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O2 eSIM: how to get one, what it costs and which phones work

Checked 23 September 2026

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.

O2 eSIM at a glance

eSIM available on
Pay Monthly, SIM Only and Pay As You Go
Cost
Free, same price as a plastic SIM
Where to get it
At checkout online, My O2 or any O2 store
Swap from a physical SIM
Convert to eSIM in settings, or call or visit a store
Smartwatch eSIM
Apple Watch and 4G Samsung Galaxy Watch, with a paired phone on O2

Which O2 plans support eSIM

Plan typeeSIMNotes
Pay Monthly Yes Choose eSIM when you order a phone. It is installed on the phone and connects during first setup.
SIM Only Yes Choose eSIM when you order. O2 puts a QR code in your My O2 account for you to scan.
Pay As You Go Yes eSIM is available on every Big Bundle and rolling plan. Order it online or pick one up in any O2 store.

How to get a O2 eSIM

New customer buying a phone

  1. Order a Pay Monthly phone on o2.co.uk and choose eSIM at checkout.
  2. When the phone arrives, switch it on and follow the setup screens.
  3. Connect to the O2 network when asked. You get a confirmation once the eSIM is active.

New customer on SIM Only

  1. Order a Pay Monthly SIM Only plan and choose eSIM.
  2. Sign in to My O2 on a second screen, such as a laptop.
  3. Choose Install a SIM from the My O2 menu to show your QR code.
  4. Scan the code with your phone's camera and follow the prompts.

New customer on Pay As You Go

  1. Pick a Big Bundle or rolling plan on O2's Pay As You Go page and choose eSIM, or visit any O2 store.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi and install the eSIM using the QR code or setup steps O2 gives you.

Existing customer switching from a physical SIM

  1. Update your phone to the latest software.
  2. iPhone: go to Settings, then Mobile Service, pick your O2 line and tap Convert to eSIM.
  3. Android: open Settings, find Connectivity or SIM manager, pick your O2 line and tap Convert to eSIM.
  4. No convert option? Call O2 or visit a store with photo ID to request a replacement eSIM, then install it with the QR code or My O2.
  5. Keep the plastic SIM until the eSIM is confirmed active, then remove it.

Activating your O2 eSIM

  1. Check your phone supports eSIM by dialling *#06# and looking for an EID.
  2. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  3. Open your QR code in My O2 (Install a SIM) on a different screen.
  4. Open the phone's camera in photo mode and point it at the code.
  5. Tap the prompt, such as Add eSIM or Mobile Plan, and follow the steps until the eSIM is confirmed active.

Most eSIMs activate within a few minutes, but some take up to 24 hours. Wi-Fi is needed on dual SIM phones. Apple's eSIM-only phones do not need it. Pre-installed eSIMs on new phones need no QR code. A QR code can only be used once and locks to the first phone that scans it. If your camera is broken on a Samsung or Pixel, you can install the eSIM through the My O2 app. O2 recommends doing it in the daytime, as overnight network work can delay activation.

Which phones work with a O2 eSIM

Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see an EID, it supports eSIM. O2 lists iPhone XS, XR and later, plus iPad mini 5th generation, iPad 7th generation and iPad Air 3rd generation or later. iPhone Air and iPhone Duo are eSIM only. For other phones, check the SIM Type line under Connectivity in the tech specs on O2's shop.

O2's list of eSIM-compatible devices

If your O2 eSIM is not working

The QR code will not scan

Switch the camera to photo mode, as video mode will not read it. Check you are on Wi-Fi and that the code has not been used already. If it still fails, contact O2 or visit a store for a new code.

The eSIM is not active after 24 hours

Stay on Wi-Fi, check every install step is done and restart the phone if prompted. If it still does not work, contact O2 or visit a store.

You deleted your eSIM by mistake

Visit an O2 store with a passport or driving licence for a new QR code. Or contact O2, pass the security checks and download the new eSIM in My O2.

Your Samsung watch will not connect

The watch QR code must be installed through the Galaxy Wearable app, not the phone camera. If you scanned it with your phone by mistake, contact O2 for a new watch eSIM.

iMessage or FaceTime stopped working after the swap

They can take a short while to update. Try turning each one off and on again in Settings.

O2 eSIM FAQs

Is O2 eSIM free?
Yes. O2 says an eSIM costs the same as a plastic SIM and there are no hidden fees. Pay As You Go SIMs, including eSIMs, are free to order.
Can I get an O2 eSIM on Pay As You Go?
Yes. eSIM is available on all Big Bundle and rolling plan offers. Order it online or from any O2 store.
Can I keep my number when I switch to eSIM?
Yes. Your O2 number, account and tariff move to the eSIM. Once the eSIM is active, the old plastic SIM stops working for that line.
How do I move my O2 eSIM to a new phone?
iPhone to iPhone, accept Apple's transfer offer during setup. Android to Android, most phones offer a transfer during setup. O2 does not yet support moving an eSIM between iPhone and Android, so request a replacement eSIM for the new phone instead.
Can I use an O2 eSIM and a physical SIM together?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You can run two numbers on one phone, such as work and personal. Most eSIM phones can also hold two eSIMs instead of one plastic SIM.
Does an O2 eSIM work abroad?
Yes. An active eSIM roams exactly like a plastic SIM, under your tariff's roaming terms. In O2's Europe Zone you can use your allowance as at home, up to a 25GB data cap.
What if my phone is lost or stolen?
Contact O2 straight away. It can block the eSIM at once. When you have a new compatible phone, O2 can set up a replacement eSIM so you keep your service.
Can I get an eSIM for my smartwatch on O2?
Yes. A cellular Apple Watch needs a Watch Airtime Plan and an iPhone on an O2 Pay Monthly or SIM Only plan. A 4G Samsung Galaxy Watch must pair with a compatible Samsung phone on O2, and you install its eSIM through the Galaxy Wearable app.

Sources

Every fact on this page was checked against O2's own help pages on 23 September 2026. Processes change, so check the official page before you start.