eSIM Support FAQs

An eSIM or ‘embedded SIM’, is a small chip that comes pre-installed on compatible devices.

During setup, your eSIM profile is activated on your phone by connecting to the internet and following the instructions set out below.

Some benefits of choosing an eSIM are:

• You can store and switch between eSIM profiles on your device, meaning you can have multiple plans and phone numbers on your mobile
• You don’t need to use a physical SIM, meaning it's better for the environment
• You can change provider without ordering a new physical SIM
• You can activate your eSIM at any time via My Vodafone app or web

• You must have your eSIM compatible device available and an eSIM profile ordered on your Vodafone account
• If you need to order an eSIM profile you can do this through the Chat button on this page
• Ensure you have an active Wi-Fi connection on the device
• Find out how to activate your eSIM on your specific device by following our device guides

New Vodafone customer eSIM activation steps:

• Login to My Vodafone using your laptop, tablet or an alternative phone and click 'My SIM'. You will then see a QR code and confirmation code on the screen
• Go to device settings on your eSIM capable device and scan the eSIM QR code using your phone's camera
• Enter confirmation code when prompted
• Once the eSIM profile is successfully enabled, return to 'My SIM' on My Vodafone and click 'Activate eSIM'
  

Existing Vodafone customers / swap to eSIM:

First you will need to request a SIM swap through Live Chat on this page.

 Once your SIM swap is complete (this may take up to 15 minutes):

• Go back to 'My SIM' on My Vodafone
• You will then see a QR code and confirmation code on the screen
• Go to device settings on your eSIM capable device and scan the eSIM QR code using your phone's camera
  
• Enter confirmation code when prompted
• Once the eSIM profile is successfully enabled, return to 'My SIM' on My Vodafone and click 'Activate eSIM'

If you don't have access to My Vodafone to scan your QR code, you will need to manually input your eSIM activation and confirmation codes into your device.

• These codes can be retrieved from My Vodafone or alternatively through our retail stores or via our Chat button on this page
  
• Login to My Vodafone, click ‘My SIM’ then ‘eSIM QR code’ to obtain your confirmation code (4 digit pin)
• Once you have your codes, our device guides will take you through the activation process

With Apple Quick Transfer, customers can transfer the SIM from their previous Apple device to a new Apple device without contacting Vodafone, directly from the comfort of their own home. The service is enabled as part of the update for customers who download iOS 18.2 or iPadOS 18.2 and above.

Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup
1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM
2. Tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone
3. Enter verification code as instructed 4. Transfer process will commence

Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on your existing iPhone
1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service
2. Tap Convert to eSIM
3. This opens a new screen - Tap Convert to eSIM
4. Transfer process will commence
5. Wait for your eSIM to activate. Confirm the conversion. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone is activated
6. Click Done
7. Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone

Android eSIM Transfer can be used for a variety of reasons. 
Device Set Up: Transfer your physical SIM or eSIM profile from your old Android device to your new Android device when your new phone is not already setup.
Device in-life: Transfer your physical SIM or eSIM profile from your old Android source device to their new Android target device as an eSIM profile when your Android device is already setup.
Convert to eSIM: Convert your physical SIM profile on your existing Android device to an eSIM profile on the same existing Android device.


Device Compatibility
Ensure that both the old device and new device supports eSIM transfer functionality. Vodafone compatible device list.

Backup and Prepare the Old Device
Before initiating the eSIM transfer
• Back up all important data to avoid any loss.
• Ensure the device is connected to a stable internet connection.
• Update the device to the latest software version to ensure compatibility with the eSIM.

Set Up eSIM Profile on New Device
Now, the user can set up the eSIM profile on the new device:
• Place your old and new smartphones next to each other to pair both devices.
• Set up mobile communications: On your new device, select Transfer phone number/SIM and then select Vodafone as your mobile service provider.
• For Samsung -  you will be provided with a verification PIN on your new device which you will enter on your old device.
• For Google - you will be provided with a QR Code on your new device which you will scan on your old device.
•Your eSIM will be transferred to the new device and the SIM card or eSIM from your old device will be de-activated (card) or deleted (eSIM)

Set Up eSIM Profile on Existing Device
Now, the user can set up the eSIM profile on the new device.

Samsung
• Go to the device settings and click on Connections and go to SIM manager
• Click Add eSIM and select Transfer
• Select the phone number and confirm the transfer on your old device.

Google
• Go to the device settings and click on Networks and Internet and go to SIMs
• Click Add eSIM and select Transfer
• Select the phone number and confirm the transfer on your old device.

If your device has the capability to accommodate eSIM and a physical SIM, you can have both.

To activate your eSIM follow the steps in the 'How do I activate and set up a device with eSIM?' FAQ above.

Please follow the steps below. 

For Android devices:

• Select 'Settings'
• Then 'Connections'
• Next tap 'Mobile Network', then 'Advanced'
• Select 'Mobile Service Provider' (or SIM card Manager)
• Select the eSIM profile you want to erase
• Tap 'Remove'
• Confirm your choice by clicking 'Remove' once again
• Your eSIM profile is now erased
  

For Apple devices:

• Go to 'Settings'
• Tap either 'Cellular' or 'Mobile Data'
• Tap the plan you want to erase
• Tap 'Remove Cellular Plan'
• Your eSIM profile is now erased
  

As instructions may differ depending on your device, you may need to check the manufacturer's guide for more help.

If you’re not already a Vodafone customer, you’ll need to get a new number with us or switch your current number to Vodafone.

If you’re already with Vodafone on a bill pay or pay as you go plan, you’ll need to swap your current physical SIM to an eSIM. You can do this on My Vodafone. 

Here's how:

Order a SIM swap through Live Chat on this page.

Once your SIM swap is complete (this may take up to 15 minutes):

• Go back to 'My SIM' on My Vodafone
• You will then see a QR code and confirmation code on the screen
• Go to device settings on your eSIM capable device and scan the eSIM QR code using your phone's camera
  
• Enter confirmation code when prompted
• Once the eSIM profile is successfully enabled, return to 'My SIM' on My Vodafone and click 'Activate eSIM'

Please retry scanning the QR code found on My Vodafone and repeat the activation steps specific to your device.

If you are still having issues, you can contact our customer care team by clicking the Chat button on this page.