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

Runs on Three Checked 23 September 2026

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.

SMARTY eSIM at a glance

eSIM available on
Rolling monthly, Data Only and Social Tariff plans
Cost
No eSIM fee in SMARTY's price guide
Where to get it
Online at sign-up, or Replace SIM in your dashboard
Activation time
Usually instant, up to 2 hours
Swap from a physical SIM
Dashboard: Account settings > Manage plan > Replace SIM
Smartwatch eSIM
Not supported

Which SMARTY plans support eSIM

Plan typeeSIMNotes
Rolling monthly (SIM only) Yes Every plan from £6 (5GB) to £20 (Unlimited) is sold with an eSIM option. All include unlimited UK calls and texts, with no minimum term.
Data Only Yes Plans from £5 (2GB) to £20 (Unlimited) are available with eSIM. Calls and texts are switched off.
Social Tariff Yes The £12 unlimited plan for eligible customers offers eSIM as one of its SIM options.
Group plans Yes Mix and Match Groups can join on eSIM. Everyone Unlimited Groups must start on a physical SIM, then swap to eSIM through the SMARTY contact centre.
Phones No SMARTY does not sell handsets. It offers customers a discount on refurbished phones from its partner reboxed.

How to get a SMARTY eSIM

New customer

  1. Dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM.
  2. Choose a plan on smarty.co.uk and select eSIM when asked for a SIM type.
  3. Switching networks? Choose Yes and enter your PAC. You get a temporary SMARTY number until your old number moves over.
  4. Not bringing a number? Choose Maybe later and pick one of five available SMARTY numbers.
  5. Look out for two emails: one with your QR code and one with your 4-digit confirmation code.

Existing customer switching from a physical SIM

  1. Log in to your SMARTY dashboard and go to Account settings > Manage plan > Replace SIM.
  2. Choose eSIM, confirm your phone is compatible and pick a reason, such as Change SIM type.
  3. Choose Activate Now to have your old SIM cut off and your eSIM emailed straight away. Activate Later suspends your account until you reactivate, and you are still charged.
  4. Your 4-digit confirmation code appears in the dashboard. Don't request a new SIM while a number transfer is still in progress.

Moving your eSIM to a new phone

  1. In the dashboard, go to Replace SIM and choose eSIM.
  2. Select I have a new device as the reason.
  3. Install the new eSIM on your new phone with the emailed QR code and your dashboard confirmation code.

Activating your SMARTY eSIM

  1. Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  2. iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Scan Carrier QR Code. Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
  3. Scan the QR code from your SMARTY email.
  4. Enter your 4-digit confirmation code. Your phone may call it a PIN or a Three confirmation code.
  5. Set SMARTY as your line for mobile data, calls and texts, then turn Wi-Fi off and make a call or send a text to check it works.

Most SMARTY eSIMs activate as soon as you enter the confirmation code, but it can take up to 2 hours. The QR code email can also take up to 2 hours to arrive. If you can't scan the code, the email has a manual activation code (plus an SM-DP+ address on iPhone). The QR code works once and expires after 60 days.

Which phones work with a SMARTY eSIM

SMARTY does not publish a model-by-model list. Instead, dial *#06#: if an EID number shows, your phone supports eSIM. On an iPhone you can also look for an EID in Settings > General > About, and on Android check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. SMARTY says most newer phones, tablets and laptops support eSIM, but cellular smartwatches do not work on its network.

SMARTY's list of eSIM-compatible devices

If your SMARTY eSIM is not working

Your confirmation code is rejected.

Use the 4-digit code from your dashboard (replacement SIM) or the second email (new customers), not a code from the QR email. You get a limited number of attempts, so type it carefully.

Setup failed with an error.

Request a fresh eSIM from your dashboard. SMARTY says most failures come from weak Wi-Fi or a wrong code, and a new eSIM usually fixes it.

The QR code email hasn't arrived.

It can take up to 2 hours. Check junk and spam, make sure your dashboard email address is correct, then request a new eSIM if needed.

The eSIM is installed but you have no signal or data.

Set SMARTY as your data and calls line, restart the phone, switch Airplane mode on and off, and check for software updates.

Your QR code won't work a second time.

Each QR code is single use and expires after 60 days or once you enter the confirmation code. Request a new eSIM from the dashboard.

SMARTY eSIM FAQs

Is a SMARTY eSIM free?
SMARTY's price guide lists no charge for an eSIM or a replacement SIM. You pay only for your monthly plan. If you pick Activate Later when swapping, you are still charged while your account is suspended.
Will I keep my number if I switch to eSIM?
Yes. Swapping to eSIM does not change your number or account. New customers can bring a number with a PAC (text PAC to 65075 from your old network) and use a temporary number until it moves over.
How do I move my SMARTY eSIM to a new phone?
Request a replacement eSIM in the dashboard and choose I have a new device as the reason. Then install it on the new phone with the new QR code and your confirmation code.
Can I use a SMARTY eSIM with a physical SIM?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You can run SMARTY alongside another plan, for example a work number or a local data plan abroad.
Does a SMARTY eSIM work abroad?
Yes. An eSIM connects in the same way as a physical SIM. In the EU up to 12GB comes from your allowance, and EU Roaming Data Passes (£3 for 1 day, £7 for 3 days) unlock the rest. In Ireland you get your full allowance. Outside the EU you need an out of plan add-on.
What if my phone is lost or stolen?
Go to Replace SIM in your dashboard and choose My phone was lost or stolen. SMARTY suspends your current SIM straight away for security, and you can pick an eSIM or a physical SIM as the replacement.
Does SMARTY eSIM work on an Apple Watch or other smartwatch?
No. SMARTY does not support Apple Watch eSIM, and cellular smartwatches do not work on its network. Watches that rely on Wi-Fi and your phone still work.
Can I switch from eSIM back to a physical SIM?
Yes. Choose Replace SIM, then Physical SIM. It arrives within a few days, and you can keep your current service running until the new SIM is activated.

Sources

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