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How to get and activate a Vodafone eSIM for the UK

You can get a Vodafone eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. Learn more about how to buy a Vodafone UK eSIM, device compatibility, and eSIM activation.

Vodafone UK supports eSIM technology with phones + eSIM contracts, eSIM-only contracts, and pay-as-you-go deals. You can easily get a Vodafone UK eSIM, as long as your phone is eSIM compatible.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Vodafone UK eSIM — from eligible deals, plans, and registration requirements to how to buy and activate your eSIM.

If you’re looking for a flexible alternative to the Vodafone UK eSIM, we’ll also introduce Holafly Plans, a monthly eSIM subscription solution for internet needs at home and abroad.

Important: If you want more information on travelling with a Vodafone UK eSIM, check out our Vodafone Travel eSIM blog and guide on Vodafone UK’s international roaming service.

In this article

Vodafone eSIM plans and pricing for UK locals

When it comes to Vodafone eSIM for the UK, you can choose between Pay Monthly and Pay as you go Plus plans, as long as you have an eSIM-compatible phone.

Vodafone eSIM UK Pay monthly plans

Vodafone offers a wide range of pay-monthly plans available as an eSIM. Each plan has its own data, call, and text allowances. Vodafone UK also has options for varying contract lengths — 30 days, 12 months, and 24 months.

Here are some pay-monthly plans you can activate with a Vodafone eSIM for the UK:

50GB Red: Unlimited minutes and texts and a 50 GB allowance for £21
150GB Red: Unlimited minutes and texts, and a 150 GB allowance for £25
Unlimited Plus: Unlimited data, minutes, and text for £25
5GB Xtra Euro Roam: Unlimited minutes and texts, a 5 GB allowance, inclusive roaming in 51 European destinations
Unlimited Plus Xtra Global Roam: Unlimited data, minutes, and texts and inclusive roaming in 83 worldwide destinations

Vodafone UK Pay Monthly eSIM plans + phones

You can also get an eSIM with Vodafone UK by purchasing a device with a monthly eSIM plan included in the contract. There are a range of options to choose from that let you spread the cost of a handset, Red and Unlimited data plans, and extras like roaming and entertainment add-ons.

Vodafone UK eSIM Pay As You Go plans

If you prefer a no-contract option and don’t want to commit to a fixed monthly plan, you can opt for a Vodafone UK eSIM on a Pay As You Go Plus plan instead.

27 GB + Unlimited minutes and texts for £10
50 GB + Unlimited minutes and texts for £15
150 GB + Unlimited minutes and texts for £20
300 GB + Unlimited minutes and texts for £30
Unlimited data, minutes, and texts for £40

Vodafone UK Pay As You Go eSIM plans + phones

Vodafone UK also offers Pay as you go eSIM plans and phones without commitment to a contract. You can choose from a wide range of mobile phones and 30-day plans (no contracts). You’ll have to pay for the phone in full at the start, and the plan renews every 30 days with a recurring charge.

Vodafone UK data-only eSIM

Vodafone UK offers a data-only eSIM (or SIM) for your iPad, tablet, dongle, or mobile WiFi. You can choose between two plan lengths: 30 days and 24 months.

Currently, the website offers two data plans:

Unlimited Max Data Plan: £40
Unlimited Plus Data: £37

Vodafone UK also offers a free eSIM (or SIM) with a Pay as you go Plus plan. Currently, you can choose between five different plans, varying in price and data allowance.

Devices compatible with the Vodafone eSIM UK

Vodafone UK eSIMs work with most Apple, Android, and Google devices. Many modern smartphones since the iPhone XR, Samsung Galaxy S20, and Google Pixel 2 XL are eSIM-compatible.

Check if you have an eSIM-compatible phone before getting an eSIM-only deal. If you buy your phone from Vodafone UK, you can choose an eSIM or a SIM depending on the device’s capabilities.

That said, most modern smartphones support eSIM technology and are even dual-SIM compatible. With a dual SIM phone, you can have two SIMs/eSIMs at a time. Before purchasing a Vodafone UK eSIM, head to their device guide page to ensure your phone is eSIM-compatible.

How to get a Vodafone eSIM in the UK

You can get a Vodafone UK eSIM in two ways: online (on Vodafone UK’s website or through your Vodafone UK account) or in-store at a Vodafone UK shop.

The buying process will vary depending on your device, whether you’re a new or existing customer, and type of plan.

How to get a Vodafone UK eSIM online

To get a Vodafone UK eSIM online, head to their website, select your desired plan, purchase the eSIM, and follow the steps. You’ll receive an email with your Vodafone UK eSIM QR code and instructions on how to install your eSIM profile.

But before successfully purchasing the eSIM, you may be required to provide certain information:

An eSIM-supported and unlocked phone
Personal and contact information
Valid email address
A local UK address
Registered payment card with the same address

If you are already a Vodafone UK customer, log in to your Vodafone account and follow the instructions.

How to get a Vodafone UK eSIM in a store

You can also visit a Vodafone UK store in person and request a Vodafone eSIM. This option is preferable if you’d like face-to-face help.

Visit your nearest Vodafone UK shop and let staff know you’d like to purchase a Vodafone eSIM or switch to one.
Follow the staff’s instructions as they check your device compatibility and process your request.

What you’ll need in store:

An eSIM-compatible phone
Proof of identity
A Vodafone UK-accepted payment method

How to set up a Vodafone UK eSIM

Setting up and installing an eSIM is quite easy, but the process may vary slightly for different devices:

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.

How to activate a Vodafone UK eSIM

Once your eSIM has been installed and set up on your phone, you need to activate it. You might automatically be taken to the activation process. If this happens, follow the on-screen instructions to activate your eSIM successfully.

If not, you may have to activate your eSIM manually. For iOS devices, head to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Select the eSIM profile (Vodafone) > Turn on line/Data roaming.

If you’re on an Android device, ensure your eSIM is activated by clicking on Settings > Connections (or Network and internet) > SIM Manager (or SIMs) > Status. The status for your eSIM should be active.

How to convert a physical Vodafone UK SIM to a Vodafone eSIM

If you have an active Vodafone account and want to convert a physical SIM card to an eSIM, head to “Settings“, click “Mobile Service“, and select the SIM you’d like to convert. Scroll to the bottom to see the “Convert to an eSIM” option.

Check whether your phone is updated if you don’t see any such options. If you still can’t see anything, follow these steps:

Log in to My Vodafone
Go to Settings > Plan Settings
Select “Manage” under your chosen plan > Manage my SIM
Select “Activate my eSIM”

Contact Vodafone UK’s support team if you’re facing issues trying to convert your SIM to an eSIM.

Holafly Plans: A flexible solution for internet needs at home and abroad

While the Vodafone eSIM for the UK is a solid option for local connectivity, it doesn’t offer a solution to eSIM profile swapping if you want to avoid roaming charges when travelling abroad.

Holafly Plans offers an easier solution – a single monthly eSIM subscription for your domestic and travel needs in over 170 destinations. Use your Holafly Plans eSIM as your home plan in the UK and as a travel eSIM whenever you head abroad.

For just $64.90 (~£47), you can get unlimited data and unlimited hotspot at home and worldwide. With 24/7 customer support, instant activation, and no contracts or cancellation fees, it’s guaranteed to give you peace of mind, wherever you are. If Holafly Plans isn’t the right fit for your needs, you can always check out Holafly’s eSIM for the UK, which might be better for a shorter stay.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is accurate as of 23 September 2025. We recommend verifying any details before making decisions based on the information provided.

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

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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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