1
Check device compatibility
iPhone XS or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer all support eSIM. Older devices need a physical SIM - see the operator's plan page for SIM-card delivery times if eSIM is not an option.
Procedure · ~5 minutes
How to Get an eSIM in London Today (2026): 5-Minute Guide
Updated May 7, 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · Total time: ~5 minutes.
Updated May 2026. Getting a UK eSIM in London takes about five minutes. Order online for an instant QR-code email, or visit an EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three shop at Heathrow, Westfield, or Oxford Street. Most UK providers support eSIM: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Lebara, SMARTY, 1pMobile, Talkmobile, Asda, Tesco, Sky, giffgaff, Honest Mobile, and Revolut Mobile. Your phone needs to be eSIM-compatible (iPhone XS or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer).
Step-by-step: getting an eSIM in London
Six steps from order to first call. Allow five minutes if you order online, ten if you visit a shop.
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3
Order online for an instant QR code
Most providers email the QR code within minutes of checkout. If you prefer a shop, all four MNOs have stores at Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Westfield London (Shepherd's Bush) and Westfield Stratford have all four. Oxford Street hosts EE, O2, and Three flagships.
4
Verify your identity
UK law requires identity proof. Show your passport or UK driver's licence. Most online flows use video-ID or a photo upload that takes 30 seconds. EU passports and biometric residence permits are also accepted.
5
Add the eSIM in Settings
iPhone: Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM → scan the QR code from the operator email. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Label the line so dual-SIM handling stays clean.
6
Activate and test the new line
The eSIM typically registers on the network within 2 to 5 minutes. Place a test call, send a test SMS, and load a webpage on mobile data. If the line is silent after 15 minutes, the operator's app or chat support can re-trigger activation.
Where can I buy an eSIM in person in London?
All four UK MNOs (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three) plus most MVNOs have walk-in stores at these London locations. Bring photo ID.
Airport
Heathrow Terminals 2/3/4/5
EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three all have shops in every terminal.
Shopping centre
Westfield London & Stratford
All four MNOs plus Carphone Warehouse / Currys with multi-network SIMs.
Central
Oxford Street
EE, O2, and Three flagships plus Apple / Samsung experience stores.
Stations
King's Cross · Liverpool St · TCR
All major operators have stores within 5 minutes of these stations.
Supermarket
Asda · Tesco · Sainsbury's
Asda Mobile, Tesco Mobile, giffgaff (Sainsbury's), and SMARTY starter packs at the till.
Online-only
Revolut · SMARTY · 1pMobile
Instant QR-code email after sign-up, no shop visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK providers support eSIM?expand_more
EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Lebara, SMARTY, 1pMobile, Talkmobile, Asda Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, giffgaff, Honest Mobile, and Revolut Mobile all support eSIM. Most others do too - check the plan page before signup if eSIM is essential.
How long does eSIM activation take?expand_more
Around five minutes from QR code to first call. The provider emails the QR code immediately after identity verification. The line typically registers on the network within 2 to 5 minutes.
Can I keep my old SIM and add a new eSIM?expand_more
Yes. Modern phones support dual-SIM (one physical + one eSIM) or dual-eSIM. Add the new eSIM as a second line and choose per-app which line handles calls, SMS, and mobile data.
Do I need a UK address to buy a UK eSIM?expand_more
Not for prepaid SIMs. SMARTY, 1pMobile, Lebara, Talkmobile, Asda Mobile and Revolut Mobile all sell prepaid eSIMs without a UK billing address. Contract plans from EE / O2 / Vodafone / Three require a UK address and a credit check.