Pay As You Go eSIMs let you use a digital SIM without a contract or credit check, and a growing number of UK networks now support them. This guide covers which networks offer PAYG eSIMs, what each one provides, and how to activate one on your device. It was reviewed in April 2026.
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: April 2026. Updated regularly to reflect current plan availability, network changes, and eSIM support.
How we put this guide together
To put this guide together, we reviewed eSIM Pay As You Go availability across UK networks in April 2026, checking eSIM ordering processes, bundle pricing, and network coverage claims directly against each network's published information. Where relevant, we have drawn on our own experience of the UK MVNO market and hands-on testing of eSIM activation processes. Coverage assessments reference the most recent RootMetrics UK RootScore Report and Ofcom Connected Nations data.
Is your phone eSIM compatible?
Before choosing a PAYG eSIM, you need to confirm your phone supports the technology. Most modern smartphones do, including iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel devices from the Pixel 3 onwards. If you are unsure, check your phone's settings for a "Mobile Data" or "SIM Manager" option that mentions eSIM, or refer to the manufacturer's specifications page.
For a full explanation of how eSIMs work and which UK networks support them more broadly, see our guide: What is an eSIM? Which UK networks support them?
The UK networks offering Pay As You Go eSIMs
As of April 2026, nine UK networks support eSIM on Pay As You Go, covering all four main infrastructure providers (EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone). The underlying network determines the coverage you will receive.
Three
Three is one of the major UK networks to offer eSIM on Pay As You Go, and the process is straightforward. When ordering a new PAYG SIM online, you can select the eSIM option at checkout and Three will email your digital SIM for installation. Existing customers with a physical SIM can contact Three's customer service to arrange a switch.
Three's PAYG bundles are 5G-ready and include roaming in over 70 destinations, letting you use your UK data allowance abroad up to a set limit depending on your chosen pack. At the time of writing, Three's most prominent PAYG bundle offers 120GB of data with unlimited minutes and texts for £13.50 per month, though pricing changes regularly so confirm current bundles on Three's site before committing.
Best for: Heavy data users who want a major-network PAYG eSIM with strong roaming coverage and 5G access.
Vodafone
Vodafone supports eSIM on Pay As You Go, with the option available at the checkout stage when ordering online. Once selected, Vodafone emails activation instructions directly. Existing Vodafone customers can also contact the network to convert their physical SIM to an eSIM without changing their number.
Vodafone's PAYG eSIMs run on the Vodafone network, which provides strong 4G and 5G coverage across the UK. Features such as Wi-Fi Calling and dual SIM support are available on compatible devices.
Best for: Existing Vodafone customers looking to go eSIM, or anyone who wants a PAYG eSIM on a network with wide 4G and 5G coverage.
giffgaff
giffgaff runs on the O2 network and offers a fully app-based eSIM process. New customers can download the giffgaff app, select the eSIM option, choose a plan, and activate without waiting for a physical card to arrive. Existing customers switching from a physical SIM can do so via Account > SIM > Replace my SIM > Switch to a new eSIM in the app.
giffgaff's goodybag plans are monthly rolling with no long-term contract, making them a practical choice for anyone who wants flexibility. EU roaming is included on eligible plans, though the data allowance available abroad varies by bundle. Confirm the roaming terms for your chosen goodybag before travelling.
Best for: Users who want a low-cost, no-contract eSIM on the O2 network with a straightforward app-based setup.
Lycamobile
Lycamobile uses the EE network and is one of the more budget-focused options for PAYG eSIMs in the UK. When ordering online, select the eSIM option at checkout and Lycamobile will email a QR code for installation. Existing Lycamobile customers can order a new eSIM and then transfer their number using the SIM Swap feature in their online account under SIM Management.
Lycamobile plans typically include inclusive international minutes to a range of destinations, which makes them a practical option for anyone who regularly calls abroad. EU roaming is included on many plans. Entry-level bundles start from around £2.50 for 5GB of data with 1000 minutes and texts, though pricing changes frequently so confirm current figures directly with Lycamobile.
Best for: Budget-conscious users and those who make regular international calls, particularly to destinations covered by Lycamobile's inclusive minutes.
iD Mobile
iD Mobile is powered by the Three network and supports eSIM on Pay As You Go. Select the eSIM option when placing your order online and iD Mobile will email a QR code for activation. If you want to switch from a physical iD Mobile SIM, contact customer service to arrange the change.
iD Mobile offers data rollover as standard, meaning unused data from one month carries into the next. This is a useful feature for PAYG users whose usage varies month to month. Roaming is available in selected destinations; confirm current roaming terms before travelling.
Best for: Three network users who want data rollover as a standard feature and are comfortable managing their account digitally.
O2
O2 supports eSIM on Pay As You Go, but with a significant limitation: it cannot be done online. To get a PAYG eSIM on O2 you need to visit an O2 store in person, taking photo ID. This applies both to new customers and to existing PAYG customers wanting to switch from a physical SIM. If anything goes wrong after setup, any replacements or changes also require a store visit.
O2's PAYG plans run on the O2 network, which offers strong 4G and 5G coverage across the UK. EU roaming is available on PAYG plans, subject to fair usage limits. The in-store-only requirement makes O2 less practical than other options on this list if you need to set up remotely or quickly, but it is a viable choice for users who are already O2 customers or who have an O2 store nearby.
Best for: Existing O2 customers who want to move their PAYG number to an eSIM and can visit a store to do so.
Tesco Mobile
Tesco Mobile runs on the O2 network and supports eSIM for Pay As You Go customers, though the option is not always prominently displayed during the online ordering process. If you cannot find the eSIM option at checkout, contact Tesco Mobile's customer service directly or visit a Tesco Mobile store to request one or arrange a SIM swap.
Tesco Mobile's PAYG plans offer O2's 4G and 5G network coverage. Existing Tesco Clubcard holders may find additional benefits available on certain plans.
Best for: Tesco shoppers who want a straightforward PAYG eSIM on the O2 network, particularly if they hold a Clubcard.
VOXI
VOXI is a Vodafone sub-brand aimed at younger users and supports eSIM on Pay As You Go. When ordering online, select the eSIM option at checkout for instant digital delivery. No physical SIM card is required and the process is handled entirely online.
VOXI runs on Vodafone's 4G and 5G network, providing broad UK coverage. Unlimited social media data is included on all VOXI plans, meaning use of selected social apps does not count against your main data allowance. Higher-tier plans add unlimited music and video streaming data on top. EU roaming requires an add-on Roaming Pass and is subject to a fair usage limit.
Best for: Younger users or anyone who prefers a digital-first PAYG setup on the Vodafone network, particularly those who use social media heavily.
SMARTY
SMARTY runs on the Three network and added eSIM support in September 2025. New customers can select the eSIM option directly at checkout before entering their details. Existing customers can swap from a physical SIM via Account settings > Manage plan > Replace my SIM in the SMARTY dashboard. Once requested, SMARTY emails a QR code and a four-digit confirmation code needed to complete the activation.
SMARTY's 30-day rolling plans have no annual price rises, which sets them apart from most other networks on this list. All plans include EU roaming up to a 12GB monthly cap. SMARTY is an online-only network with no phone support, so it suits users who are comfortable managing their account digitally.
Best for: Cost-conscious users who want a no-contract PAYG eSIM on the Three network and want the certainty of no annual price increases.
Activating your PAYG eSIM
Once you have ordered your eSIM, your network will email you a QR code and activation instructions. The general process is the same across most devices.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM, then point your camera at the QR code on a separate screen. On a Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. On a Google Pixel, go to Settings > Network and internet > SIMs > Download a new eSIM. On each device, on-screen prompts guide you through confirming the plan and naming your eSIM profile.
Once installed, you may need to restart your device before the eSIM is active. You can then manage top-ups and check your usage through your network's app or website. If you want to transfer your existing number to the new PAYG eSIM, you will need a PAC code from your current network. See our PAC code guide for step-by-step instructions.
Conclusion
PAYG eSIMs are now available from a range of UK networks, covering all four main infrastructure providers. Three and VOXI are well suited to users who want a seamless digital setup with 5G access. giffgaff and Tesco Mobile are strong options on the O2 network, particularly for users who want flexibility or Clubcard perks. Lycamobile stands out for budget-conscious users and those with international calling needs. iD Mobile's data rollover feature sets it apart for users whose monthly usage varies. SMARTY is worth considering for anyone who wants the Three network without the risk of annual price rises.
For pay-monthly eSIM options alongside PAYG deals, see our eSIM only deals page for the full range of current offers.
How to get started with a PAYG eSIM
To get a PAYG eSIM, confirm your phone is eSIM compatible, choose a network from those listed above, and place your order online with the eSIM option selected. Your network will email a QR code, which you scan in your phone's SIM or mobile data settings. The setup typically takes under five minutes. If you are moving your existing number, request a PAC code from your current provider before you switch. See our PAC code guide for full instructions on transferring your number.
Editorial policy
This guide is produced by the SIM Only Finder editorial team to help UK consumers compare eSIM Pay As You Go options 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.
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