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O2 eSIM Setup Guide 2026 eSIM

O2 eSIM allows you to activate O2 mobile service digitally. You can order an O2 eSIM online or in-store and activate it via a QR code. O2 eSIM is compatible with most modern iPhones and eSIM-capable Android devices. Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and other O2 MVNOs also offer eSIM on the same O2 infrastructure.

📋 On this page

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

O2 eSIM Activation on iPhone

  1. Order an O2 eSIM at o2.co.uk or in an O2 store. You will receive a QR code by email.
  2. On your iPhone, go to Settings › Mobile Data › Add eSIM.
  3. Tap Use QR Code and scan the O2 QR code.
  4. Follow the prompts. Label the eSIM "O2".
  5. Restart your iPhone. If mobile data doesn't work, check the O2 line is selected as your data SIM.

O2 eSIM Activation on Android

  1. Order an O2 eSIM at o2.co.uk. QR code will be sent 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 O2 QR code and follow the activation steps.
  5. If data fails after activation, set APN to mobile.o2.co.uk manually.
  1. Open Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM.
  2. Select Scan QR code and scan the O2 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 O2 QR code and follow activation steps.

Supported Devices — O2 eSIM

O2 eSIM works on iPhone XR/XS and later, iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen), all iPhone 15/16; Samsung Galaxy S20+, Note 20 Ultra, Z Fold/Flip series; Google Pixel 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 series; Sony Xperia 10 III+; iPad Air 3rd gen+.

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

Troubleshooting O2 eSIM

  1. Check your QR code is unused — each O2 eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. If it fails, contact O2 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 O2 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 O2 APN Settings guide and configure manually if needed.
  6. Contact O2 support — 202 (free from O2) or 0344 809 0202.

Frequently Asked Questions — O2 eSIM

How do I get an O2 eSIM?
Order at o2.co.uk or in-store. You'll receive a QR code by email to scan during the activation process.
Can I switch my O2 physical SIM to eSIM?
Yes. In the My O2 app under Account settings you can request an eSIM swap. Your existing number transfers automatically.
What Android phones support O2 eSIM?
Samsung Galaxy S20+, Note 20 Ultra, Z Fold/Flip, S21–S25 series; Google Pixel 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; Sony Xperia 10 III and later.
Do I need to set up APN after O2 eSIM?
Usually not. O2 configures APN automatically after activation. If data fails, set APN to mobile.o2.co.uk manually.
Can I use O2 eSIM abroad?
Yes. O2 eSIM works with O2's international roaming partners. Check your plan's roaming terms before travelling.

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