Looking to buy an eSIM? Choose a device with a Pay Monthly SIM plan and select a built-in SIM to get connected in minutes. Currently, Pay As You Go cards are physical SIMs only.
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What is eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to connect to the O2 mobile network. Unlike a plastic SIM, which is inserted into your device, an eSIM profile is downloaded straight to your phone or tablet.
What are the benefits of using an eSIM?
It's easier – Get your new device or mobile plan set up in a matter of minutes without fiddling with metal pins or tiny SIM trays.
Peace of mind built in – If something happens and your device is lost or stolen, rest easy knowing your eSIM and all the information on it is safe. That’s because your eSIM can’t be taken out of your device and is specially designed not to store your personal data.
Switch numbers seamlessly – Got a phone that supports dual SIM? Then prepare for total freedom, because now you can have up to two active numbers on the same device. Perfect for switching between personal and business, or home and holiday.
Download and activate eSIM
You can get an eSIM when you buy or upgrade to a new device with us. If your device is compatible, just follow the onscreen prompts when you set it up for the first time. A screen will appear directing you to download your eSIM.
Download eSIM for iOS
If you selected eSIM while buying your device, follow these instructions to get set up once the device arrives:
Switch on your device and follow the on-screen instructions to get started
During your set up, a screen will appear advising you that your eSIM is being activated. This will happen automatically and might take a couple of minutes to complete
Once it’s ready, you’ll be alerted that your eSIM is active on your new device. Tap ‘Continue’
Carry on with the rest of your device set up.
Remember, your eSIM will only be active on your new device, which helps keep it secure.
If you’d rather install your eSIM later, or if you didn’t choose to have it installed automatically when buying, follow these instructions to download your eSIM manually.
Upgrading from one iOS device to another?
If you selected eSIM while buying your device, are upgrading from a plastic SIM or eSIM to a new eSIM and have access to both your current device and new device, follow these instructions:
Make sure you have both your current device and new device with you and they’re both turned on. They’ll need to be on the most up-to-date iOS
Follow the on-screen instructions on your new device
During your setup, you’ll be asked if you’d like to transfer your information from your current device to your new one. Follow the Quick Start instructions on both devices to start the transfer
Once the devices are paired, a pop-up will appear on your current device asking you to transfer your phone number. Tap ‘Continue’
You’ll receive a verification code on your new device. Enter it into your current device, using the keypad
Go back to your new device and select the number(s) you want to transfer over. Tap ‘Continue’
Tap ‘Transfer Number’ on your new device
You’ll get a screen confirming the transfer has completed. Tap ‘Done’ and carry on with the rest of your device set up.
Remember, your eSIM will only be active on your new device, which helps keep it secure.
Having trouble? You can download your eSIM manually instead.
Download eSIM for Android
If you selected eSIM while buying your device, follow these instructions to get set up once the device arrives:
Switch on your device and follow the on-screen instructions
During your setup, a screen will appear and check for network information. This will happen automatically
You’ll be asked if you want to connect to the O2 network. Confirm and wait for a minute or two
You’ll get a notification advising that you’re connected to our network
Carry on with the rest of your device setup.
Remember, your eSIM will only be active on your new device, which helps keep it secure.
Having trouble? Some devices aren’t compatible yet. Download your eSIM manually instead.
Upgrading from one Android device to another?
If you selected eSIM during the purchase journey, are upgrading from a plastic SIM or eSIM to a new eSIM and have access to both your current device and new device, follow these instructions:
Make sure you have both your current device and new device with you and they’re both turned on. They’ll need to be on the most up-to-date operating system
Follow the on-screen instructions on your new device
During your setup, you’ll be asked if you’d like to transfer your information from your current device to your new one. Follow the instructions on both devices to start the transfer
Once the devices are paired, a pop-up will appear on your current device asking you to transfer your phone number. Confirm the transfer
You’ll get a screen confirming the transfer has completed. Carry on with the rest of your device set up.
Remember, your eSIM will only be active on your new device, which helps keep it secure.
Having trouble? Some devices aren’t compatible yet. Download your eSIM manually instead.
Download your eSIM manually
Sign in to My O2 via the My O2 app
Make sure you’re in the ‘Account’ section and tap ‘You have an eSIM profile ready for installation’
Tap ‘Install now’
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. This might take a couple of minutes
Your eSIM is set up and you’ll be directed back to the My O2 app.
Sign in to My O2 via the O2 website
Navigate to the My O2 home screen and click ‘Install my eSIM profile’, which will appear in the white box at the top of your screen
Under the ‘Install an eSIM’ section, tap ‘Install eSIM profile’. A QR code will appear on your screen
On your device, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network and Internet’ > ‘SIMs’ followed by ‘Download a new eSIM’ (these headings might look slightly different depending on which Android device you’re using)
Scan the QR code using your device’s camera
A screen will appear asking you to download an eSIM. Tap ‘Download’
Wait for your eSIM to activate. This might take a couple of minutes
Tap ‘Settings’ and turn on your eSIM.
eSIM activation not working?
It may take a few minutes to activate your eSIM. Make sure you’re on a stable WiFi connection. If it’s still not working after 24 hours, please call us or visit your nearest store.
Switching to eSIM, transfers and replacements
Switching to eSIM
If you're converting a physical SIM to an eSIM on O2, make sure your device supports eSIM. Most modern iPhones, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices are compatible. Go to device settings -> mobile plan/service -> Choose SIM card –> select option to convert/transfer it to an eSIM – If this option isn’t available, please call us or visit your nearest store and request an eSIM.
eSIM phone transfers
If you're moving your O2 eSIM from one phone to another and your new device is already setup, go to device settings -> mobile plan/service -> add eSIM. You’ll be asked if you want to transfer from a nearby device or use a QR code.
eSIM replacments
To request a replacement eSIM, contact us or visit an O2 store.
Using an O2 Travel eSIM
How do I get an O2 Travel eSIM?
Before you set off, sign in to My O2 to check if you have the O2 Travel Bolt-On in ‘Your Extras’.
Get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 or add it in My O2 -> Account -> Buy Bolt Ons. If you don’t activate O2 Travel, or you visit a destination that isn’t covered, you’ll pay our standard rates. If you’re already abroad, you’ll need an internet connection to install an international eSIM. Learn more about O2 Travel.
Which countries does an O2 international eSIM work in?
If your SIM contract includes EU Roaming, you’ll be able to use your device in most of Europe, including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. O2 Travel Bolt-on with inclusive zones give you far reaching connectivity in countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, Japan, India, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and many others. Find out more about each destination.
eSIM FAQs
A dual SIM with eSIM device lets you use a plastic SIM and an eSIM in the same device, at the same time.
There are also dual SIM devices without a plastic SIM card slot that allow you to use two eSIMs.
Yes, you can use two separate active mobile numbers on the same device. For example:
One business mobile number and one personal mobile number
Two personal mobile numbers that are on the same account
Two personal mobile numbers that are on separate accounts
We don’t yet offer eSIM on Pay As You Go
You won’t need this when you download your eSIM – we’ll set everything up for you. If you received an eSIM pack, you’ll find the SSN printed on the back of it. Otherwise, you can check your device’s settings to find your SSN.
Your eSIM is specifically designed not to store any of your data, so your texts and contacts will save to your device by default instead.
Yes – if you have both SIMs active, it means that you have two different mobile numbers.
Yes – if you have both SIMs active, it means that you have two different mobile numbers.
Yes – you can make calls and send texts from either of your numbers, and you can receive calls and texts for both numbers.
To re-enable your current eSIM, go to device settings –> mobile plan/service –> SIM –> turn on/off. A new eSIM QR code can only be used once and may expire if not activated. If a new code is required, please call us or visit your nearest store.
eSIMs on Apple devices – FAQs
Don’t worry if you’ve accidentally deleted your eSIM – just pop in to one of our stores with your ID (either a driving license or passport), and we’ll set up a new QR code for you to download a new eSIM.
Or you can request a replacement eSIM by contacting us or visiting an O2 store. We’ll send you a security code by email, as well as some security questions. Once those are answered, we’ll set you up with a new eSIM straight away – all you’ll need to do is sign in to My O2 and download it.
In some cases, we may need to send you a new eSIM, or even a plastic SIM, by post – we do this to keep everything secure and prevent fraud.
No – you can only download your eSIM once using a QR code. This helps keep your eSIM safe and stop anyone else from using it.
No – once you download your eSIM to a device using a QR code, it’s locked to that device.
To request a replacement eSIM, you’ll need to contact us or visit an O2 store.
iPhone (XS, XR and later)
iPad mini (5th Generation and later)
iPad (7th Generation and later)
iPad Air (3rd Generation and later)
If you chose to use an eSIM when you bought a compatible iPad, simply follow the onscreen prompts when setting the iPad up for the first time. During this process, you’ll be prompted to download your eSIM.
If you’re moving over from another iPad and still have your old one, you can switch your eSIM over while transferring your apps and content – look out for the prompt to transfer your eSIM during the setup process.
If you need a new eSIM, you’ll need to contact us or visit an O2 store.
If you chose to use an eSIM when you bought a compatible iPad, simply follow the onscreen prompts when setting the iPad up for the first time. During this process, you’ll be prompted to download your eSIM.
If you’re moving over from another iPad and still have your old one, you can switch your eSIM over while transferring your apps and content – look out for the prompt to transfer your eSIM during the setup process.
If you need a new eSIM, you’ll need to contact us or visit an O2 store.
At the beginning, all your contacts will be assigned to the default mobile number you chose during your device setup. To change this, go to a contact and select the default mobile number you’d like to use for that person.
If you enter a phone number straight into the dialler, you’ll be able to choose which mobile number to call from by selecting that mobile number at the top of the screen.
For incoming calls, there’s an indicator to show which mobile number you’re receiving the call on – this’ll be the first one or two letters of the name you assigned to each mobile number. So, if your labels are called Personal and Business, the call indicator would be ‘P’ or ‘B’. If they’re Personal and Private, they would be ‘Pe’ and ‘Pr’
Yes, you can use iMessage and FaceTime on both mobile numbers. Your device will ask you which numbers you want to use when installing your eSIM.
It’s best to request a replacement eSIM (or plastic SIM) so you can use your current mobile number on a temporary device.
To request a new eSIM or plastic SIM, contact us or visit an O2 store.
If you're an O2 Business customer, please sign in to My O2 Business to swap your SIM.
Then, move your current number over to your replacement eSIM or SIM, and back up all the files, data, and media on your device before you send it off. You’ll also need to:
1. Backup all your data to iCloud and iTunes
2. Go to Settings > Account > Find My and turn off ‘Find My iPhone’ or (‘Find My iPad’)
3. Go to Settings > General and select ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’ (or ‘Transfer or Reset iPad) then ‘Erase All Content and Settings’
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
This will remove all the content on your device so that it’s ready to return to us.
Finally, download your replacement eSIM or insert your plastic SIM into your temporary phone.
eSIMs on Android – FAQs
Don’t worry if you’ve accidentally deleted your eSIM – just pop in to one of our stores with your ID (either a driving license or passport), and we’ll set up a new QR code for you to download a new eSIM.
Or you can request a replacement eSIM by contacting us or visiting an O2 store. We’ll send you a security code by email, as well as some security questions. Once those are answered, we’ll set you up with a new eSIM straight away – all you’ll need to do is sign in to My O2 and download it.
In some cases, we may need to send you a new eSIM, or even a plastic SIM, by post – we do this to keep our customers secure and prevent fraud.
No – you can only download your eSIM once using a QR code. This helps keep your eSIM safe and stop anyone else from using it.
No – once you download your eSIM to a device using a QR code, it’s locked to that device.
To request a replacement eSIM, you’ll need to contact us or visit an O2 store.
More about eSIMs on Google Pixel
Don’t worry, you can use the My O2 app to install your eSIM instead.
With Google Pixel 6 and newer Pixel phones, you can use two eSIM profiles at the same time.
If you have an older Google Pixel, check Google's Pixel Help for more information.
It’s best to request a replacement eSIM (or plastic SIM) so you can use your current mobile number on a temporary phone.
If you’re returning your Google Pixel for repair or replacement, it’s best to request a replacement eSIM (or plastic SIM) so you can use your current mobile number on a temporary phone.
To request a new eSIM or plastic SIM, contact us or visit an O2 store. If you're an O2 Business customer, please sign in to My O2 Business to swap your SIM.
Then, move your current mobile number over to your replacement eSIM or SIM and back up all the files, data, and media on your Google Pixel before you send it off. You’ll also need to:
1. Back up your phone’s data to your Google account
2. Make sure you know your Google account details
3. Plug your phone in to charge and keep it plugged in during the factory reset
4. Open your phone’s Settings app
5. Tap ‘System’, then ‘Advanced’, then ‘Reset options’
6. Tap ‘Erase all data (factory reset)’. Check that the box to ‘Erase downloaded SIMs’ is ticked and tap ‘Erase all data’. If needed, enter your PIN, pattern or password
7. Tap ‘Erase everything’ to erase all data from your phone’s internal storage
8. When your phone has finished erasing, pick the option to ‘Restart’
This will remove all the content on your phone so that it’s ready to return to us.
Finally, download your replacement eSIM or insert your plastic SIM into your temporary phone.
More about eSIMs on Samsung devices
Don’t worry, you can use the My O2 app to install your eSIM instead.
Yes, you can use two mobile numbers and have two different mobile plans at the same time, if you have a Samsung device with an eSIM and plastic SIM.
You can also do this if you have a Samsung device that supports two active eSIMs.
It’s best to request a replacement eSIM (or plastic SIM) so you can use your current mobile number on a temporary phone.
To request a new eSIM or plastic SIM, contact us or visit an O2 store. If you're an O2 Business customer, please sign in to My O2 Business to swap your SIM.
Then, move your current number over to your replacement eSIM or SIM and back up all the files, data, and media on your Samsung before you send it off. You’ll also need to:
1. Backup your device’s data to your Google account
2. Make sure you know your Google account details
3. Connect your device to charge and keep it plugged in
4. Open ‘Settings’
5. Tap ‘General management’, then ‘Reset’
6. Tap ‘Factory data reset’. Read all the information displayed about what will be deleted, and make sure you have everything backed up.
7. At the bottom of the screen, there’s an option to include eSIMs. Tap the ‘All eSIM on your device will be erased...’ button, then tap ‘Reset’. If needed, enter your PIN, pattern or password
8. Confirm the reset by tapping ‘Delete all’
9. When your device has finished the factory reset process, you’ll be taken to the initial setup screen.
This will remove all the content on your device so that it’s ready to return to us.
Finally, download your replacement eSIM or insert your plastic SIM into your temporary phone.
Last updated: 26/06/2025
