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EE eSIM Setup Guide 2026 eSIM

EE eSIM Setup Guide 2026 eSIM guide thumbnail

EE eSIM lets you activate mobile service digitally without a physical SIM card. You can add an EE eSIM via a QR code emailed after purchase, or directly in the EE app. EE eSIM is available on most modern iPhones (XR and later) and eSIM-capable Android devices including Samsung Galaxy S20+ and Google Pixel 3a onwards.

📋 On this page

  1. iPhone eSIM Activation
  2. Android eSIM Activation
  3. Supported Devices
  4. Troubleshooting
  5. FAQs

EE eSIM Activation on iPhone

  1. Order an EE eSIM at ee.co.uk/esim or via the EE app. You will receive a QR code by email.
  2. On your iPhone, go to Settings › Mobile Data › Add eSIM (or "Add Data Plan" on older iOS).
  3. Tap Use QR Code and scan the EE QR code provided in your email.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Label the plan "EE" when asked.
  5. Restart your iPhone. If data doesn't connect, check Settings › Mobile Data that the EE line is set as the data SIM.

EE eSIM Activation on Android

  1. Order an EE eSIM at ee.co.uk/esim. You will receive a QR code by email.
  2. On Samsung: go to Settings › Connections › SIM Manager › Add eSIM.
  3. On Pixel: go to Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM.
  4. Scan the EE QR code. Follow the on-screen activation steps.
  5. If mobile data doesn't work after activation, configure the EE APN manually: everywhere.
  1. Open Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM to bring in the EE eSIM.
  2. Select Scan QR code and scan the EE QR code from your email.
  3. Work through the on-screen prompts and restart the phone once EE confirms activation.
  1. Head to Settings › Mobile Network or SIM & network settings for EE's SIM options.
  2. Look for the Add eSIM or Add mobile plan option to bring in the EE profile.
  3. Scan the EE QR code and follow activation steps.

Supported Devices — EE eSIM

EE eSIM is supported on iPhone XR/XS and later, iPhone SE (2nd gen+), all iPhone 15/16 models; Samsung Galaxy S20+ through S25 Ultra; Google Pixel 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 series; iPad (7th gen+); Apple Watch Series 3+ (with EE Watch plan).

💡 eSIM is a hardware feature — if your phone doesn't have an eSIM chip, it cannot use eSIM regardless of software updates.

Troubleshooting EE eSIM

  1. Check your QR code is unused — each EE eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. If it fails, contact EE for a replacement code.
  2. Check for a carrier settings update on iPhone via Settings › General › About — a prompt there means iOS needs it before the EE eSIM will work.
  3. Always give the phone a restart right after scanning the EE eSIM QR code.
  4. Check the eSIM is set as active data SIM — on dual-SIM devices, ensure EE eSIM is selected as the data line in SIM settings.
  5. Manual APN if data fails — eSIM activation doesn't always push APN settings. Check our EE APN Settings guide and configure manually if needed.
  6. Contact EE support — 150 (free from EE) or 0800 956 6000.

Frequently Asked Questions — EE eSIM

How do I get an EE eSIM?
Order an EE eSIM at ee.co.uk/esim or through the EE app. You'll receive a QR code by email to scan during activation.
Can I transfer my EE number to an eSIM?
Yes. When ordering an EE eSIM to replace a physical SIM, your existing EE number transfers automatically. Request a PAC code if moving from another network.
What devices support EE eSIM?
EE eSIM works on iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3a+, and most flagship Android phones from 2020 onwards.
Do I need to set up APN after EE eSIM activation?
Usually not — EE pushes APN settings automatically. If data doesn't work after activation, set APN to everywhere manually.
Can I have both a physical SIM and eSIM on EE?
Yes, on dual-SIM devices. You can use a physical SIM from another network alongside an EE eSIM.

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