An eSIM lets you add a UK mobile number to your phone without waiting for a plastic SIM to arrive in the post. We sell eSIMs from four UK networks, all listed in our UK eSIM range. This guide explains how eSIMs work, how to tell whether your phone can use one, what each network’s plans cost, and how ordering and paying by bank transfer fits together.
What is an eSIM, and how is it different from a normal SIM?
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone as a chip, rather than a card you push into a tray. Instead of inserting plastic, you download a mobile plan onto that chip by scanning a QR code. Once installed, it gives you a UK number, calls, texts and data in the same way a physical SIM would, and many phones can hold it alongside an existing SIM.
That makes eSIMs handy for a second line, such as a UK number added to a phone brought from abroad.
How do I check that my phone supports eSIM?
Look in your phone’s settings for an option such as “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan”. On an iPhone it sits under Settings, then Mobile Data, and most models from the iPhone XS onwards support eSIM. On Android, search settings for “eSIM”; many recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones include it. If you cannot find any such option, your phone probably does not support eSIM.
Another check on many handsets is to dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID number in addition to the IMEI, the phone has an eSIM chip. Bear in mind that some models sold in certain countries leave out eSIM even when the same model elsewhere includes it.
How can I tell whether my phone is unlocked?
An eSIM from one UK network will only work on a phone that is not locked to a different network. On an iPhone, go to Settings, General, About and look for “No SIM restrictions” next to Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock. On Android there is no single menu, so the surest test is to try a SIM from another network or ask the network that sold the phone.
If your handset is locked, ask the original network to unlock it before you order. An eSIM cannot unlock a phone.
How does the eSIM QR code work after I order?
Once your payment is confirmed, we email your eSIM as a QR code. On your phone you open the add-eSIM option, point the camera at the code and follow the prompts. A code works for a single installation on a single phone, so install it on the phone you intend to use long term and save a copy of the email somewhere safe.
A few practical tips:
- Open the email on another screen, such as a laptop, so your phone can scan it.
- Connect to Wi-Fi first, because the phone needs internet access to download the plan.
- Do not delete the eSIM from your settings unless you are certain, as the same code will not reinstall.
- Check your spam or junk folder if our email does not appear in your inbox.
What plans do the Three, O2, Lycamobile and VOXI eSIMs offer?
Three and O2 sell data bundles with unlimited UK calls and texts, priced from £10.99 to £35.99 for Three and £11.99 to £31.99 for O2. Lycamobile has four bundles from £10.99 to £25.99, or an eSIM with pay as you go credit from £6.98. VOXI is a single activated eSIM at £10.99, to which you add a VOXI plan later.
| eSIM | Network it uses | Plans | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three | Three’s own network | 40GB, 100GB, 200GB or unlimited data, plus unlimited UK calls and texts | £10.99 to £35.99 |
| O2 | O2’s own network | 24GB, 75GB, 120GB or 200GB data, plus unlimited UK calls and texts | £11.99 to £31.99 |
| Lycamobile | EE | 20GB, 50GB, 100GB or unlimited data bundles, or £5 to £20 credit | £6.98 to £25.99 |
| VOXI | Vodafone | Activated eSIM on the VOXI zero plan | £10.99 |
In more detail:
- Three UK eSIM: £10.99 for 40GB, £15.99 for 100GB, £20.99 for 200GB and £35.99 for unlimited data. Three operates its own network with 4G and 5G coverage. Three expects the line to be used for something chargeable at least once in any 180-day period; topping up counts.
- O2 UK eSIM: £11.99 for 24GB, £16.99 for 75GB, £21.99 for 120GB and £31.99 for 200GB. EU roaming is included in the bundle, but you must activate the O2 eSIM on UK soil before using it abroad under O2’s roaming terms. To keep the number, plan to use or top up the O2 line at least once every six months or so.
- Lycamobile UK eSIM: 30-day bundles at £10.99 (20GB), £15.99 (50GB), £20.99 (100GB) and £25.99 (unlimited data). Alternatively, choose the eSIM with £5, £10, £15 or £20 of credit for £6.98, £11.98, £16.98 or £21.98 and pick a plan later. Lycamobile uses the EE network and focuses on international calls. Use or top up the line at least every 90 days to be safe.
- VOXI eSIM: £10.99 for an eSIM already activated on VOXI’s zero plan. VOXI is Vodafone’s SIM-only brand. You add a VOXI plan with VOXI when you want one, and keep the line active under VOXI’s terms.
Which UK eSIM should I choose?
Choose by how you use your phone. Heavy data users should look at Three, which gives the most data at the £10.99, £15.99 and £20.99 price points, while O2 suits anyone who values EU roaming and can activate in the UK. Lycamobile fits people who call abroad a lot or want credit rather than a bundle. VOXI suits those who prefer to pick a plan themselves later.
- Mostly streaming, maps and video? Compare Three’s 100GB, 200GB and unlimited options with Lycamobile’s unlimited bundle at £25.99.
- Travelling in Europe after arriving? O2’s bundles include EU roaming, provided you activate the eSIM in the UK first.
- Calling family overseas? Lycamobile is built around international calling, and its credit option lets you start small.
- Want a UK number now and a plan later? The activated VOXI eSIM gives you a working line on the zero plan.
Need credit for a phone in another country rather than a UK line? See our article on topping up a phone abroad covers that instead.
How do I pay for an eSIM by bank transfer?
We take UK bank transfer or PayPal, for eSIMs as for everything else we sell. When you place the order, your order number and our bank details appear on screen. Send the exact total from your UK bank account and use the order number as the payment reference. Once the money is confirmed in our account, we email your eSIM QR code.
Your bank may ask you to confirm a new payee or hold a first payment for checks. If this is new to you, follow our guide on how to pay by bank transfer. Before you pay, check that your email address is correct, since that is where the QR code will be sent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install the same eSIM on two phones?
No. Each QR code installs once, on a single phone. If you need a line on two devices, order two eSIMs.
Can I use a UK eSIM outside the UK?
You can install most of our eSIMs before travelling, and roaming follows each network’s current terms. The O2 eSIM is the exception: it must be activated in the UK first.
Will I get a UK phone number with the eSIM?
Yes. Every eSIM we sell comes with its own UK mobile number from the network you choose.