Yes, if a phone is 5G compatible then any of our SIMs will support this, including an eSIM.
eSIM Support
Find out how eSIMs work, and why they’re good for business.
What are eSIMs?
- An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that’s been pre-installed into a device, so it removes the need to insert a physical SIM.
- They work exactly like physical SIMs, but make it far easier to set up a new phone.
- No need to insert a SIM - get online straight away using a QR code.
- Not all devices support eSIM technology, but most of the latest Three Business smartphones, tablets, and laptops do.
Why choose an eSIM?
Getting started is faster
It makes setting up a new phone easy. Get your team up and running faster, with less fuss.
Dual SIM functionality
With a physical SIM card too, you can have 2 numbers on one phone. Ideal for business, and working abroad.
eSIMs are greener
No physical SIM means no plastic. It all helps towards lowering the carbon footprint of your business.
Setting up your eSIM
Getting your eSIM set up is easy, but will depend on where you ordered it from. Here’s a quick guide.
I ordered online or in store
We'll send you 2 emails per eSIM you ordered. You'll get one email with a QR code, and a separate email with a confirmation code. Scan the QR code, then use the confirmation code to set up your eSIM.
I ordered over the phone, or through a Three Sales Specialist
You’ll receive a paper voucher in the post with a QR code you can use to get set up. You won’t need a confirmation code, and you’ll get one paper voucher per eSIM you’ve ordered.
For help setting up your phone, go to our Device support pages.
Frequently asked eSIM questions
Which Three Business devices support eSIMs, and how do I get one?
Check whether your device is eSIM compatible on our device support page. If you want to swap your physical SIM for an eSIM, call us on 337 from your Three Business phone.
Once you’ve scanned the QR code we emailed you, and entered your confirmation code, your eSIM should be activated instantly. However, in some cases this can take up to 7 hours. If your eSIM doesn’t activate within 7 hours, call us on 337 from your Three Business mobile.
If your phone is dual SIM compatible, you can have both a physical SIM and an eSIM. How you activate dual SIM features will depend on the make of your phone, so we recommend checking the manufacturer’s website.
The benefits of dual SIMs include:
- 2 different phone numbers and plans on one device – great for business use
- A plan on 2 different networks. For this to work the phone needs to be unlocked, otherwise you can only have 2 different plans on the same network.
- Adding a local data plan when you travel abroad (unlocked phones only).
Go to Settings
Select Mobile Data
Select Set-up Mobile Service
Select Use QR Code
Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of your iPhone screen
Enter the SM-DP+ Address and activation code from your QR code email. You’ll also need to enter the confirmation code that we sent in a separate email.
Select Continue
You’ll be asked to Activate eSIM. Select Continue.
You’ll see a message that says Activate eSIM, please give it some time
Once completed, you’ll see a message that says Mobile Plan Setup Complete. Select Done.
Once your plan has been added, you’ll be taken back to the Settings menu and will see that your eSIM is active.
Go to Settings
Select Connections
Select SIM Manager
Select Add Mobile Plan (may say Add eSIM)
Select Scan carrier QR code
Select Enter activation code
Enter the activation code found in the QR code email we sent you
Select Connect
You’ll also need to enter the confirmation code that we sent in a separate email
Select Confirm
You’ll see a message that says Adding plan to your phone, please give it some time
Once your plan has been added, you’ll be taken back to the Settings menu and will see that your eSIM is active.
Go to Settings
Select Network and Internet
Select Mobile Network
Select Download a SIM instead
You’ll see a screen that says Download your SIM. Select Next.
You’ll see a screen that says Scan QR code from network, and at the bottom of the screen the option for Need Help. Select this.
On the page that says Help adding a network, select Enter it manually
Enter the activation code found in the QR code email we sent you
Select Continue
You’ll be asked if you want to use 3UK. Select Activate.
You’ll then be asked to enter the confirmation code that we sent in a separate email. Enter this, and select Continue.
Once completed, it will say 3UK is active. Select Done.
Once your plan has been added, you’ll be taken back to the Settings menu and will see that your Three plan is now active.
When you opt for eSIM, we'll send you two emails. The first will have the QR (Quick Response) code for you to scan to set up your eSIM, and the second will have a confirmation code. You’ll be prompted to input the confirmation code after you scan the QR code. Scanning the QR code using your phone camera will download your eSIM profile to your device.
Please ensure you gave us the correct email address. The QR code and confirmation code will go to the email address you provided. If we have the correct email address, the emails may have gone to your junk, spam or promotions folder. Please check there. If you still can't find the emails, call us on 337.
No, the QR code is single use only. Once you’ve downloaded your eSIM profile to your phone, the QR code will no longer work.
Yes. You can do this by calling us on 337 from your Three Business phone, or logging in to your online account.