Last updated:
BT Mobile eSIM Setup UK 2026 eSIM
BT Mobile supports eSIM on compatible Android and iPhone devices. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone — no physical SIM card required. You request the eSIM from BT Mobile, receive a QR code, and scan it to activate. This guide walks you through the full process.
📋 On this page
What Is an eSIM on BT Mobile?
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in the phone's hardware — no plastic card, just a wirelessly downloaded carrier profile. Benefits include:
- Skip the physical card — activate instantly wherever there's an internet connection
- Run two numbers on one phone by pairing the eSIM with a physical SIM
- Activate instantly, with no need to wait for a SIM in the post
- Switching between eSIM profiles needs no hardware changes at all
BT Mobile eSIM — Compatible Devices
Most modern smartphones support eSIM. Devices confirmed compatible include:
| Manufacturer | Compatible Models |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone XS and later (iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series) |
| Samsung Galaxy | Galaxy S20 and later, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, Note 20 series |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 and later |
| Other Android | Many 2021+ devices — check your phone's spec sheet for eSIM support |
To confirm eSIM support: on iPhone go to Settings › General › About › Available SIM. On Android: Settings › Network → look for "Add SIM" or "eSIM" option.
How to Get a BT Mobile eSIM
- Visit the BT Mobile website or open the BT Mobile app and navigate to the eSIM or SIM section.
- Pick an eSIM plan, or if already a customer, request a conversion from physical SIM to eSIM.
- BT Mobile will send you an eSIM QR code — either by email or displayed in the app.
- The QR code needs to be on a second device or printed, since the activating phone can't scan its own code.
⚠ If you are converting from a physical SIM to eSIM, your physical SIM will be deactivated when the eSIM is activated. Make sure you have a working internet connection (Wi-Fi) before starting.
Android eSIM Setup — BT Mobile
- Confirm the phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings › Network & internet (Pixel) or Settings › Connections › SIM Manager (Samsung).
- Select Add SIM or Add eSIM.
- Select Scan QR code and scan the BT Mobile QR code using your phone's camera.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the BT Mobile eSIM profile.
- Once installed, set the BT Mobile eSIM as your preferred SIM for calls, texts and data.
- Complete activation by restarting the phone.
iPhone eSIM Setup — BT Mobile
- Confirm the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings › Mobile Data (or Settings › Cellular in some regions).
- Select Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
- Tap Use QR Code and scan the BT Mobile QR code.
- Tap Continue and follow the prompts to install the BT Mobile carrier profile.
- Set a label for the eSIM (e.g. "BT Mobile") and choose whether to use it for calls, texts, or data.
- Tap Done, and the eSIM activates automatically within a few minutes.
iPhone 14 and later models (in the UK) are eSIM-only and do not have a physical SIM card slot. On these models, all SIMs are eSIMs.
APN Settings After BT Mobile eSIM Activation
In most cases, BT Mobile pushes the correct APN settings automatically when you activate the eSIM. If mobile data is not working after activation, check or manually enter the APN:
| Field | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| APN | btmobile.bt.com | |
| APN Type | default,supl,mms | |
| APN Protocol | IPv4/IPv6 |
On Android: Settings › Connections › Mobile Networks › Access Point Names. Tap the BT Mobile eSIM profile and verify the APN is set to btmobile.bt.com.
On iPhone: Go to Settings › Mobile Data › Mobile Data Network and verify the APN field shows btmobile.bt.com. (This may be greyed out — that is normal and means BT Mobile controls it via the carrier bundle.)
Troubleshooting BT Mobile eSIM
- If the QR code won't scan, check the lighting, hold the camera 20-30cm away, and increase the display's brightness.
- If the eSIM profile fails to download, check Wi-Fi stability, retry, and restart the phone if needed.
- Mobile data not working after activation — check APN is set to btmobile.bt.com. Toggle Aeroplane Mode on then off. Restart the phone.
- eSIM shows as inactive — go to SIM Manager (Android) or Settings › Mobile Data (iPhone) and ensure the BT Mobile eSIM is set as active/primary.
- QR code expired — BT Mobile eSIM QR codes typically expire after 24–48 hours. Request a new one from BT Mobile if the original has expired.
- If eSIM can't be added, the device likely isn't supported — check the compatible devices table, since older or budget Android phones often lack eSIM support.
- Contact BT Mobile support: 0800 800 150 or 150 (free from BT Mobile).
Frequently Asked Questions — BT Mobile eSIM
Does BT Mobile support eSIM?
Yes, BT Mobile supports eSIM on compatible Android and iPhone devices. You can request an eSIM via the BT Mobile website or app and activate it instantly by scanning a QR code. No physical SIM card is needed.
How do I activate a BT Mobile eSIM?
Request an eSIM from BT Mobile via their website or app. You will receive a QR code. On iPhone: Settings › Mobile Data › Add eSIM › Use QR Code. On Android: Settings › Network › Add SIM → scan the QR code. Follow the prompts to activate.
Can I use a BT Mobile eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM (one eSIM + one physical SIM). Most modern flagship phones support this. You can set different SIMs as default for calls, texts and data. Check your phone's specifications to confirm dual SIM support.
What APN do I use with a BT Mobile eSIM?
The APN for BT Mobile eSIM is btmobile.bt.com — the same as the standard BT Mobile APN. In most cases this is set automatically after eSIM activation. If data doesn't work, enter it manually in Settings › Mobile Networks › Access Point Names.
Can I transfer my BT Mobile number to an eSIM?
Yes. BT Mobile allows existing customers to convert their physical SIM to an eSIM while keeping the same number. Contact BT Mobile support to request an eSIM conversion: 0800 800 150 or 150 (free from BT Mobile). Note that your physical SIM will stop working once the eSIM is activated.
← Back to BT Mobile APN Settings