How to get and activate a Vodafone eSIM UK

eSIM cards are the latest step in the evolution of telecommunications. It is a more convenient and eco-friendly option, and many operators, including Vodafone, now allow you to get one. Follow along to learn how to buy and activate Vodafone eSIM UK and use your phone in the country.

Using an eSIM is a great alternative to your regular SIM card, but it’s an even more appealing option for travelling abroad. Using an eSIM eliminates the need for physical tourist SIM cards or excessive data roaming charges, and you can buy and set it up within minutes.

Vodafone eSIM UK pricing and plans

Vodafone’s eSIM plans can be split into two parts. Prepaid plans offer short-term coverage for visitors, and postpaid plans are your typical cellular plans that require monthly payments and long-term commitment. Both of these are available as eSIMs and as physical SIM cards with Vodafone.

Prepaid plans

Prepaid, or pay-as-you-go, plans range between £10 and £40 (~$12.5 and $50 USD). All of them offer different amounts of data, ranging from 7 GB to unlimited data. All bundles last for three months and include unlimited minutes and local texts. If you run out of data before the expiration date, you’ve no option but to buy more data.

Postpaid plans 

This type of plan is focused on long-term users. It requires a long-term contract, and setting it up isn’t as easy as prepaid plans. You can choose between data-only plans or plans that include data, calls, and texts. The price ranges from £15 and up to £44 (~$19 and $55). 

There are three plan durations to choose from: 30 days, 12 months, and 24 months, but you only get the best price if you’re willing to commit to the longest contract.

Devices compatible with Vodafone eSIM UK

Vodafone’s eSIM service works with all eSIM-compatible phones. These include Apple iPhone XS or newer, the Google Pixel 3 or newer, certain Samsung Galaxy phones, as well as some tablets and smartwatches. If the device has the technology and can use the Vodafone UK network, you can connect with a virtual SIM card.

If you purchased your phone from a different carrier, you need to make sure that it’s unlocked for use on other carrier’s networks.

Steps to get Vodafone eSIM UK

Unfortunately, the process of getting a Vodafone eSIM is much more complicated than necessary. To start off, you need a UK phone number to even proceed with the purchase process. This means that foreign visitors without a UK number can only get the eSIM in physical stores.

Requirements to buy Vodafone virtual SIM card online

Vodafone is the only operator in the UK that allows you to buy a digital SIM card online. However, the service is not accessible to tourists because of the information required on the website. On the other hand, if you are a Vodafone customer who wants to transfer your plan to a new eSIM or if you are a new customer interested in joining the network, you will have to take into account:

• Have internet access for the whole process and to visit the Vodafone online store.
• Confirm that your phone is compatible with Vodafone eSIM and its network. 
• Personal information such as local address and phone number.
• Create and register an account on the Vodafone website.
• Have an active postpaid account with Vodafone or a UK phone number.

How to get a Vodafone eSIM online

If you do have an active Vodafone UK plan, the online purchase is relatively straightforward. 

1. Visit the Vodafone UK website and find a plan that suits your needs.
2. Add the plan to your cart.
3. In the Choose your SIM section, select eSIM.
4. If you’re not logged in, enter the required information. This includes your name, email, and phone number.
5. Complete your purchase.

How to buy a Vodafone eSIM in a physical store

If you don’t have a Vodafone account, your only option is to visit a physical store. The whole process is really simple, as the customer service representative will take care of all the technical details for you. 

Before visiting the store, make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and have an ID card or passport with you. Once there, simply ask for an eSIM and specify whether you need a prepaid plan or a long-term postpaid plan.

How to install according to the type of device

Once you’ve purchased your eSIM, you should receive an activation QR code in your email. No matter who you buy your eSIM from, the installation process varies a bit depending on the make and model of your device. Here’s how you can do it yourself without needing assistance from a customer service representative.

Install on Apple iPhone

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Tap the Mobile Data option.
3. Select Add eSIM.
4. Tap the Use QR Code option and scan the activation QR code.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the setup process.

If you need more detailed instructions, check out Holafly’s guide on setting up an eSIM on iPhone.

Install on Android

As you may know, multiple phone manufacturers use Android as their operating system. This means that the process to set up your eSIM may be marginally different depending on your device, but it should look something like this:

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Open the Mobile Networks menu.
3. Locate and tap on the eSIM option.
4. Tap the Enable Download toggle switch.
5. Scan the QR code and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

For device-specific instructions, use the Holafly guide for installation on eSIM Oppo, Samsung, or Google Pixel.

eSIM alternatives to Vodafone UK

Don’t feel like dealing with complicated purchase processes or visiting physical stores? Discover eSIM deals by other companies providing eSIMs in the UK. Local providers can offer you solid alternatives for long-term plans, while international eSIMs are by far the most convenient alternative for anyone travelling to the UK.

Holafly

Whether you’re travelling to the UK or looking to roam the world from the UK, Holafly offers some of the best eSIM plans and coverage in 200+ destinations. All Holafly plans include unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, solid mobile coverage, and flexible plan durations. You can even get a global eSIM that provides coverage in 113 destinations with a single eSIM.

Holafly’s eSIM for the UK works with Vodafone, Three, and O2 networks, automatically connecting you to the one with the best coverage in your area. The plans start at £6 for one day of coverage, while 90 days costs £120, which is only £1.33/day for the duration of the plan.

Just as importantly, Holafly makes it easy for you to use an eSIM. You can buy, set up, and start using your eSIM within minutes without the need to visit any physical stores or have pre-existing plans with any provider.

Three

Much like Vodafone, Three is a local mobile network provider offering both prepaid and postpaid eSIM plans. Prices range from £14 to £35 (~$17.5 to $42.5). Many of them include unlimited data as well as as unlimited messages and local calls, among other options. 

However, as is the case with most local providers, the purchase process isn’t as easy as it is with Holafly. You’ll have to visit a physical store and get a plan there, making it less convenient for visitors. 

O2

O2 is yet another popular provider in the UK with a range of eSIM plans for locals and tourists. Its eSIM plans range from £17 to £32 (~$22 and $40), with data limits ranging from 12GB and up to unlimited data. 

Once again, it’s still a service mostly centered around locals in the UK, offering little convenience for tourists looking to get mobile internet for a short visit. You can simply scan QR code and follow the prompts to switch from a physical O2 SIM to an eSIM, but if you need a completely new plan, you’ll have to visit a store with your phone and ID.

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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