How do I activate an eSIM on iOS?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or paste the activation code. Once added, make sure to enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only. If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and try again.

How do I activate an eSIM on Android?

On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Choose to scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. Once added, set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable Mobile Data. Some devices may require a restart for the eSIM to be fully activated.

Can I keep my physical SIM active while using an eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for mobile data. Most devices allow you to select which SIM handles data, calls, or texts separately.

What should I do if my eSIM does not activate?

If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation code. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi during activation. Restart your device, and if it still doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider for troubleshooting or request a replacement QR code.

Can I use hotspot with eSIM in the UK?

Airalo/Nomad usually allow hotspot; Holafly may limit it depending on the plan.

When should I install and activate the eSIM?

Install before your trip; activate on arrival so the validity starts when you need it.

Best eSIM for UK (2025) | Prices, Coverage & Setup

Quick Answer: Traveling to the United Kingdom in 2025? An eSIM is the simplest way to get reliable data from the moment you land at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester. You buy online, scan a QR code, and connect on the UK’s major networks without hunting for a physical SIM. In this guide we’ll cover the best eSIM providers for the UK, price snapshots, coverage notes for cities and rural areas, and a step-by-step setup checklist.

Why use an eSIM in the UK?

The UK has excellent mobile infrastructure and widespread 4G/5G in large cities such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, and Leeds. Buying an eSIM means no queues, no passport checks at kiosks, and no physical card to swap. If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhone/Pixel/Galaxy models from recent years do), it’s a fast, flexible, and often cheaper alternative to international roaming.

Quick Picks (2025)

Budget local: Airalo — low-cost, metered data packs; easy for short city trips.
Unlimited-style: Holafly — “unlimited” data with fair-use (FUP); great if you hate counting GBs.
Regional Europe: Nomad — regional bundles ideal for multi-country itineraries (UK + EU).

These brands typically roam on major UK carriers for solid nationwide coverage.

Prices & Data Packages (snapshot)

Prices fluctuate with promos and seasons, but this snapshot reflects typical tourist-friendly ranges in 2025. Always check the plan page for current deals.

Provider	Plan	Price (GBP/USD)	Validity	Notes
Airalo	1–3 GB	£4–£9 (≈ $5–$11)	7–15 days	Great for maps, chat, and rides
Airalo	5–10 GB	£12–£20 (≈ $15–$26)	30 days	Balanced choice for 1–2 week trips
Holafly	Unlimited-style	£18–£59 (≈ $22–$72)	5–30 days	FUP may throttle very heavy usage
Nomad	Regional Europe 3–10 GB	£9–£22 (≈ $11–$28)	7–30 days	One plan for UK + nearby EU countries

Coverage & 5G in the UK

In cities, you can expect fast 5G or strong 4G almost everywhere; in rural national parks or coastal drives, speeds may dip to 4G and occasionally 3G. The big four UK networks are:

EE — typically excellent 4G/5G in cities; strong overall footprint.
O2 — broad nationwide coverage; good for suburban travel.
Vodafone — reliable performance with expanding 5G.
Three — competitive urban speeds; improving 5G availability.

eSIM brands partner with one or more of these networks. If your itinerary includes the Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, the Lake District, or Snowdonia, download offline maps and expect occasional dead zones in remote valleys.

Setup: 2-minute checklist

Purchase a plan (Airalo / Holafly / Nomad) and access your QR code email.
On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM).
Scan the QR code, then set the eSIM as your Mobile Data line.
Toggle Data Roaming ON for the eSIM only; keep your physical SIM for calls/2FA.
Restart if prompted; test by loading a map or webpage.

Which UK eSIM fits your trip?

City break (3–5 days): Airalo 1–3 GB is enough for maps, messages, and light browsing.
One-week to two-week trip: Airalo 5–10 GB or Nomad 5–10 GB (especially if you hop to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, or Brussels).
Heavy use / streaming / hotspot: Holafly unlimited-style avoids counting GBs (mind FUP and any hotspot limits).

Saving data in the UK (so you don’t overpay)

Disable auto-updates and cloud backups on mobile data.
Use offline areas in Google Maps and download playlists on hotel Wi-Fi.
Limit hotspot use; laptop tethering burns data quickly.
Messaging apps (WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram) use very little data; HD video calls use much more.

Roaming to/from the EU after Brexit

UK network policies have evolved since Brexit. If you plan side trips to EU countries, a regional Europe eSIM can be easier than juggling multiple single-country plans. That’s where Nomad’s European bundles shine. If you will stay purely inside the UK, a local plan (Airalo) or unlimited-style plan (Holafly) is straightforward.

Troubleshooting (quick fixes)

No data after install: toggle Airplane Mode on/off, then ensure the eSIM is set as the active Data line.
Slow speeds: switch between 5G/4G in network settings; urban 5G is common but 4G may be more stable indoors.
Calls/SMS not working: many travel eSIMs are data-only; keep your physical SIM active if you need calls/SMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my phone compatible? Most iPhones from XS and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Flip/Fold, and Google Pixel 4+ support eSIM. Check your device settings for “Add eSIM”.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number? Yes. WhatsApp and similar apps keep the same account even if mobile data comes from the eSIM.

Is 5G included? Many plans provide 5G where available, falling back to 4G. Real-world speed depends on location and network load.

Do I need a UK phone number? Most travelers don’t. If you require local calls/SMS, keep your physical SIM active or use app-based calling.

Useful Guides (internal links)

Disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate. We recommend simple, traveler-friendly plans and update this guide as offers change.

Best eSIM providers for the UK

Provider	Best for	Hotspot / 5G	Notes
Airalo	Cheapest small packs	Hotspot: many plans • 5G: growing	Great for 3–7 day city trips
Holafly	“Unlimited”-style (FUP)	Hotspot: may be limited • 5G: varies	Stress-free heavy social/video
Nomad	Multi-country routes	Hotspot: usually allowed • 5G: many cities	Good if combining UK + Europe

Quick picks

Short London trip, light use: Airalo 3–5 GB pack.
Heavy Instagram/Maps: Holafly (fair-use applies).
UK + EU itinerary: Nomad regional eSIM.

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FAQs — eSIM for the UK

Is coverage good in major UK cities?

Yes, coverage is strong across London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other large cities; rural areas vary.

Can I use hotspot?

Airalo/Nomad usually allow it on many plans; Holafly may limit hotspot depending on plan.

When should I install and activate?

Install before flying; activate data on arrival so the validity starts when you need it.

Best eSIM for UK (2025)