Unlike a conventional SIM card, eSIMs (also known as embedded SIMs) aren’t removable – instead, they’re built into your device, and if you change network you simply change the data written on them, rather than replacing the card.
This is a potentially faster and slicker process, and eSIMs also take up less space, allow you to store multiple numbers on your device, and are harder to lose than normal SIM cards, so there are lots of good reasons to get one. So if you’d like to get a Three eSIM, here’s how to do it.
How do I get a Three eSIM?
All Three Your Way customers are eligible for eSIMs. That means customers who signed up for a Pay Monthly phone, tablet, or SIM Only plan since the 30th of January 2023. These plans will be called either Lite, Value, or Complete (though were previously known as Standard, Plus, or Premium). If in doubt, you can find out what plan type you have by checking on your Three account online, under the ‘Plan’ heading.
You can also get an eSIM on Pay As You Go, but you’ll have to call Three or visit one of the network’s stores to do so.
You also need a device that supports eSIMs of course. For everyone other than Pay As You Go customers, the process then is as follows:
Step 1 - Order or swap to eSIM
Sign up for a Three Your Way plan if you haven’t already – making sure the device you choose supports eSIM. You can request an eSIM during checkout if buying a device that supports one or if purchasing a SIM Only plan.
Alternatively, if you’re an existing Three customer and have a removable SIM card, contact Three to request a switch to an eSIM by calling 333 from your Three phone or 0333 338 1001 from any other phone. You can also do this in a Three retail store.
Wait for the eSIM QR code and confirmation code to arrive in your email.
Step 3 - Activate eSIM
If you’re using an iPhone, head to Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. On most Android phones, you’ll instead want to go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code.
Or if you have a Pixel phone, go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM.
Once on this screen, scan the eSIM QR code you received in your email and then type in the confirmation code that Three sent you in a separate email.
Your eSIM should then activate instantly, but in some cases it can take up to seven hours.
Note that the process can vary slightly if you’re switching from a physical SIM card to an eSIM, or if you’re setting up an eSIM at the same time as setting up your phone – in the latter case, you may be offered the chance to add an eSIM during setup. In which case, just follow the instructions on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which devices support eSIMs on Three?
Three directs customers to its device support pages to check whether a given device works with eSIM or not. However, if you’re buying a device direct from Three then you’ll also have the option to select an eSIM during checkout if the device is compatible.
For more information on which devices work with eSIM, check out our main eSIM guide.
Which Three plans support eSIM?
All of Three’s Your Way Plans support eSIM, as long as you also have a compatible device. Pay As You Go plans also support eSIM.
Can I switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM or vice versa?
Yes, as long as you’re on a Three Your Way plan or Pay As You Go. Just ask Three to switch you, either by calling 333 from your Three phone or 0333 338 1001 from another phone, or by heading in to a Three retail store.
If you’re not sure whether you’re on a Three Your Way plan, check under the ‘Plan’ heading on your Three account – if you have a Three Your Way plan it will be labelled as Lite, Value, or Complete, (or possibly Standard, Plus, or Premium if you’ve had the plan for a while).
Can eSIMs be used abroad?
Yes, eSIMs work just like normal SIM cards so they can be used abroad too. But just like normal SIM cards you’ll be subject to the roaming terms of your network.
Can I access 5G with an eSIM?
Yes, if your device is 5G compatible then you’ll still get 5G if using an eSIM.
If you erase your eSIM then you’ll need to contact Three for a new QR code to reactivate it. You can do this by calling 333 from your Three phone, 0333 338 1001 from another phone, or by heading to a Three store. Then just set up your eSIM again, in the same way as you did originally.
James has been writing for us for over 10 years. Currently, he is Editorial Manager for our group of companies ( 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk) and sub-editor at TechRadar. He specialises in smartphones, mobile networks/ technology, tablets, and wearables.
In the past, James has also written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media, Smart TV Radar, and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV. He has a film studies degree from the University of Kent, Canterbury, and has over a decade’s worth of professional writing experience.
Simon has a first class honours degree in business management and has worked for our companies since 2008. He is responsible for the upkeep of the website, including the price comparison tools and for some editorial content across the site.
He has joint responsibility for 3G.co.uk and SIMOnly.co.uk and is lead Director for 4G.co.uk.
