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Tesco Mobile eSIM in the UK: 2025 Guide

Tesco Mobile eSIMs are available with all plans on the official website. Here’s how to buy and activate a Tesco eSIM, along with other interesting eSIM options.

You can get a Tesco Mobile eSIM on SIM only, Pay as you go, and Pay Monthly phone contracts. However, setting up a Tesco eSIM is where it may get a bit complicated.

Here’s everything we know about Tesco Mobile eSIM, including eSIM plans, prices, and activation processes. We’ll also include alternative options, like Holafly’s easy-to-set-up travel eSIMs, if you’re looking for unlimited data and peace of mind on the go and at home.

In this article

Does Tesco Mobile support eSIM?

Yes, you can get a Tesco Mobile eSIM with any plan on the official Tesco Mobile website. However, buying and setting up a Tesco eSIM involves visiting a physical Tesco store and waiting for a QR code to be mailed to you to use your phone in the UK.

Alternative eSIM companies handle the entire purchase process online and typically email the eSIM QR code (along with other activation information) to make setup as easy as possible. The same goes for eSIM provider, Holafly.

Holafly’s eSIMs: Stay connected with unlimited data

All Holafly eSIMs are designed to be as convenient as possible, especially for travellers looking for peace of mind. Buying your Holafly eSIM (available in over 200 destinations) and activating it only takes a few minutes.

If you’re planning a holiday, head to our eSIM store to select your destination. Enjoy unlimited data, daily hotspot sharing, a flexible eSIM plan, and 24/7 customer support.

On the other hand, you may be based in the UK and want to avoid switching UK SIM cards or dealing with roaming charges when on holiday. But you also need high-speed internet at home.

Holafly Plans is an all-encompassing solution, offering three flexible data plans on a monthly eSIM subscription basis. Use Holafly Plans as your home internet plan or in over 170 destinations under just one eSIM profile.

Just $64.90 USD (~£47 GBP) gets you unlimited data and unlimited hotspot to keep all your devices, friends, and family connected wherever you go.

Tesco Mobile eSIM plans

You can get an eSIM from Tesco Mobile with three different types of plans: SIM only, Pay Monthly phone contracts, or Pay-as-you-go.

SIM only plans include 12 and 24-month contracts and start from 2 GB data allowances to unlimited data, and prices range from £7.50/month to £30/month.

The most popular Pay as you go SIM bundles start from 500 MB, 500 minutes and texts and go up to 100 GB, unlimited minutes and texts. Prices range from £5 to £30 per bundle.

Pay Monthly phone contracts include a wide range of modern smartphones from brands such as Apple, Google Pixel, and Samsung. While most modern smartphones support eSIM technology, not all are eSIM-compatible. Ensure you purchase an eSIM-compatible phone with a Pay Monthly phone contract to be able to use a Tesco Mobile eSIM.

How to get a Tesco Mobile eSIM

Getting an eSIM isn’t as simple as ordering one from the official Tesco Mobile website. If you need an eSIM, you’ll have to get in touch with the Tesco Mobile team or head to your nearest Tesco Mobile phone shop.

If you’re buying an eSIM-only phone with a Pay Monthly plan as a new/existing customer, you’ll get your eSIM via digital download.

How to activate a Tesco Mobile eSIM

There are two ways to activate your Tesco eSIM: scan a QR code or via digital download — only available with Pay Monthly deals.

Activate your Tesco Mobile eSIM via digital download

If you’ve bought an eSIM-compatible phone with a Pay Monthly plan, your eSIM installation process will begin when you turn on your new device.

Follow these steps:

Turn on your new phone.
Connect to WiFi.
Follow the on-screen instructions to successfully download and activate your eSIM.

Activate your Tesco Mobile eSIM via QR code

You can also activate your eSIM via QR code. Scanning a QR code might look slightly different, depending on your device:

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 eSIM 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 need to, you can activate your eSIM up to 3 times on the same phone (only successful activations count). Once you’ve activated your eSIM on a device, it is now linked to that phone and can’t be reused on a different one.

If you’re changing phones, you’ll need to contact the Tesco Mobile team or visit your nearest store to get a replacement eSIM and keep your number.

Tesco Mobile eSIM alternatives in the UK

If you’re looking for an easier setup and eSIM activation process, many companies offer eSIMs in the UK. Here’s a list to explore other eSIM providers:

For the ultimate convenience and peace of mind, go for Holafly’s unlimited data eSIM for the UK. Choose your eSIM plan according to your needs, and enjoy unlimited data. For long-term connectivity needs, consider Holafly Plans instead.

Frequently asked questions about Tesco Mobile eSIMs

Does Tesco Mobile support eSIM?

Yes, Tesco Mobile supports eSIM technology and offers eSIM with SIM only, Pay Monthly phone contracts, and Pay as you go plans. If your phone supports eSIM, you’ll be able to get a Tesco eSIM.

How to convert SIM to eSIM with Tesco Mobile?

To initiate a SIM swap, the first step is to activate your eSIM on your phone and note your eSIM’s serial number or EID. Use your physical SIM to text “SWAP” to 23424. Follow the on-screen instructions to switch your physical SIM to an eSIM.

Which network do Tesco Mobile eSIMs use?

Tesco Mobile uses the O2 network to provide services in the UK.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of November 13, 2025, and is subject to change.

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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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