If your phone is dual SIM compatible, you can have an eSIM and a physical SIM card. This allows you to enjoy the added benefit of having two numbers on the same device that you can easily switch between.
What’s an eSIM?
We’ve broken down exactly what eSIMs are and why they’re so great. But before we get started, here are the main things about eSIMs:
- An eSIM is a digital SIM built into a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch
- eSIMs allow you to activate a mobile data plan without a physical SIM
- eSIMs work like traditional SIMs for calls and data
- eSIMs help you have more than one number and network on a single device
Let’s expand.
In a nutshell, an eSIM is a virtual version of the traditional SIM cards we’re used to inserting into our phones or tablets, whenever we buy a new device or take out a fresh contract.
You can think of eSIMs as built-in chips. An eSIM is a specific piece of code embedded into a device – we’re talking about pre-installed software that can’t be removed and put into another phone or tablet.
eSIMs do everything that a normal, physical SIM would do, but with extra benefits (which we cover below). And while eSIMs aren’t mega-common in the UK right now, eSIMs are are definitely growing in popularity - especially as technology advances. Not every device supports eSIM technology, but it’s something that may well become standard in the future.
How do eSIMs work?
An eSIM connects your device to your mobile network without needing to rely on a physical SIM card. eSIMs work exactly like traditional SIMs for calls, texts, and data, and they also let you use multiple numbers and switch between providers.
With physical SIMs, we just had to insert the SIM into the device, turn it on and follow the on-screen instructions to set everything up. And activating an eSIM is just as easy.
How to activate an eSIM?
Activating an eSIM is quick and simple. Exactly what you do depends on the type of device you have.
How to activate an eSIM on an Android device
Step 1: We’ll email a QR code to you
Step 2: Scan the QR code
Step 3: Enter the confirmation code – which we’ll send to you in a separate email.
How to activate an eSIM on an Apple device
Step 1: Connect your device to Wi-Fi
Step 2: Follow the on-screen prompts
For Apple devices, this process is known as seamless eSIM activation. Click here to find out more about seamless eSIM activation.
Need more info? Check out our eSIM support page to find out more details on how to activate an eSIM on your device.
eSIM v physical SIM: what are the differences?
The key difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM is one of simple logistics: an eSIM is embedded into a phone or tablet, whereas a physical SIM is inserted into your device. But are there any other differences?
Let’s see with a side-by-side comparison…
The benefits of eSIM technology
So, you’ve read about eSIMs and how they work. But you’re probably now wondering why they’re great? What makes an eSIM better than a physical SIM? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of eSIM technology.
Getting started is faster
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of an eSIM is that of convenience. It’s straightforward to get going with a fresh handset. With an eSIM, there’s no need to wait for a SIM card to arrive in the post – you just switch your new phone or tablet on and follow the setup instructions.
No high roaming fees
If you’re going abroad, an eSIM will connect you to local networks, which means avoiding unexpected roaming fees.
Dual SIM functionality
Because most devices will also have room for a physical SIM card, you can have two numbers on one phone. You can switch between different networks and phone numbers, so an eSIM is great for anyone who needs multiple profiles. Perfect for business and travel use.
Something less to worry about
Forget about losing your SIM or having it stolen. Because an eSIM is embedded into your device, it can’t go anywhere.
More room for other tech
Not having a physical SIM means more space for other device upgrades and potential new features, like a bigger battery.
eSIMs are greener
Having an eSIM means less waste, since no physical SIM card means no plastic. Plus, there’s no need for postage or packaging because nothing’s getting delivered. You might not think one SIM makes a difference, but everything adds up.
Better security
eSIMs are generally more secure than traditional SIMs. Obviously they’re can’t be physically stolen, which greatly reduces the likelihood of suffering a SIM swapping attack. But they also use enhanced encryption, too.
eSIM quick transfer
eSIM Quick Transfer makes bringing your number to a new phone easier than ever. And that’s whether you already have an eSIM or not.
The disadvantages of eSIM
Are there any issues with getting an eSIM? Not really, but there are a couple of things worth mentioning.
Whilst they’re more secure, it’s important to point out that eSIMs aren’t invulnerable. Hackers can target weaknesses, so it’s vital that you do all the normal things that help protect your devices, like keeping your software up to date and using strong passwords.
In addition, eSIMs are also fairly new. The technology is unfamiliar, so although activating an eSIM is quick and straightforward, the setup process is different to what we’re used to with a physical SIM.
Does your device support an eSIM?
Remember that because eSIMs are a fairly new thing, not all devices support eSIM technology. Older phone and tablets may not be compatible with eSIMs.
It’s easy to check though. Choose your manufacturer below, then select your device and check the SIM type under Specifications. Can’t see your make of device? Just head to our head to our device support page for more brands.
eSIM support
Need a little more information? Take a look at our eSIM support page and take a closer look at eSIMs and eSIM technology.
How to get an eSIM
You can get an eSIM by taking on one of our Three Your Way plans and choosing an eSIM compatible phone, tablet, smartwatch or SIM Only plan.
Explore our range of deals by product type below and get connected with your eSIM today.
Why choose Three?
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Frequently asked questions
The main advantage of an eSIM is the quick and easy set-up process. Say goodbye to waiting for a SIM to arrive in the post – with eSIM, you can activate your new SIM straight away. The flexibility of eSIMs also makes it easier for you to switch providers. What’s more, they require no plastic or packaging, meaning they help to reduce emissions and save resources.
Yes, all of our SIMs, including eSIMs, get access to our 5G network as long as your phone is 5G compatible.
You can easily find out if your phone is eSIM compatible by visiting our device support page. Select your manufacturer, choose your specific phone model and review the specifications to see if it supports eSIM.
With Three, you can switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM if you are on one of our Three Your Way plans. You can check if you are on one of these plans by checking your My3 account. To swap your SIM, simply log in to the Three app or your online account, click Help, and SIM support to order a new eSIM. Or you can contact our customer team or visit one of our stores for more support.
Activating your eSIM is easy. For Android devices, all you need to do is use your new device to scan the QR code we emailed to you. Then enter the confirmation code – sent in a separate email.
For Apple device, you won’t have a QR code. Instead, switch your device on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen steps to activate your eSIM. Find out more about seamless eSIM activation.
eSIM Quick Transfer lets you bring a number to a new phone faster and easier than ever.
It doesn’t matter whether you already have an eSIM or not – you can transfer a number from a physical SIM card to a new phone, or from an existing eSIM to a new device.
eSIM Quick Transfer is only available for iPhone customers right now, but this technology could become available for Android users in the future.