EE eSIM: how to get one, switch to it, and what visitors can buy

Does EE offer eSIM?

Yes, in two quite different forms. EE customers can get an eSIM on a pay monthly phone or a SIM only plan. Separately, EE sells a UK travel eSIM for visitors: data only, no contract, no UK address. When we read EE's pages on 10 November 2026, its SIM only page listed eSIM as the recommended option, set up through the EE app, with a physical SIM shipped within 24 hours as the alternative.

This is desk research from EE's own pages. We have not bought or tested an EE eSIM.

How do you get an EE eSIM as a new customer?

EE's eSIM help page sets out three routes:

EE does not say on that page that an eSIM costs anything extra, and it gives no fee. It says setup takes minutes. Before you start, connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, update your phone's software and make sure the battery is well charged; EE says app downloads in particular need Wi-Fi.

If you are choosing a plan at the same time, our EE network guide covers EE's range.

How do you switch an existing EE SIM to eSIM?

EE's help page gives the steps in the EE app:

1. Log in to the EE app.
2. Select Manage, then Mobile and SIMs.
3. Select Check Settings, then Replace my SIM/eSIM.

EE says this keeps your mobile number. On some phones you can also convert a physical SIM to eSIM in the device settings; EE mentions this as an option without giving model-by-model steps. Our convert SIM to eSIM guide covers where the setting sits on iPhone and Android.

If you move to a new phone that cannot take an eSIM, EE says you can get a physical SIM in store, by phone or through the EE app.

Is EE eSIM available on pay as you go?

We could not confirm it. EE's eSIM help page describes eSIM for pay monthly devices and SIM only plans and does not mention pay as you go. EE's pay as you go SIM page, which lists its 30-day Saver, 30-day and Talk and Text options, does not mention eSIM either. If you want EE on pay as you go with an eSIM, check with EE before you buy. The EE travel eSIM below is a different product and does not give you a UK number.

Which phones work with an EE eSIM?

EE's simplest test is to dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID, the eSIM identification number, your phone supports eSIM. EE's examples include Google Pixel 3a or later, Fairphone 4 or later and Oppo Find X3 or later, and it points you to the manufacturer for others. For EE's visitor eSIM, the page names iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later, and says the phone must be unlocked.

To move an eSIM to a new phone, EE says to use Android's setup transfer with both phones on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or Apple's Quick Start with the phones side by side. Our eSIM compatible phones list goes further.

What is the EE travel eSIM for UK visitors?

This is the EE eSIM most overseas travellers are searching for. EE's UK travel eSIM page listed these one-off prices on 10 November 2026, all with unlimited data at uncapped speed:

The £20 option was labelled a 14-day pass but sat under a heading about a 7-day pass with an extra day free, so check its length at checkout. EE says you have 90 days from purchase to start using the eSIM, and you can cancel within 90 days if you have not used it.

What you do not get matters. EE's page mentions no UK phone number and no SMS. On Android, data apps such as WhatsApp work; on iPhone, iMessage works but calls need a data-based app. Emergency calls to 999 and 112 are supported. Your home SIM can stay in the phone. EE sets content filtering to "Moderate" by default, blocking 18-rated content, and says this cannot be changed on the plan. The page did not mention a fair use limit or tethering rules.

Is the EE travel eSIM cheaper than other UK eSIMs?

For unlimited data, often yes. Against our verified UK prices, read on each seller's own site in August 2026, a week compares like this:

• EE: £15 for 7 days, unlimited.
• Nomad: $25 for 7 days, unlimited.
• Holafly: $27.50 for 7 days, unlimited.
• Airalo: $18 for 10GB over 7 days.

Even before converting dollars to pounds, EE's week is the cheapest unlimited option of the four. Where the others can win is choice: Saily's 10GB over 30 days was $18.99, which suits a light user staying longer, and multi-country plans suit a trip that also takes in Europe. If you need a UK number for calls or bank texts, none of these data eSIMs gives you one; a pay as you go SIM does.

Does an EE eSIM work abroad?

For an EE customer, an eSIM roams exactly like a physical SIM. On Essentials Plus, All Rounder and Full Works plans, EE includes its Europe zone up to a 50GB fair use limit, and Full Works adds destinations such as the USA, Australia and Turkey. On other plans EE charges £2.72 a day in Europe. Our EE roaming guide has the add-on prices, and our what is an eSIM explainer covers running two eSIMs on one phone if you add a travel plan.