung: go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager, and tap Convert your SIM to eSIM.
  5. No convert option? Log in to your EE account online, open the mobile account and select eSIM/SIM Replace under Phones and devices.

Existing customer getting a replacement eSIM

  1. Log in to the EE app.
  2. Select Manage, then Mobile and SIMs.
  3. Select Check Settings, then Replace my SIM/eSIM.
  4. Or call 150 from an EE phone (07953 966 150 from any other phone) for a QR pack, or visit an EE store with ID.

Activating your EE eSIM

  1. Connect the phone to Wi-Fi or mobile data, update its software and make sure the battery is well charged.
  2. If EE sent a QR pack, open your phone's eSIM settings: Settings, Mobile Service, Add eSIM on iPhone, or Settings, Network and Internet, SIMs, Download a new eSIM on Android.
  3. Scan the QR code, or use the EE app route instead: Manage, Mobile and SIMs, Check Settings, Replace my SIM/eSIM.
  4. Follow the prompts until the eSIM shows as active, then dispose of any old physical SIM.

EE says setup takes minutes. You need an internet connection to download the eSIM. A QR code works only once, so keep it private and do not scan it on the wrong device. If you see an error, the usual fix is to download another eSIM from the EE app.

Which phones work with a EE eSIM

The quickest check is to dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID number, the phone supports eSIM. EE lists Google Pixel 3a or later and Fairphone 4 or later as compatible, along with many Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony and Nokia models. For Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and HONOR it points to each maker's own list.

EE's list of eSIM-compatible devices

If your EE eSIM is not working

An error appears during eSIM setup

Follow the on-screen instruction. In most cases the answer is to download a fresh eSIM in the EE app under Manage, Mobile and SIMs, Check Settings, Replace my SIM/eSIM.

The eSIM will not download

Check the phone supports eSIM by dialling *#06# and looking for an EID. Then make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

The QR code will not scan

A wet, torn or smudged code may not read. You can type the details in by hand using the information in the EE app, or ask EE for a new QR pack.

You deleted your eSIM by mistake

Download a replacement in the EE app, call 07953 966 150 to request a QR pack, or visit an EE store.

EE eSIM FAQs

Is EE eSIM free?
EE does not list a separate fee for choosing eSIM on a new pay monthly or SIM only plan. Its pay monthly price guide from 3 September 2026 lists £1.50 for a replacement SIM card. It does not say whether that charge also applies to a replacement eSIM.
Can I get an EE eSIM on pay as you go?
EE's eSIM help only covers pay monthly phones and SIM only plans, and its pay as you go SIMs are sent by post. The only prepaid eSIM EE sells is a data-only Travel eSIM for visitors to the UK.
Can I keep my number when I switch to eSIM?
Yes. Converting your SIM or downloading a replacement eSIM through the EE app keeps your mobile number. If you are joining EE from another network, get a PAC code from your old provider first.
How do I move my EE eSIM to a new phone?
iPhone to iPhone, use Apple Quick Start with both phones side by side. Android to Android, use the Android setup transfer. Moving between iPhone and Android, set up the new phone and download a replacement eSIM from the EE app.
Can I use an EE eSIM and a physical SIM together?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Most eSIM phones do. For a second eSIM you need a separate plan and mobile number, which you download the same way as the first.
Does an EE eSIM work abroad?
Yes. Once active, an eSIM roams in the same way as a physical SIM, under your plan's roaming terms. EE says Apple Watch data plans are not covered by its roaming passes.
What if my phone is lost or stolen?
Call EE on 07953 966 150 straight away so it can bar the account. If you have another eSIM phone, log in to the EE app and download a replacement eSIM. If not, EE can send a physical SIM or you can collect one in store.
Can I get an eSIM for my smartwatch on EE?
Yes. Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch models work with EE, paired to a phone on a pay monthly or SIM only plan. The paired watch plan is £9 a month, and it is included on Unlimited Essentials Plus, All Rounder and Full Works plans taken on or after 29 August 2024. Set it up in the Watch or Galaxy Wearable app. Activation can take up to 4 hours.

Sources

Every fact on this page was checked against EE's own help pages on 23 September 2026. Processes change, so check the official page before you start.