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Lebara launches a UK eSIM, but only on one device (for now)
Lebara rolled out its eSIM service in the UK in October 2025. Learn about which device it will work with and when more phones will be supported by Lebara.
Lebara has announced the launch of an eSIM service in the UK starting October 1, 2025. However, it comes with a major caveat — it’s only available on iPhone Air. At least for now. This comes as a reaction to the iPhone Air being an eSIM-only phone that doesn’t support physical SIM cards in the UK.
Let’s take a look at everything we know about Lebara’s eSIM service so far. If you’re looking for an eSIM you can use on any compatible phone, we’ll also introduce you to Holafly, an international eSIM provider with reliable coverage in the UK.
Connect to the fastest networks
International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
Does Lebara support eSIM?
Lebara only offers eSIM plans for the iPhone Air. The company didn’t offer any eSIM options until October 1, 2025, but promises to make Lebara eSIMs available for more devices before the end of the year.
Lebara rolled out an eSIM for the iPhone Air so that it could support those using the eSIM-only phone. All other new phones still have a physical SIM card slot, so you’re able to use your phone in the UK on Lebara’s service without an eSIM.
Holafly eSIM for the UK
Need a service that works on all eSIM-compatible phones? Holafly has got you covered. If you’re only visiting the country, get Holafly’s eSIM for the UK and enjoy unlimited data and 24/7 customer support with prices ranging from £1.33 to £3.79/day, depending on the duration of your plan.
Holafly allows you to choose any number of days from 1 to 90 for your eSIM. This means you can match your eSIM to your stay in the UK and avoid paying for any days you don’t need. Holafly beats roaming in the UK and pocket WiFi for the UK both in price and convenience, making it the go-to option for millions of travellers worldwide.
If you’re a local in the UK or planning an extended stay in the country, Holafly Plans may be an even better option for you. It’s a pay-monthly eSIM service that offers reliable coverage in the UK and 170+ other destinations worldwide.
Choose from 25 GB/month or unlimited data plans, use the service to stay connected almost anywhere in the world for as long as you need, and cancel anytime. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees to worry about.
One eSIM for every destination
Lebara eSIM plans
Lebara currently offers six monthly phone plan options, each of which includes local and international phone call minutes, texts, and data. You can get any of these plans with an eSIM on an iPhone Air or with a physical SIM for other phones.
| Price | Data | UK minutes and texts | International minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| £5 | 5 GB | 1,000 | 100 |
| £10 | 30 GB | Unlimited | 100 |
| £15 | 50 GB | Unlimited | 500 |
| £20 | 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| £25 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 |
| £30 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
The prices above are for a 30-day plan. If you commit to a 12-month plan, you get a 10% discount on every plan.
EU roaming is included in every plan, allowing you to use up to 30 GB of data in Europe at no extra cost. The international minutes can be used to make calls from the UK to over 50 destinations included in the plan.
How to get a Lebara eSIM
To start using a Lebara eSIM, you’ll need to buy a phone plan and activate the eSIM on your phone. Remember that Lebara eSIMs only work on iPhone Air, so you won’t be able to activate the eSIM on any other eSIM-compatible device.
How to buy a Lebara eSIM
You can buy a Lebara eSIM online or in any of their physical stores. In a physical store, simply request an eSIM, and the employee will help you through the process. To buy online, follow these steps:
- Choose a plan that suits your needs.
- Tap Show details, then Buy.
- Choose the A new SIM card option to get the eSIM.
- You’ll be asked if you’re purchasing the plan for an iPhone Air. Select Yes, then Continue.
- Fill out your email, full name, password, and address to create a Lebara account.
- Complete the payment to buy your plan.
How to activate a Lebara eSIM
To activate your Lebara eSIM, you simply need to scan the eSIM QR code that should be sent to your email right after you complete the purchase. Here’s how you can do that:
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Cellular/Mobile Settings menu.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Use QR code.
- Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.
When configuring your eSIM on iPhone with iOS 26, you’ll face some automatic prompts asking you to specify whether you’re using the eSIM as your home plan or for travel. You’ll also be asked if it’s a data-only eSIM or if it also includes calls and texts. Answer the prompts to match your preferences for an optimal eSIM experience.
If your QR code isn’t working, you can also activate your eSIM manually by entering the SM-DP+ Address and activation code, which should be included in the same email as the QR code.
How to switch from a physical SIM to a Lebara eSIM
If you already have a Lebara physical SIM and bought an iPhone Air, you can switch your card to an eSIM:
- Log in to your Lebara account on the app or website.
- Go to the Settings page.
- Locate and select Switch to eSIM, after which, a QR code should be sent to your email.
If you have a physical card with a different provider, you can also move your number to Lebara:
- Buy and activate your eSIM plan.
- Text PAC to 65075 from your current SIM card to get a PAC number.
- Complete a port-in request, after which your number will be moved to your Lebara eSIM on a selected date.
Lebara eSIM alternatives in the UK
Want to use an eSIM but don’t have an iPhone Air? You can either wait until Lebara rolls out its eSIM service for all devices, or pick one of the other providers in the UK that do offer eSIMs on all compatible phones. Here are the main ones to consider:
Alternatively, you can choose an international eSIM provider with Holafly. Connect to local networks, enjoy speeds up to 5G, and get unlimited data with every plan. If you need a long-term solution, get the Holafly Plans eSIM subscription and stay connected in 170+ destinations worldwide.
Connect to the fastest networks
International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of October 16, 2025, and is subject to change.
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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.
