Which UK Networks Support eSIM in 2026? EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, giffgaff and More

All the major UK networks support eSIM in 2026: EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, plus giffgaff, SMARTY, iD Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, VOXI, Lebara and Lyca Mobile. The differences are in the detail. Some offer eSIM on pay as you go and some only on pay monthly, some use an app and others a QR code, and Lebara currently limits new eSIM customers to the iPhone Air. Every one of them still issues physical SIM cards.

Last checked: 27 October 2026. Networks change their eSIM rules often, so confirm on your network's official eSIM page (linked below) before you order or switch.

UK network eSIM support at a glance

This table sums up what each network's own help pages say. Where a page doesn't state something, we say so rather than guess. "Swap cost" means a charge for changing to an eSIM or getting a replacement eSIM.

A few details worth knowing:

• EE pay as you go: EE's eSIM page only covers pay monthly phones and SIM only plans, and EE community answers say eSIM isn't offered on PAYG. We could not find an EE page that confirms either way, so ask EE before you buy.
• Lebara: its help page says eSIM is "only available for new customers joining Lebara using an Apple iPhone Air". A Lebara community manager said in January 2026 that existing customers can now switch on all compatible devices. Lebara also says its eSIM can't be used on more than one device or on a smartwatch.
• giffgaff: you must activate in the app on the phone that will use the eSIM, and allow at least 24 hours between SIM switches.
• Three: replacement eSIMs can be blocked for 7 days after you join or change your credit limit, and for 2 days after you update your email address.
• Other networks: 4G.co.uk also lists Asda Mobile and 1pMobile as offering eSIM on pay as you go.

Are any UK networks eSIM only?

None of the networks above. All still issue physical SIM cards. The one notable UK service we found that is eSIM only is Monzo Mobile, which sells "eSIM-only plans" to Monzo current account holders aged 18 or over. ISPreview reported that it uses O2's network. For the wider picture, including the phones that have dropped the SIM tray, see our guide to going eSIM only in 2026.

Which networks support iPhone eSIM Quick Transfer?

Apple's UK carrier list shows which networks support each iPhone eSIM feature:

• eSIM Quick Transfer (move your number from an old iPhone, or convert a SIM card, without contacting the network): Three, EE, O2, Sky Mobile and Vodafone.
• eSIM Carrier Activation (the network assigns the eSIM to your new iPhone digitally): Three, EE, O2, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile and Vodafone.
• Other methods such as a QR code or an app: Three, EE, giffgaff, O2, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile and Vodafone.

Networks not on Apple's list, such as SMARTY or VOXI, still support eSIM. You just use their QR code or app instead. Our new iPhone eSIM transfer guide covers this step by step.

How to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM

1. Check your phone supports eSIM. Dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone has eSIM. You can also use our compatibility checker.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Most networks need an internet connection to download the eSIM.
3. Try your phone's built-in option first. On iPhone, Settings, then Mobile Service, may show Convert to eSIM if your network supports Quick Transfer. O2, Three, Sky and VOXI all describe converting this way.
4. Otherwise use your network's app or account. For example, giffgaff: Account, SIM, Replace my SIM, Switch to new eSIM. SMARTY: Account settings, Manage plan, Replace SIM. Three: Manage SIM in the app.
5. Scan the QR code if you are sent one and enter any confirmation code. Codes can usually only be used once.
6. Wait for the old SIM to stop working, then restart your phone and test calls, texts and data.

Your number, plan and allowance stay the same. Only the type of SIM changes. Our guide to setting up an eSIM on different devices has screenshots of the menus.

How to keep your number when you switch network

Switching network with an eSIM works exactly as it does with a SIM card. Under Ofcom's rules (Ofcom):

• To keep your number, text PAC to 65075 from your current phone. Your network must reply within one minute.
• If you don't want your number, text STAC to 75075. This also avoids paying for the old and new services at the same time.
• To check whether you are still in contract, text INFO to 85075.
• Give the code to your new network when you order your eSIM. Codes are valid for 30 days.
• The new network must complete the switch within one working day, and you may be due compensation if it is delayed.

Your old network can't charge notice period fees after the switch date. Providers also can't sell locked phones, so your handset should work with the new network. One Touch Switch, which you may have heard about, is the system for broadband and landline. It does not apply to mobile.

If your phone is eSIM only, such as an iPhone Air or iPhone Duo, make sure your new network offers eSIM on the plan type you want before you text for a PAC. Check our eSIM compatibility guide if you're not sure about your phone.

Using your UK eSIM and a travel eSIM together

Most eSIM phones can hold several eSIMs and use two at a time. That means you can keep your UK network on one line for calls and texts, such as bank codes, and add a travel eSIM for cheaper data abroad. A travel eSIM is data only. On 27 October 2026, SimplySIM plans included:

See more on the regional and global eSIMs page or the United States eSIM page. Before you fly, turn off data roaming on your UK line so it can't trigger roaming charges. Our dual SIM settings guide shows how.

FAQs

Which UK networks support eSIM?

EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, giffgaff, SMARTY, iD Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, VOXI, Lebara and Lyca Mobile all offer eSIM in some form. The rules differ for pay monthly and pay as you go, so check the network's own eSIM page.

Can I get a pay as you go eSIM in the UK?

Yes. O2, Three, giffgaff and Lyca Mobile offer eSIM on pay as you go, and 4G.co.uk also lists Vodafone, iD Mobile, Asda Mobile and 1pMobile. EE's eSIM page only mentions pay monthly and SIM only plans.

Does giffgaff do eSIM?

Yes. giffgaff eSIMs are set up only through the giffgaff app, on the phone that will use the eSIM. giffgaff says there is no price difference between eSIM and physical SIM plans.

Is there a charge to switch to an eSIM?

O2 says an eSIM costs the same as a plastic SIM, and giffgaff says there is no price difference. The other networks' help pages we checked don't mention a fee. Check with your network before you switch.

Do I lose my number if I switch to an eSIM?

No. Converting to an eSIM on the same network keeps your number and plan. If you're moving to a new network, text PAC to 65075 and give the code to your new provider.

Can I use a UK eSIM abroad?

Yes, it works like a SIM card, so your network's normal roaming charges apply. Many people add a data-only travel eSIM for the trip and keep their UK line for calls and texts.