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  • How Does an eSIM work & Benefit You | Your Co-op Mobile

eSIMs & how they work

two friends using their mobile on holiday

How Do eSIMs Work?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone or device as a tiny chip with no removable tray. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you activate the service by scanning a QR code, downloading an eSIM straight from your network provider, or entering activation details in your settings. This instantly downloads your new plan onto the eSIM chip without visiting a store or having anything physical delivered.

eSIMs authenticate with cell towers the same way regular SIMs do but offer much more flexibility. Most smartphones allow you to switch network providers in minutes, store multiple phone plans on one device (personal and work numbers), and quickly add local data plans when traveling to avoid roaming fees. The entire process is digital - no physical cards to swap or lose.

Is my phone eSIM compatible?

eSIM vs Physical SIM Cards


3x7 Table

Physical SIMeSIM
ActivationRequires manual insertion into your device.Activates digitally, typically by scanning a QR code or through an app or entering details.
CompatibilityYour device needs a SIM tray to work, making it compatible with older devices that may not support eSIM.Works with most modern devices.
FlexibilityGenerally tied to one network provider, meaning you'll need a new SIM card if you want to switch providers.Allows you to switch between network providers without needing to physically replace the SIM card.

young couple on holiday taking a picture with their phone

eSIMs Create Greater Convenience

An eSIM is a digital SIM card, meaning there's no physical card to insert into your phone or device. This new technology is making it much more convenient to switch networks and stay connected while you're on the go.

Just like a traditional SIM, an eSIM links your phone to your mobile network for calls, texts, and data. The big difference is you don't have to fuss with tiny physical cards; you simply download it or use a QR code or code to activate your eSIM.

The Benefits of Using an eSIM

Space Saving Design icon

Space Saving Design

Allows phone manufacturers to make devices thinner or use the extra space for larger batteries and additional features.

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Faster Phone Setup

New device setup is quicker since you can transfer your phone service digitally rather than physically moving SIM cards between phones.

No Physical Card to Lose icon

No Physical Card to Lose

Eliminates the risk of losing, damaging, or misplacing tiny SIM cards during phone upgrades or travel.

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Quicker Activation

No waiting for physical SIM cards to arrive in the post or visiting network provider stores.

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Travel Convenience

Quickly add travel eSIM data plans when traveling abroad to get the best value for data without swapping physical cards. Explore Travel eSIM deals.

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Multiple Phone Numbers

Store several phone plans on one device, allowing you to have separate personal and business numbers or multiple carriers simultaneously. Subject to your smartphone’s eSIM capacity.

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Easy Switching

Switch between network providers digitally within minutes without needing to obtain and insert new physical SIM cards.

Co-op Travel eSIM

Co-op Travel eSIM has now launched and ready to connect you in over 200 countries around the world from just £2.50. Take away the stress of no signal and costly roaming charges while navigating new cities, sharing snaps and chatting to friends and family at home.

Simply download the Co-op Travel eSIM app, select your plan for your destination and it’ll activate as soon as you arrive.