eSIM only deals

At the time of writing, major carriers EE, O2, Three, Vodafone, and the smaller Lycamobile and giffgaff offer eSIM support in the UK, and eSIMs are yet to reach their full potential by being adopted by other providers. Switching your existing UK mobile plan to an eSIM alternative might only be possible by switching to one of these listed providers.

Beyond the major carriers (EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone) and the niche providers Giffgaff and Lycamobile, eSIM support is currently limited in the UK. Several prominent Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Sky Mobile, Asda Mobile, iD Mobile, Lebara Mobile, SMARTY, Tesco Mobile, and VOXI do not yet offer eSIM functionality. As of this writing, this also applies to other conventional UK networks. This will obviously be subject to change as eSIM technology becomes more widely adopted.

The cost of eSIMs compared to traditional SIM cards is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no answer. Firstly, the initial cost of an eSIM is negligible. There typically isn't a separate fee for an eSIM. Buying a physical SIM can sometimes come with a small one-time fee to cover their cost. However, phones with eSIM compatibility are slightly more expensive to buy. This may change as eSIM technology is more widely adopted.

Those who travel overseas for work can leverage the advantages of international eSIMs. Providers outside the UK offer these, which can be a cost-effective solution for roaming outside the EU.

Upfront, eSIMs might seem more expensive due to the potentially higher device cost. However, the long-term benefits of eSIMs, like easier switching and potentially better deals, can outweigh the initial cost. It is best to compare plans and fees using our eSIM filter to determine the most cost-effective for your situation.

While offering a wealth of advantages, eSIM technology is still in the early stages of widespread adoption. Currently, eSIM support is primarily found in high-end smartphones, particularly recent iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models. This prevalence in premium devices can be attributed to the requirement of specific hardware components that are not yet universally integrated across all phone ranges.

However, the landscape is rapidly evolving. The cost-effectiveness of eSIM technology is driving its inclusion in mid-range and even budget smartphones. This trend is particularly prominent in developed nations due to their more extensive markets and higher consumer purchasing power for these phone categories. As manufacturing costs decrease, eSIM adoption is expected to accelerate globally, paving the way for a future where eSIMs become the standard and physical SIM cards become obsolete.

If you have already made the switch to an eSIM, some life or work situations might need you to revert to using a physical SIM card. Here is a simplified breakdown of the process based on insights gleaned from a network support representative:

• Obtain a New Physical SIM: Contact your network to request a new physical SIM card. Depending on your network's policy, this might involve a minimal fee.
• Pass Network Security Verification: Your network may require you to undergo security checks to confirm your identity before processing the SIM request.
• Provide New SIM Serial Number: Once you receive the physical SIM, locate the serial number (typically printed on the card itself) and provide it to your network as instructed.
• Delete eSIM Configuration: Work with your network to deactivate and remove the existing eSIM profile from your device. This ensures your phone will recognise and utilise the new physical SIM card.
• Insert and Test the Physical SIM: Carefully insert the new SIM card into your device's designated slot (consult your user manual if needed). Power on your phone and test its functionality, including making calls, sending texts, and accessing data.

Important Note: Specific steps may vary depending on your network. For a seamless transition, it is always recommended that you contact your network's support team for guidance.

eSIM technology offers many advantages over traditional physical SIM cards, revolutionising how we connect to mobile networks. Here is a closer look at the key benefits:

• Effortless Network Switching: Gone are the days of waiting for a new SIM card to arrive. With eSIMs, switching providers is easy. Simply contact your new newtork with your Porting Authorisation Code (PAC), and they will activate your eSIM profile remotely, ensuring seamless service continuity.
• Dual SIM Functionality: Unlike physical SIMs, which are limited to one slot per device, eSIMs enable dual SIM functionality. This allows you to manage two separate phone numbers on the same device. This can be particularly beneficial for professionals juggling work and personal calls or for travellers seeking optimal network coverage.
• Travel-Friendly Convenience: For frequent travellers, eSIMs are a game-changer. No more scrambling for local SIM cards at airports or dealing with excessive roaming charges. eSIMs allow for easy purchase and activation of local plans directly on your device, offering cost-effective connectivity with local newtorks.
• Simplified Multi-Plan Management: eSIMs eliminate the need to carry and manage multiple physical SIM cards. This is especially useful for users who subscribe to separate plans for data and voice calls. With eSIMs, you can manage both plans seamlessly on your device.
• Enhanced Security: Physical SIM cards can be lost or stolen, compromising your data. eSIMs are securely embedded within your device, minimising the risk of unauthorised access.

In conclusion, eSIMs offer a compelling combination of convenience, flexibility, and security. As eSIM adoption continues to grow, they are poised to become the standard for mobile connectivity, allowing users greater control over their mobile experience.

Absolutely! There is no inherent conflict between using an eSIM and accessing 5G networks. As long as two essential conditions are met, you will be able to experience the faster speeds offered through 5G:

• 5G-Compatible Phone: Your device itself needs to have the necessary hardware to connect to 5G networks. Check your phone's specifications to confirm 5G compatibility.
• 5G Coverage by Your Network: Your mobile network must offer 5G service in your area. Since coverage areas for 5G are still expanding, it is worth checking your network's coverage map to see if you are within a 5G zone.

If both these conditions are met, then an eSIM will function just as well as a physical SIM card for accessing 5G connectivity.

Beyond their obvious convenience, eSIMs offer a significant security advantage over traditional physical SIM cards. Their digital nature reduces the risk associated with physical tampering or unauthorised access, which is particularly crucial in today's environment, where digital privacy and data protection are important concerns.

Unlike a physical SIM card, which can be lost or stolen and potentially used to make unauthorised calls or access data, an eSIM is securely embedded within your device. This eliminates the vulnerability to physical theft and misuse. Additionally, eSIM profiles can be remotely deactivated if necessary, further reducing security risks.

Consider switching to an eSIM! With ease of use, enhanced security, and growing global adoption, eSIM technology offers a convenient and future-proof way to manage your mobile plans.

Use our "Show eSIM Deals Only" option in our deals filter in our SIM-only search tool to effortlessly identify and choose eSIM-compatible deals.

A common misconception about eSIMs is the perceived difficulty of switching networks while travelling. Unlike physical SIM cards that can be swapped out quickly, eSIMs are embedded within the device. However, this doesn't necessarily hinder travel flexibility. Many networks allow you to easily add a temporary eSIM profile for a local provider by simply scanning a QR code on your phone. This eliminates the need for physical SIM cards altogether, offering a convenient solution for international connectivity.

eSIMs offer several advantages over traditional SIM cards, particularly for users who value convenience and flexibility. The key benefit lies in effortless network switching. Unlike physical SIMs that require removal and potential replacement, eSIMs allow you to add or remove network profiles through a simple software process, often by scanning a QR code. This streamlines switching between networks or data plans, providing greater control over your mobile connectivity.

Travelling internationally with an eSIM offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for staying connected. Unlike traditional SIM cards that require physical swapping, eSIMs allow you to easily add a temporary profile for a local carrier by scanning a QR code on your phone. This eliminates the hassle of carrying and managing multiple physical SIM cards while enabling you to benefit from local rates for calls, texts, and data during your travels.