An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone. Instead of a plastic card, your provider sends a digital profile that you add by scanning a code or following a prompt. All four big networks offer it, and so do many smaller brands. For most people it is a choice, not a need, with one exception: a few phones have no SIM tray at all. This guide covers which phones those are, how to move an eSIM, and what to do if the phone is lost or broken.
Should you use one?
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Your phone has a tray and you swap phones often | Either. A physical SIM moves in seconds. |
| Your phone has no SIM tray | eSIM, since there is no other option |
| You want a second number, such as for work or travel | eSIM for the second line |
| You want to switch network quickly | eSIM, since you skip waiting for a card |
| You often lose or break phones | A physical SIM can be easier to recover |
Which phones support it
- iPhone. Every iPhone from the XS and XR onwards supports eSIM. The iPhone 13 and later can run two eSIMs at once. UK models keep a SIM tray, except the iPhone Air and the iPhone Duo, which are eSIM only everywhere. Check the iPhone 17e’s tray before you buy. Our guide to flagships that go eSIM only covers the newest range.
- Google Pixel. Every Pixel from the Pixel 3 onwards supports eSIM, and the Pixel 7 and later can run two eSIMs at once. UK Pixel 10 and 11 models keep a physical tray, whereas the US versions are eSIM only.
- Samsung. The Galaxy S20 onwards and the foldables support eSIM, as does the Galaxy A57. Support varies on other A series phones, so check the model.
Not every brand offers eSIM on every phone or plan. For example, Sky Mobile limited eSIMs to certain phones in 2026. Check the provider’s own page before you order.
Getting one
- Order an eSIM plan, or ask your provider to swap your SIM to an eSIM.
- Wait for the QR code by email, or follow the prompt in the provider’s app.
- On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Add eSIM. On Android, go to Settings, then Network and internet, then SIMs, then Add eSIM.
- Scan the code and finish the set up, with the phone on Wi-Fi.
- Test a call and data, then delete any old SIM you no longer need.
If you are moving your number from another network, the order of steps matters. Our guide on moving your number to an eSIM at a new network explains how.
Moving an eSIM to a new phone
| Your move | How |
|---|---|
| iPhone to iPhone | Use the Quick Start prompts and choose Transfer from nearby iPhone. On an iPhone 13 or newer, you can also convert a physical SIM into an eSIM. |
| Android to iPhone | On recent iPhones, choose Transfer from Android during set up. If your provider does not support it, ask for a code. Once it works, the SIM on the Android phone stops working. |
| Android to Android | Remove the eSIM on the old phone if your provider asks, then add the new one from a code |
| No access to the old phone | Ask your provider for a new code |
Some providers email a fresh code when you delete the eSIM. Vodafone’s code arrives as a file protected with your date of birth. Others, including EE, want you to order a replacement by phone or in store with photo ID, and Three lets you replace the SIM online, which sends a code by email. Where there is a choice, plan the move ahead of upgrade day. See moving an eSIM when you buy a new phone for the rest of the checklist.
If your phone is lost or broken
Your plan does not vanish with the phone. Ask your provider for a replacement eSIM or a physical SIM, using your online account, a store or the phone line. Block the phone as well, using your network and the phone’s Find My or Find Device tool.
If you buy a used phone, make sure the seller has removed any old eSIM and account locks. See buying a used phone that has had an eSIM for the checks.
Two numbers on one phone
Most recent phones can hold several eSIM profiles, often eight or more, but only two lines are active at once. A phone with a tray can pair a physical SIM with an eSIM. Phones such as the iPhone 13 onwards and the Pixel 7 onwards can run two eSIMs at once. Label each line, for example Personal and Work, and pick which one is used for data.
Many travellers keep their UK number for calls and add a local eSIM for data. See a travel eSIM versus roaming for when that makes sense. Running two lines can use slightly more battery.
Security
An eSIM cannot be pulled out of a stolen phone, which makes it harder for a thief to cut you off. It does not stop SIM swap fraud, where someone tricks a provider into moving your number to a new SIM or eSIM. Put a PIN on your provider account, keep a lock on your phone and report any unexpected eSIM message to your provider straight away.
If you want a plan with no contract, eSIM plans without a contract are the quickest to start. You can also browse plans you can get as an eSIM.
FAQs
Can I put the same eSIM on two phones?
No. A number can sit on one SIM or eSIM at a time, so moving it to a second phone switches it off on the first.
What if I delete my eSIM by mistake?
Ask your provider for a replacement. You can usually get one through your online account or in store, though some providers need photo ID.
Does an eSIM use more battery?
Not on its own. Running two lines at once can use slightly more.