How to

How to get and activate an eSIM from Three UK

Switching to a Three eSIM? Discover Three eSIM's UK plans, pricing, and activation process, and learn more about a smarter, digital alternative.

Three sells eSIM-only monthly plans, pay-as-you-go data bundles, and mobile contracts for many eSIM-compatible phones. Whether you’re a new customer looking to get an eSIM from Three or an existing user who wants to switch to an eSIM, there are some things you should know.

In this guide, we’ll cover Three’s eSIM plans, including prepaid and pay-as-you-go eSIM options, pricing, and main features. You’ll also learn how to buy, activate, and install your Three eSIM.

If you’re still looking for an eSIM that meets all your needs, we’ll also explore Holafly Plans, a rolling eSIM subscription solution for over 170 destinations, including the UK.

In this article

Three eSIM plans and pricing for UK locals

You can get a Three eSIM on pay-monthly (SIM-only) and pay-as-you-go plans. eSIMs are also available for Three Your Way plans – Three’s flexible mobile plan range that allows you to customize your plan’s length, allowances, and extras.

Three Pay Monthly eSIM plans

You can buy every SIM-only Pay Monthly plan with a Three eSIM instead of a traditional SIM card. Prices for Three’s Pay Monthly plans start at £7 per month and vary according to allowances.

There are three preset Pay Monthly eSIM plans to choose from, each lasting 24 months. While the first six months are cheaper, the plan’s costs more than double by the end of the contract:

Lite plan with unlimited data: £13.50-£30/month including unlimited calls and texts
Lite plan with 120 GB data: £8-£16.50/month including unlimited calls and texts
Lite plan with 25 GB data: £7-£19/month including unlimited calls and texts

You can also opt for a “Three Your Way” eSIM. This is Three’s “Build your plan” option, where you can choose your plan length, extras, and one of the three plans: Lite, Value, or Complete.

Contract length: 1 month, 12 months, or 24 months
Data allowance: Unlimited, 250 GB, 120 GB, 25 GB, 12 GB, 4 GB, or 1 GB
Plan type: Lite, Value, or Complete

Three Pay As You Go eSIM plans

If you’re not a Three pay-monthly customer, you can still opt for an eSIM with a pay-as-you-go plan. Three offers a few pay-as-you-go plan tiers: auto-renewal Data Packs with varying data allowances (starting at £10), 1-month Data Packs (starting at £10), and the Value Data Pack.

All Three pay-as-you-go plans also include a specific Go Roam allowance for Three’s international roaming, including Three EU roaming.

You can choose from four standard Data Packs as your eSIM plan. Each has a one-month validity period.

60 GB, Go Roam up to 6 GB, unlimited minutes and texts for £10
120 GB, Go Roam up to 12 GB, unlimited minutes and texts for £13.50
240 GB Go Roam up to 18 GB, unlimited minutes and texts for £18
Unlimited data, Go Roam up to 30 GB, unlimited minutes, and texts for £31.50

While these may seem like contract plans, the Data Packs only last a month, as compared to Three’s pay-monthly plan, where you can be tied in for 24 months.

If you set up auto-renew, you can save 10%. You can also opt for one of Three’s 1-month Data Pack options, which include:

40 GB, Go Roam up to 6 GB, unlimited minutes and text for £10
100 GB, Go Roam up to 12 GB, unlimited minutes and texts for £15
200 GB, Go Roam up to 18 GB, unlimited minutes and texts for £20
Unlimited data, Go Roam up to 30 GB, unlimited minutes, and texts for £35

Three’s final pay-as-you-go option is the Value Data Pack for £90 with a three-month validity period:

Unlimited data
Go Roam at no extra cost
Unlimited minutes and texts

Devices compatible with the Three eSIM UK

To use a Three eSIM, you’ll need an eSIM-compatible phone. Most recent smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android devices) now support eSIM and let you activate instantly. With a dual SIM phone, you can have both a physical SIM and an eSIM.

Before requesting an eSIM from Three, always check your device settings to ensure it can support one. If you’re still in doubt, head to Three’s eSIM-supported devices page.

How to get a Three eSIM

You can buy a Three eSIM in one of their official physical stores or online. Registering for an eSIM may be more straightforward if you’re an existing Three user. As a brand-new customer, you may have to provide certain things, such as proof of address and a valid ID. You’ll also need an eSIM-compatible device.

How to get a Three UK eSIM online

To get your Three eSIM online, select your desired plan and follow the purchase instructions. As a new user, you may be required to comply with specific requirements before activating your eSIM. Here are some of the main requirements you can expect when buying a Three eSIM online:

A local UK address
An eSIM-supported and unlocked phone
Personal information and contact number
Employment status (in some instances)
Bank information (for identity checks)
Valid email address to receive the eSIM QR code

If you’re an existing customer, simply log in to your Three account and follow the instructions to purchase an eSIM online.

How to get a Three eSIM in a physical store

If you prefer to pick up and register your Three eSIM in person, you can visit any official Three store. The process is straightforward, and a staff member can help you set it up on a compatible device.

Visit your nearest Three store and request to switch to eSIM or get a new Three eSIM.
Provide the necessary information to the store advisor.
Follow the store advisor’s instructions on how to activate your eSIM.

What you’ll need in store:

A device that supports eSIM
Valid ID and/or bank information
Three account details (if you’re an existing customer)

With a staff-supported process, you can begin to use your phone in the UK on an eSIM plan without waiting for a physical SIM card to be delivered.

How to install and activate your Three eSIM

Installing the Three eSIM, or any eSIM for that matter, is quick and straightforward. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android device, or Google Pixel, the process remains largely the same.

Set up eSIM on iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM > Use QR code. Then scan the QR code from your email and follow the instructions to complete the setup.
Set up eSIM on Samsung: Go to Device Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Scan Carrier QR code. Scan the QR code from your email and follow the instructions to complete the setup. A similar process applies to all Android devices, though some steps may differ slightly.
Set up eSIM on Google Pixel: Go to Device Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Download a SIM instead > choose to add via a QR code. Scan the QR code from your email and follow the instructions to complete the setup.

If you buy an Apple device from Three, you can enjoy “seamless activation”:

Switch on your device
Connect to WiFi
Follow the on-screen steps

With this method, you won’t need any QR or confirmation codes. Once the device is switched on and connected to WiFi, follow the on-screen instructions to activate your eSIM instantly. After following the instructions, your eSIM should be activated successfully. If not, you can contact Three’s support for assistance.

Stay connected in the UK – and abroad – with Holafly Plans

Looking for an eSIM that will keep you covered in the UK and abroad? Holafly Plans gives you unlimited data and hotspot in 170+ destinations, perfect for frequent travellers, heavy data users, and remote workers.

Use the subscription as your home plan in the UK, and as your dedicated travel eSIM. No SIM swapping or extra eSIM profiles needed – you simply connect to the best local networks in your current location.

For just $64.90 per month, Holafly’s main unlimited data plan includes unlimited hotspot sharing, making it ideal for those who need to stay connected across borders and devices without worrying about data caps.

The best part is the flexibility – no contracts. Cancel your subscription anytime with no penalty fees or extra charges. If you’re looking to travel with high-speed internet and peace of mind, Holafly Plans stands out as the smarter and more convenient choice.

If you’re planning a shorter stay in the UK, you can always go for Holafly’s eSIM for the UK.

Looking for other UK-based providers offering eSIMs? Check out our guides on:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my UK mobile in India?

Yes, you can use your UK mobile phone in India through roaming, travel eSIMs, local SIM cards, and pocket WiFi devices.

Do I need roaming in India?

You’ll need a roaming plan in India to stay connected. However, it isn’t the only way to be able to use your phone. You can opt for an unlimited data eSIM, a local physical SIM card, or a pocket WiFi device to stay connected.

Is there free roaming in India?

Certain providers like Lebara offer roaming in India at no extra cost.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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