What is Three eSIM and how does it differ from a physical SIM?
| Device | Three eSIM Support | Min. iOS / Android Version |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / 15 / 14 | ✓ Supported | iOS 16 or later |
| iPhone XS / XR / 11 / 12 / 13 | ✓ Supported | iOS 12.1 or later |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 / S23 / S22 | ✓ Supported | Android 11 or later |
| Google Pixel 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 | ✓ Supported | Android 10 or later |
| iPhone 8 / X and older | ✗ Not supported | Physical SIM only |
Rather than a removable plastic card, an eSIM is built directly into the phone's hardware. Instead of a physical SIM, your Three eSIM is downloaded as a profile over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Once active, it works exactly like a physical SIM — you can make calls, send texts and use mobile data on the Three network.
Compatibility covers iPhone XS and newer, Pixel 3 and newer, Galaxy S20 and newer, plus most current Android flagships; dual SIM devices can use a physical SIM alongside the eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
The path from ordering your eSIM to having a working connection, step by step
Step-by-step: activating your Three eSIM
Before starting, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You will also need your Three eSIM QR code, which is usually sent by email or displayed in the Three app or account portal after ordering an eSIM.
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. Choose Use QR Code and scan the QR code provided by Three. Follow the on-screen prompts to label the line and set it as your primary or secondary SIM.
On Android / Samsung: Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan. Scan the Three eSIM QR code when prompted. On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
From Three eSIM order to a working connection, step by step
Supported devices for Three eSIM in the UK
After scanning the QR code, your phone will download the Three eSIM profile. Activation usually takes one to five minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on throughout this process. Once activated, you should see the Three network name in your status bar.
If activation fails, check that your device is eSIM compatible, your Three account has eSIM enabled, and the QR code has not already been used. Each Three eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. Contact Three for a replacement if needed.
eSIM setup checklist
Ordering through to connection on a Three eSIM
Common Three eSIM activation errors and fixes
If the eSIM won't activate, check Wi-Fi, restart the phone, then retry via Settings → Mobile Data.
No signal after eSIM activation: Toggle aeroplane mode on and off. If the problem persists, go to Settings → Mobile Data, select your Three eSIM line and check that it is set as the active data SIM.
eSIM profile missing after phone reset: Factory resets erase eSIM profiles on some devices. Contact Three to re-provision your eSIM — you will need your account details.
Cannot transfer eSIM to a new phone: Three eSIM transfers require contacting customer support or using the Three app. You cannot simply scan the same QR code again on a new device.
Troubleshooting checklist
Most Three connection issues resolve in the earlier steps
eSIM vs physical SIM on Three (Three eSIM Setup)
Both eSIM and physical SIM give you full access to the Three network with the same speeds and coverage. The main advantages of eSIM are: no need to handle a tiny physical card, instant activation, and the ability to switch between networks without changing SIMs. The main advantage of a physical SIM is compatibility with older devices that do not support eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
The Three eSIM journey from order to live data