Introducing eSIM

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

An eSIM is a digital SIM activated via QR code – replacing a traditional physical SIM and reducing plastic waste.

You use an eSIM just like a physical SIM. But as it’s digital, you don’t have to put it in your phone – it’s already inside it. You just need to activate it via QR code.

Connect to Wi-Fi

On your new phone

Scan your QR code

Using your phone camera or a QR code scanner app

Follow the on-screen steps

To activate your eSIM

What are the benefits of eSIM?

Smiling couple hanging out on rocks during early morning hike in mountains

Reducing plastic waste.

An eSIM has less impact on the environment than a physical SIM, as it produces lower CO₂ emissions. It also reduces plastic waste, as it’s a digital SIM – not a physical SIM. To find out more click here.

You can have multiple numbers on an eSIM-compatible phone. So, for example, you can have a work number and a personal number on the same phone
An eSIM takes up less space within a phone than a physical SIM, meaning the phone manufacturer has more space for other things, like a bigger battery and extra features
An eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM, as it can’t be removed if your phone is lost or stolen

Getting started with your eSIM

It’s easy to get set up, as soon as you receive your eSIM pack, you can scan the QR code and follow the instructions.

Getting started is easy. You just need to follow these steps:

Connect to Wi-Fi
Scan the QR code using your phone camera or a QR code scanner app, and follow the link
Follow the on-screen steps

If you need further support please go to device help.

All done. Depending on your phone, you’ll now either see phone signal bars, or TESCO shown as your network name on-screen

A QR code looks a bit like a barcode, and you need to scan it to use it. You can scan it using your phone camera or a QR code scanner app – this is how you activate your eSIM on your phone.

If you use your phone camera, a link will pop up on your screen. You’ll just need to follow this link, then follow the on-screen steps. If your phone camera doesn’t automatically support QR codes, you can download a QR code scanner app from your phone’s app store, then follow the instructions provided in the app to scan the QR code.

Who can use eSIM?

Get help with your eSIM

Set up support

You can get in touch with us to get a replacement eSIM, or you can pick one up in your local Tesco Mobile phone shop – you’ll be able to keep your number too.

If your QR code appears damaged, you may be able to install your eSIM manually by entering the 64-digit code printed below your QR code if visible and undamaged.

Please be aware, you can use your QR code to activate your eSIM up to 3 times on the same phone (only successful activations count). So, if you’ve used up your 3 activations, or if you’ve got a new phone, you’ll need to get a replacement eSIM.

You can activate your eSIM up to 3 times on the same phone (only successful activations count), so keep hold of your QR code. If you use up your 3 activations, or if you get a new phone, you’ll need to get a replacement eSIM. You can get in touch with us to get a replacement eSIM, or you can pick one up in your local Tesco Mobile phone shop – you’ll be able to keep your number too.

Swapping SIMs

If you need a physical SIM, you can get in touch with us, or you can pick one up in your local Tesco Mobile phone shop. It’ll be a Tri-SIM, which contains all 3 physical SIM sizes. You’ll need to pop out the right sized one and put it in your phone. Then, to activate it, you’ll just need to make a call to any number. Once you’ve done this, follow the steps below:

Using your eSIM, text SWAP to 23424
Follow the on-screen steps (your eSIM's serial number is on the back of the pack)

Replacement eSIMs

Repairs

To uninstall your eSIM please follow the menu options on your phone. If you can’t uninstall your eSIM, please get in touch with us.

You need to make sure you remove all personal data from your phone before sending it in for repair. If you can’t do this because your phone is damaged, please get in touch with us. For more info on what you need to do before sending your phone in for repair, head to our repairs help page.

If you still have your QR code for your eSIM, keep hold of it. If your phone can be repaired, you’ll be able to reactivate your eSIM on it by using your QR code (if you haven’t already used up your 3 activations).

If you’re having trouble reactivating your eSIM on your repaired phone, it could be due to one of these reasons:

You may have already used up your 3 activations
Your QR code may be damaged

In these cases, you’ll need to get a replacement eSIM. You can get in touch with us to get a replacement eSIM, or you can pick one up in your local Tesco Mobile phone shop – you’ll be able to keep your number too.

Another reason why you’re having trouble reactivating your eSIM on your repaired phone could be because you may not have a data connection. If this is the case, make sure you connect to Wi-Fi.

Exchanges, returns, replacement phones and lost/stolen phones

Once you’ve activated your eSIM on your phone, you can’t activate it on a different phone. So, as you’ve got a replacement phone, you also need a replacement eSIM. You may have already been given a replacement eSIM with your replacement phone. If not, you can get in touch with us to get one, or you can pick one up in your local Tesco Mobile phone shop – you’ll be able to keep your number too.

Get in touch

Help menu

Getting started

Who can use eSIM?

Help with eSIM