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eSIM

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is an embedded SIM, electronic alternative to a physical sim card that connects your mobile phone or tablet to a mobile network allowing you to make calls, send texts and use the internet.

The setup is fast and incredibly easy, allowing you to connect to the Lyca Mobile UK network instantly. While not every handset supports eSIM, the technology is fast becoming the industry standard. Unlike existing SIM cards, an eSIM is a specific piece of code embedded into the device itself and cannot be removed and put in another phone or tablet. Its unique to you.

If your device is eSIM compatible (view tool below), you unlock flexibility. You can manage multiple SIM profiles at once, which is great for organising a different phone number for work or for travelling abroad without swapping a physical SIM card.

Our Top eSIM Card Deals

Compare Lyca Mobile Plans with Other UK Mobile Networks

Compare data allowance, monthly prices, contract flexibility, EU roaming and international calling to see how Lyca Mobile pay as you go plans compare against other leading UK networks.

  FeatureLyca Mobile   Giffgaff
 
  Data30GB30GB40GB40GB20GB
  Monthly cost£5.00*£15£10£12£27
UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
30-day30-day30-dayPAYG / contract options30-day
  EU roaming (Data Cap)✓ 12GB       ✓ 5GB                 ✓ 12GB            ✓ 6GB X No
  China Roaming (Data cap)✓ 500MB X No X No X No X No
  International calling included
 
✓ 100 Minutes 
(48 countries)
 X No X No X No X No
  Wi-Fi Calling✓ Yes✓ Yes✓ Yes✓ Yes✓ Yes
  Credit checkX No X No X No X No X No
     

* 50% off for the 1st month - Original Price £10

Note: This SIM-only deals comparison table is correct as of 9th September 2026 (6:00pm) and based on published information on all network websites

Check your device compatibility with eSIM

The easiest way to check if your device is compatible is to dial *#06#. If you're shown an EID (eSIM unique identification number) your device is compatible. For quick reference, you can also view our full list of eSIM-compatible devices below.

iPhone AiriPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone 17 ProiPhone 17
iPhone 16eiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16iPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15iPhone 14 Pro MaxiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14iPhone SE 3 (2022)iPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 MiniiPhone 13iPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 12iPhone SE 2 (2020)iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 ProiPhone 11iPhone XS MaxiPhone XS
iPhone XRApple Watch Ultra 2Apple iPad Air 3rd, 4th, 5th GenerationApple iPad 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Generation
Apple iPad Air 11Apple iPad Air 13Apple iPad mini 5th, 6th Generation Apple Watch Ultra
Apple iPad Pro 13Apple Watch 10Apple iPad Pro 12.9Apple Watch Series 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th 10th Generation
Apple iPad Pro 11Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation  
Galaxy A35 5GGalaxy Note20 Ultra 5GGalaxy S22 ULTRASamsung Galaxy S25+Galaxy Tab S9 Fe PlusGalaxy Z Flip
Galaxy A54 5GGalaxy S20Galaxy S22+Samsung Galaxy S25 EdgeGalaxy Tab S9 FE+Galaxy Z Flip 5G
Galaxy A55 5gGalaxy S20 5GGalaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S25Galaxy Tab S9 PlusGalaxy Z Flip3 5G
Galaxy Flip4Galaxy S20 UltraGalaxy S23 FESamsung Galaxy S25 FEGalaxy Tab S9 Ultra 5GGalaxy Z FLIP4
Galaxy Flip3Galaxy S20 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 ULTRASamsung Galaxy Z Fold7Galaxy WatchGalaxy Z Flip4 5G
Galaxy Flip5Galaxy S20 Ultra LTEGalaxy S23+Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7Galaxy Watch Active2Galaxy Z Flip5
Galaxy FoldGalaxy S20+Galaxy S23FESamsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FEGalaxy Watch FEGalaxy Z Flip6
Galaxy Fold4Galaxy S20+ 5GGalaxy S24Galaxy Tab Active5 5GGalaxy Watch2Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
Galaxy Note 20 5GGalaxy S21Galaxy S24 FEGalaxy Tab S10 PlusGalaxy Watch3Galaxy Z Fold2 LTE
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5GGalaxy S21 5GGalaxy S24 ULTRAGalaxy Tab S10 Ultra 5GGalaxy Watch4Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Galaxy Note20Galaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S24+Galaxy Tab S9Galaxy Watch5Galaxy Z Fold4
Galaxy Note20 5GGalaxy S21+ 5GGalaxy S24FEGalaxy Tab S9 FEGalaxy Watch5 ProGalaxy Z Fold5
Galaxy Note20 UltraGalaxy S22Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraGalaxy Tab S9 FE 5GGalaxy Watch6Galaxy Z Fold6
PIXELHUAWEIOPPOMOTOROLAXIAOMISONYOnePlusNOKIAVIVO
Pixel 3HUAWEI Mate 40 ProOPPO Find X5 Promoto g54 5GXiaomi Note 13 Pro 5GSony Xperia 10 III LiteOnePlus 11Nokia XR21vivo X90 Pro
Pixel 3 XLHUAWEI P40OPPO Find X5motorola edge 40 neoXiaomi Note 13 Pro+ 5GSony Xperia 10 IVOnePlus 12Nokia X30vivo V29
Pixel 3aHUAWEI P40 ProOPPO A55s 5Gmotorola edge 50 ultraXiaomi Note 14 Pro+ 5GSony Xperia 10 VOnePlus 13Nokia G60 5Gvivo X100 Pro
Pixel 3a XLHUAWEI Pura 70 ProOPPO Find N2 Flipmotorola razr 2023Xiaomi 12T ProSony Xperia 1 IVOnePlus Open vivo X80 Pro
Pixel 3XL OPPO Find N3motorola razr 2024Xiaomi 13Sony Xperia 5 IV  vivo V29 Lite 5G
Pixel 4 OPPO Find N3 Flipmotorola edge 50 fusionXiaomi 13 ProSony Xperia 5 V  vivo V40
Pixel 4 XL OPPO Reno 9Amoto g53 5GXiaomi 13TSony Xperia Ace III  vivo V40 Lite
Pixel 4a OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5Gmotorola razr+Xiaomi 13T ProSony Xperia 1 VI  vivo V40 SE 5G
Pixel 4a (5G) OPPO Reno 5Amoto g84 5GXiaomi 14    
Pixel 5 OPPO Find X3moto g34 5GXiaomi 14 Pro    
Pixel 5a OPPO Find X3 ProCancun5G23Xiaomi 14T    
Pixel 6  motorola razr 50 ultraXiaomi 14T Pro    
Pixel 6 Pro  motorola edge 40Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro    
Pixel 6a        
Pixel 7        
Pixel 7 Pro        
Pixel 7a        
Pixel 8        
Pixel 8 Pro        
Pixel 8a        
Pixel 9        
Pixel 9 Pro        
Pixel 9 Pro Fold        
Pixel 9 Pro XL        
Pixel Fold        
SharpZTEHONORFairphoneOUKITEL
Sharp AQUOS sense8ZTE Nubia FlipHonor Magic 4 ProFairphone 5 5GOUKITEL WP30 Pro
Sharp AQUOS wishDoogee V30Honor Magic 5 ProFairphone 4OUKITEL WP33 Pro
Sharp AQUOS wish2Rakuten HandHonor Magic 6 ProV30 
Sharp AQUOS 06Rakuten BigHonor Magic V2  
Sharp Sharp AQUOS R7Rakuten Big SHonor Magic V3  
Sharp Sharp AQUOS R8Rakuten Hand 5GHonor 90  
Sharp AQUOS wish3Rakuten MiniHonor X8  
Sharp Sharp AQUOS R8 Pro Honor 200  
Sharp AQUOS sense7 Plus Honor 200 Pro  
Sharp AQUOS sense7    
Sharp AQUOS sense4 lite    
Sharp AQUOS sense6    
Sharp AQUOS zero6    
Sharp AQUOS sense6s    

Get your eSIM UK with 3 easy steps

Get your eSIM in minutes by following our 3 easy step process with the option of keeping your number. Your Lyca Mobile eSIM must be activated in the United Kingdom unless specified in the terms and conditions. Once your eSIM is activated, you can use it internationally according to your mobile plan.

eSIM Compatibility Devices

Check compatibility

Check and verify if your device is compatible with an eSIM. 

Check compatibility tool above.

eSIM Compatibility Devices

Buy a SIM only plan

Choose a SIM (eSIM or Physical SIM) only plan that suits you.

View Pay as you go plans

View Pay monthly plans

eSIM Compatibility Devices

Activate eSIM

Scan the QR code you received in your order confirmation email and follow the step-by-step instructions on your device.

eSIM activation guide.

eSIM Compatibility Devices

Keep your number

Transfer your existing mobile number to Lyca Mobile, quickly and effortlessly.

How to switch to Lyca Mobile Guide

Installing your eSIM

Simply scan the eSIM QR code from your order confirmation email, and then follow the step-by-step instructions on your device to install and activate your eSIM card.

For device-specific instructions, view our eSIM activation guide.

Download My Lyca Mobile 

 

Quickly view your credit balance, usage details, bills and more       
Stay ahead with early access to our latest offers and exclusive discounts       
Get convenient reminders to recharge and renew your plan

Download iOS APP      Download Android APP

Using your UK eSIM

  • Travelling with Lyca Mobile UK: Our eSIM plans are ready for travel and features a generous EU roaming allowance (up to 35GB).
  • Affordable International Calling: Connect with friends and family across the world without the high costs. Our great value eSIM deals include international calling minutes as standard.

  • Dual SIM functionality: Easily manage multiple phone numbers without needing a second device.

Upgrade to eSIM this offer is for Existing customer

Benefits of eSIM

 

eSIM speed and convenience

Speed and Convenience

Activate your eSIM instantly. No need for physical SIM cards and waiting for them to arrive.

eSIM dual sim advantage

Flexibility (Dual SIM Advantage)

You can switch between different numbers and network providers. Perfect for personal work and travel use.

eSIM security

Better Security

eSIMs provide enhanced security as they cannot be easily cloned or physically swapped.

What Our Customers Say

FAQs

Yes! We offer Pay As You Go (prepaid) SIM only deals to our customers, as long as their devices are compatible with the eSIM technology. We also offer eSIM deals with our Pay Monthly SIM only plans. 

 

View our full eSIM FAQs and support guide for more information.

The eSIM QR Code is a digital representation of your electronic SIM card (eSIM) that contains essential information required to activate and configure your eSIM on a compatible device. It serves as a convenient and secure method for provisioning your mobile connectivity, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.

Here's what the eSIM QR Code typically includes:

  1. Activation Information: The QR Code contains details about your mobile plan, carrier, and other necessary activation information.

  2. Network Credentials: It holds network credentials required for your device to connect to the carrier's network.

  3. Profile Settings: The QR Code may include specific device settings to ensure seamless connectivity and compatibility.

To use the Lyca Mobile eSIM QR Code received by order confirmation email, simply scan it with your device's camera, following the instructions. Once scanned, your device will be ready to use with the eSIM. You will receive SMS with details of Mobile number / (MSISDN) assigned.

Here are the steps to activate your eSIM:

  1. After ordering your eSIM online with bundle plan via Lyca Mobile, you will receive a confirmation email
  2. The email will contain a QR code for activating your eSIM
  3. Depending on your phone model (iOS, Android, Samsung Smartphone, Huawei etc.), follow the instructions below to successfully activate your eSIM

A. iPhone
You’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, point the camera at the QR code, and follow the prompts. If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below steps:

  1. Connect to Wi-fi
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Mobile data
  4. Add eSIM (Clicking on it will open the QR code scanner)
  5. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile

B. Samsung Smartphone  
You’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts. If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below mentioned steps:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi
  2. Open Settings
  3. Select Connections
  4. Select SIM card manager
  5. Select Add mobile plan
  6. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile

C. Google Smartphone 
You’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts.

If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below mentioned steps:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Choose Network & Internet.
  4. Select the plus sign (+) next to Mobile network.
  5. Select Download a SIM instead.
  6. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile.

D. Huawei 
You’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts. If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below mentioned steps:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings and look for Mobile Network.
  3. Choose SIM Management.
  4. Add eSIM.
  5. Select Type - eSIM
  6. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile.

Your Lyca Mobile eSIM must be activated in the UK. Once your eSIM is activated in the UK, you can use it internationally according to your mobile plan.

Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM with Lyca Mobile is easy. Here are the steps to follow:

 

Step 1: Start by logging in to your Lyca Mobile account on their website.

Step 2: Click on the "SIM Management" tab within your account. 

Step 3: In the SIM Management section, look for the "SIM Swap" tab and select the option for "Swap Physical SIM to eSIM". 

Step 4: Place an Order for eSIM

  1. On the SIM Swap page, place an order for an eSIM.

  2. Upon successful order placement, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. The QR code will also be displayed on your screen.

  3. This QR code will contain essential eSIM information.

Step 5: Use your device's camera to scan the QR code received via email or displayed on your screen. This will install the eSIM on your phone. 

Step 6: In the given space, enter the details of your physical SIM, including the MSISDN (mobile number) and ICCID. Submit these details for validation. 

Step 7: Enter eSIM Details

  1. After successful validation of your physical SIM, enter the details of your eSIM, including the eSIM mobile number and ICCID.

  2. Confirm the swap from the physical SIM to the eSIM, ensuring that your original mobile number is mapped to the eSIM. 

Step 8: Once you confirm the swap, your original mobile number will be mapped to the eSIM. Any balance or account details from your physical SIM will be carried forward to the eSIM. 

Once you have switched from your old physical SIM to new eSIM, wait for the activation message for your top pay monthly SIM only deals. 

Facing problems in making the transition from physical SIM to eSIM? Connect with our chatbot for faster query resolution or contact our Customer Support team.

If you've accidentally deleted your eSIM from your phone, don't worry; you can typically re-add it using the following steps:

1. Contact Support

Reach out to Lyca Mobile customer support via LIA Chat or calling the support team. They can help you re-provision or re-add the eSIM to your device. They will provide you with the necessary information and instructions to do this.

2. Access eSIM Settings 

On your phone, navigate to the SIM card settings. The location of these settings may vary depending on your device and operating system (iOS or Android).

3. Scan QR Code

If you have a backup of the eSIM QR code or have received a new one after raising a request to customer support, you can use it to scan and re-add the eSIM. Once you have the required information, follow the on-screen instructions to re-add the eSIM to your device.

Note: Remember to back up your eSIM information (ICCID) and QR code in a secure place to prevent any future accidental deletions.