What is an eSIM?
An eSIM gives you almost all the benefits of a traditional SIM card. But it can be a lot more convenient, particularly if you travel a lot or use more than one number. Find out more in our guide and see if you could benefit from an eSIM deal.
4 mins read
Key points
- An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, so you don't need to insert or swap physical SIM cards.
- Using an eSIM has benefits if you regularly travel overseas or use more than one phone number.
- Most newer phones support eSIMs, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixel handsets, so you might already have the option.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (short for 'embedded SIM') is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting a small plastic card into your phone, an eSIM comes built into your device as a tiny microchip.
If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can connect to compatible mobile networks and plans without swapping physical SIM cards. You simply download your plan straight to your device.
One of the biggest advantages of an eSIM is flexibility. You can use multiple plans or phone numbers on the same handset. This makes it easier to separate work and personal calls or use cheaper travel data plans for roaming.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an eSIM?
Consider the pros and cons of eSIMs with the handy breakdown in our table below.
- You can switch between networks and mobile plans without changing a physical SIM card.
- You can keep multiple phone numbers and mobile plans on the same handset, with or without a traditional SIM card.
- It's quicker to activate a new SIM only plan if you switch providers.
- You can download local data plans or switch to a different provider to avoid expensive roaming charges when travelling.
- You have more flexibility to switch between networks with better coverage in different areas.
- You have plenty of choice, as most UK networks now support eSIMs.
- You can't physically remove an eSIM and move it between phones, so you'll need an internet connection to switch.
- Some older phones and devices don't support eSIM technology.
- Switching devices can take longer than simply moving a physical SIM card from one phone to another.
Why would you use an eSIM?
An eSIM ultimately gives you more flexibility over how you use your phone. It can be useful if you:
- Often travel overseas and want to use cheaper local data plans or a provider with a better roaming policy.
- Use separate numbers for work and personal calls but don't want two phones.
- Regularly switch to better SIM only mobile deals.
- Want to access multiple mobile plans on one phone.
Most newer smartphones include eSIM technology. So you probably already have the option without realising it.
Do eSIMs help with roaming?
Yes, using an eSIM is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce or even avoid expensive international roaming charges. Instead of paying the daily roaming fees set by your regular provider, you can download a local mobile plan straight to your phone before you travel. Then all you need to do is activate it when you arrive.
This gives you an easy way to access cheaper data rates without relying on costly travel bolt-ons from your UK provider. You can even switch to another UK network that offers better roaming terms than your existing one. And you don't need to swap physical SIM cards, so you don't need to worry about finding a pin to open your SIM tray.
If your provider already offers free EU roaming, you probably won't need an eSIM for a short European trip. You should be able to use your UK plan at no extra cost. But for long-haul travel, where roaming charges can quickly add up, using a local eSIM could help you save money.
Is an eSIM right for me?
Our expert says...
"If you work or travel abroad a lot, an eSIM could help you save money by using cheaper local mobile plans or roaming packages.
"And if you tend to use different phones for your work and personal life, an eSIM could make life easier. That's because you can use multiple numbers at the same time from the same device. Just make sure your phone has dual-SIM functionality.
"You might even want to look at eSIM only deals if you're switching providers rather than wait for a physical SIM card to arrive in the post.
"That said, eSIMs won't suit everyone. If you rarely travel or don't use multiple numbers, a traditional SIM card might feel simpler and more familiar."
- Catherine Hiley, Managing Editor for Broadband and Mobile
eSIM FAQs
Which phones support eSIMs?
While some phones don't support eSIMs, most newer smartphones do. As a general rule, most Apple iPhones and Google Pixel phones released since 2018, and Samsung handsets from 2020 onwards, support eSIM technology.
The easiest way to check if your phone supports eSIMs is to search for your phone model on the manufacturer's website. Or you can look in your phone's mobile network settings.
Which networks support eSIMs?
Most UK mobile networks now support eSIMs, including EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Many smaller providers, like Lyca Mobile and iD Mobile, also offer eSIM plans.
Support varies depending on your handset and whether you're on a pay monthly or pay as you go deal. So make sure you check with your provider before switching.
Some networks might also make you get a physical SIM card with them first before switching to an eSIM.
Do I have to use an eSIM?
No. Even if your phone supports eSIM technology, you should still be able to use a traditional physical SIM card provided the device has a traditional SIM tray.
You might find that having both options is useful. For example, you could use one number for work and another for personal calls on the same phone, without carrying two devices around.
Will all phones use eSIMs in the future?
It's likely. Most smartphone manufacturers already include eSIM technology as standard, including the latest devices from Apple, Samsung and Google.
Most phones sold in the UK still come with a physical SIM tray, besides the iPhone Air. Some newer phones in other countries, including certain US iPhone models, now only support eSIMs.
If this trend continues, this could mean physical SIM cards become less common over time as networks and devices prioritise eSIM technology. Having said that, it's unlikely that physical SIMs will disappear completely for all global markets.
What's the difference between a nano SIM and an eSIM?
A nano SIM is a small physical SIM card that you insert into your phone. An eSIM is a chip built directly into your device, so there's no card to swap in and out.
Physical SIM cards are more convenient if you regularly switch phones. Using eSIMs can make changing networks or setting up cheaper travel data plans quicker and easier, especially when travelling abroad.
How do you set up an eSIM?
Most networks will send you a QR code with activation instructions after choosing one of their eSIM deals.
You usually have to go into your phone settings, add an eSIM or mobile plan, scan the QR code, then follow the instructions. Be aware that the exact setup process depends on your network provider and device.
You do need a Wi-Fi connection to download and set up the eSIM in most cases.
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