You can activate your eSIM by scanning a QR code or via digital download. Digital download is currently available with Pay Monthly deals only.
Need help? Just check out the “Activating your eSIM” section on this page for step-by-step instructions. 

Still stuck? Head over to Device Help for extra support. 

It’s an easy way to get your eSIM without waiting. If you’ve bought a phone and plan from us, your eSIM will be ready to go when you turn on your device. 

Here’s what happens: 

• You turn on your new phone 
• Connect to Wi-Fi 
• Follow the prompts on your screen, and your phone will take care of the rest.  
   

That’s it! Your eSIM will download and activate automatically, so you can start calling, texting, and using data right away. 

A QR code looks a bit like a barcode, and you need to scan it to use it. It helps your phone quickly open a link or activate something, like your eSIM. 

Here’s how to use it: 

• Open your phone’s camera and point it at the QR code 
• If your phone camera supports QR code scanning, a link will pop up - just tap it and follow the steps on your screen.  
• If your phone camera doesn’t support QR code scanning, don’t worry. You can download a free QR code scanner from your phone’s store (App Store or Play Store) and follow the steps in the app to scan the QR code. 

For Digital download: 

If you activated your eSIM through digital download, it’s designed to work once during initial setup. If you reset your phone or need to activate it again, you will need a replacement eSIM.

For QR code:  

You can activate your eSIM up to 3 times on the same phone (only successful activations count). It is a good idea to keep your QR code safe, just in case you ever need to reinstall your eSIM on the same phone. 

No matter which method you used, if you’ve used up your activations or you’re switching to a new phone, just get in touch with us or visit your local Tesco Mobile phone shop . We’ll help you get a new eSIM and keep your number. 

Once your eSIM has been activated, whether by QR code or digital download, it’s linked to that phone and can’t be reused on a different one.

If you’re moving to a new phone, you’ll need a replacement eSIM. You can pick one up at your local Tesco Mobile phone shop or get in touch with us directly-we’ll help you get set up again, and you’ll be able to keep your number. 

Want to bring your number to Tesco Mobile? Here’s how: 

• Using your old SIM, text PAC to 65075 to get your PAC code. 
• Once your Tesco Mobile eSIM is activated (see the “Activating your eSIM” section above), text PORT to 23424 using your new eSIM. 
• Just follow the steps on your screen—and you’re all set!

If you need an eSIM, you can get in touch with us or you can head to your Tesco Mobile phone shop, one of our team will be happy to help you.  

If you're a new or upgrading customer buying an eSIM-only phone with a pay monthly plan, your eSIM will be provided via digital download. 

If you’re an upgrading customer, you may be prompted to enter a confirmation code. Once entered, your mobile number will be transferred from your old device to your new one.

You have 3 attempts to enter your confirmation code correctly. If you use all 3 attempts without success, please get in touch with us.

Once you enter your confirmation code, your eSIM will be activated, and we will transfer your mobile number from your old device to your new one for you. 

If you delete or uninstall your eSIM, your phone will still function normally - but without mobile network service, unless you have another eSIM or a physical SIM installed. This means you’ll lose access to calls, texts, and mobile data linked to that specific eSIM. 

If you're thinking about deleting your eSIM, it’s worth knowing that uninstalling/deleting it is a bit different from taking out a physical SIM. It can’t be reinstalled in the same way, and you might need a replacement eSIM to get connected again. 



Important:
Deleting your eSIM does not cancel your mobile plan or subscription. Your account remains active, and charges may still apply unless you take steps to cancel your service. 

Temporarily disabling your eSIM: 

If you're looking to disable your eSIM for any reason, you can simply turn off your eSIM in your phone settings. This way, you can enable it anytime without needing a new one. 



Still need to uninstall your eSIM?
On most phones, you can go to: 
Settings > Mobile Network > SIMs 
Tap the eSIM you want to remove, then choose Delete eSIM. 

Need more help on uninstalling your eSIM? Visit Device Help for step-by-step guidance tailored to your phone model. 

For Digital Download: 

If your eSIM was delivered via digital download, you’ll need to request a replacement eSIM to reinstall it. 

For QR Code: 

You can scan the QR code again to reinstall your eSIM, if you still have activations left (you’re allowed up to 3 activations per QR code). 

If it looks damaged, you might still be able to activate your eSIM manually using the 64-digit code printed below the QR code (as long as it’s visible and undamaged).  

You can get in touch with us or visit your local Tesco Mobile phone shop to get a replacement eSIM, and yes, you’ll be able to keep your number! 

First, check that your phone is connected to the internet, either through mobile data or Wi-Fi, as this is essential for the eSIM download to work. 

If you're still having trouble, head over to Device help for step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific phone model. 

Still stuck? No problem, just get in touch with us or visit your local Tesco Mobile phone shop. We’ll help you get a replacement eSIM, and you’ll be able to keep your number. 

You’ll need to get a replacement eSIM. Just get in touch with us or pop into your local Tesco Mobile phone shop to request one. You’ll be able to keep your number, too!

If your confirmation code isn’t working during your upgrade, first make sure your phone is connected to the internet and that you’ve entered the code correctly. 

This code is needed to transfer your number from your old device to your new device, so it’s important it’s entered accurately. 

Still not working? No worries, get in touch with us or pop into your local Tesco Mobile phone shop, and we’ll sort it for you. 

If your eSIM doesn’t activate the usual way, we’ve got a backup ready. You’ll be able to activate it using a QR code instead. Just get in touch with us or pop into your local Tesco Mobile phone shop, and we’ll help you out.

First, activate your eSIM on your phone (you’ll find how to do this in the ‘Activating your eSIM’ section above). Once that’s done, then: 

• On your physical SIM, text SWAP to 23424. 
• Follow the on-screen steps; you’ll need your eSIM’s serial number. 
• Once your eSIM is up and running, you can safely recycle your physical SIM as electrical waste. 

To switch from an eSIM to a physical SIM, you can get in touch with us or pop into your local Tesco Mobile phone shop to pick one up. We’ll give you a Tri-SIM, which includes all three SIM sizes - just pop out the one that fits your phone. 

To activate it, simply make a call to any number. Then, to switch from your eSIM: 

• Using your eSIM, text SWAP to 23424 
• Follow the on-screen steps - you’ll need your eSIM’s serial number (ICCID).  
   

Important: If your phone is eSIM-only, it doesn’t support physical SIM cards, so this process won’t be possible. 

Your eSIM’s serial number, also known as the ICCID, may be useful when switching devices or getting support. Here’s how to find it: 

For Apple devices: 

It’s easy - just follow these steps on your Apple device: 

• Go to Settings 
• Tap General 
• Tap About 
• Scroll down to your eSIM profile - your ICCID will be listed there 
   

For Android devices: 

Finding your eSIM serial number (ICCID) on Android? Here’s how: 

• Go to Settings.  
• Tap Connections 
• Tap SIM Manager 
• Select the eSIM you want details for 
• Tap More Information 
• You’ll see the ICCID listed there 
   

For the physical pack QR code:

You’ll find it printed on the back of your eSIM pack. 

This number helps us identify your eSIM and it is very handy if you’re switching or need support. 

You can get in touch with us or visit your local Tesco Mobile phone shop to get a replacement eSIM—and yes, you’ll be able to keep your number! 

We’ll send your replacement eSIM by Royal Mail tracked delivery, so you can keep an eye on its progress.  

It should arrive within 3–5 working days, but it might be quicker depending on your location. 

 If you need help while you wait, feel free to get in touch with us. 

Your number will be transferred over, nice and easy! You might lose service for a short while during the switch, but don’t worry; once you activate your new eSIM, everything should be back up and running. 

If you have any bundles or allowances left, these will be transferred over to your replacement eSIM.

Your replacement eSIM will usually arrive already active, and your old SIM will stop working on the day it’s expected to be delivered. 

Activating your eSIM won’t affect your personal data, but it’s always a good idea to back up your contacts, photos, and other important information, especially if you’re switching phones or making changes to your setup - just to be on the safe side! 

Depending on the phone you’re moving to, you might need a replacement eSIM or a physical SIM. Just get in touch with us or pop into your local Tesco Mobile phone shop - we’ll help you get the right one. 

If your phone is still working, it’s best to wait until just before sending it in for repair before uninstalling your eSIM. Once it’s removed, you won’t be able to use your Tesco Mobile service on that device. 

To stay connected while your phone is being repaired, you might want to set up your service on a backup device first. That way, you’ll have less downtime. 
 


To uninstall your eSIM: 

• Go to your phone’s Settings > Mobile Network > SIMs 
• Tap the eSIM you want to remove, then choose Delete eSIM 

If your phone is damaged and you can’t remove it yourself, or you’re unsure what to do, just get in touch with us; we’ll guide you through it. 

For more help, check out our Repairs Help page. 

If you still have your QR code, you can use it to reactivate your eSIM on your repaired phone—if you haven’t already used it three times. Just follow the steps in the  ‘Activating your eSIM’ section above.  

Used a digital download instead? No worries—just get in touch with us and we’ll issue you a replacement eSIM. 

If you're having trouble reactivating your eSIM on a repaired phone, there could be a few reasons: 

• You might have already used up your allowed activations (3 for QR code, 1 for Digital download). 
• Your QR code could be damaged. 
• Your phone may not be connected to the internet - try connecting to Wi-Fi. 
• If your repair resulted in a replacement device, your original QR code won’t work, as it’s linked to your previous phone. 
   

If any of these apply, don’t worry, you’ll just need a replacement eSIM. You can pick one up at your local Tesco Mobile phone shop or get in touch with us directly. We’ll get you back up and running, and you’ll be able to keep your number.

Once your eSIM is activated on a phone, it can’t be used on another one. You might already have a replacement eSIM with your new phone; if not, just get in touch with us or pop into your local Tesco Mobile phone shop. We’ll get you set up, and you’ll keep your number too. 

It depends on how your eSIM was originally activated: 

• If you used a QR code, it’s tied to the phone it was first activated on. So, if you’re switching back to your old phone, you’ll need a replacement eSIM. 
• If you’re a new or upgrading PAYM customer, your eSIM will be linked to your new phone. In this case, it won’t work on a different device, even if it’s one you’ve used before. 

No worries though, just pop into your local Tesco Mobile phone shop or get in touch with us, and we’ll help you get a new eSIM. You’ll be able to keep your number and get back up and running in no time. 

If your phone has been lost or stolen, it’s important to act quickly to keep your account safe. 

If you're a Pay Monthly customer, you can log in to My Account and bar your SIM straight away. 

You can also get in touch with us, and we’ll block your phone and stop anyone else from using it. 

Once that’s done, we can help you transfer your number to a new device so you can stay connected. For more info, head to our Lost or stolen help page.

No, activating an eSIM won’t change your phone’s lock status. If your device is unlocked, it will stay unlocked. If it’s locked to a network, it will remain locked, regardless of using an eSIM. 

For iPhone devices: 

All iPhone models from the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and onwards support eSIM. 

For Android devices: 
Newer Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, and Xiaomi phones support eSIM. You’ll usually find that their latest models, especially the more advanced ones with premium features, as well as some of the more affordable recent releases, support eSIM. 

Not sure if your phone supports eSIM? Just check your phone’s settings or visit the manufacturer’s website. 

Your eSIM will work anywhere a physical SIM would work, so you can stay connected wherever you go.

For more info on using your phone abroad, check out our Roaming help page. 

We don’t currently support eSIM with smartwatches—but we’re always looking ahead. We'll keep you posted here if anything changes. 

Moving from your current network is easy—just follow a few quick steps, and we’ll get you up and running. Here’s how: 

• Get your PAC:
  Text PAC to 65075 for free from your old phone. You’ll get your code in about 60 seconds—it’s valid for 30 days. 
• Port your number:
  Once your new Tesco Mobile SIM or eSIM arrives, pop it in and text PORT to 23424 for free. 

We’ll take care of the rest and move your number over as quickly as possible. 

For more info on switching your network over to Tesco Mobile, check out our Porting page. 

If you're planning to give your phone to someone else, it's best to uninstall your eSIM first to protect your privacy and make sure the device is ready for the new user. 

Before you do that, we recommend requesting a replacement SIM. That way, you can stay connected.  

To remove your eSIM from the device you're handing over, go to: 

Settings > Mobile Network > SIMs, then select your eSIM and choose Remove or Delete eSIM. 

Once that’s done, the new owner will be able to activate their own eSIM without any issues. 

Need help? Just get in touch with us, and we’re happy to guide you through it. 

When you first set up your phone, all your contacts will use the default voice line you chose. If you are dialing a number manually, you’ll see an option on screen to choose which line to call from. 

For incoming calls, you’ll see a letter indicator showing which line it’s coming through. 

If you are a Tesco Mobile customer moving to an iOS device or vice versa, you’ll need to order a replacement eSIM.
You can get in touch with us or visit your local Tesco Mobile phone shop to get one—and yes, you’ll be able to keep your number! 

Most eSIM-compatible devices let you store multiple eSIM profiles, but the exact number depends on the device. Visit Device Help for step-by-step guidance tailored to your phone model. 

Most smartphones support one or two active eSIMs at a time, depending on the model. For detailed setup instructions and compatibility, visit Device Help for step-by-step guidance tailored to your phone.