UK UK APN HubPremium UK network settings Browse APN
Last updated:

EE eSIM Setup Guide 2026 eSIM

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.
  2. Select Scan QR code and scan the EE QR code from your email.
  3. Follow activation prompts and restart when complete.
  1. Open Settings › Mobile Network or SIM & network settings.
  2. Look for Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
  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 carrier settings update — on iPhone, go to Settings › General › About. An update prompt means iOS needs to update carrier settings before the eSIM will work.
  3. Restart after activation — always restart your phone after scanning an 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.

← Back to EE APN Settings

Advertisement space — Replace with your AdSense code (ca-pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX)