Removable SIM cards are ancient by technology standards, and the next step is now here in the form of the eSIM, which is short for embedded SIM. These are built into phones and can be rewritten to support different networks, so you can change network without the hassle of changing your SIM card.
Not all networks support eSIMs yet, but a lot do, and Vodafone is among them. Not all phones include an eSIM either, but again a lot do, and the number of both phones and networks that support them is only going to grow.
Getting set up with an eSIM is simple too, so if you’re a Vodafone customer – or planning to join the network – and you want an eSIM, you’ll find a full guide to getting one below.
How do I get a Vodafone eSIM?
Vodafone offers eSIMs to Pay Monthly customers buying a phone, and on SIM Only, or with a business plan. You can also get an eSIM with a Pay As You Go Plus plan.
It’s also easier to get an eSIM on Vodafone than on some networks, because new customers can request an eSIM during checkout, rather than having to start with a physical SIM card and then swap.
The full process for getting a Vodafone eSIM is as follows:
Step 1.
Sign up for a Vodafone SIM Only plan, a Pay As You Go Plus plan, or a Pay Monthly plan with a compatible device and select an eSIM during checkout. Or, if you’re already a Vodafone customer, head to your online Vodafone account, select your phone, and then choose the ‘Activate my eSIM’ option.
Vodafone SIM Deal
1GB Data
Unlimited Mins
Unlimited Texts
£16.00 a month12 month contract
Vodafone SIM Deal
Unlimited Data
Unlimited Mins
Unlimited Texts
£18.00 a month24 month contract
Vodafone SIM Deal
5GB Data
Unlimited Mins
Unlimited Texts
£18.00 a month24 month contract
Step 2.
Scan the eSIM QR code you receive. Full instructions for how to do this should be provided too, but if in doubt, head to Vodafone’s eSIM activation guide for instructions for your specific device.
Step 3.
Wait for your eSIM to activate if it doesn’t do so immediately.
Which devices support eSIMs on Vodafone?
Currently, most high-profile Samsung phones and all recent iPhones support eSIM. This includes the iPhone 16 series, the iPhone 15 series, and most previous models back to the iPhone XS, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and most Galaxy S models back to the S20, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, most Galaxy Z Fold models, and others, as well as select phones from other brands, such as the Google Pixel 9 and most other Pixels, the Sony Xperia 10 IV, and more.
You can also use an eSIM with select smartwatches and tablets, including numerous iPad models.
For further details on which devices work with eSIM, head to our main eSIM guide, or check out Vodafone’s official list of supported devices.
How do I set up an eSIM on my phone?
Once you’ve requested an eSIM – either during checkout or when switching from a removable SIM card – Vodafone will send you a QR code which you need to scan with your phone to set up the eSIM.
The exact process for this depends on your handset, but you’ll want to head to your phone’s settings screen and look for ‘Add eSIM,’ ‘Scan QR code,’ or something along those lines.
Handily, Vodafone has in-depth instructions on the process for most phones, so if you’re unsure just check those out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Vodafone plans support eSIM?
Vodafone offers eSIMs on its Pay Monthly plans, meaning SIM Only, phones on contract, and other compatible device contracts (such as select tablets and wearables). The network also offers eSIMs on Pay As You Go Plus plans.
Will activating a Vodafone eSIM lock my phone to Vodafone?
No, activating a Vodafone eSIM won’t lock your phone to Vodafone, and Vodafone only sells unlocked phones these days.
How do I transfer an eSIM to a new phone?
To transfer a Vodafone eSIM from one phone to another, first make sure your new device is connected to Wi-Fi and supports eSIM. Then, the process differs a bit depending on whether you’re on a Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly plan. For the latter, just head to your online Vodafone account, choose your phone, and select ‘Activate my eSIM’. For the former, delete your eSIM profile from your old device. Vodafone will resend an eSIM QR code to your email address once this is done, and you can just scan that with your new phone.
Can I switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM or vice versa?
Yes, and if switching to eSIM you can request this switch from your My Vodafone account online. Just choose the ‘Activate my eSIM’ option. Vodafone will then send you a QR code which you’ll need to scan with your phone.
If you want to switch to a physical SIM, then first contact Vodafone (on 191 from a Vodafone number or 03333 040191 from another phone) and once you receive your SIM card, select ‘Activate my SIM card’ in your online account.
Do I need to buy my phone from Vodafone to use a Vodafone eSIM with it?
No, as long as the phone supports eSIM it should work with Vodafone’s eSIMs. So to get a Vodafone eSIM with a phone you’ve bought elsewhere, just sign up for a SIM Only or a Pay As You Go Plus plan and select the eSIM option.
Can eSIMs be used abroad?
Yes, you can use an eSIM abroad just like a regular SIM card, and they’ll be subject to the same roaming terms (which vary from network to network).
Can I access 5G with an eSIM?
Yes, eSIMs have all the same functionality as regular SIM cards, so if you have a 5G device, a 5G plan, and are in an area with 5G coverage, you’ll get a 5G signal with an eSIM.
Which other networks offer eSIMs?
Vodafone isn’t alone in offering eSIMs. You can also get them with EE, O2, Three, Giffgaff, Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, Lyca Mobile, ParentShield, Sky Mobile, Spusu, Tesco Mobile, and VOXI.
What happens if I erase my eSIM?
If you erase your eSIM then Vodafone will automatically email you a new eSIM QR code. Just scan that with your phone in the same way as you did when first setting your eSIM up to get it working again.
