Using an eSIM with an iOS Device

Like a traditional SIM card, an eSIM stores the data your device needs to use the EE network. eSIM means an embedded SIM, but unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM is built into your device.

It also enables multiple calling lines on a device that you can switch between. For example, one for work and one for personal use. It’s also secure - no one can remove the eSIM if your device is lost or stolen.

If you're new to EE and have ordered an eSIM with your new device directly from us, you’ll either:

If you've ordered an eSIM for a SIM only plan with us, you'll be able to download your eSIM by logging in to EE. Simply follow the instructions in your confirmation email. If you’re using the EE app, make sure you're using the latest version.

If upgrading to a newer iPhone, you can convert your physical SIM to an eSIM or transfer your eSIM using SIM Transfer as part of the Quick Start set-up on your new iOS Device. The old and new devices must be on iOS 15.4 or above.

Using Apple Quick Start

If you're a current EE customer and are switching to an iOS device from any other device and would like to use an eSIM. You can:

There are a few ways to get up and running with an eSIM. You'll need an internet connection to get set up.

If you bought your new device from ee.co.uk and selected eSIM, turn on your new device and follow the on-screen prompts as part of set-up to download your eSIM.

If you’ve been sent an eSIM pack (this contains a paper QR code), scan it and the information stored in it will allow us to add the eSIM to your device safely and securely.

To set up your eSIM with an eSIM Pack:

If you’ve ordered an eSIM for a SIM only plan with us, you can download it by logging in to EE. Follow the instructions in your confirmation email.

If you’re using the EE app, make sure you’re using the latest version and update it if not.

As part of the set up you'll be given the option to assign a name to each line and also choose what lines are used by default for data and calls and voice messages. These can be easily changed later if you change your mind by going to Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line / Mobile Data.

Dual SIM means that there are two SIM slots within the device - a physical SIM card and an eSIM.

With a Dual SIM device you can:

All iPhone models from the 2018 XS onwards (11, 12, SE, 13, 14, 15 etc).

All iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12 & SE Models are compatible with eSIM. 

The iPad Pro 3rd generation or later, iPad mini 5th generation or later, iPad Air 3rd generation or later, and iPad 7th generation or later are all eSIM compatible.

The iPad Pro (M4) 13-inch and 11-inch and iPad Air (M2) 13-inch and 11-inch models are eSIM Only.

eSIM is currently only available to EE Pay Monthly customers.

If you've ordered an eSIM for a SIM Only plan with us, you can download it by logging in to EE. Follow the instructions in your confirmation email. If you're using the EE app, make sure you're using the latest version.

Or you can order a replacement SIM:

Yes, to activate an eSIM on iPhone you will need a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

Note, if you have an eSIM only iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro model and you don’t have a Wi-Fi network, Apple has a new solution to activate your eSIM. During the Set Up process, you can choose to continue without Wi-Fi. This allows you to setup your new eSIM without Wi-Fi — at no cost to you.

Your devices lock status is not impacted by the use of an eSIM. For information about EE lock policy, please visit EE Device Unlocking.

If you bought an unlocked eSIM only iOS device, you can activate it on the EE network by taking out a SIM Only plan by selecting an eSIM as part of our Best SIM Only Deals and Pay Monthly SIM Contracts.

If your iOS with an active eSIM, is lost or stolen, it’s important to contact us and report it immediately. For more information visit Lost or stolen mobile phone.

If you delete your eSIM, this does not cancel your plan. You'll need to order a replacement eSIM.

No worries, you can manually add the information contained within the QR code if it's damaged. When the Scan QR Code screen is open when you select Add Data Plan there is an option to Enter Details Manually.

To get your unique Activation Code and the address to input, log in to EE. If you have an eSIM Pack, the code will be on the pack

Please note: You'll also see a Confirmation Code field - this is not required and should be left blank.

Yes, you can use your eSIM in the same way you would a physical SIM. You can check what is included or any roaming charges by visiting our roaming calculator.

Always check before you travel.

Initially, all your contacts will be assigned to the line you chose as your default voice line during set up. If you want to change this, there is an indicator within each contact that gives you the option to change which line you use for that contact.

If you're just entering a phone number straight into the dialler, you'll be able to select which line you call that number from in the options on screen.

For incoming calls, there is an indicator to show which line you're receiving the call on. The indicator is the first letter of the name you assigned to each line - for example, if your labels are called Personal and Business, the call indicator would be a P or a B.

Yes, with iOS 13 and later, both lines can be used for iMessage and Facetime. This can be managed in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.

If you're taking a call on the line that's not the same as your default data line then data won't work unless you turn on Mobile Data Switching.

This can be accessed through Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Switching and will automatically switch lines for mobile data when you're on a call.

Or, follow the steps in our Device Guide online.