UKUK APN HubMobile settings made simple Find my network

How to Transfer O2 eSIM

Last reviewed:

A practical UK guide to How to Transfer O2 eSIM, covering setup steps, common causes, fixes, and related O2 mobile setti

How to Transfer O2 eSIM guide thumbnail

Troubleshooting SIM card error messages

Device O2 eSIM Support Min. iOS / Android Version
iPhone 16 / 15 / 14✓ SupportediOS 16 or later
iPhone XS / XR / 11 / 12 / 13✓ SupportediOS 12.1 or later
Samsung Galaxy S24 / S23 / S22✓ SupportedAndroid 11 or later
Google Pixel 7 / 6 / 5 / 4✓ SupportedAndroid 10 or later
iPhone 8 / X and older✗ Not supportedPhysical SIM only

An eSIM lives in the handset rather than on a removable card. O2's profile downloads over Wi-Fi or mobile data and, once active, handles calls, texts and data just like a physical SIM.

O2 eSIM compatibility covers iPhone XS and newer, Pixel 3 and newer, Galaxy S20 and newer, plus most current Android flagships; dual SIM devices run a physical SIM alongside the eSIM.

📶

eSIM setup checklist

O2 eSIM: order placed to data flowing

Step 1Use Wi-FiStep 2Scan QR codeStep 3Activate lineStep 4Set data SIMStep 5Restart phone

Fixing SIM not detected on Android (How to Transfer O2 eSIM)

Before starting: a stable Wi-Fi connection and the O2 eSIM QR code, emailed to you or available in the O2 app or account portal.

Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM on iPhone, choose Use QR Code, scan O2's code, then work through the labelling and priority prompts.

Samsung and most Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan, then scan. Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.

📶

eSIM setup checklist

From an O2 eSIM order to live mobile data

Step 1Use Wi-FiStep 2Scan QR codeStep 3Activate lineStep 4Set data SIMStep 5Restart phone

Fixing SIM not recognised on iPhone — How to Transfer O2 eSIM

The download starts on its own after scanning and usually finishes within five minutes. Keep Wi-Fi connected; O2's network name appears in the status bar when ready.

Three things usually block an O2 eSIM activation: an unsupported device, eSIM not enabled on the account, or a spent QR code. O2 will issue a new one if needed.

📶

eSIM setup checklist

Order to active data on an O2 eSIM

Step 1Use Wi-FiStep 2Scan QR codeStep 3Activate lineStep 4Set data SIMStep 5Restart phone
💡
Fastest way to apply new APN settings
After saving, turn aeroplane mode ON for 10 seconds, then turn it OFF. This forces an immediate network re-registration — quicker than a full restart and equally effective.

When to replace your SIM card (How to Transfer O2 eSIM)

No luck activating: double-check Wi-Fi, restart the device, then retry through Settings → Mobile Data.

Zero bars after activation: cycle aeroplane mode first. If it's still out, go into Settings → Mobile Data and confirm O2 is picked as the active line.

Missing eSIM after a factory reset: certain devices drop the profile entirely. O2 re-provisions it once ownership is confirmed.

Switching an O2 eSIM to a new phone requires the O2 app or support, since the original code can't be scanned again.

📶

Troubleshooting checklist

Order matters here, since each step assumes the one before it was already tried

Step 1Check APNStep 2Select APNStep 3Toggle flight modeStep 4Restart phoneStep 5Test data

eSIM vs physical SIM on O2 — when transferring to a new phone

Whether it's an O2 eSIM or a physical card, speed and coverage don't differ. eSIM wins on convenience — no plastic, instant activation, no swap needed. Physical SIMs have the edge only on older phones lacking eSIM support.

Related guides

O2 eSIM SetupO2 eSIM Not WorkingO2 eSIM SetupO2 APN SettingsO2 MMS SettingsO2 APN Settings for RoamingO2 APN Settings Not WorkingO2 5G APN Settings
📶

eSIM setup checklist

The O2 eSIM route from order to data

Step 1Use Wi-FiStep 2Scan QR codeStep 3Activate lineStep 4Set data SIMStep 5Restart phone

📚 Related O2 Guides

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Transfer O2 eSIM

How do I activate my O2 eSIM?
To activate your O2 eSIM: order the eSIM from O2, then scan the QR code from your email in Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings → SIM Manager → Add SIM (Android).
Which phones support O2 eSIM in the UK?
O2 eSIM works on iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and most modern Android phones released after 2020.
Can I use O2 eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, most modern phones support dual SIM — one physical SIM and one eSIM. You can use your O2 eSIM alongside another carrier's physical SIM.
What do I do if my O2 eSIM QR code is not working?
If the O2 eSIM QR code fails, contact O2 customer support to request a new QR code. Make sure you are scanning it on the device you want to activate — eSIM QR codes are single-use.
Does O2 eSIM support 5G?
Yes, O2 eSIM supports 5G on compatible devices. Ensure your phone is 5G-capable and your O2 plan includes 5G access.