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What is an eSIM? How to Set Up, Swap between Phones & More

An embedded SIM (eSIM) is a digital version of a SIM card with no physical card to put in your mobile phone or device. They're changing how we connect with more convenience when switching and on the go.

Just like a normal SIM card, eSIMs connect your mobile phone to your mobile network carrier for calling, texting, and using data. You no longer need to try to place a fiddly SIM card in the holder slot for your phone to operate; you just need a code to enable your eSIM.

Explore a range of eSIM bundles.

young woman using her mobile outdoors

How Do I Set Up an eSIM?

1. You will need Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection to download your eSIM.

2. To install an eSIM profile onto your device, you can either:
  • Use another device to display the QR code. You then need to scan the QR via the eSIM setup wizard on your device to download the eSIM profile
  • The activation code can be entered manually (or copy and pasted) into the device’s eSIM setup wizard
3. We will send you both the QR code and activation code in the same email once we have processed your order.

This is how a Your Co-op eSIM is set up with our award-winning customer service, however, the exact method may vary between different mobile providers.

  • apple icon iPhone
  • Android icon Android

How to Activate an eSIM on an iPhone

Use a QR Code supplied by your eSIM provider
  • Open the Camera app and scan the QR code provided by your carrier. If you're using iOS 17.4 or later and receive the QR code in an email or from a network provider webpage, touch and hold the QR code, then tap "Add eSIM".
  • Tap "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM.

How to Transfer an eSIM from an iPhone to an iPhone

  • Make sure both iPhones have the latest iOS version and are within a few metres of each other.
  • Click Settings > Cellular and select "Add Cellular Plan".
  • Your old iPhone will receive a prompt to transfer the eSIM. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to Set Up an eSIM on an Android Phone

  • Open the Settings menu on your phone.
  • Tap on the "Network & Internet" or "Connections" area.
  • Select "Mobile network" or "SIM card manager".
  • Look for the option to add, which may be labelled "Add mobile plan" or something similar.
  • You'll then be prompted to choose between scanning a QR code or entering an activation code.
  • Scan the QR code (if applicable): If your carrier or eSIM provider sent you a QR code, use your phone's camera to scan it.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to download and activate the eSIM.
  • Alternatively, enter activation code (if applicable): If you don't have a QR code, you may need to enter an activation code provided by your carrier.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM.
  • Once the eSIM is downloaded, you may need to toggle it on or select it as the default SIM card for mobile data, calls, and messages.

How to Transfer an eSIM from an Android to an Android Phone

  • Request a new QR Code from your mobile network carrier to make the transfer.
  • This QR code is specific to your new phone and will be used to activate the eSIM.
  • On your new Android phone, head to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (or Mobile Network).
  • Select "Add eSIM" or "Download eSIM".
  • Choose the option to scan a QR code.
  • Scan the new QR code provided by your carrier using your new phone's camera.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the eSIM.
  • Your old phone or carrier may prompt you with instructions to deactivate the eSIM to ensure your new phone has a smooth and immediate transfer.

How does an eSIM work?

A digital SIM chip is built into a device (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.) that replaces the need for a physical SIM card to connect. Here’s how it works in reality and technically:
  • Built-in chip: The eSIM is pre-installed in the device and stores carrier profiles electronically, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.
  • Activation: Users scan a QR code or enter details provided by their carrier to download and activate the eSIM profile directly on their device.
  • Dual SIM support: Compatible devices can simultaneously use an eSIM and a physical SIM, allowing two numbers or plans on your device (e.g. for travel or business).
Hardware
  • The eSIM is a software-based profile stored on an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) chip, soldered onto the device’s motherboard during manufacturing. It adheres to the ISO/IEC 7816 electrical interface standard but in a smaller form factor (6 mm × 5 mm).
  • Unlike removable SIMs, eUICC chips are reprogrammable, allowing multiple carrier profiles to be stored and switched remotely.

Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP)
  • Enabled by GSMA standards, RSP lets users download carrier profiles over the air (OTA) without physical SIM swaps. Profiles include a unique ICCID and authentication keys, just like traditional SIMs.
  • For consumer devices (e.g., smartphones), activation typically involves scanning a QR code or entering carrier details manually. IoT/M2M devices automate this via backend systems like SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation.

man using his phone at the beach on holiday

Can I use an eSIM on Holiday?

Yes, you can use an eSIM while travelling abroad or on holiday if your data plan includes roaming as a paid add-on, or with a free allowance. This makes them a really convenient option that can serve you at home or while away just as easily.

At Your Co-op Mobile, we provide free, complementary EU roaming worth 25% of your monthly data allowance as a thank you for connecting with us. So, you can stay in touch with home on the fastest network across over 49 destinations abroad.

See our eSIM & SIM plans

Which Phones can use an eSIM?

Fairphone

  • Fairphone 4
  • Fairphone 5

iPhone

  • iPhone 16e
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16 Pro
  • iPhone 16 Plus
  • iPhone 16
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max (dual eSIM)
  • iPhone 13 Pro (dual eSIM)
  • iPhone 13 (dual eSIM)
  • iPhone 13 mini (dual eSIM)
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone SE 2020
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XS

iPad

  • iPad Air (M3) 11-inch
  • iPad Air (M3) 13-inch
  • iPad (A16) 11-inch
  • iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
  • iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
  • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
  • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) with Nano-texture glass
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (4th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 11 inch (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 11 inch (2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 11 inch (1st generation)
  • iPad 10.2-inch (9th generation)
  • iPad Air (4th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation) (2019)
  • iPad mini (A17 Pro)
  • iPad mini (5th generation) (2019)
  • iPad (8th generation)
  • iPad (7th generation)

Samsung

  • Galaxy S25 Ultra
  • Galaxy S25+
  • Galaxy S25
  • Galaxy S24 Ultra
  • Galaxy S24+
  • Galaxy S24
  • Galaxy Z Flip5
  • Galaxy Z Fold5
  • Galaxy Z Flip6
  • Galaxy Z Fold6
  • Galaxy A55 5G
  • Galaxy A35 5G
  • Galaxy A54 5G
  • Galaxy XCover7
  • Galaxy Fold 5G
  • Galaxy Note 20 5G
  • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S20
  • Galaxy S20 5G
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S21 5G
  • Galaxy S21+ 5G
  • Galaxy S22 5G
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra
  • Galaxy S22+
  • Galaxy S23 5G
  • Galaxy Z Flip
  • Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
  • Galaxy Z Flip4 5G
  • Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
  • Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
  • Galaxy Z Fold4
  • Galaxy Z Fold5

Google

  • Pixel 9 Pro Fold
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • Pixel 9 Pro
  • Pixel 9
  • Pixel 8a
  • Pixel 8 Pro
  • Pixel 8
  • Pixel Fold
  • Pixel 7a
  • Pixel 7 Pro
  • Pixel 7
  • Pixel 6
  • Pixel 6a
  • Pixel 6a Pro
  • Pixel 5
  • Pixel 4 XL
  • Pixel 4a
  • Pixel 4
  • Pixel 3a XL
  • Pixel 3a
  • Pixel 3 XL
  • Pixel 3
  • Pixel Watch
  • Pixel Watch 3

HONOR

  • Magic4 Pro 5G
  • Magic5 Pro

Motorola

  • Moto g34
  • Edge 50 Pro
  • Razr 50 Ultra

OPPO

  • Find X3 Pro
  • Find X5 Pro
  • Find X5
  • Find N2 Flip 5G

Sony

  • Xperia 10 IV

Xiaomi

  • Mi 12T Pro

Nokia

  • G60 5G