O2 is one of a growing number of mobile networks that lets you use an eSIM (also known as an embedded SIM) rather than a removable SIM card.
There are lots of advantages to eSIMs, including them taking up less space in your device (which also makes them ideal for smartwatches), and being much more difficult to lose or damage.
Eventually all networks will probably offer them, but if you’re an O2 customer or considering switching to O2, then it’s worth thinking about getting an eSIM now, and this guide will tell you everything you need to know about doing that.
How do I get an O2 eSIM?
If you’re a Pay Monthly phone customer on O2 then you can get an eSIM. That means you’ll be eligible if you have a phone on contract or a SIM Only plan, or if you’re a business customer – though in all cases you will also need a compatible phone. However, Pay As You Go customers can’t currently get O2 eSIMs.
If you’re eligible, then you can get an O2 eSIM by following these three steps:
Step 1.
Sign up for an O2 phone deal or an O2 SIM Only deal and receive a regular, removable SIM card.
Triple SIM
3GB Data
Unlimited Mins
Unlimited Texts
£15.00 a month24 month contract
Triple SIM
6GB Data
Unlimited Mins
Unlimited Texts
£17.00 a month24 month contract
Triple SIM
12GB Data
Unlimited Mins
Unlimited Texts
£17.99 a month24 month contract
Step 2.
Request an O2 eSIM pack by calling O2 on 202 from your O2 phone, 0344 809 0202 from another phone, or heading to an O2 retail store. Some customers can also request one from within the My O2 app.
Step 3.
Follow the supplied instructions to activate your O2 eSIM pack. Note that it may take up to 24 hours before your number is transferred to the eSIM.
Which devices support eSIMs on O2?
O2 eSIMs work with all iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards, so that of course includes the latest models like the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2022), as well as iPhones from a number of previous years.
Numerous Android phones also support eSIM. O2 itself doesn’t appear to keep a list of the ones it supports, but it’s likely to allow you to use an eSIM with any phone that has an eSIM built in.
These include the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Sony Xperia 1 IV, Sony Xperia 10 IV, and a number of other phones. Check out our dedicated eSIM guide for a more complete list.
How do I set up an eSIM on my phone?
The process for adding an eSIM will vary a bit depending on the phone you have, but – assuming O2 has provided you with a QR code – it typically requires scanning that from the ‘Add Data Plan’ or ‘Add Mobile Plan’ or similar screen in your phone’s settings menu.
Check out O2’s eSIM support page for more detailed instructions on installing an eSIM to various brands of smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which O2 plans support eSIM?
O2’s Pay Monthly phone and SIM Only plans support eSIMs, and eSIMs are also available to business customers. However at the time of writing you can’t use an eSIM with an O2 Pay As You Go plan.
Will activating an O2 eSIM lock my phone to O2?
How do I transfer an eSIM to a new phone?
Transferring an O2 eSIM from one phone to another requires requesting a new eSIM, which can be done over the phone (by calling 202 from your O2 phone), in store, or for some customers via the My O2 app (though note that this option doesn’t appear to be available for all O2 customers at the time of writing).
Then install the eSIM on your new phone the same way you installed the original one.
Can I switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM or vice versa?
Yes, simply request the type of SIM card you want from O2, either by calling 202, heading to an O2 store, using the ‘Swap your SIM’ section in the My O2 app, or – if requesting a physical SIM card – texting the word ‘SWAP’ to 20220 from your O2 phone.
Do I need to buy my phone from O2 to use an O2 eSIM with it?
No, as long as your phone supports eSIMs and is supported for them by O2, it can be purchased from anywhere. If you have a non-O2 phone that you want to use an eSIM with, then just set up a SIM Only contract on O2 and request an eSIM.
Can eSIMs be used abroad?
Yes, in use an eSIM is just like a conventional SIM card, so you can use it abroad too, under the same terms. On O2 that means you can roam freely across the EU, up to a 25GB fair usage limit.
Can I access 5G with an eSIM?
Yes, if you have a 5G phone then you’ll also be able to use 5G with an eSIM.
Which other networks offer eSIMs?
What happens if I erase my eSIM?
If you still have the QR code then you can reuse this to reinstall the eSIM up to three times on the same device. Otherwise, just request a new eSIM from O2 by calling 202 from your O2 phone or 0344 809 0202 from another phone, or heading to an O2 store.
