How to get a Lyca Mobile eSIM and activate it

Contents list How do I get a Lyca Mobile eSIM? Frequently Asked Questions

You’re not limited to the UK’s four major networks for an eSIM, as you can also get one with Lyca Mobile (among other MVNOs), and the process is actually surprisingly slicker than on some big name networks.

Below, we’ll explain exactly how to get set up with an eSIM on Lyca Mobile, whether you’re just joining the network or you’re an existing customer.

But if you’re not sure what an eSIM is or why you should want one, in short it’s an embedded SIM card that’s built into many modern phones, so if you ever change network you just rewrite the data on it, rather than physically changing to a new card. It’s much more modern than removable SIM cards, and it’s likely to become the most common kind eventually.

How do I get a Lyca Mobile eSIM?

Lyca Mobile lets all customers access eSIM, whether they choose a SIM Only plan or Pay As You Go. Some networks don’t offer eSIMs on Pay As You Go, so that’s notable.

It’s also extremely easy to get an eSIM on Lyca Mobile, especially for new customers, as all plans are handily labelled as supporting eSIM, so you don’t need to be in doubt that the plan you’re selecting allows for it. Plus, you can request an eSIM during checkout.

New customers

The process then for new Lyca Mobile customers is simply as follows:

Step 1 - Order eSIM

Sign up for any Lyca Mobile plan and select eSIM during checkout.

Step 2 - Scan QR Code

Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code that’s sent to your email.

Step 3 - Active eSIM

Follow the simple steps displayed on your phone to activate the eSIM.

Existing customers

However, the process is a bit more involved if you’re an existing Lyca Mobile customer and want to switch to an eSIM. To do this, you should:

Step 1 - Login to account

Log in to your online Lyca Mobile account.

Step 2 - Swap to eSIM

Head to the ‘SIM Management’ section, then click ‘SIM swap’, followed by ‘Swap Physical SIM to eSIM’.

Step 3 - Scan QR Code

Place your eSIM order and wait for the confirmation email with a QR code then scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.

Step 5 0- Activate eSIM

Follow the displayed instructions, including entering the details of your physical SIM, including the MSISDN (mobile number) and ICCID, followed by entering details of your eSIM (including the eSIM mobile number and ICCID). These eSIM details should have been supplied to you along with the QR code.

In all cases you do of course also need a device that supports eSIMs, more information on which can be found below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which devices support eSIMs on Lyca Mobile?

All iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards support eSIM, including recent models like the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, and iPhone 16e.

As for Android phones, you’ll find an eSIM in the Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9, and Sony Xperia 1 VI, among numerous others. Some smartwatches and tablets also have an eSIM.

You can also check if your device is compatible is by dialling *#06#. If you're shown an EID (eSIM unique identification number) then your device is compatible.

To find out more about which devices work with eSIM, take a look at our main eSIM guide.

Can eSIMs be used abroad?

Yes, eSIMs can be used abroad just like physical SIM cards, and with the same roaming terms, which will vary depending on your network.

Can I access 5G with an eSIM?

Yes, you can access 5G with an eSIM if you’re using it in a 5G phone and with a 5G plan.

Which other networks offer eSIMs?

As well as Lyca Mobile, you can also get eSIMs with O2, EE, Three, Vodafone, Giffgaff, Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, Lebara, ParentShield, Sky Mobile, Smarty, Spusu, Talkmobile, Tesco Mobile, and VOXI.

Check out our dedicated EE eSIM guide, O2 eSIM guide, Three eSIM guide, and Vodafone eSIM guide for more details.

What happens if I erase my eSIM?

If you erase your eSIM then you should contact Lyca Mobile to get set up with a replacement. Simply call the network on 322 from your Lyca Mobile phone, or on 0207 132 0322 from any other phone.