UK eSIM

An eSIM — short for embedded SIM — is a digital version of the traditional plastic SIM card. Instead of being a separate chip you slot into your phone, it is built directly into the device and programmed over the air.

Once you have the QR code from your email, go into your phone settings — look for Cellular, Mobile Data, or SIM Card, depending on your device — and find the option to add a new plan or eSIM. Point the camera at the QR code, and the profile downloads automatically.

Most flagship phones from 2020 onwards support eSIM, including iPhones from the XS model (2018) through the current lineup, Samsung Galaxy S and Z series from 2020, Google Pixel 3 and above, and a range of other Android handsets.

Yes, hotspot is fully supported on eSIM Cards UK plans. You can share your data connection with other devices — a laptop, tablet, or a travel companion's phone — the same way you would with any mobile data plan.

For most visitors, yes. The alternative — buying a physical SIM on arrival — means finding a shop, potentially dealing with a queue, and in some cases having to provide ID. An eSIM for the UK is bought online before you even board the plane, installed in minutes, and ready to go the moment you land. If your phone supports it, there is no reason to do it the old way.

There are longer validity plans that suit stays of several weeks or months, which work well for students arriving for a full term or academic year. Our data-only UK eSIM plan can sit alongside whatever local arrangement you make for calls and texts — or alongside your home SIM if you want to keep that number active.

Yes. Current UK eSIM plans from eSIM Cards include 5G network access where the local infrastructure supports it.

If you have deleted your eSIM profile by mistake, connect with our support team first. Rescanning the QR code sometimes works out, but it's better to ask for help so you don't get stuck anywhere.

Most of the eSIM phones today support multiple eSIM profiles. However, you can only use one or two of those eSIM profiles at the same time. This means you could have your home provider's plan and a UK eSIM installed side by side — switching between them in settings rather than swapping physical cards.

Log in to your eSIM Cards account and locate the active plan in your dashboard — that is where your remaining data and validity information are displayed.