eSIM UK 2026: Which Networks Support It, Compatible Phones & How to Set Up
If you’re comparing SIM-only deals in the UK and wondering whether your next plan can use an eSIM, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll look at which UK networks support eSIM in 2026, which phones are compatible, how to set one up on iPhone or Android, and how to switch from a physical SIM without losing service.
The short answer: most major UK networks now offer eSIM UK support — though a handful of smaller MVNOs are still catching up.
Which UK Networks Support eSIM? (Quick Comparison)
Use the table below to see at a glance which networks offer eSIM support and what type of plans they cover.
| Network | eSIM Support | Plan Types | Runs On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | ✅ Yes | Pay Monthly, SIM-only, PAYG | Vodafone |
| O2 | ✅ Yes | Pay Monthly, SIM-only | O2 |
| Three | ✅ Yes | Pay Monthly, SIM-only | Three |
| VOXI | ✅ Yes | SIM-only | Vodafone |
| Lyca Mobile | ✅ Yes | SIM-only, PAYG | EE |
| iD Mobile | ✅ Yes | SIM-only, Pay Monthly | Three |
| SMARTY | ✅ Yes | SIM-only | Three |
| Lebara | ⚙️ Rolling out | SIM-only | Vodafone |
| Talkmobile | ❌ No | SIM-only | Vodafone |
| Asda Mobile | ❌ No | SIM-only | Vodafone |
| 1p Mobile | ❌ No | PAYG | EE |
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What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built directly into your device. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, you download your mobile plan as a profile onto your phone — no tray, no card, no waiting for delivery.
Key benefits of eSIM include:
- Instant activation — no physical SIM needed
- Ideal for dual-SIM phones (run two numbers on one device)
- No risk of losing or damaging a SIM card
- Easy to switch plans or providers without swapping hardware
Most modern smartphones now support eSIM, though older and budget devices may still be physical-SIM only. According to Ofcom, eSIM adoption is growing quickly as more handsets ship with the technology built in.
eSIM UK Networks — Full Breakdown
Vodafone eSIM
Vodafone supports eSIM across Pay Monthly, most SIM-only plans and selected PAYG offers. It’s one of the most established eSIM UK options.
How to get one: Choose eSIM at checkout when buying online, or swap via the My Vodafone app if you’re an existing customer. You can also visit a Vodafone store for in-person help.
Note: Most modern iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Pixel devices are supported. Some older or legacy PAYG plans may need to go through customer service.
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O2 eSIM
O2 supports eSIM on most Pay Monthly and SIM-only plans. Activation is via the My O2 app or a QR code sent after you order.
How to get one: Select eSIM at checkout, or log into My O2 and request a swap from your existing physical SIM.
Note: Business accounts and some PAYG variants may have a slightly different process.
Three eSIM
Three supports eSIM for both new and existing customers, with 5G-ready profiles on compatible devices.
How to get one: Select eSIM when ordering online, or use the Three+ app to request a swap from your current physical SIM.
Tip: Keep your old physical SIM active until the eSIM is installed and tested — don’t remove it until you’ve confirmed calls and data are working.
VOXI eSIM
VOXI (which runs on Vodafone’s network) supports eSIM and makes it easy to choose at checkout or switch later in your account settings.
How to get one: Select eSIM when signing up, or switch via your VOXI account.
Lyca Mobile eSIM
Lyca Mobile (which runs on EE’s network) supports eSIM on many of its plans. This is particularly useful for Lyca’s customer base, who often use international calling bundles and EU roaming — both of which benefit from fast, physical-SIM-free activation.
How to get one: Select eSIM at checkout or request a swap as an existing customer.
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iD Mobile eSIM
iD Mobile runs on Three’s network and supports eSIM on new plans and SIM-only deals. Activation uses a QR code sent after ordering, or via the iD app.
How to get one: Choose eSIM at order or use the iD Mobile app to swap from a physical SIM.
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SMARTY eSIM
SMARTY (which runs on Three’s network) fully supports eSIM for both new customers and existing customers switching from a physical SIM. It’s available through your SMARTY online account.
How to get one: New customers can choose eSIM when signing up. Existing customers can request an eSIM swap through their account dashboard. After ordering, you’ll receive a QR code by email plus a separate 4-digit confirmation code to complete setup.
SMARTY is one of the cheapest eSIM UK options available — with no annual price rises and EU roaming included on all plans. See our dedicated SMARTY eSIM guide for the full setup walkthrough.
Lebara eSIM (Rolling Out)
Lebara runs on Vodafone’s network and began rolling out eSIM support in 2025, initially for new customers on selected devices. Broader availability — including existing customer swaps — is expected to follow.
How to get one: If eSIM is offered at checkout, select it. Existing customers should check the Lebara help pages or their account for conversion instructions once wider support is live.
Networks Without eSIM Support
The following networks do not currently offer eSIM in the UK:
- Talkmobile (on Vodafone) — physical SIM only
- Asda Mobile (on Vodafone) — physical SIM only
- 1p Mobile (on EE) — PAYG, physical SIM only
If your preferred network doesn’t yet offer eSIM but you need eSIM for travel or dual-SIM use, consider adding a second line from an eSIM-friendly MVNO like iD Mobile, SMARTY or Lyca Mobile.
Which Phones Support eSIM in the UK?
Most flagship and mid-range phones released in the last four years support eSIM. Here’s a quick breakdown by brand.
Apple iPhone iPhone XS and XR onwards — including the full iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 ranges, iPhone SE (2020 and 2022), and iPhone Air.
Samsung Galaxy Galaxy S22, S23, S24 and S25 ranges; Galaxy Z Fold series; Galaxy Z Flip series. Check Samsung’s site for older or budget A-series models.
Google Pixel Pixel 4 onwards — including Pixel 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 ranges. Most Pixel phones since the Pixel 3 include eSIM support.
Motorola Recent Razr and Edge models. Some older Razr phones used eSIM-only configurations, so check your specific model.
Other brands Many newer Oppo Find X and OnePlus models support eSIM. Fairphone 4 and 5 also support eSIM.
Quick check: Dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears alongside the IMEI, your device supports eSIM. You can also check under Settings → Mobile Data (iPhone) or Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (Samsung).
Even if a phone supports eSIM, the network must also permit that specific device on its eSIM list — always confirm compatibility on the operator’s site before ordering.
How to Set Up an eSIM — Step by Step
Make sure you have a Wi-Fi connection and your device’s OS is up to date before you start.
iPhone
- Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM
- Scan the QR code provided by your operator, or follow their in-app instructions
- Label the line (e.g. Personal, Work) and select which line handles voice and data
- Restart if prompted and test by making a call or loading a page
Samsung (One UI)
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
- Tap Add Mobile Plan or Add eSIM
- Scan the operator’s QR code or log in to your account as guided
- Set the eSIM as active and test service
Google Pixel (Android)
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Tap Download a SIM or Add eSIM
- Follow the prompts to scan a QR code or use your operator’s activation method
No QR code? Many networks let you download the eSIM from their app directly on the device you want to activate. Operators also provide manual activation codes if scanning fails — check their support pages.
How to Switch from a Physical SIM to an eSIM
- Confirm your operator and plan type support eSIM
- Request the eSIM via your operator’s website, app or customer service
- Keep the physical SIM active until the eSIM is fully installed and tested
- Once calls and data are working on the eSIM, you can remove the physical SIM
Important: Some operators deactivate the physical SIM automatically as soon as the eSIM is activated — so test promptly and don’t remove the physical SIM until you’ve confirmed everything works.
If you want to transfer your number to a new provider at the same time, text PAC to 65075 from your current SIM to get a free PAC code, then provide it when you activate the new eSIM. Your number transfers within one working day. Full guidance is available on the Ofcom switching page.
eSIM and Roaming
eSIM works the same as a physical SIM for roaming — but there are a couple of things worth knowing.
Dual-SIM roaming: If you’re using eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time abroad, both lines could incur roaming charges. Deactivate the line you’re not using while travelling to avoid unexpected costs. Ofcom guidance on inflation-linked price rises is also worth reading before renewing any contract — some networks apply above-inflation annual increases.
5G roaming: Whether you get 5G abroad depends on your home operator’s roaming agreements with overseas carriers — check before you travel if 5G matters to you.
Best eSIM networks for EU roaming: SMARTY includes EU roaming on all plans at no extra daily charge. Lyca Mobile also includes EU roaming and international minutes on many plans. Always check your provider’s specific terms — roaming policies differ between networks and plan types. For independent guidance, see Citizens Advice on mobile phone contracts.
Advantages of Choosing an eSIM UK Plan
- Instant activation — no waiting for a SIM card in the post
- Easy to switch providers without changing hardware
- Dual-SIM support: keep a personal and work number on one phone
- Useful for travel (activate a local plan without swapping SIMs)
- No physical SIM to lose, damage or replace
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
eSIM support in the UK has moved from a nice-to-have to something most major networks now offer as standard. If your phone is compatible and your preferred network supports it, switching to eSIM makes sense — faster activation, no physical card to manage, and easier switching if you want to change provider.
For anyone still on a physical SIM with a network that doesn’t yet offer eSIM (Asda Mobile, Talkmobile or 1p Mobile), the practical workaround is to add a second eSIM line from a provider like SMARTY, iD Mobile or Lyca Mobile for travel or dual-SIM use.
Ready to find your next deal? Compare the full range of SIM-only plans on Olimit — including eSIM-friendly options from SMARTY, iD Mobile, Lyca Mobile, Lebara and more.