How to Install a UK eSIM: Guide for iPhone and Android

How to Install and Activate a UK eSIM: Step by Step Guide for iPhone and Android

Installing a UK eSIM before your trip ensures you are connected the moment you arrive. This UK eSIM self installation guide walks you through every step: check device compatibility, purchase a plan online, scan the QR code in your phone settings, and enable data roaming when you land in the UK. The entire process takes under five minutes.

How to Check Phone eSIM Compatibility UK: iPhone, Samsung and More

Before you buy anything, you need to know whether your phone can actually use an eSIM. Most phones from the last few years support it, but there are exceptions — especially with older models and some budget devices. This UK eSIM compatible phones iPhone Samsung guide covers all the major brands to help you check your device.

iPhones That Support eSIM

Every iPhone model from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR onwards supports eSIM. That covers everything from 2018 to the latest iPhone 17 range. The only exceptions are iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, which use a physical dual-SIM setup instead.

If you have an iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), that supports eSIM too.

You can verify this on Apple’s official support page, which lists every compatible model and has specific instructions for each one.

Samsung Galaxy Phones That Support eSIM

Samsung has been including eSIM support in its flagship models since the Galaxy S20 series (2020) . That means:

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21 series, S22 series, S23 series, S24 series
• Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series (all generations from the original Fold and Z Flip onwards)
• Galaxy Note 20 series
• Galaxy A series — only specific models. The A54 and A55 support eSIM. Cheaper A-series phones generally don’t.

Google Pixel Phones That Support eSIM

Every Google Pixel from the Pixel 2 onwards supports eSIM. That’s right, the Pixel 2 from 2017 was one of the first phones to support it. All subsequent models — Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and the Pixel a-series (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a) — work with eSIM.

Other Phone Brands

OnePlus. Models from the OnePlus 11 onwards support eSIM in most regions. The OnePlus 12 and 13 definitely do.

Xiaomi. Support varies wildly by model and region. The Xiaomi 13 Pro, 14, and 14 Ultra support it. Most Redmi and Poco models do not.

Huawei. Most recent Huawei phones support eSIM, but the lack of Google services on newer models can complicate the installation process. The P40, P50, P60, and Mate series all support it.

Motorola. Select models from the Moto G and Edge series support eSIM. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your specific model.

Nothing Phone. Phone (1) and Phone (2) both support eSIM.

Sony. The Xperia 1 IV, 1 V, 10 IV, 10 V, and later models support eSIM.

Oppo and Vivo. Flagship models from 2023 onwards generally support eSIM. Mid-range and budget models usually don’t.

How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

If you’re not sure, here are three quick ways to check how to check phone compatibility UK with your specific device.

On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About. If you see “Available eSIM” or “Digital SIM” as an option, your phone supports it.

On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. If you see an option to “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan,” you’re good. On some phones, it’s under Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier.

Check the IMEI. You can usually look up your phone’s model number on the manufacturer’s website or use the GSMA’s device database. If your phone was released in 2020 or later and isn’t a budget model, there’s a strong chance it supports eSIM.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Let’s get everything ready so the installation goes smoothly.

• A WiFi connection. You need internet access to download the eSIM profile to your phone. Do this at home before you travel, or use airport WiFi when you arrive.
• Your eSIM profile details. Your provider will send you either a QR code (by email or in their app) or an activation code. Keep these handy.
• About 5 minutes. The actual installation takes 2-3 minutes. Allow a bit of extra time if you’re doing it for the first time.
• Your home SIM should stay in your phone. You don’t need to remove it. The eSIM plan works alongside your physical SIM.

Pro tip: Install your UK eSIM before you leave home if you can. The answer to can I buy UK eSIM online before trip is yes — you can purchase and install your eSIM profile entirely online from anywhere in the world. That way you just switch it on when you land and you’re connected immediately. No fumbling with airport WiFi, no worrying about whether you’ll have signal.

How to Install a UK eSIM on iPhone

Here’s the step-by-step for iPhone users. These instructions work for iOS 17 and iOS 18, which covers every iPhone from the XR onwards. This section is a complete UK eSIM installation step by step guide for iPhone users.

Method 1: Installing via QR Code (Most Common)

Most providers send you a QR code by email or display one in their app. These UK eSIM QR code setup instructions cover both iPhone and Android so you can follow along on any device.

Step 1: Connect to WiFi. You need an internet connection to download the profile. Connect to your home WiFi, hotel WiFi, or the free WiFi at any UK airport.

Step 2: Open Settings. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).

Step 3: Tap “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan.” This option appears near the top of the Cellular settings page. If you don’t see it, you might have an older iPhone that doesn’t support eSIM (check the compatibility section above).

Step 4: Scan the QR code. Your iPhone’s camera will open. Point it at the QR code from your provider. Make sure the code is well-lit and centred in the frame. The phone will recognise it automatically.

If the QR code doesn’t scan — maybe the code is on your laptop screen and the reflection is causing issues — tap “Enter Details Manually” at the bottom and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code your provider sent you.

Step 5: Label your eSIM. After the profile downloads, your iPhone will ask you to label it. Choose a label that tells you what this line is for — “UK Travel,” “Roami UK,” or something similar. This matters if you use multiple eSIMs, because it’s how you’ll identify each line later.

Step 6: Set your default line. Your iPhone will ask which line you want to use as your default for calls, messages, and cellular data. For most travellers, you’ll want to:

• Default voice line: Keep this on your home number so you can receive calls and texts from home. If someone calls you on your usual number, it’ll ring through (though you might pay roaming charges depending on your home carrier).
• Cellular data: Set this to your new UK eSIM.
• iMessage and FaceTime: You can use either line. Most people keep these on their home number so contacts still reach you.

Step 7: Turn on data roaming. This is the step everyone forgets. Go to Settings > Cellular > [your UK eSIM label] and toggle on Data Roaming. Without this, your eSIM profile won’t connect to UK mobile networks.

Step 8: Verify it’s working. Turn off WiFi (or disconnect from it). You should see your eSIM’s signal bars appear at the top of the screen. The carrier name will show up as EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, or something similar depending on which network your profile connects to.

Open Safari and browse to any website. If it loads, you’re online. If not, check that data roaming is on and that your APN settings are correct (more on that below).

Method 2: Installing via Your Provider’s App

Some providers — including Roami, Airalo, and Ubigi — have apps that handle the installation automatically.

Step 1: Download the app. From the App Store, download your provider’s app.

Step 2: Buy or select your plan. Follow the in-app instructions to purchase a UK eSIM plan or select one you’ve already bought.

Step 3: Install the plan from within the app. The app will prompt you to install the profile. Tap “Allow” or “Install” when your iPhone asks for permission.

Step 4: Follow the default line setup. Same as steps 6-8 above. Your phone will ask what you want to use each line for. Set cellular data to the UK eSIM and turn on data roaming.

The app method is slightly faster than QR code scanning and harder to mess up, because the app handles the codes in the background.

Method 3: Manual Installation (iPhone)

If you can’t scan the QR code and don’t have an app, you can enter the details manually.

Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. You’ll need two pieces of information from your provider:

1. SM-DP+ Address — this looks like a web address (e.g., rsp.truphone.com)
2. Activation Code — a string of letters and numbers

Type these in carefully. One wrong character and the installation will fail. Copy and paste if you can — send yourself the details in an email or a note that you can access on your phone.

How to Install a UK eSIM on Android

Android installation varies slightly between phone brands, but the core process is the same. These steps cover Samsung, Google Pixel, and most other Android phones. This section is a complete UK eSIM installation step by step guide for Android users.

Method 1: Installing via QR Code (Most Common)

Step 1: Connect to WiFi. Like on iPhone, you need an internet connection to download the profile.

Step 2: Open Settings. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. On Google Pixel phones, it’s Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network.

Step 3: Tap “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan.” Some Samsung phones label this as “Add eSIM” directly. On Pixels, tap the plus (+) icon next to “Mobile Network.”

Step 4: Scan the QR code. Your phone’s camera will open. Scan the QR code from your provider. If scanning doesn’t work, look for an option to “Enter activation code” or “Enter details manually.”

Step 5: Label your eSIM. Once the profile downloads, give it a name. Something like “UK eSIM” or “Roami” will help you identify it later.

Step 6: Set data usage. Your phone will ask which SIM to use for mobile data. Select your new UK eSIM.

Step 7: Turn on data roaming. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > [your UK eSIM] and toggle on Data Roaming. On Pixel phones, it’s under Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [your eSIM] > Roaming.

Step 8: Verify it’s working. Turn off WiFi. You should see signal bars for your eSIM. Try loading a website or opening an app that uses data.

Method 2: Installing via Provider’s App (Android)

Step 1: Download your provider’s app from the Google Play Store. Step 2: Buy or select your UK eSIM plan. Step 3: Follow the in-app prompts. The app will install the profile automatically. Step 4: Set the UK eSIM as your data line when prompted. Step 5: Turn on data roaming in the SIM settings.

Method 3: Manual Installation (Android)

On Android, the manual entry option usually appears after you tap “Add eSIM” and either look for a link that says “Enter activation code” or “Enter details manually.” You’ll need the same SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.

Samsung phones: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM > tap the three dots menu > Enter activation code.

Google Pixel phones: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add carrier > tap “Activate” and enter the code.

OnePlus phones: Settings > Mobile network > SIM card management > Add eSIM > Scan QR code > tap the keyboard icon (this lets you enter details manually).

Samsung-Specific Notes

Samsung phones occasionally need a bit of extra coaxing with eSIMs. If you follow the steps above and the plan doesn’t install:

1. Make sure your phone is running One UI 5.0 or later (Settings > About Phone > Software Information).
2. Restart your phone and try again.
3. If it still fails, check that your phone isn’t carrier-locked. A locked phone can only use eSIMs from specific carriers. Contact your home carrier to unlock it.

Google Pixel-Specific Notes

Pixels handle eSIM installation very smoothly. One thing to watch: after installation, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [your eSIM] and make sure “Use eSIM” is toggled on. Pixels sometimes download the profile but don’t activate it automatically.

When Should You Activate Your UK eSIM?

When to activate is one of the most common questions, and the answer depends on your provider. Knowing how to activate UK eSIM before travel is straightforward with most providers.

Install before you travel, activate when you land. Here’s how most travel plans work: you can install the profile onto your phone anytime (this requires an internet connection), but the plan’s validity period starts when the plan first connects to a supported network. So you install it at home over WiFi, and the 7-day or 30-day countdown begins when you land and switch it on.

For most providers, including Roami, this is exactly how it works. You buy the plan, install the profile at your leisure, and the clock starts ticking on first activation. This is the ideal setup — you’re not wasting any of your plan’s validity on the days before you travel.

Check your provider’s policy. A few providers start the clock at the time of purchase, not activation. This is less common, but it exists. Read the terms before you buy. If your provider does this, don’t install until the day you travel.

What about connecting at the airport? If you arrive at a UK airport and haven’t installed the plan yet, connect to the free airport WiFi first. All major UK airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham — offer free WiFi. Install the profile while connected, then activate it. You’ll be online within two minutes of walking through the arrivals gate.

Can I Buy a UK eSIM at Heathrow Airport?

Yes, but you’ll pay a significant premium. Airport kiosks at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and other UK airports sell eSIMs at 2-4 times the price of buying online in advance. A 5GB eSIM that costs £6 online can cost £20-35 at the airport — that’s a markup of 200-400%.

The better approach is to install your eSIM before you travel. You’ll save money, avoid the last-minute rush, and be connected the moment you land. You can buy and install a UK eSIM from anywhere in the world, and it activates automatically when you arrive.

If you absolutely must buy one at the airport, check the plan details carefully — some airport eSIMs have restrictive fair usage policies or limited network access that make them much worse value than what you’d get online.

UK eSIM APN Settings Manual Configuration: When and How

APN stands for Access Point Name. It’s the configuration that tells your phone how to connect to the mobile network for data. Most eSIMs configure this automatically, but sometimes — especially with Android phones or less common providers — you need to enter it manually. Refer to this UK eSIM APN settings manual configuration section for the exact APN values used by EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three.

When You’ll Need to Set APN Manually

You need to configure APN settings if:

• Your data doesn’t work after installing the plan and turning on roaming
• You can make calls but can’t browse the internet
• Your phone shows signal bars but no data connection
• Your provider specifically tells you to configure APN (check your email or their help centre)

APN Settings for UK Networks

Here are the APN settings for the four major UK networks. Your provider will tell you which one to use. For multi-network plans that switch between carriers (like Roami), use the “global” APN if one is provided, or start with EE’s settings as they’re the most compatible.

Network	APN	Username	Password	Authentication
EE	everywhere	(blank)	(blank)	None
Vodafone	wap.vodafone.co.uk	wap	wap	PAP
O2	mobile.o2.co.uk	o2web	password	None
Three	three.co.uk	(blank)	(blank)	None

How to Change APN Settings on iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > [your UK eSIM label]
2. Tap “Cellular Data Network” (it’s near the bottom)
3. In the APN field, enter the correct APN for your network
4. Leave Username and Password blank unless your provider gives you specific values
5. Go back to the previous screen. Your data should start working within a few seconds.

If you can’t find “Cellular Data Network” in the menu, your iPhone might not show APN settings for eSIM lines on some carrier configurations. If that happens, contact your provider for specific guidance.

How to Change APN Settings on Android

Samsung phones:

1. Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names
2. Tap the plus (+) icon or “Add”
3. Enter the APN details from the table above
4. Tap the three dots menu and select “Save”
5. Select your new APN from the list

Google Pixel phones:

1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [your UK eSIM]
2. Tap “Access Point Names”
3. Tap the plus (+) icon to add a new APN
4. Enter the details and tap Save
5. Select the new APN

OnePlus phones:

1. Settings > Mobile Network > SIM Card Management > [your UK eSIM] > Access Point Names
2. Tap the plus icon to add a new APN
3. Enter the details and save

Other Android phones: The path is usually Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Access Point Names, but it varies by manufacturer. If you can’t find it, use the search function in Settings and type “APN.”

A Note on Roami’s APN

Roami’s eSIM configures APN automatically on most phones. If you do need to set it manually, the APN is provided in the confirmation email after purchase. Their multi-network setup means the same APN works whether you’re connected to EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three — the plan handles the network switching in the background, so you don’t need to change APN settings when it switches carriers.

How to Enable Data Roaming for UK eSIM on iPhone and Android

I cannot stress this enough. Data roaming being turned off is the single most common reason a UK eSIM doesn’t work on arrival. If you need to know how to enable data roaming for UK eSIM on any phone, follow the steps below.

On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > [your UK eSIM label] > toggle “Data Roaming” on.

On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > [your UK eSIM] > toggle “Data Roaming” on.

On Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [your UK eSIM] > toggle “Roaming” on.

On OnePlus: Settings > Mobile Network > SIM Card Management > [your UK eSIM] > toggle “Data Roaming” on.

Data roaming is disabled by default on most phones because your home carrier doesn’t want you accidentally running up huge roaming bills. But with an eSIM, there’s no risk of that — your UK eSIM is a separate line with its own billing. Turning on roaming for the eSIM line doesn’t affect your home SIM.

To be extra safe: go into your home SIM’s settings and make sure data roaming is OFF for that line. That way, even if your home SIM tries to connect, it won’t rack up charges. Your UK eSIM line should be the only one with data roaming enabled.

Setting Up Dual SIM: Using Your Home SIM and UK eSIM Together

Most modern phones let you run your home physical SIM and your UK eSIM at the same time. This is one of the best things about eSIMs — you don’t have to choose between your home number and local data.

On iPhone

After installing the eSIM, go to Settings > Cellular and you’ll see both lines listed. Tap “Cellular Data” and select your UK eSIM as the data line. Tap “Default Voice Line” and keep this on your home SIM.

You can also customise which line each contact uses for calls, or set your iPhone to ask which line to use when you dial a number.

For a full walkthrough of dual SIM setup, check out our UK eSIM dual SIM setup guide.

On Android

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager (or the equivalent on your device). You’ll see both your physical SIM and your eSIM profile listed. Tap “Mobile Data” and select the UK eSIM. Tap “Voice calls” or “Default SIM for calls” and select your home SIM.

How to Top Up Your UK eSIM Data

Running out of data mid-trip is annoying, but it’s easy to fix if you know how to top up UK eSIM data through your provider’s app or website.

Through your provider’s app. Most providers have apps that let you buy additional data with a few taps. Open the app, log in, and look for “Top Up” or “Buy More Data.”

Through your provider’s website. If you don’t have the app, visit your provider’s website on any device with internet access. Log in to your account and purchase a top-up. The new data usually activates immediately.

Through email support. Some smaller providers let you reply to your order confirmation email to request a top-up. This is slower than the app or website method.

How much does a top-up cost? It varies by provider, but expect to pay roughly the same per-GB rate as your original plan. Most providers offer top-ups in set increments — 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, or 10 GB — rather than letting you choose an exact amount.

Topping Up with Roami

Roami treats top-ups the same as the initial purchase. Log into your account or open the app, select a data add-on for your existing plan, and it’s applied instantly. The data roaming stays active — you don’t need to reinstall or reconfigure anything.

UK eSIM Install Before Departure Guide: Pre-Travel Checklist

Here’s everything to do before you leave home so you arrive in the UK ready to go. This UK eSIM install before departure guide is designed to be checked off step by step.

1 Week Before

• Check your phone supports eSIM (see the compatibility section above)
• Research and buy your UK eSIM plan
• Make a note of your plan’s validity period — when does it start and expire?

1-2 Days Before

• Connect to your home WiFi
• Install the eSIM profile (scan the QR code or use the app)
• Label the plan clearly (e.g., “UK Roami”)
• Set cellular data to the UK eSIM
• Turn on data roaming for the UK eSIM line
• Turn off data roaming for your home SIM line (to avoid accidental charges)
• Test that the profile is installed by checking Settings > Cellular / SIM Manager

At the Airport (Before Departure)

• Confirm the plan is installed and labelled
• Have your provider’s app or email confirmation handy in case you need support
• Screenshot your profile details (QR code, plan info) and save them in your photos — you might not have internet access later

On Arrival in the UK

• If you haven’t installed yet, connect to airport WiFi and install
• If you’ve already installed, turn off WiFi
• Check signal bars appear for your UK eSIM
• Open a browser and test that data works
• If data doesn’t work, check data roaming is on and APN settings are correct

Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems

Even with straightforward instructions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

“No Service” After Installation

This usually means the profile installed but can’t connect to a network. Here’s what to check:

1. Is data roaming on? Go to your profile settings and confirm data roaming is enabled. This is the #1 cause.
2. Are you in an area with coverage? If you’re in a basement, an airport car park, or a building with thick walls, move to a window or go outside.
3. Has your plan started? Some eSIMs don’t activate until you arrive in the UK. If you’re trying to test it before you fly, it might show “No Service” until it detects a UK network.
4. Is your phone set to automatic network selection? Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection and toggle on Automatic.

If none of these work, restart your phone. A surprising number of eSIM profile issues are fixed by a simple reboot.

The QR Code Won’t Scan

QR code scanning can be fiddly. Try these fixes:

1. Increase screen brightness. If the QR code is on another device’s screen, turn the brightness up to make it clearer.
2. Clean your camera lens. It’s always the camera lens.
3. Try manual entry. Look for the “Enter Details Manually” option. You’ll need the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.
4. Request a new QR code. Contact your provider’s support and ask them to resend the QR code or provide a direct installation link.

APN Settings Won’t Save

This happens more often on Android than iPhone. If you enter APN details and they don’t save:

1. Save before exiting. On some Android phones, you need to explicitly save the APN before backing out. Look for a save icon (usually a floppy disk icon, a checkmark, or a three-dot menu with a save option).
2. Check for existing APNs. If the network’s APN already exists but isn’t selected, just select it instead of creating a new one.
3. Restart after saving. Some Android phones apply APN changes only after a reboot.

Data Works but Then Stops

If your eSIM profile worked fine for a day or two and then stopped:

1. Did you run out of data? Check your plan’s remaining data in your provider’s app or account page.
2. Did the plan expire? Check when your plan’s validity period ends.
3. Did you accidentally switch the data line? Go back into settings and confirm your UK eSIM is still selected for cellular data.
4. Network maintenance. Occasionally UK networks perform maintenance. Wait 15-30 minutes and try again.

The “eSIM Not Supported on This Device” Error

This means your phone doesn’t support eSIM, or the profile is incompatible with your device. First, verify your phone is on the compatibility list above. If it should work, try:

1. Update your phone’s software. An outdated operating system might lack support.
2. Contact your provider. Some eSIMs are configured for specific device types. Your provider might need to issue a new QR code.
3. Try a different provider. In rare cases, a particular provider’s profiles don’t work with certain phone models.

For more detailed troubleshooting, our UK eSIM troubleshooting guide covers 16 real-world cases and their solutions.

Signal Drops When Moving Between Areas

If your eSIM profile connection drops when you travel between cities or from urban to rural areas, this is usually a network switching issue. Here’s what’s happening and how to handle it.

Some eSIMs are designed to connect to a single UK network. When you move out of that network’s coverage area, the phone tries to find an alternative, but the plan configuration might not allow it to switch automatically. The result: you lose data until you manually select a different network or move back into coverage.

If this happens to you:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Android)
2. Turn off Automatic selection
3. Wait for the list of available networks to appear
4. Manually select a different network from the list (try EE first, then Vodafone, then O2, then Three)
5. Wait 10-15 seconds to see if data comes back
6. If it does, you’ve found a working network for your current location
7. If not, try the next network

This manual override is a useful trick to know, especially if you’re travelling through areas where your eSIM’s primary network has poor coverage. With multi-network plans like Roami, this manual switching happens automatically in the background, which is why they tend to maintain more consistent connections across the UK.

eSIM Shows Connected But No Internet

This is particularly frustrating — you see signal bars, your phone says it’s connected, but nothing loads. Here’s the checklist:

1. Check APN settings. Go back to the APN section above and confirm your APN is entered correctly. Even a single wrong character will prevent data from working.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode. Turn Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your phone to re-register on the network.
3. Reset network settings. On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On Android: Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note: this will forget saved WiFi passwords, so use it as a last resort.
4. Check for a carrier settings update. On iPhone: Settings > General > About. If a carrier update is available, a prompt will appear. On Android: check for system updates in Settings.
5. Try a different browser or app. Occasionally the issue is with a specific app, not the connection itself. If Safari doesn’t work, try Chrome. If Chrome doesn’t work, try an app that uses data.

Multiple eSIMs and Conflicts

If you’ve installed multiple eSIM profiles on your phone (perhaps from previous trips or different providers), they can occasionally conflict. Symptoms include installation failures, the wrong eSIM activating, or data not routing correctly.

The fix is to remove old or unused profiles. You can do this without affecting your physical SIM.

On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap the plan you want to remove > “Remove Cellular Plan.”

On Android: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > tap the plan > “Remove.”

Then install your UK eSIM fresh. Keeping only one travel plan active at a time is good practice for preventing conflicts.

eSIM Installation Fails Midway Through

An interrupted installation — usually from a dropped WiFi connection or accidentally navigating away from the setup screen — can leave the profile partially installed. Your phone might show errors like “Unable to Complete Setup” or “Cellular Plan Not Added.”

The fix:

1. Delete the partially installed profile if it shows up in your SIM list
2. Restart your phone
3. Connect to a stable WiFi network
4. Try installing again from scratch
5. If it fails a second time, request a new QR code or installation link from your provider

The QR code you received might be single-use. If the installation failed after scanning it, the code might already be consumed. Contacting your provider for a fresh code is often the fastest solution.

Data Works on Some Apps but Not Others

This is an unusual one but it happens. If WhatsApp works but Safari doesn’t, or Google Maps works but Instagram doesn’t, the issue is usually related to DNS or APN configuration rather than a problem with the eSIM plan itself.

Try changing your DNS settings:

• On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > [your UK eSIM] > Cellular Data Network > enter 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 in the DNS field
• On Android: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi (or Mobile Network) > Advanced > Private DNS > enter dns.google or one.one.one.one

This routes your traffic through Google’s or Cloudflare’s DNS servers, which can resolve website addresses more reliably than the UK network’s default DNS.

UK eSIM Not Working After iOS or Android Update

System updates can occasionally reset network settings or break eSIM configurations. If your eSIM profile worked before an update and stopped afterwards:

1. First, confirm data roaming is still enabled (updates can toggle this off)
2. Check your APN settings haven’t been reset
3. Restart your phone
4. If it still doesn’t work, remove and re-add the profile
5. In rare cases, you might need a new profile from your provider after a major OS update (especially iOS beta versions)

For more detailed troubleshooting, our UK eSIM troubleshooting guide covers 16 real-world cases and their solutions.

Network Coverage: What to Expect After Setup

Once your eSIM profile is working, you’ll connect to one of the UK’s four major networks — EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three — depending on which one your provider uses.

If your eSIM profile connects to a single network, you’ll see that network’s name at the top of your screen. Your coverage depends entirely on that network’s reach. EE has the best overall coverage across the UK. Three has the fastest city speeds but more rural gaps. Vodafone and O2 sit somewhere in between.

If your eSIM profile has multi-network switching (like Roami), your phone will automatically switch between carriers to maintain the strongest signal. You might see the carrier name change at the top of your screen as you move around — that’s normal and means the system is working. In cities you’ll probably stay on EE or Three. In rural areas you might switch to Vodafone or O2.

For a full look at how UK coverage compares across regions and networks, visit Ofcom’s coverage checker. It’s the most accurate source of coverage data available, broken down by postcode and network.

You can also check individual network coverage maps:

• EE coverage map
• Vodafone coverage map
• O2 coverage map
• Three coverage map

Setting Up eSIM for Children or Less Tech-Savvy Travellers

If you’re travelling with family and need to set up eSIMs for kids or older relatives, here’s how to make it painless.

Install on your own phone first. Install and activate your own eSIM before you try anyone else’s. That way if something goes wrong, you’ve got data to look up solutions.

Install everyone’s eSIMs before travel. If you have WiFi at home, install every family member’s eSIM before you leave. That way everyone lands connected. The only thing they need to do on arrival is turn on data roaming.

Use the same provider. Stick with one provider for the whole family. It’s easier to manage top-ups, you only need one app, and you can help everyone from the same knowledge base.

Tether as a backup. If someone’s eSIM doesn’t work, you can hotspot from yours. Just make sure your plan allows tethering (most do, but a few unlimited plans restrict it).

Installing a UK eSIM on a Laptop

While most people use eSIMs on phones, some newer laptops also support them. The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air (2022 and later) with cellular capability support eSIM, as do some Windows laptops with built-in 5G modems.

Installation on a laptop follows a similar process: go to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Add profile, and scan the QR code with your laptop’s webcam.

Laptop eSIMs are less common for travel, but they’re worth knowing about if you work on the go and want an independent connection.

Keeping Safe: Public WiFi vs eSIM

One reason to set up an eSIM before you travel is security. Public WiFi networks — in airports, cafes, hotels, and train stations — are notoriously easy to intercept. Your data passes through a shared network where anyone with basic tools can see what you’re doing.

An eSIM gives you a private cellular connection that’s encrypted end-to-end. Nobody on the same network can see your traffic. For anything involving banking, logging into accounts, or sending sensitive information, your eSIM profile is significantly safer than public WiFi.

Some providers (including Roami) integrate VPN functionality with their plans, adding an extra layer of encryption on top of the cellular connection. If you regularly use public services or handle sensitive data while travelling, look for a provider that offers this.

What About Government Regulations and eSIMs?

The UK has no restrictions on using eSIMs from foreign providers. You can buy a UK eSIM from any provider in any country and use it as soon as you arrive. There’s no registration requirement, no ID check, and no paperwork.

This policy is in contrast to physical SIMs, which do require identity verification under UK law. eSIMs are classified differently because there’s no physical distribution channel to regulate.

For official information on UK travel and regulations, check the UK Government website.

The Difference Between eSIM Installation and Activation

Throughout this guide, I’ve used “installation” and “activation” pretty interchangeably, but there’s a distinction worth understanding.

Installation is the process of downloading the eSIM profile onto your phone. This requires an internet connection and takes about 30 seconds on a modern phone. Once installed, the profile sits on your phone ready to use.

Activation is what happens when the plan first connects to a UK network. This triggers the start of your plan’s validity period (for most providers) and establishes your data connection.

So you can install your eSIM profile weeks before your trip, and it won’t start counting down until you arrive in the UK and the plan connects to a UK carrier.

This distinction is why the advice to “install before you travel” works. You’re not wasting any of your plan. The profile just sits there waiting until it detects a UK network.

How to Know Your eSIM Profile Is Working Correctly

Once you’ve gone through the setup and you’re supposedly connected, here’s how to confirm everything is working properly.

1. Turn off WiFi. Your phone should connect using the eSIM plan.
2. Check the status bar. You should see signal bars for your eSIM profile line, and the carrier name should appear (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, or a provider-specific name).
3. Open a website. Try loading a few different websites to confirm data works.
4. Send a message. Send a WhatsApp or iMessage to confirm messaging works.
5. Make a call. Try a WhatsApp or FaceTime call to test voice over data.
6. Move around. Walk a short distance to confirm the connection stays stable as you move.

If all of these work, your eSIM profile is set up correctly and you’re good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK eSIM Installation

Can I install a UK eSIM while I’m still in my home country?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, this is the recommended approach for most travellers. You can buy your plan and install the profile onto your phone over your home WiFi before you travel. The profile sits dormant on your phone until it detects a UK network. For most providers, the plan’s validity period doesn’t start until first activation on a supported network.

The only exception is if your provider specifically states that the plan starts at the time of purchase. This is uncommon but not unheard of. Always check the terms before buying.

Can I buy a UK eSIM at Heathrow airport?

Yes, but you’ll pay a significant premium. Airport kiosks at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and other UK airports sell eSIMs at 2-4 times the price of buying online in advance. A 5GB eSIM that costs £6 online can cost £20-35 at the airport — that’s a markup of 200-400%.

The better approach is to install your eSIM before you travel. You’ll save money, avoid the last-minute rush, and be connected the moment you land. You can buy and install a UK eSIM from anywhere in the world, and it activates automatically when you arrive.

If you absolutely must buy one at the airport, check the plan details carefully — some airport eSIMs have restrictive fair usage policies or limited network access that make them much worse value than what you’d get online.

What if I lose my QR code or delete the email?

This is a common worry, but most providers have you covered. If you lose your QR code:

1. Check your provider’s app — most store your profile details in your account
2. Log into your provider’s website — you can usually re-download the QR code or get a new one
3. Contact customer support — they can resend the QR code or provide a direct installation link

For future trips, take a screenshot of the QR code and save it somewhere accessible (in a photo album, a cloud folder, or email it to yourself). A screenshot works exactly the same as the original QR code.

Can I use a UK eSIM and my home SIM at the same time?

Yes, this is one of the main advantages of eSIMs. Modern phones with eSIM support are designed to run multiple lines simultaneously. Your physical home SIM can handle calls and texts while your UK eSIM provides data.

Just make sure you set your UK eSIM as the default data line in your phone’s settings. Otherwise, your phone might try to use your home carrier’s roaming data, which would be much more expensive. For a full walkthrough, see the dual SIM section above or our UK eSIM dual SIM setup guide.

How do I know which network my eSIM profile is connected to?

On iPhone, the carrier name appears at the top left of the screen next to the signal bars. If you have multiple lines active, it shows the primary line’s carrier by default. To see which carrier your eSIM profile is using, go to Settings > Cellular > [your UK eSIM label] — the current network name is displayed there.

On Android, the carrier name typically appears in the status bar. For more detail, go to Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Status and select your UK eSIM.

With multi-network plans like Roami, the carrier name might change throughout the day as your phone switches between EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three for the best signal. This is normal behaviour — it means the auto-switching is working as designed.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use a UK eSIM?

Not at all. Your physical SIM stays in your phone. The eSIM plan works alongside it. This is one of the biggest advantages over traditional physical travel SIMs, which require you to swap out your home SIM and lose access to your regular number.

Why does my eSIM profile show “SOS Only” or “Emergency Calls Only”?

This message means your phone can see UK networks but can’t connect to your provider’s service. It’s most common in these scenarios:

1. Your plan hasn’t activated yet. Some providers only activate the plan when you first connect to a UK network. Wait a few minutes and try toggling Airplane Mode.
2. You’re in a coverage dead zone. Move to a different location and try again.
3. Your eSIM profile is corrupted. Remove the profile and reinstall it using a fresh QR code from your provider.
4. Your phone is carrier-locked to a non-UK network. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier (common with US carrier-subsidised phones), it might reject non-supported eSIM profiles.

Can I hotspot or tether from my UK eSIM?

Most travel eSIM plans allow tethering, but some restrict it. Check your provider’s terms before you rely on hotspot functionality. If tethering is important to you — for sharing with a travel companion, connecting a laptop, or using a tablet — confirm this before buying.

Roami’s plans support tethering, so you can share your connection with other devices. This is useful if one person’s phone has the best battery life or if you want to use a laptop for work on the go.

What happens if I switch phones mid-trip?

eSIM profiles are tied to the phone they were installed on. You can’t simply move an eSIM from one phone to another like you can with a physical SIM card. If you switch phones mid-trip, you’ll need to:

1. Buy a new eSIM for the second phone, or
2. Contact your provider to see if they support eSIM transfer

Some providers now offer eSIM transfer capabilities, but it’s not universal. If you think you might switch phones during your trip, check your provider’s transfer policy before you buy.

How many eSIMs can I store on my phone?

iPhone models typically support storing 8 or more eSIMs, with two active simultaneously (one physical SIM + one eSIM, or two eSIMs on newer models). Samsung Galaxy phones generally support 4-5 stored eSIMs with two active simultaneously. Google Pixel phones support 2-4 stored eSIMs with two active.

The storage limit is rarely an issue for travellers, but if you travel frequently and accumulate eSIM profiles from different trips, you might eventually need to delete old ones to make room for new ones.

Do I need to configure anything differently for 5G?

No. If your phone supports 5G and your provider offers 5G connectivity (most do in the UK), the eSIM plan connects to 5G automatically when you’re in a 5G coverage area. No additional configuration is needed.

5G coverage in the UK is strong in cities and expanding rapidly in towns. EE leads the 5G rollout, followed by Three, Vodafone, and O2. If 5G is important to you, check your provider’s network partnership — an eSIM that uses EE will generally give you the best 5G experience.

UK eSIM Self Installation Guide: One Last Thing

The one thing to take away from this guide is that installing a UK eSIM takes less than 5 minutes and this UK eSIM self installation guide has shown you every step. You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You don’t need to worry about breaking anything. You can literally do it while you’re waiting for your luggage at the baggage carousel.

Buy the plan, scan the QR code, turn on data roaming, and you’re connected to a UK eSIM network. That’s it. The rest of this guide is for the edge cases — the phones that need manual APN, the QR codes that won’t scan, the plans that don’t activate immediately. For 90% of users, the process is exactly as simple as I’ve described.

If you haven’t picked a provider yet, check out the UK eSIM ranking and comparison to see which one fits your travel style. Once you’ve got your plan, come back to this guide for the setup steps.

And if you want to try Roami — with its automatic network switching across EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three, live customer support, and competitive pricing — use code WEB20 for 20% off or start with the free trial. The setup follows exactly the same steps outlined here.

Safe travels, and enjoy being connected from the moment you touch down.