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Plusnet Mobile eSIM Setup UK 2026 eSIM

Plusnet Mobile eSIM Setup UK 2026 eSIM guide thumbnail

Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile, receive a QR code, and scan it to activate. This guide walks you through the full process.

What Is an eSIM on Plusnet?

An eSIM is built into the phone itself; the carrier profile downloads wirelessly rather than needing a physical card. Benefits include:

  • No need for a physical card — instant activation anywhere with internet access
  • Two numbers, one phone — the eSIM works alongside a physical SIM card
  • Instant activation means no delay waiting for a card to arrive
  • No hardware swap needed to switch between eSIM profiles

Plusnet eSIM — Compatible Devices

Modern smartphones generally support eSIM, with these devices confirmed compatible:

ManufacturerCompatible Models
Apple iPhoneiPhone XS and later (iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series)
Samsung GalaxyGalaxy S20 and later, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, Note 20 series
Google PixelPixel 3 and later
Other AndroidMany 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 Plusnet Mobile eSIM

  1. Visit the Plusnet Mobile website or open the Plusnet Mobile app and navigate to the eSIM or SIM section.
  2. Either choose a new eSIM plan or, as an existing customer, request a physical-to-eSIM conversion.
  3. Plusnet Mobile will send you an eSIM QR code — either by email or displayed in the app.
  4. A second device or printed copy of the QR code is needed, since the phone can't scan its own screen.
⚠ 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 — Plusnet Mobile

  1. Verify the phone's Wi-Fi connection is active.
  2. Go to Settings › Network & internet (Pixel) or Settings › Connections › SIM Manager (Samsung).
  3. Pick Add SIM or Add eSIM.
  4. Select Scan QR code and scan the Plusnet Mobile QR code using your phone's camera.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the Plusnet Mobile eSIM profile.
  6. Once installed, set the Plusnet Mobile eSIM as your preferred SIM for calls, texts and data.
  7. Finish activation with a phone restart.

iPhone eSIM Setup — Plusnet Mobile

  1. Verify the iPhone's Wi-Fi connection is active.
  2. Go to Settings › Mobile Data (or Settings › Cellular in some regions).
  3. Pick Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
  4. Tap Use QR Code and scan the Plusnet Mobile QR code.
  5. Tap Continue and follow the prompts to install the Plusnet Mobile carrier profile.
  6. Set a label for the eSIM (e.g. "Plusnet Mobile") and choose whether to use it for calls, texts, or data.
  7. Once Done is tapped, the eSIM activates automatically, usually within 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 Plusnet Mobile eSIM Activation

In most cases, Plusnet 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:

FieldValue
APNplusnet.co.uk
APN Typedefault,supl,mms
APN ProtocolIPv4/IPv6

On Android: Settings › Connections › Mobile Networks › Access Point Names. Tap the Plusnet Mobile eSIM profile and verify the APN is set to plusnet.co.uk.

On iPhone: Go to Settings › Mobile Data › Mobile Data Network and verify the APN field shows plusnet.co.uk. (This may be greyed out — that is normal and means Plusnet Mobile controls it via the carrier bundle.)

Troubleshooting Plusnet Mobile eSIM

  1. Try better lighting, a 20-30cm camera distance, and higher screen brightness if the QR code won't scan.
  2. Check the Wi-Fi connection is stable and retry if the eSIM profile fails to download, restarting if needed.
  3. Mobile data not working after activation — check APN is set to plusnet.co.uk. Toggle Aeroplane Mode on then off. Restart the phone.
  4. eSIM shows as inactive — go to SIM Manager (Android) or Settings › Mobile Data (iPhone) and ensure the Plusnet Mobile eSIM is set as active/primary.
  5. QR code expired — Plusnet Mobile eSIM QR codes typically expire after 24–48 hours. Request a new one from Plusnet Mobile if the original has expired.
  6. Check the compatible devices table if eSIM won't add — older or budget Android models often don't support it.
  7. Contact Plusnet Mobile support: 0330 123 9780 or live chat at plusnet.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions — Plusnet Mobile eSIM

Does Plusnet Mobile support eSIM?
Yes, Plusnet Mobile supports eSIM on compatible Android and iPhone devices. You can request an eSIM via the Plusnet Mobile website or app and activate it instantly by scanning a QR code. No physical SIM card is needed.
How do I activate a Plusnet Mobile eSIM?
Request an eSIM from Plusnet 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 Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile eSIM?
The APN for Plusnet Mobile eSIM is plusnet.co.uk — the same as the standard Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile number to an eSIM?
Yes. Plusnet Mobile allows existing customers to convert their physical SIM to an eSIM while keeping the same number. Contact Plusnet Mobile support to request an eSIM conversion: 0330 123 9780 or live chat at plusnet.co.uk. Note that your physical SIM will stop working once the eSIM is activated.

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