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eSIM support

Here’s all the information you need to know about eSIMs and eSIM technology.

What are eSIMs?

  • An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that’s pre-installed on a device – there’s no need to insert a physical SIM.
  • Setting up is a breeze – eSIMs are quick and easy to get up and running.
  • Get connected immediately – you don’t need to visit a store or wait for a physical SIM to arrive.
  • Most of the latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops all support eSIM technology. It may not be available on some older devices though.

Why choose an eSIM?

Faster set up

It makes setting up a new phone a breeze and you won’t have to wait for a SIM to arrive. Win win.

Dual SIM

Need 2 numbers on 1 phone? Use 2 eSIMs or an eSIM and a physical SIM together. Perfect for business or travelling.

A greener choice

No physical SIM card means no plastic, postage, or packaging. Perfect.

Activating an eSIM if you’ve upgraded or replaced your existing device

If you’ve upgraded or replaced your device with us, you’ll need to activate your eSIM. You can do this by logging into My3 or the Three app and following these steps:

My3

  1. Login to My3
  2. Go to Your Plan 
  3. Tap More actions
  4. Select Activate SIM
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions

Three app

  1. Open the Three app
  2. Go to Account 
  3. Tap Help
  4. Select Activate SIM
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions

Activating an eSIM bought with a new contract

If you've just bought a new contract and want to activate your eSIM, please follow these steps: 

iPhone

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi
  2. Open Device Settings
  3. Select Setup Mobile Service
  4. Select Use QR Code
  5. Scan the QR code we sent by email
  6. Enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email

Android

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi
  2. Open Device Settings
  3. Select Connections
  4. Select SIM Card Manager
  5. Select Add Mobile Plan
  6. Select Scan Carrier QR code
  7. Scan the QR code we sent by email
  8. Enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email

Google Pixel

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi
  2. Open Device Settings
  3. Select Network and Internet
  4. Select Mobile Network
  5. Select Download a SIM Instead
  6. Scan the QR code we sent by email
  7. Enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email

How to transfer a SIM or eSIM to a new iPhone

Whether you already have an eSIM or not, eSIM Quick Transfer makes bringing your number to a new phone easier than ever.

Please note: eSIM Quick Transfer is only available on iPhones at the moment.

How it works:

When setting up a new iPhone

  1. Ensure your current iPhone is up to date, powered on, has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, and is connected to Wi-Fi. Please note: using a personal hotspot may cause issues. 
  2. Place your current iPhone next to your new one
  3. Your new iPhone will ask you to select your language and country, then Quick Start will appear
  4. Follow the instructions on your new iPhone to complete your eSIM transfer

Transferring a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

  1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service > Set Up Mobile Service
  2. Choose a mobile data plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don’t see a list of numbers, tap Transfer from Nearby iPhone. This requires both devices to have iOS 18 or later
  3. Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. To confirm, tap Transfer. If asked for a verification code, enter the code that’s displayed on your new iPhone
  4. Tap Set Up eSIM on your new iPhone, then select Transfer from Another iPhone
  5. Wait for the mobile plan to be activated on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your new iPhone is activated
  6. Log into My3 to complete the transfer if prompted. If you need some help, get in touch with us

Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings then Mobile Service
  2. Tap Convert to eSIM
  3. A confirmation box will appear. Tap Convert to eSIM to continue or Cancel to return
  4. Wait for your eSIM to activated
  5. Double-click on the side button to confirm your eSIM conversion
  6. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone is activated
  7. Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone. Then, restart your iPhone

Frequently asked eSIM questions

You can get an eSIM when you take out a Three Your Way plan and choose an eSIM compatible handset or tablet. They’re available on SIM Only plans too.

An eSIM is added to your phone virtually using a QR code – there’s no physical SIM to insert or take out of your device.

To activate it, scan the QR code we emailed you, then enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email.

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.

They’re quick and easy to set up. There’s no waiting around for it to arrive in the post, you can activate it straight away. 

With eSIM, you can have 2 numbers on 1 device and easily switch between them. This makes them perfect for travelling or business. 

And they’re better for the environment. With no plastic, postage, or packaging – eSIMs are the greener option.

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.