eSIM explained: switch in ten minutes
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone that you download instead of inserting, so you can switch network in minutes without waiting for the post. You keep your number and pay the same price. EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, giffgaff, SMARTY, Lebara, Lycamobile, VOXI, iD Mobile, Talkmobile and Sky Mobile offer eSIM; Asda Mobile doesn’t.
By the billsqueeze team · Facts checked: 24 October 2026 · Updated:
- An eSIM is downloaded, not posted: switch in minutes.
- Same number, plan and price as a physical SIM.
- 12 networks we compare offer eSIM; Asda Mobile doesn’t.
- Your phone must be eSIM-ready and unlocked.
What an eSIM is
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone. Instead of waiting for a card in the post, you download your network’s profile by scanning a QR code or through its app. Your number, plan and price are exactly the same as with a physical SIM.
Which networks offer eSIM
| Network | eSIM | Wi‑Fi Calling | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | Yes | Yes | Own network |
| O2 | Yes | Yes | Own network |
| Vodafone | Yes | Yes | Own network |
| Three | Yes | Yes | Own network |
| giffgaff | Yes | Yes | O2 |
| SMARTY | Yes | Yes | Three |
| Lebara | Yes | Yes | Vodafone |
| Lycamobile | Yes | Yes | EE |
| VOXI | Yes | Yes | Vodafone |
| iD Mobile | Yes | Yes | Three |
| Talkmobile | Yes | Yes | Vodafone |
| Sky Mobile | Yes | Yes | O2 |
| Asda Mobile | No | Not confirmed | Vodafone |
| Tesco Mobile | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | O2 |
Check your phone first
- It must support eSIM. Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones do. Look in your settings for “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan”.
- It must be unlocked. Phones sold in the UK since December 2021 are unlocked; older ones can usually be unlocked by the network that sold them.
- You need Wi‑Fi to download the eSIM profile.
How to switch in ten minutes
- Text PAC to 65075 if you want to keep your number. The code arrives within a minute and lasts 30 days.
- Order an eSIM plan from your new network and give it your PAC.
- Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code or in the network’s app, while on Wi‑Fi.
- Your number moves within one working day. Until then, you can still use your old SIM.
Good to know
- Many phones can hold a physical SIM and an eSIM at once, handy for a work number or a travel plan.
- If you change phone, you move the eSIM to the new one through your settings or your network’s app, rather than swapping a card.
Find an eSIM deal
SIM only deals from networks that offer eSIM, sorted by total cost.
Common questions
Is an eSIM more expensive?
No. The plan and price are the same; only the SIM format changes.
Can I keep my number with an eSIM?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 and give the code to your new network, exactly as with a physical SIM.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models do. Check your settings for “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan”.
Which UK networks don’t offer eSIM?
Asda Mobile doesn’t, and Tesco Mobile doesn’t publish it (checked October 2026).