How to Get an eSIM in London Today (2026): 5-Minute Guide

Updated May 7, 2026 · Jules de Bruin, Editor · 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

1
Check device compatibility. iPhone XS or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer all work. Older devices need a physical SIM.
2
Pick a provider and plan. For value: SMARTY, 1pMobile, Lebara. For premium London 5G: Three, EE, O2, Vodafone. For travellers: Revolut Mobile (unlimited UK + EU/US roaming for GBP 12.50).
3
Order online for an instant QR-code email, or visit a shop. EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three all have Heathrow Terminal 2/3/4/5 stores. Westfield London and Westfield Stratford have all four. Oxford Street hosts EE, O2, and Three flagships.
4
Verify your identity. UK law requires identity proof. Show passport or UK driver's licence. Most online flows use video-ID or photo upload.
5
Add the eSIM in Settings. iPhone: Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM → scan QR. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
6
Activate and test. The eSIM registers within 5 minutes. Place a test call, send a test SMS, and load a webpage on mobile data.

Where can I buy an eSIM in person in London?

· Heathrow Airport — EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three all have shops in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.
· Westfield London (Shepherd's Bush) and Westfield Stratford — all four MNOs.
· Oxford Street — EE, O2, Three, plus Carphone Warehouse / Currys with multi-network SIMs.
· Tottenham Court Road, King's Cross St Pancras, Liverpool Street — all major operators.
· Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's superstores — Asda Mobile, Tesco Mobile, giffgaff (Sainsbury's), and SMARTY starter packs at the till.

FAQ

Which UK providers support eSIM?

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?

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?

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.