SETTING UP YOUR eSIM
What’s an eSIM?
Like a traditional SIM card, an eSIM contains the data needed to let your device use the EE network.
An eSIM is a virtual SIM that’s embedded in your eSIM device. So, instead of inserting a SIM into your phone like you used to, you to download it instead.
Which devices can I use an eSIM with?
Most newer iPhone models, Google devices, and Samsung devices are eSIM compatible, check here to see if your device is eSIM compatible.
eSIM compatible devices are dual SIM, so you can use either an eSIM or a traditional SIM with them.
How do I get an eSIM?
If you’ve ordered a new eSIM phone from us, we’ll send you an eSIM with a scannable QR code with your new device.
If you’ve already got an eSIM device and you’re upgrading, you’ll need a new or replacement eSIM. Here’s how to get one:
SME Customers
- Buy one from EE Business webstore.
- Use the EE app or log in to My EE.
- Head to your nearest EE store.
- Call 150 from your EE phone or 0800 956 6000 from any other line.
Corporate Customers
- Contact your Mobile manager administrator.
How do I set up an eSIM?
You’ll need to be connected to the internet to set up your eSIM.
If you’ve received a QR code, scan it with your device — it contains all the information needed to add your eSIM to your device.
eSIM set up instructions vary slightly from device to device so choose your device manufacturer from the tabs at the top of this page to see what you need to do.
Can I move an existing line from a physical SIM to an eSIM?
Yes, if you already have a line with us, you can order a replacement eSIM. If you’re a SME customer, the easiest way to do this is via the EE app or by logging in to My EE.
What do I do if my eSIM is lost, stolen, or deleted?
If you’ve lost your eSIM device, it’s been stolen, or you’ve accidentally deleted your eSIM, you’ll need to order a replacement eSIM.
Just follow the instructions above under How do I get an eSIM?
When you get your new eSIM you’ll need to call 150 to complete the SIM swap and then follow the eSIM set up for your device.
If you’re a corporate customer, please contact your mobile manager administrator or call 158.
Setting up an eSIM with your iPhone
If you have the latest iOS software on your phone, the QR should scan itself directly from the camera. Just ensure you’re connected to WiFi, scan the QR code with your camera and follow the on-screen instructions so that the eSIM can be added to your phone safely and securely.
Here’s what to do if you need to add the information using the settings menu:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data.
- Select Add Data Plan.
- Scan the eSIM QR code with your camera.
- When it’s recognised, confirm by pressing Add Data Plan.
You have the option of assigning a name to each line and choosing which lines are the default ones for data and for calls and messages. These can easily be changed later by going to Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line / Mobile Data.
Ordered a SIM plan from us?
If you’ve ordered a SIM only plan from us, you can download your eSIM from the EE app. Just follow the instructions in your confirmation email.
What if my eSIM QR code or iPhone camera is damaged?
Don’t worry, you can still manually add the information contained within the QR code. When the Scan QR Code screen is open when you select Add Data Plan, you’ll see an option to Enter Details Manually. There are two fields to fill in:
- SM-DP+ Address: enter ee.pr.go-esim.com.
- Activation Code: unique to each eSIM pack this is just below the set-up instructions.
You’ll also see a Confirmation Code field — this isn’t required so leave it blank.
How do I know which line my calls are on?
To start with 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’s 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 keypad, you can select which line you call that number using the options on the 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. If your labels are called Personal and Business, then the call indicator would be a P or a B.
Can I use iMessage and Facetime on both lines?
Yes, from iOS 13 onwards, both lines can be used for iMessage and Facetime. To manage this, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.
Can I use data when I'm on a call?
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.
You can access this through Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Switching and it will automatically switch lines for mobile data when you're on a call.
How to convert your iPhone SIM card to an eSIM
You can also convert your traditional SIM card to an eSIM, all from the settings menu of your iPhone.
Please note you need to have iOS 17.4 or above along with a Physical SIM card to convert to an eSIM.
To do this, simply:
- Tap on the Settings menu of your iPhone.
- Tap Mobile Service.
- If you have more than one number, under SIMs, tap the number you want to convert.
- Next, tap Convert to eSIM.
- Then follow the steps shown on your iPhone to complete the setup.
It may take a few minutes to activate. You’ll receive a notification to let you know when your EE eSIM is active on your phone and ready to use.
Setting up an eSIM on your Samsung
If you have the latest software version, the QR code should scan itself directly from the camera, just ensure you are connected to WiFi, scan the QR code with your camera and follow the on-screen instructions. This allows us to add the eSIM to your phone safely and securely.
You can also go to Settings and follow the on-screen instructions:
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.
- Select Add Mobile Plan.
- Select Scan carrier QR code.
- Take a picture of the QR code on the eSIM pack.
- Confirm by pressing Register > OK.
If this is a second SIM for your phone, you can assign a name and icon for each number on your phone and choose which numbers/plans are used for your data and voice messages.
Ordered a SIM plan from us?
If you’ve ordered a SIM only plan from us, you can download your eSIM from the EE app. Just follow the instructions in your confirmation email.
Can't scan the QR code?
Don’t worry, if you can't scan it, you can manually add the information contained. Open the camera to scan the carrier QR code and select Enter Activation Code.
The activation code is a single sequence of these two components:
- LPA:1$ee.pr.go-esim.com$
- The unique 32-digit activation code on your eSIM pack
If your activation code is ABCDEF1234567890ABCDEF1234567890, then you’d enter:
- LPA:1$ee.pr.go-esim.com$ABCDEF1234567890ABCDEF1234567890
Setting up your phone if you're using two SIMs
You can set up a Samsung Galaxy Dual SIM device with a combination of:
- Two physical SIMs.
- A physical SIM and an eSIM.
- A MicroSD card and an eSIM/physical SIM (except for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip).
Each SIM will have a different number. If your device is unlocked, you can also:
- Have two SIMs on different networks (for example for a work number).
- Insert a local SIM if you're travelling abroad.
- Managing what number to use for calls, messages, data, voice, and apps.
If you're using two SIMs, you can set up which SIM your phone uses for:
- Making and receiving calls
- Voice features
- Messages
- Data
- Apps
Calls
To choose the lines/numbers that are used for calls, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line / Mobile Data.
Your phone will warn you if you attempt to make a call from the non-preferred SIM.
You can’t have two active calls at the same time, if you’re on the phone and you receive a call to your other number, that incoming call will go through to voicemail. You can set calls to be forwarded from one line to another.
Data, voice, and messages
You can choose what SIMs and phone plans are the default for data, voice, and messages. Just go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.
Messaging apps
With Dual Messenger you can create duplicate applications for messaging applications, like Skype or WhatsApp, for each number. You can find this option in Settings > Advanced features > Dual messenger.
Setting up an eSIM with your Google Pixel
To set up your eSIM you’ll need to be connected to WiFi. If you’ve received QR code, you’ll need to scan it so the eSIM can be added to your phone safely and securely.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > Add more.
- Select Download an eSIM instead.
- Scan the QR code on your eSIM pack with your camera.
- Your eSIM will automatically start downloading when it’s recognised.
Ordered a SIM plan from us?
If you’ve ordered a SIM only plan from us, you can download your eSIM from the EE app. Just follow the instructions in your confirmation email.
Can’t scan the QR code?
Don’t panic. The information contained within the QR code can be added manually if it won’t scan.
When you’ve selected Download an eSIM instead, select Need Help and select the Enter it manually option.
The activation code is a single sequence of two components:
- LPA:1$ee.pr.go-esim.com$
- The unique 32-digit activation code found on your eSIM pack
If your activation code is: ABCDEF1234567890ABCDEF1234567890, you’d enter:
- LPA:1$ee.pr.go-esim.com$ABCDEF1234567890ABCDEF1234567890
How do I switch between SIMs on my Google Pixel?
Easily, on your Google Pixel:
- Go to Settings > Mobile network > Operator.
- Then, just select the SIM you want to use.