What Is An eSIM? Which UK Networks Support Them?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, letting you join a network without a physical card. This guide explains how eSIMs work, which UK networks support them and which still do not, which phones are compatible, and how to set one up.

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Reviewed by: Phil Brown, founder of SIM Only Finder. Phil previously worked in UK mobile retail at Three UK, advising customers on SIM plans, contracts, and network choices. He has spent over a decade running consumer comparison platforms and reviews networks and SIM-only deals based on that hands-on industry background. About the author

Last reviewed: July 2026. Updated regularly to reflect current plan pricing, network changes, and eSIM availability.

How we put this guide together

To put this guide together, we reviewed eSIM availability across UK networks in July 2026, checking each network's published eSIM terms, ordering processes, and device support lists directly against their own information. Where relevant, we have drawn on our own experience of activating eSIMs across UK networks and MVNOs.

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a small chip built permanently into your phone. Instead of inserting a card, you download a profile from your network, usually by scanning a QR code sent by email, and your phone connects exactly as it would with a physical SIM. Calls, texts, and data all work the same way.

Because the profile is digital, you can store more than one on the same device and switch between them in your settings. Most phones let you run an eSIM alongside a physical SIM, which is how dual SIM setups work on modern handsets.

What are the advantages of an eSIM?

The main advantage is speed. There is no waiting for a SIM to arrive in the post, so you can order a plan and be connected the same day, often within minutes. That makes it far easier to act on a good deal when you spot one.

Dual SIM use is the other big draw. An eSIM alongside your physical SIM lets you run two numbers on one phone, which suits anyone juggling work and personal lines. It also means you can add a second plan temporarily, for example a local data plan when travelling, without touching your main SIM.

There is also nothing to lose or damage. The profile lives in the phone, and if it is ever deleted your network can simply reissue it.

What are the disadvantages of an eSIM?

The honest trade-off is moving between handsets. A physical SIM can be popped out of a broken phone and into a spare in seconds. An eSIM profile is tied to the device it was installed on, so switching phones means requesting a new QR code from your network and installing the profile again. It is not difficult, but it is slower than swapping a card, and it is worth knowing before you commit if you change handsets often.

Support is also not quite universal. A small number of UK networks still supply physical SIMs only, and some restrict which devices or plans qualify, as covered in the next section. Older handsets do not support eSIM at all.

In terms of performance there is no difference. An eSIM gives you the same calls, texts, data, and 4G or 5G access as a physical SIM on the same plan.

Which UK networks support eSIM?

All four main UK networks, EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone, support eSIM on compatible devices. So do most of the MVNOs that run on their networks, including Asda Mobile, Chattr, Giffgaff, Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, Lycamobile, Mozillion, ParentShield, Sky Mobile, Smarty, Spusu, Talkmobile, Tesco Mobile, and Voxi. 1pMobile supports eSIM only on its plans of £10 a month or more.

Two caveats are worth knowing. Lebara launched eSIM in October 2025 but is rolling it out in stages: new customers can currently only order a Lebara eSIM with an iPhone Air, while existing customers can request a switch to eSIM through customer support. And two networks still do not offer eSIM at all: EcoTalk and Grade Mobile supply a physical SIM only.

If your phone is compatible and you want to see what these networks charge, you can compare eSIM only deals across all of them in one place.

Which phones support eSIM?

Most phones released in the last few years support eSIM. On Apple, every iPhone from the XS and XR (2018) onwards is compatible, including the SE (2020 and 2022) and the current iPhone 17 range. The iPhone Air goes further and is eSIM only, with no physical SIM tray, and iPhones sold in the US have been eSIM only since the iPhone 14.

On Samsung, the Galaxy S20 series onwards and every foldable from the original Galaxy Fold are eSIM ready, though support in the mid-range A series varies by model, so check the specification for your exact handset. Google Pixels have supported eSIM since the Pixel 3, covering every model line up to the current Pixel 10. Selected models from Sony, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and others also support it, and manufacturer specification pages list this clearly.

One regional quirk to be aware of: iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones bought in China or Hong Kong come with dual physical SIM slots instead of an eSIM. If you bought your phone in the UK, it will have one. The quickest check on any handset is your settings: look for an option to add an eSIM under mobile data or SIM settings. For help identifying which SIM your phone takes more generally, see our guide to what SIM card you need for your phone.

How do I set up an eSIM?

Setup takes a few minutes. Order a plan with the eSIM option selected and your network will email you a QR code. On your phone, open your mobile or cellular settings, choose the option to add an eSIM, and scan the code with your camera. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi while the profile downloads.

Once the profile installs, your phone connects to the network and you are ready to use calls, texts, and data. If you are keeping your existing number, request a PAC code from your current network first by texting PAC to 65075, then give the code to your new network when you sign up. Our PAC code guide covers the transfer step by step. If you would rather have an eSIM without a contract, our guide to Pay As You Go eSIMs covers which networks offer them.

Common eSIM problems and how to fix them

Most eSIM issues come down to three things. If the QR code will not scan, check your internet connection is stable and your camera lens is clean, and if it still fails, ask your network to resend the code. Codes also expire, so a code from an old email may simply no longer be valid.

If your phone shows no option to add an eSIM, the handset either does not support the technology or is locked to another network. Confirm compatibility against the manufacturer's specification and make sure the phone is unlocked before buying a plan.

Activation delays are most common during number transfers and usually resolve within a few hours. Restarting the phone often speeds this up. If a problem persists beyond that, your network's support team can reissue the profile, which fixes most installation faults.

Can I switch back to a physical SIM?

Yes, at any time. Contact your network and request a physical SIM, which may involve a small fee depending on their policy. Once the card arrives, the network deactivates your eSIM profile and activates the physical SIM, and your number and plan carry across unchanged.

Conclusion

An eSIM gives you the same service as a physical SIM with a faster setup and the flexibility of dual SIM use. The technology is now supported by every main UK network and nearly every MVNO, and eSIM only handsets like the iPhone Air signal where the market is heading. The one genuine drawback is that moving an eSIM between handsets takes a reissued profile rather than a card swap, which matters if you change phones often. For everyone else, there is no longer much reason to wait for a card in the post.

How to get an eSIM deal

Check your phone supports eSIM using the settings check above, then compare eSIM only deals to see current prices across every supporting network, updated daily. Order with the eSIM option selected, scan the QR code your network emails you, and you will typically be connected within minutes. To keep your existing number, text PAC to 65075 before you switch and give the code to your new network at sign-up.

Editorial policy

This guide is produced by the SIM Only Finder editorial team to help UK consumers understand eSIM technology and compare eSIM availability across UK networks. Network terms, pricing, and eSIM availability are checked regularly and updated to reflect current offers. Always confirm current terms directly with the network before signing up.