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Three eSIM Setup Guide 2026 eSIM

Three eSIM Setup Guide 2026 eSIM guide thumbnail

Three eSIM enables digital activation of Three mobile service without a physical SIM. Three offers eSIM on most plans, with activation via QR code. Three's eSIM service also underpins SMARTY and iD Mobile eSIM products through the same network infrastructure.

📋 On this page

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

Three eSIM Activation on iPhone

  1. Order a Three eSIM at three.co.uk or in a Three store. A QR code is sent by email.
  2. On your iPhone, go to Settings › Mobile Data › Add eSIM.
  3. Tap Use QR Code and scan the Three QR code.
  4. Follow the prompts. Label the eSIM "Three".
  5. Restart your iPhone. If data doesn't connect, check Three is your active data SIM.

Three eSIM Activation on Android

  1. Order a Three eSIM at three.co.uk. QR code sent by email.
  2. On Samsung: Settings › Connections › SIM Manager › Add eSIM.
  3. On Pixel: Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM.
  4. Scan the Three QR code and complete the activation steps.
  5. If data fails, set APN to three.co.uk manually (no credentials required).
  1. Open Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM.
  2. Select Scan QR code and scan the Three QR code from your email.
  3. Work through the activation prompts and restart afterward.
  1. Open Settings › Mobile Network or SIM & network settings.
  2. Search for Add eSIM or Add mobile plan in the menu.
  3. Scan the Three QR code and follow activation steps.

Supported Devices — Three eSIM

Three eSIM supports iPhone XR/XS and later, iPhone SE 2nd gen+, all iPhone 15/16; Samsung Galaxy S20+, Note 20 Ultra, Z Fold/Flip, S21–S25; Google Pixel 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; OnePlus 8 Pro and later.

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

Troubleshooting Three eSIM

  1. Check your QR code is unused — each Three eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. If it fails, contact Three for a replacement code.
  2. iPhone: visit Settings › General › About for a carrier settings update, needed before the eSIM will function.
  3. A restart after scanning the eSIM QR code is always worth doing.
  4. Check the eSIM is set as active data SIM — on dual-SIM devices, ensure Three 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 Three APN Settings guide and configure manually if needed.
  6. Contact Three support — 333 (free from Three) or 0333 338 1001.

Frequently Asked Questions — Three eSIM

How do I get a Three eSIM?
Order at three.co.uk or in-store. A QR code is emailed for activation scanning.
Can I convert my Three physical SIM to eSIM?
Yes. Three allows eSIM conversion via the Three app or by calling 333. Your number transfers automatically.
What Android phones support Three eSIM?
Samsung Galaxy S20+, Z Fold/Flip, S21–S25; Google Pixel 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; OnePlus 8 Pro and newer flagship models.
Do I need APN settings after Three eSIM?
Usually not — Three pushes APN settings automatically. If data fails, set APN to three.co.uk (no username/password).
Does Three eSIM support Go Roam?
Yes. Three eSIM supports Go Roam in 71 destinations on eligible plans. No additional configuration needed for roaming.

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