What is an eSIM and how does it work on Tesco Mobile?
| Device | Tesco Mobile 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 does away with the plastic card entirely, living instead inside the phone itself. Instead of a physical SIM, your Tesco Mobile 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 Tesco Mobile network.
iPhone XS and later, Pixel 3 and later, Galaxy S20 and later, plus most recent Android flagships are supported, with dual SIM running both side by side.
eSIM setup checklist
The complete activation sequence, order through to working data
How to set up your Tesco Mobile eSIM
Before starting, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You will also need your Tesco Mobile eSIM QR code, which is usually sent by email or displayed in the Tesco Mobile 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 Tesco Mobile. 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 Tesco Mobile eSIM QR code when prompted. On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
The complete activation run, order through to live data
Activating your Tesco Mobile eSIM
After scanning the QR code, your phone will download the Tesco Mobile eSIM profile. Activation usually takes one to five minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on throughout this process. Once activated, you should see the Tesco Mobile network name in your status bar.
If activation fails, check that your device is eSIM compatible, your Tesco Mobile account has eSIM enabled, and the QR code has not already been used. Each Tesco Mobile eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. Contact Tesco Mobile for a replacement if needed.
eSIM setup checklist
Order placed to data flowing, in sequence
Troubleshooting Tesco Mobile eSIM problems
No activation happening? Verify Wi-Fi, restart the phone, and try again through 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 Tesco Mobile 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 Tesco Mobile to re-provision your eSIM — you will need your account details.
Cannot transfer eSIM to a new phone: Tesco Mobile eSIM transfers require contacting customer support or using the Tesco Mobile app. You cannot simply scan the same QR code again on a new device.
Troubleshooting checklist
The first two steps get most Tesco Mobile connections working
eSIM vs physical SIM on Tesco Mobile
Both eSIM and physical SIM give you full access to the Tesco Mobile 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
Everything from ordering to working data