eSIM support

Once you’ve scanned the QR code and entered the confirmation code, your eSIM should activate instantly. 

In some cases, it can take up to 7 hours. If your eSIM isn’t active after 7 hours, please get in touch with us.

You can check if a device is eSIM compatible on our device support page.

And we’ll give you the option to choose an eSIM if you’re buying a compatible device.

If you’ve got a device that’s dual SIM compatible, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM. The benefits of dual SIM include: 

• Having the option to use 2 different phone numbers and plans on 1 device

• Using 2 different networks on 1 device. This can only be done on unlocked devices. If your device is locked, you can only use 1 network

• Using a local data plan when you travel abroad – only available on unlocked devices 

We’d recommend checking your device manufacturer’s website for more information on activating dual SIM as it differs from device to device.

Yes, eSIM is available on Pay As You Go. Get yours by calling our contact centre or visiting a Three store. 

Don’t forget to check if your device is compatible with eSIM using our device support page.

Yes, if your device is 5G ready then any of our SIMs will support this, including eSIM.

You can activate your new eSIM without your QR code. Just follow the steps below for your device manufacturer:

Apple:

1. Go to Settings
   
2. Select Mobile Service
3. Tap Add eSIM
4. Select Use QR Code
5. Tap Enter Details Manually, at the bottom of your screen
6. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and activation code from your QR code email. You’ll also need to enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email
7. Tap Next
8. You’ll be asked to Activate eSIM. Select Continue
9. You’ll then see a message that says Activate eSIM - please give it some time
10. Once completed, you will see a message that says Mobile Plan Setup Complete
11. Tap Done
12. Once your plan’s been added, you’ll be taken back to the Settings menu and will see your eSIM’s active

Samsung:

1. Go to Settings
   
2. Select Connections
3. Tap SIM Manager
4. Select Add Mobile Plan or Add eSIM – may vary between devices
5. Tap Scan carrier QR code
6. Select Enter activation code
7. Enter the activation code from the QR code email we sent you
8. Select Connect
9. You’ll also need to enter the confirmation code that we sent in a separate email.
10. Tap Confirm
11. You’ll see a message that says Adding plan to your phone - please give it some time
12. Once your plan’s been added, you’ll be taken back to the Settings menu and will see that your eSIM’s active

Google:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Network and Internet
3. Select Mobile Network
4. Select Download a SIM instead
5. You’ll see a screen that says Download your SIM
6. Tap Next
7. You’ll see a screen that says Scan QR code from network. Tap Need Help at the bottom of the screen
8. Select Enter it manually
9. Enter the activation code found in the QR code email we sent you
10. Select Continue
11. You’ll be asked if you want to use 3UK. Select Activate
12. Enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email.
13. Tap Continue
14. Once completed, it’ll say 3UK is active
15. Tap Done
16. Once your plan’s been added, you’ll be taken back to the Settings menu and will see that your eSIM’s active

If you request an eSIM, we’ll send you 2 emails. The first will have the QR code that you need to scan. And the second will have your confirmation code. 

QR codes are scanned using the camera on your device – that’s how you download your eSIM profile to your device.

If you request an eSIM, we’ll send you 2 emails.  The first will have the QR code and the second will have your confirmation code.

You’ll be asked to enter your confirmation code once you’ve scanned your QR code.

If you’re a contract customer, you can swap to eSIM by contacting our contact centre or visiting one of our stores.

If you’re on a Pay Monthly plan, you can swap to an eSIM by giving us a call or visiting a Three store.

Your QR and confirmation codes will be sent to the email address you have given us. You can check which email address we’ve got registered for you by logging into My3 or the Three app. 

Don’t forget to check your junk, spam or promotions folders. 

If you still can’t find either email, please contact us.

No, the QR code is single-use only. Once you’ve downloaded your eSIM profile to your device, the QR code will expire.