About Three eSIM in the UK
| 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 |
An eSIM is embedded in the handset rather than removable. Three delivers the profile by download over Wi-Fi or data, and it behaves exactly like a physical SIM.
Support covers iPhone XS onward, Pixel 3 onward and Galaxy S20 onward, along with most current Android flagships, with dual SIM allowing both types together.
eSIM setup checklist
From placing the order to seeing data working, here's the full activation sequence
Setting up Three eSIM on your device
Get stable Wi-Fi ready first, plus the Three eSIM QR code — usually emailed or shown in the Three app.
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM, then Use QR Code and scan Three's code. The prompts cover labelling and priority.
Android/Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan, scanning Three's QR. Pixel uses Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
The full Three activation sequence, order through to working data
Troubleshooting Three eSIM issues
Once scanned, the Three eSIM profile downloads automatically in a few minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on; Three appears in the status bar when done.
A failed activation usually means an incompatible device, eSIM not enabled on the Three account, or an already-scanned QR code — Three can reissue it.
eSIM setup checklist
Order placed to data flowing — the Three sequence
Supported devices for Three eSIM
Three eSIM stuck at activation: check Wi-Fi, restart, then retry from Settings → Mobile Data.
No bars after activation: cycle aeroplane mode, then check Settings → Mobile Data shows the Three eSIM as active.
eSIM gone after a factory reset: some devices wipe profiles, so Three will re-provision it with your account details.
Moving a Three eSIM to a new phone needs the app or support — the QR code won't scan twice.
Troubleshooting checklist
Go step by step and Three problems usually clear fast
eSIM vs physical SIM on Three (Three eSIM Problems Fix)
Speed and coverage are identical between a Three eSIM and a physical card. eSIM's edge is convenience; physical SIMs suit older handsets.
eSIM setup checklist
Everything from ordering to working data on Three