Which UK mobile networks support eSIM?

EE, O2, Vodafone and Three all offer eSIM in the UK. So do many smaller providers, including 1pMobile, Lyca Mobile, SMARTY, iD Mobile, giffgaff, VOXI, Tesco Mobile, Talkmobile, spusu and Honest Mobile. Lebara supports eSIM too, but its official new-customer device restrictions make it a less straightforward option. ParentShield also offers eSIM for specialist child-safety plans.

The important question is not just “Does this network have eSIM?” It is “Can I order or convert my exact UK plan as an eSIM on my phone?” If you want a normal UK mobile number, do not confuse a main-line eSIM with a data-only travel or backup eSIM. After checking eligibility, compare current UK eSIM SIM-only deals by coverage, data, total cost and commitment. The SIM format itself does not improve signal or speed.

UK eSIM networks compared: availability and the catch

How to read the table: “Yes” means an eligible consumer can obtain a UK phone eSIM from that provider — not that every PAYG plan, device or customer account qualifies. “Limited” means material restrictions; “Unconfirmed” is not a claim of availability. This is a provider-eligibility snapshot, not a live tariff list or a smartwatch/tablet compatibility database (checked 21 October 2026).

Specialist exception: ParentShield offers monitored child-safety plans, with EE-only and four-network service options. It is not a like-for-like substitute for an ordinary adult SIM-only plan.

The four major brands remain useful when comparing coverage, although Vodafone and Three operate within the merged VodafoneThree business and combined network access is evolving. MVNOs do not automatically inherit identical speeds, calling features, roaming or eSIM activation. For examples of official ordering rules, see EE's eSIM instructions, Vodafone's SIM-only eSIM guidance and Tesco Mobile's device and eSIM help.

Ready to buy? Compare the current UK eSIM deals, then check the eSIM indicator, Full plan details and View Deal for the specific tariff. The table above shows who offers eSIM; the catalogue shows selected available offers.

Which eSIM is the better fit for you?

There is no universal “best eSIM network”. Most people should shortlist by signal first, then payment model, data, renewal price and installation restrictions. Here are the comparisons that actually change the decision.

Want EE coverage without an EE-branded plan?

1pMobile and Lyca Mobile are two useful starting points. Both offer eSIM and use EE's network, but they are not the same product.

1pMobile has flexible data Boosts and classic pay-as-you-go options. Its DealPriceCheck 1pMobile comparison helps you compare the UK plan; you can also browse 1pMobile's available products through our additional partner link. The provider's published tariff says a replacement eSIM, including a physical-to-eSIM switch, costs £2.50 (checked October 2026). New customers can choose eSIM, but their selected plan or joining credit is still payable; “free SIM” does not mean free mobile service. Don't assume a cheap Boost necessarily makes later SIM replacement free.

Lyca offers eSIM with eligible prepaid-style and pay-monthly UK plans. It is worth comparing if international calling matters as much as data, but eligible calling destinations and included roaming differ by bundle. Use our Lyca Mobile tariff comparison or explore Lyca's cheaper UK SIM options. The latter is an additional Awin partner link, not a replacement for the tariff-specific View Deal buttons.

spusu is another EE-based eSIM option, but its features and buying terms are not necessarily the same as either partner. Our EE-network SIM deals offer a broader comparison without treating network-sharing as a promise of identical service.

Prefer O2 coverage, or app-based activation?

giffgaff is a particularly clear example: new users activate eSIM in the giffgaff app, and existing users start their SIM replacement from the app. That is useful if you want a digital onboarding process, but it means downloading the app is part of the journey, not an optional extra. See giffgaff's official app-activation instructions. Compare giffgaff's current UK plans and the wider O2-network choices.

O2, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile also offer eSIM on eligible services, but ordering routes vary. Tesco's official guidance says eligible new or upgrading eSIM-only handset customers can receive digital download, while other customers may need Tesco support or a phone shop; do not assume every SIM-only purchase includes an instant online QR code. With Sky, use the convert existing SIM route if you want the same line rather than accidentally ordering a second number. If you're staying with your provider, a same-line conversion normally keeps your number without a PAC.

Want a short commitment on Three or Vodafone-based service?

SMARTY, iD Mobile and Three provide eSIM choices on the Three side of the VodafoneThree network group, while Vodafone, VOXI and Talkmobile are other supported brands. For SMARTY, both new sign-ups and physical-SIM replacements are supported. Its official eSIM guide explains the QR code and confirmation code. New customers receive the code in a separate email; existing customers replacing a SIM find the code in their SMARTY account dashboard. This matters when setup appears to be missing an email. If you're switching an existing SMARTY line, its SIM replacement instructions also warn that choosing Activate Later disconnects the current SIM and suspends the account until reactivation; arrange the change when you have Wi-Fi and access to your email. New customers do not use that replacement flow.

You can compare SMARTY's SIM-only offers, Three-branded deals or Vodafone-branded deals. Where coverage is your priority, start with the Three-network or Vodafone-network comparison, then confirm that the individual tariff supports eSIM. A shared host network does not make every provider's eSIM activation interchangeable.

The exception to understand: Lebara eSIM

Lebara's official eSIM help, reviewed in October 2026, says new customers can buy a Lebara eSIM with an iPhone Air. Existing customers have a separate conversion route through support on compatible devices. This is not the same as unrestricted new-customer eSIM checkout for every eSIM-capable iPhone or Android phone.

Lebara remains a relevant option for UK data and international calls, but do not buy a Lebara tariff assuming you can activate eSIM on every compatible handset. Its published help also directs existing customers to a separate conversion path and asks customers to activate an eSIM in the UK before travelling. Compare the UK-plan terms on our Lebara comparison but confirm device and sign-up eligibility before you order. If you need a new eSIM straight away on a different handset, choose a provider with a clearly documented new-customer route.

New eSIM, replacement eSIM and travel eSIM are different purchases

This distinction prevents some of the most frustrating switching errors. If you're still deciding between a digital and plastic SIM, our what is an eSIM? guide covers the technology; this page focuses on which UK providers can issue one.

Carriers use QR codes, apps, built-in device transfer or digital activation. A QR code is not necessarily reusable across phones: Tesco, for example, allows limited repeat activation on the same phone and requires a replacement eSIM for a different phone. Other providers set their own rules. Never delete an active profile or assume a QR code can be reused on a new handset without checking.

A travel eSIM can be data-only or support a limited set of apps, rather than providing ordinary UK calls and SMS. Honest Mobile's Classic eSIM is an everyday UK voice-and-data line on Three; its Smart SIM is a separate app-restricted, data-only backup eSIM with no mobile number. If you need roaming on your main UK line, use our UK SIM deals with EU roaming comparison rather than buying a backup eSIM by mistake. The provider's own comparison explains the two Honest products.

Check your phone before paying for an eSIM

Finding an eSIM offer does not prove that your phone can install it. The hardware, your exact model and regional version, and the network's activation method all matter.

1. Look for an EID. On many phones, dial `*#06#` or open the device information screen. An EID indicates eSIM hardware, although carrier eligibility still has to be checked.
2. Look for Add eSIM. On iPhone, open Settings → Mobile Service / Mobile Data → Add eSIM. On many Samsung models, open Settings → Connections → SIM manager. Pixel and other Android menu names differ by version.
3. Check the precise model and region. Apple supports eSIM on the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later compatible regional models, but regional variants differ. Do not rely on the model-family name alone, particularly for imported phones.
4. Confirm the selected operator will activate it. Some providers support more devices for existing-customer conversion than for new sign-ups. A cellular watch or tablet may need an entirely different product.

Apple's official iPhone eSIM set-up instructions show the supported activation routes and make clear that carrier capabilities differ. If the phone is still locked to another network, check its unlocking status before ordering a new provider's eSIM.

Keep your UK number and avoid losing service

Moving between UK networks with an eSIM follows the normal switching process. You do not need to abandon the number you have had for years.

1. Pick a new UK plan and confirm eSIM availability on your phone. Keep the old line working.
2. Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to retain.
3. Order and, if the new provider instructs you, activate the new eSIM. It may initially show a temporary number.
4. Submit the PAC to the new provider when requested. Wait for the number transfer before removing the old line.
5. Test incoming and outgoing calls, SMS, mobile data and security-code messages after the switch.

The detailed timing, cancellation and early-termination considerations belong in our guide to switching and keeping your number. A physical-to-eSIM conversion within the same provider is a SIM replacement, not a move to a different network, and normally does not need a PAC.

Before a lost-phone emergency: with a physical SIM you may be able to use a spare phone straight away. With eSIM, you may need account access, Wi-Fi and a replacement profile. Keep a recovery method that does not depend solely on SMS to the missing phone, and do not delete a working eSIM while troubleshooting. For giffgaff users, the official app guide specifies an existing-line eSIM switching window of 4.30am–9.30pm UK time; check that window before initiating a replacement.

Five checks before choosing the cheapest eSIM deal

1. Is eSIM available on this exact offer? A brand-wide “Yes” does not prove that a particular PAYG product, contract, family line, business plan or device is eligible. Check the order journey and any card-level eSIM indicator.

2. Will coverage work where you spend time? An eSIM is a SIM format, not a new signal technology. Comparing the same host network is helpful, but don't assume different brands have identical access to every service or feature.

3. What will you pay for the whole period? An introductory discount may end; 30-day renewals are not identical to calendar-month billing; a longer contract can have exit fees. Use Full plan details on our current cards, not a static 2026 price quoted in a guide.

4. Is the first activation free, and what about replacement? Some providers charge for a later eSIM replacement. This matters if you swap phones regularly or need a backup handset.

5. What else do you need? Dual SIM, international minutes, Wi-Fi Calling, roaming, tethering and smartwatch connectivity can all have different eligibility rules. Smartphone eSIM support does not mean an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch companion plan is included.

Start with eSIM SIM-only deals if you're ready to buy, or 30-day and no-contract SIM deals if short commitment matters. Compare the current cards and follow their existing View Deal links once you have chosen the actual tariff.

Frequently asked questions

Do all four main UK mobile networks support eSIM?

Yes. EE, O2, Vodafone and Three support eSIM on eligible phones and services. Vodafone and Three operate within the merged VodafoneThree group, but the familiar consumer brands and plan eligibility still matter when ordering.

Which budget UK mobile providers offer eSIM?

Among those with an established consumer route are 1pMobile, Lyca Mobile, spusu, giffgaff, SMARTY, iD Mobile, VOXI, Talkmobile and Tesco Mobile. Check the provider's ordering method: for example, giffgaff uses its app while Tesco may require support or a store. A provider-wide yes does not guarantee eSIM on every offer.

Can an existing Lebara customer switch to eSIM?

Lebara says existing customers can request a conversion through support. This differs from new-customer ordering, which its published October 2026 guidance restricts to iPhone Air. Don't assume the same device list or setup route applies to both.

Does Honest Mobile's Smart SIM provide a normal UK phone number?

No. Honest's Smart SIM is an app-focused backup eSIM without calls, texts or a mobile number. Its Classic SIM is a separate UK voice-and-data service available as an eSIM. Compare the product, not just the provider name.

Can I get a UK eSIM on pay as you go?

Yes, from certain providers and products, but PAYG can mean traditional pay-per-use credit or a prepaid 30-day bundle. You must check which service actually offers an eSIM. Our PAYG vs SIM-only guide explains why that distinction matters.

Do I get 5G automatically with an eSIM?

No. An eSIM works on supported mobile networks, but 5G needs a compatible handset, eligible tariff and local 5G coverage. The eSIM format alone does not improve signal or unlock 5G.

Can I use an eSIM and a normal SIM together?

Many compatible phones support a physical SIM alongside eSIM, or more than one stored eSIM profile. The number of simultaneously active lines depends on the precise phone model, so check the manufacturer's specifications.

Do I need a PAC to switch from physical SIM to eSIM?

Only if you're also moving your UK number to a different provider. A same-account physical-to-eSIM conversion normally keeps the number without a PAC; follow your operator's SIM replacement process.

Can I move the same eSIM to a new phone?

Often, but not always by simply scanning the original QR code again. Depending on the provider and handset, you may use device transfer, an app or a newly issued eSIM profile. Check any replacement charge and don't delete the working line prematurely.

Provider eSIM eligibility checked 21 October 2026. Availability, device rules and charges may change; confirm the individual plan's terms before purchase. DealPriceCheck lists selected UK offers and may earn commission from qualifying links at no extra cost to you.

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