On EE you’re not limited to physical SIM cards, as this is one of a number of networks that lets you optionally use an eSIM instead.
These embedded SIMs are built into your device, so you don’t need to manually put one in, and they have a lot of advantages over older physical SIM cards, including taking up less space in the phone, being impossible to lose (unless you lose your whole phone), and supporting multiple numbers.
How do I get an EE eSIM?
eSIMs are only available on EE Pay Monthly plans, so you can't get an eSIM if you are on Pay As You Go.
You can select an eSIM at checkout when buying a phone with eSIM capabilities. If you’re ordering a SIM Only plan, this appears to default to a physical SIM card at the time of writing, though that may change. If you don’t see an eSIM option though you’ll need to get a plastic SIM card first and then request an eSIM to replace it.
Simply follow the steps below to get an EE eSIM if one isn’t offered at checkout:
Request an eSIM replacement pack by logging in to the EE app on your phone, then choose your device, select ‘Check settings’, scroll down to ‘Device and SIM’, select ‘Replace my SIM/eSIM’, and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can call EE on 150 from your EE phone or head into an EE store to request an eSIM.
There’s also the Motorola Razr (2020), which is eSIM-only and supported by EE, along with various Oppo handsets. Finally, many recent Samsung phones also support eSIM.
Note that this isn’t a comprehensive list of phones with eSIMs, rather it’s just the ones that EE has specifically said support eSIM on its network.
How do I set up an eSIM on my phone?
The process for setting up an eSIM varies a bit depending on your phone brand, but the basic process tends to involve finding the ‘Add Data Plan’ or ‘Add Mobile Plan’ or similar screen in your phone’s settings menu, and then scanning the eSIM QR code.
Or in some cases if you bought a new phone with your eSIM you’ll be able to set up the eSIM during the initial setup process for the phone itself, by following the instructions that appear.
Below though you’ll find more detailed instructions for setting up an eSIM on various brands of phone.
EE supports eSIM on all Pay Monthly plans with compatible devices – so if you buy a smartphone on an EE contract that has an eSIM then the network should be able to activate it for you. EE’s SIM Only plans also support eSIM, however at the time of writing its Pay As You Go plans don’t.
Will activating an EE eSIM lock my phone to EE?
No, using an EE eSIM doesn’t affect whether your handset is locked to EE or not.
How do I transfer an eSIM to a new phone?
Transferring an eSIM to a new phone is typically done by ordering a replacement SIM, which you can do by logging in to your EE account and choosing an eSIM. However, if you’re upgrading from one iPhone to another you should have the option to transfer the eSIM in your current phone onto your new one via the Choose a Data Plan screen during the Quick Start process when setting up your new phone.
Can I switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM or vice versa?
Yes, just request the SIM card type you want from EE. You should find an option to request one from your My EE account or the My EE app. Note however that depending on your plan or device, this option may not be available. If in doubt, get in touch with EE on 150 from your EE phone, or head to an EE store.
Once you have a new SIM or eSIM, you can activate it on EE’s SIM swap page.
Do I need to buy my phone from EE to use an EE eSIM with it?
No, your phone doesn’t need to have been bought directly from EE, it just needs to have an eSIM and be supported by EE. In this case, just purchase a SIM Only plan and request an eSIM with it to get up and running on your phone.
Can eSIMs be used abroad?
Yes, eSIMs work the same way as standard SIMs, so use abroad will be subject to the same terms, charges and limitations as any other SIM card. The specifics will vary based on your plan and the country you visit.
Can I access 5G with an eSIM?
Yes, all of EE’s eSIMs include access to its 5G network, so assuming you’re also using a 5G device you’ll have full access to 5G.
Deleting your eSIM won’t affect your EE plan, but you will need to order a replacement eSIM. You can do this from your My EE account, or by calling 150 from your EE phone or 07953 966 150 from any other phone, or by heading to an EE store with ID.
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.
