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eSIM support

Here’s all the information you need to know about eSIMs and eSIM technology. 

Need help with a SIM? Check our SIM support page. 

What are eSIMs?

  • eSIMs are virtual SIMs installed on your device – there’s no need to use a physical SIM card
  • They’re quick and easy to set up and connect to our network instantly
  • Most of the latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops all support eSIM technology
  • Like all our SIMs, eSIMs support 5G – all you need is a 5G Ready device

Why choose an eSIM?

Faster set up

You don’t have to wait for a SIM card to arrive. And setting up your new phone is a breeze. Win win. 

Dual SIM

Need 2 numbers on 1 phone? Use 2 eSIMs or an eSIM and a physical SIM together. Perfect for business or travel.  

A greener choice

No physical SIM card means no plastic, postage, or packaging. Perfect. 

How to get an eSIM

You can get an eSIM with any of our Three Your Way plans. Just choose a SIM Only plan or an eSIM compatible phone, tablet, or smartwatch.

Already with us and have an eSIM compatible phone? You can change your physical SIM to an eSIM in your device settings. You can also request a new eSIM using My3 or the Three app:

My3

  1. Log into My3
  2. Go to Plan
  3. Select Get a replacement SIM and follow the on-screen instructions. 

Three app 

  1. Log into the Three app 
  2. Go to Account
  3. Select Help
  4. Then SIM support
  5. Then select Get a replacement SIM and follow the on-screen instructions

How to activate your eSIM

If you’re new to Three or have taken out a new line with us, you can activate your eSIM right away by:

  • Scanning a QR with your new device and entering the confirmation code we’ve emailed you
  • Or, if you have an iPhone, you can use seamless eSIM activation. Simply switch your device on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen steps. 

Important: Your QR code and confirmation code will be sent in separate emails and can only be used once. If you don’t get your email with either code and it’s not in your junk or spam mail folder, please contact us.

  1. Turn on your device
  2. Switch on Wi-Fi
  3. Follow the on-screen steps

Find out more about Seamless eSIM activation.

After you’ve followed these steps, your eSIM will activate immediately. In some cases, they can take up to 7 hours to activate. If you’ve been waiting longer than that, please get in touch with us.

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi
  2. Open Device Settings
  3. Select Connections
  4. Select SIM Card Manager
  5. Select Add Mobile Plan
  6. Select Scan Carrier QR code
  7. Scan the QR code we sent by email
  8. Enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email

After you’ve followed these steps, your eSIM will activate immediately. In some cases, they can take up to 7 hours to activate. If you’ve been waiting longer than that, please get in touch with us.

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi
  2. Open Device Settings
  3. Select Network and Internet
  4. Select Mobile Network
  5. Select Download a SIM Instead
  6. Scan the QR code we sent by email
  7. Enter the confirmation code we sent in a separate email

After you’ve followed these steps, your eSIM will activate immediately. In some cases, they can take up to 7 hours to activate. If you’ve been waiting longer than that, please get in touch with us.

How to transfer a SIM or eSIM to a new iPhone 

Whether you already have an eSIM or not, eSIM Quick Transfer makes bringing your number to a new phone easier than ever.

Please note: eSIM Quick Transfer is only available on iPhones. 

When setting up a new iPhone

  1. Ensure your current iPhone is up to date, powered on, has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, and is connected to Wi-Fi. Please note: using a personal hotspot may cause issues. 
  2. Place your current iPhone next to your new one
  3. Your new iPhone will ask you to select your language and country, then Quick Start will appear 
  4. Follow the instructions on your new iPhone to complete your eSIM transfer

If you’ve already set up your iPhone

Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM to an eSIM on a new iPhone

  1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service > Set Up Mobile Service 
  2. Choose a mobile data plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don’t see a list of numbers, tap Transfer from Nearby iPhone. This requires both devices to have iOS 18 or later
  3. Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. To confirm, tap Transfer. If asked for a verification code, enter the code that’s displayed on your new iPhone
  4. Tap Set Up eSIM on your new iPhone, then select Transfer from Another iPhone
  5. Wait for the mobile plan to be activated on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your new iPhone is activated 
  6. Log into My3 to complete the transfer if prompted. If you need some help, get in touch with us

Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings then Mobile Service
  2. Tap Convert to eSIM
  3. A confirmation box will appear. Tap Convert to eSIM to continue or Cancel to return
  4. Wait for your eSIM to activated
  5. Double-click on the side button to confirm your eSIM conversion
  6. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone is activated
  7. Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone, then restart