How to check if your phone is Three-locked
| 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 |
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of a physical plastic SIM, your EE 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 EE network.
eSIMs are supported on iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and most recent Android flagships. You can hold both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time on dual SIM devices.
eSIM activation from order to working data — follow each step in order
Getting an unlock code from Three
Before starting, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You will also need your EE eSIM QR code, which is usually sent by email or displayed in the EE 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 EE. 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 EE eSIM QR code when prompted. On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
eSIM activation from order to working data — follow each step in order
Unlocking your phone from Three online
After scanning the QR code, your phone will download the EE eSIM profile. Activation usually takes one to five minutes. Keep Wi-Fi on throughout this process. Once activated, you should see the EE network name in your status bar.
If activation fails, check that your device is eSIM compatible, your EE account has eSIM enabled, and the QR code has not already been used. Each EE eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. Contact EE for a replacement if needed.
eSIM activation from order to working data — follow each step in order
What to do after Three provides unlock code
eSIM not activating: Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi and try restarting your phone, then retry activation from 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 EE 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 EE to re-provision your eSIM — you will need your account details.
Cannot transfer eSIM to a new phone: EE eSIM transfers require contacting customer support or using the EE app. You cannot simply scan the same QR code again on a new device.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2
eSIM vs physical SIM on Three
Both eSIM and physical SIM give you full access to the EE 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 activation from order to working data — follow each step in order
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Three mobile data not working?
How do I reset my Three APN settings?
Does Three have a network outage in my area?
Why does Three show signal but no internet?
How long does a Three outage usually last?