Yes. Because an eSIM is embedded in your device and cannot be physically removed, it is harder for fraudsters to carry out SIM-swap attacks. eSIMs use the same network security standards as traditional SIM cards for calls and data.

Best eSIM Deals UK

Q: Which phones support eSIM in the UK?

Most smartphones released from 2018 onwards support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. Check your phone's Settings then About for an EID number to confirm eSIM compatibility.

Q: Can I have two eSIMs at the same time?

Most modern phones let you store multiple eSIM profiles, but only one can be active at a time (or one eSIM and one physical SIM on dual-SIM phones). This is useful for running a personal and work number, or for adding a travel data plan alongside your regular UK plan.

Q: Is it cheaper to use an eSIM?

eSIM plans are priced the same as equivalent physical SIM plans in most cases. The saving comes from avoiding roaming charges when travelling, a local travel eSIM plan for your destination is often significantly cheaper than daily roaming charges from a UK network.

Q: Do I need to cancel my old contract to switch to an eSIM?

You do not need to call your old network. If you port your number using a PAC code, your old contract cancels automatically when the number transfers. If you are not keeping your number, simply let your old contract expire or cancel it directly with your current provider.

Q: Can I use an eSIM on a prepayment basis?

Yes. Several networks and MVNOs offer rolling monthly eSIM plans with no long-term commitment. giffgaff, SMARTY, and Honest Mobile all offer flexible monthly eSIM options you can cancel at any time.

Q: What happens if I change phones, and do I lose my eSIM?

If you get a new phone, you will need to transfer your eSIM profile across. Most networks allow this, contact your network and they will provide a new QR code for your new device. Some networks charge a small fee for eSIM re-provisioning, so check before you switch devices.

Q: Can I use an eSIM for data only?

Yes. Some plans, particularly travel eSIMs, are data-only. You keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data. Data-only eSIM plans are also available on tablets and some laptops that support eSIM.

Q: How do I compare the best eSIM deals UK providers offer?

Switch lets you compare all available eSIM deals from major UK networks and MVNOs in one place. Filter by data allowance, contract length, network, and roaming to find the right deal for your usage. Comparison is free and takes under 2 minutes.

Compare eSIM deals from every major UK network: activate instantly, no physical SIM, no waiting for the post.

Best eSIM Deals UK

Compare eSIM deals from every major UK network: activate instantly, no physical SIM, no waiting for the post.

What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM card built directly into your phone. Unlike a standard nano SIM, it cannot be physically removed. Instead of inserting a card, you download your mobile plan digitally, usually by scanning a QR code from your network or following a setup guide in your phone settings.

Once activated, your eSIM works exactly like a normal SIM. You get calls, texts, and mobile data as normal. The key difference is speed and flexibility, you can switch networks, add a travel plan, or run two numbers on one phone without any physical swapping.

How to Activate an eSIM in 3 Steps:

Choose your eSIM deal on Switch and confirm your plan
Receive your QR code or activation details by email
Open your phone Settings, go to Mobile/Cellular, select Add eSIM and scan the QR code

Setup takes under 5 minutes from start to finish on most devices.

Why Choose an eSIM Deal in the UK?

eSIMs offer several real advantages over traditional SIM cards, especially if you travel, switch networks regularly, or just want a quicker, cleaner mobile setup.

Benefit	What It Means for You
Instant activation	Connected in minutes, no waiting for a SIM to arrive in the post
No physical SIM to lose	Your plan is stored digitally, nothing to drop, damage, or misplace
Dual SIM capability	Run your personal and work numbers on the same phone simultaneously
Easy travel plans	Add a local data plan when abroad without swapping your UK SIM
Secure and locked to device	eSIM cannot be physically removed, reducing SIM-swap fraud risk
Switch networks easily	Move to a better eSIM plan without waiting for a new card in the post

Which Phones Are eSIM Compatible in the UK?

Most smartphones released in the last four years support eSIM. Here are the main compatible devices:

Apple iPhone: iPhone XS, XR (2018) and all models released after. iPhone 14 models bought in the US are eSIM only, no physical SIM tray. iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series have full eSIM support with dual eSIM capability. iPhone SE (2020 and 2022) also supported.
Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series. Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldables. Galaxy A54 and above (selected A-series models), check your specific model.
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and above. Pixel 7, 8, 9, and 10 series have full eSIM support.

If you are unsure whether your phone supports eSIM, go to Settings then About Phone on Android, or Settings then General then About on iPhone, and look for an EID number. If you see one, your phone has eSIM capability.

Which UK Networks Offer eSIM Deals?

All four major UK mobile networks now offer eSIM. Several smaller MVNOs do too. Network availability and plan details are subject to change; compare live on Switch for the most current pricing.

Network	eSIM Support	5G Included	Roaming	Contract Options
EE	Yes, all compatible devices	Yes	Europe add-on available	1-month, 12-month, 24-month
O2	Yes, all compatible devices	Yes	EU roaming on selected plans	1-month, 12-month, 24-month
Three	Yes, all compatible devices	Yes	Go Roam in 71 destinations	1-month, 12-month, 24-month
Vodafone	Yes, all compatible devices	Yes	Roaming varies by plan	1-month, 12-month, 24-month
giffgaff	Yes, selected plans	Yes (via O2)	EU data included	Rolling monthly only
Honest Mobile	Yes, all plans	Yes (via Three)	44 destinations, up to 10GB	Monthly rolling
SMARTY	Yes, selected plans	Yes (via Three)	EU data at no extra cost	Monthly rolling
Lebara	Yes, selected devices	Yes (via Vodafone)	International minutes included	Monthly rolling

← Swipe to see all columns →

How to Find the Best eSIM Deals UK Networks Are Offering

Price is important, but it is not the only thing to look at when comparing eSIM plans. Here are the five things worth checking before you commit.

Monthly Data Allowance

Think about how much data you actually use. Ofcom reports the average UK mobile user consumes around 9.9GB per month. If you stream a lot or use your phone as a hotspot, an unlimited data eSIM plan gives you peace of mind. If you mainly use Wi-Fi, a 10 to 20GB deal could save you money every month.

Contract Length

Most eSIM plans come as 30-day rolling, 12-month, or 24-month contracts. Rolling plans are flexible, ideal if you like to switch regularly. Longer contracts usually offer a lower monthly price. With eSIM, switching is easier than ever, so a rolling plan is a popular choice.

5G Access

All major UK eSIM plans now include 5G access at no extra cost, as long as your phone supports it and you are in a covered area. Ofcom estimates 85 to 93% of UK premises can receive outdoor 5G from at least one network. Check coverage in your postcode before choosing.

Roaming

If you travel regularly, check whether your eSIM plan includes EU or international roaming. Since Brexit, several major networks have reintroduced roaming charges for Europe. Some plans, like Three's Go Roam and SMARTY's EU data inclusion, still offer roaming at no extra cost on selected plans.

Network Coverage

Every network uses the same physical infrastructure in your area differently. Check the Ofcom coverage checker with your postcode before switching. SMARTY and iD Mobile run on Three's network. giffgaff and Tesco Mobile run on O2. Lebara and spusu run on Vodafone and EE respectively.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Is Right for You?

For most people with a phone bought in the last four years, eSIM is the more convenient option. For anyone who regularly swaps between multiple devices, a physical SIM still offers more flexibility.

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Activation speed	Minutes, download and activate instantly	Days, wait for delivery by post
Switching networks	Instant, change plan digitally	Requires new SIM card in the post
Device flexibility	Cannot be moved to another phone easily	Swap between devices freely
Dual SIM	Yes, run two numbers on one device	Requires dual-SIM handset with two trays
Travel convenience	Add a local data plan without removing your UK SIM	Must swap out UK SIM or use dual tray
Security	Cannot be physically stolen or cloned as easily	Physical SIM can be removed and swapped
Availability	Requires compatible phone (most phones post-2018)	Works on virtually all phones

← Swipe to see all columns →

Travel eSIM Deals: Stay Connected Abroad Without Roaming Fees

One of the most popular uses for eSIM is travel. Instead of paying daily roaming fees to your UK network, you can add a local data eSIM for your destination and keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts at the same time. You get the best of both, local data rates and your regular UK number.

How travel eSIMs work:

Browse and buy a travel eSIM data plan for your destination before you leave the UK
Receive the QR code by email and scan it in your phone settings
When you land, your phone connects to the local network via the travel eSIM
Your UK SIM stays active, you can still receive calls and texts on your normal number
When you return, simply delete or deactivate the travel eSIM profile

Switch compares both UK eSIM deals and travel eSIM bundles so you can find the right option whether you are at home or heading abroad.

How to Switch to an eSIM Deal on Switch

Switching to an eSIM plan through Switch takes under 5 minutes from start to finish.

Step	What Happens	Time Required
1. Compare deals	Enter your current usage and postcode to see all available eSIM plans	2 minutes
2. Choose your plan	Select data allowance, contract length, and network	1 minute
3. Confirm your order	Enter your details, no physical SIM delivery needed	1 minute
4. Receive QR code	Your activation QR code arrives by email automatically	Instant
5. Activate eSIM	Scan QR code in your phone settings and your plan is live	Under 2 minutes

← Swipe to see all columns →

You do not need to contact your old network to cancel. If you want to keep your current phone number, text PAC to 65075 before you switch. Share the PAC code with your new network and your number transfers across automatically.

Can I Keep My Number When I Switch to an eSIM?

Yes. Keeping your number when switching to an eSIM is straightforward. The process is the same as any other network switch:

Text PAC to 65075, you will receive your PAC code by text within minutes, free of charge
Give the PAC code to your new network when setting up your eSIM plan
Your number transfers across within 1 working day
Your old contract cancels automatically once the number ports over

You do not lose your number at any point during the switch. Your old SIM continues working until the transfer is complete.

Compare eSIM Deals UK: Find Your Best Plan on Switch

Whether you want a flexible rolling monthly plan, a high-data 5G eSIM deal, or a travel eSIM for your next trip, Switch makes it simple to compare every option in one place. All major UK networks. All contract lengths. All data allowances. No hidden fees.

Switch is free to use, fully independent, and shows you plans ranked by what matters most to you, not by which network pays the highest commission.

Compare eSIM Deals Now Compare SIM Only Deals Get Expert Help: 01926 942125

FAQs

What is an eSIM deal?

An eSIM deal is a mobile plan, with data, calls, and texts, that runs on an embedded SIM card built into your phone rather than a physical SIM card you insert. You activate it digitally by scanning a QR code. Everything else works the same as a normal mobile plan.

Which phones support eSIM in the UK?

Can I have two eSIMs at the same time?

Is it cheaper to use an eSIM?

Do I need to cancel my old contract to switch to an eSIM?

Can I use an eSIM on a prepayment basis?

What happens if I change phones, and do I lose my eSIM?

Are eSIMs secure?

Can I use an eSIM for data only?

How do I compare the best eSIM deals UK providers offer?

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