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

Runs on O2 Checked 23 September 2026

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.

Tesco Mobile eSIM at a glance

eSIM available on
Pay monthly phone deals and SIM only
Cost
No eSIM fee listed
Where to get it
Digital download with a new phone, a Tesco Mobile shop or customer care
Swap from a physical SIM
Activate the eSIM, then text SWAP to 23424 from the old SIM
Moving to a new phone
Needs a replacement eSIM
Smartwatch eSIM
Not supported

Which Tesco Mobile plans support eSIM

Plan typeeSIMNotes
Pay monthly phone deals Yes New and upgrading customers buying an eSIM-only phone get the eSIM by digital download. It activates during phone setup.
SIM only (pay monthly) Yes Ask customer care or a Tesco Mobile shop for an eSIM, then activate it with the QR code. Digital download is for phone deals.
Pay As You Go No Tesco Mobile's Pay As You Go pages don't mention eSIM, and digital download is pay monthly only. Ask in a Tesco Mobile shop before relying on it.

How to get a Tesco Mobile eSIM

New or upgrading pay monthly customer with an eSIM-only phone

  1. Turn on your new phone.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  3. If you're upgrading, enter the confirmation code Tesco Mobile emails you when asked.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts. The eSIM downloads and activates on its own.

Existing customer switching from a physical SIM

  1. Ask customer care or visit a Tesco Mobile shop for an eSIM.
  2. Activate the eSIM with its QR code (steps below).
  3. From your physical SIM, text SWAP to 23424.
  4. Follow the steps. You'll need the eSIM's serial number (ICCID).
  5. Once the eSIM works, recycle the old SIM as electrical waste.

Joining from another network and keeping your number

  1. From your old phone, text PAC to 65075. It's free, the code arrives in about 60 seconds and lasts 30 days.
  2. Get and activate your Tesco Mobile eSIM.
  3. From the eSIM, text PORT to 23424 for free.
  4. Follow the on-screen steps. Tesco Mobile moves your number across.

Activating your Tesco Mobile eSIM

  1. Turn on your phone and connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Scan the QR code with your camera or a QR scanner app, then tap the link.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts.
  4. Check the top of the screen: you'll see signal bars or TESCO as the network name.

Wi-Fi is needed for both methods. Digital download (pay monthly phone deals) activates automatically but works once only. A QR code allows up to 3 successful activations on the same phone, so keep it safe. If the QR code is damaged, you can enter the 64-digit code printed under it by hand.

Which phones work with a Tesco Mobile eSIM

Tesco Mobile lists iPhone XS, XS Max and XR or later, recent iPads, Samsung Galaxy S20, Note 20 and Z Flip3/Z Fold3 or later, and selected Galaxy A models such as the A54. Google Pixel 3 or later works, as do Motorola Razr (2019 on), Edge (2022 on) and selected Moto G models from 2023. Check your phone's settings or the maker's website if unsure. Smartwatches aren't supported.

Tesco Mobile's list of eSIM-compatible devices

If your Tesco Mobile eSIM is not working

The QR code won't scan

Enter the 64-digit code printed under the QR code by hand. If that's damaged too, get a replacement eSIM from customer care or a Tesco Mobile shop.

Digital download fails

Check the phone is online over Wi-Fi or mobile data. If it still fails, Tesco Mobile can give you a QR code as a backup.

The upgrade confirmation code is rejected

Check you're online and re-enter the code carefully. It moves your number to the new phone, so it must be exact. Still stuck? Contact customer care or a shop.

I've used up my activations

Digital download allows 1 activation and a QR code allows 3. After that you need a replacement eSIM. You keep your number.

I deleted my eSIM

With a QR code, scan it again if you have activations left. With digital download, request a replacement. To pause the line, turn the eSIM off in settings instead of deleting it.

Tesco Mobile eSIM FAQs

Is Tesco Mobile eSIM free?
Tesco Mobile's eSIM guide lists no charge. With an eSIM-only pay monthly phone, the eSIM comes by digital download. Ask customer care about any cost before ordering a replacement.
Can I keep my number on a Tesco Mobile eSIM?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your old phone. Once the Tesco Mobile eSIM is active, text PORT to 23424 from it and follow the steps.
How do I move my Tesco Mobile eSIM to a new phone?
You can't move it yourself. An activated eSIM is tied to that phone, so you need a replacement eSIM from a shop or customer care. The same applies between Android and iPhone. Your number and allowances carry over.
How long does a replacement eSIM take?
Posted replacements go by Royal Mail tracked delivery and take 3 to 5 working days. Your old SIM stops working on the day the new one is due to arrive.
Can I use a Tesco Mobile eSIM and a physical SIM together?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You pick a default line for calls. Incoming calls show a letter so you know which line they're on.
Does a Tesco Mobile eSIM work abroad?
Yes. It works anywhere a Tesco Mobile physical SIM would, under the same roaming rules.
What if my phone with a Tesco Mobile eSIM is lost or stolen?
Pay monthly customers can bar the SIM straight away in My Account. Or contact Tesco Mobile to block the phone. They then help move your number to a new device.
Can I use a Tesco Mobile eSIM on a smartwatch?
No. Tesco Mobile doesn't support eSIM on smartwatches at the moment.

Sources

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