Network lock vs SIM lock explained (Three)
| Step | Action | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Three network status | Confirms if issue is network-wide |
| 2 | Toggle aeroplane mode on/off | Re-registers SIM on Three network |
| 3 | Restart your phone | Clears temporary network errors |
| 4 | Check Three APN settings | Fixes incorrect data configuration |
| 5 | Re-insert SIM card | Fixes poor SIM contact issues |
| 6 | Contact Three support | Resolves account or SIM faults |
A Three eSIM lives in the phone's hardware, arriving as a download over Wi-Fi or mobile data, then functioning just like a physical SIM.
Compatibility spans iPhone XS upward, Pixel 3 upward and Galaxy S20 upward, with dual SIM running both types.
eSIM setup checklist
Order to working data on a Three eSIM
Checking your SIM card for physical damage (Three)
Two prerequisites: reliable Wi-Fi and the Three eSIM QR code, delivered by email or in the Three app.
iPhones: Settings, Mobile Data, Add eSIM, Use QR Code — scan Three's code and complete the prompts.
Most Android phones: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan. Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
eSIM setup checklist
Every stage from Three eSIM order to connection
Resetting network settings to fix SIM errors (Three)
After the scan, the phone pulls down Three's eSIM profile by itself. Stay on Wi-Fi until the status bar confirms it.
When activation fails, check compatibility, whether eSIM is enabled on the Three account, and whether the code has been used.
eSIM setup checklist
The Three eSIM route, order through to connection
Contacting Three about SIM issues
If the Three eSIM won't activate, verify Wi-Fi, restart, and retry through Settings → Mobile Data.
If there's no signal once activated, try aeroplane mode, then verify Three is selected for data.
Missing eSIM post-reset is a known issue on some handsets; Three can re-provision after an account check.
Switching handsets requires the Three app or support, since the eSIM QR code is single-use.
Troubleshooting checklist
Ordered quickest-first for Three, so begin at the top
eSIM vs physical SIM on Three — if the SIM gets blocked
No speed or coverage gap between the two on Three. eSIM offers instant activation and easy switching; physical SIMs remain necessary for older devices.
eSIM setup checklist
From placing a Three eSIM order to getting online