How does the eSIM voucher with QR code work?

You can get an eSIM from us in paper form (voucher with QR code) or in digital form. On this page you will learn how to use the voucher with QR code.

  • eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM card that you download to your phone via the internet, so there’s no need to physically insert anything into your device. Functionally, eSIMs are almost identical to regular plastic SIM cards, with only a few minor differences. All services you’re used to will work with an eSIM. You can have multiple different eSIMs (phone numbers) stored on your phone. In most cases, you can also have more than one eSIM active at the same time, depending on your phone’s capabilities.
  • If you want to use your number on both your phone and smartwatch simultaneously, use the OneNumber service. eSIMs cannot be combined with Double SIM cards.
  • eSIMs allow you to store contacts just like regular plastic SIM cards. However, we recommend using another method with continuous data backup, such as your Google or Apple account.
  • Abroad? You can replace your SIM with an eSIM or transfer your existing eSIM to another phone, as long as roaming is active. However, if you want to activate a completely new phone number (on a SIM or eSIM) while abroad, you’ll need to call our Customer Care Line to complete the activation.

How can I get eSIM?

  1. Vodafone shop - the eSIM will be swapped on asking. You only need to know your administrative password and to have the ID card on yourself.
  2. Vodafone Care line - the eSIM swap can be agreed on with the operator on the line *77 or 800 77 00 77 when calling from another network. The eSIM will be delivered to you by mail within 2 working days.

How do I load eSIM into my mobile phone?

Make sure that your mobile phone is connected to the Internet.

We recommend to use the connection via Wi-Fi. Without the connection to the Internet, the eSIM loading will not be succesful.

Find the option for the loading of eSIM in the menu of the phone and scan the QR code that you will find on the card which you had obtained from us.

The procedure for the loading of the eSIM differs depending to the phone you are using. The manuals for the chosen models can be found lower on this web site. For the loading itself, you will also need the PIN code, which you will find on the card with QR code.

How do I confirm the swap and activate the eSIM?

If you have already loaded your eSIM into your mobile phone, do not forget to confirm the swap and activate it.

Log in on My Vodafone and choose the section My SIM / eSIM.

To log in to My Vodafone you need an email and password.

In the section Activation of new SIM enter the 19-digit serial number of the new SIM, which you will find on the card with eSIM, and click on Save.

The swap is usually executed within an hour from the entry of the request. Subsequently, we recommend to switch off and on the phone in order for it to be connected to the network. Do not forget to také out the original now unfunctional SIM card from your phone, so that everything would function as it should.

Other options:

  1. Via SMS - send the 19-digit serial number of the new eSIM to the number 77777 from your original SIM card.
  2. My Vodafone application - in section More choose SIM card activation. The serial number of new SIM (resp. the bar code) can be scanned with our application and you do not need to copy it. Beware, it is necessary to scan the bar code, not the QR code (look at the picture with explanation).
  3. Vodafone shop - if you have already asked for the swap in our shop, you can make a fast deal about the activation of a new eSIM. You can also come by in the shop anytime later.
  4. Vodafone Care line - call *77 from the original SIM card.
eSIM (card with QR code) keep well hidden. Besides the card containing PIN and PUK, it can come handy for repeated loading of the eSIM in the same or different device. The condition for the repeated use of the QR code is that you had deleted the eSIM from the phone and the phone was still connected to the Internet. Because of this, the correct deletion of the eSIM in our systems will be executed and the QR code will be functional again.

Which telephones and devices support eSIM?

The list of supported models can be found on this website. In case you did not find your phone in the list and it still supports eSIM, our eSIM should be working in the phone too, we just cannot warrant it.

Do you want to use your phone number on your mobile phone as well as on your watch or other eSIM-enabled device? Use the OneNumber service.

How can I load an eSIM into my device?

The procedure for the loading of eSIM differs a bit in every device. You can find the procedure for the selected models below.Apple iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro

Information for the setting and using of the eSIM on iPhone can be also found on the website of the manufacturer.

  1. Connect your phone to the Internet via Wi-Fi or via mobile data through classic SIM.
  2. Go to Setting - Mobile Data.
  3. Choose Add mobile tariff and scan the QR code, which you will find on eSIM.
  4. Follow the instructions - assign the tag to eSIM and choose if the eSIM is used as the primary one for calling and data.
  5. In the end, unlock the eSIM with the help of PIN code (as soon as the overview of SIM is displayed, click on the digital SIM for unlocking).

Google Pixel 3 and newer

  1. Connect your phone to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  2. Go to setting - Web and Internet - Mobile Network.
  3. Choose Wider settings - Operator - Add the operator.
  4. Scan the QR code from the card with eSIM and confirm the download. Wait a second and as soon as your phone asks to enter the PIN, enter the PIN from the eSIM card.

Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE

Please note that the watch always have their own telephone number and it is not possible to use the same telephone number which you have in your phone.

  1. For the activation of eSIM in watches you need a mobile phone with OS Android 5 and higher, and at least 1,5 GB RAM memory.
  2. During the uploading of eSIM, the telephone must be connected via the mobile data of Vodafone, or to any Wi-Fi network.
  3. Install the application Galaxy Wearable in your phone.
  4. The procedure for the uploading of eSIM can be found in the manual from the manufacturer.

I am using an eSIM uploaded via a paper QR code, how can I switch to the digital version of the eSIM?

How can I transfer an eSIM into another device?

Delete the eSIM from the original phone

The phone must be connected to the internet (ideally via Wi-Fi) when deleting the eSIM.

Have your paper voucher with the QR code ready

Once the eSIM is successfully deleted from the original phone, the QR code can be reused.

Install the eSIM on the new device

Follow your phone’s instructions to install the eSIM using the QR code.

  • During the deletion of the eSIM, it is crucial for the phone to be connected to the Internet. Only in this way, the correct deletion in our systems will be executed and the eSIM (QR code) can be reused for the upload into another device. Please note that during the uploading of eSIM into another device, the PIN code is always preset on default.
  • If you no longer have the original paper voucher with the QR code or weren’t able to delete the eSIM from your phone, we can issue you a new digital eSIM. You’ll find all the steps on this page.

What shall I do when I did not manage to upload the eSIM into the phone?

  1. If you have already used eSIM in another phone, make sure that you deleted the eSIM from the previous phone and that the phone was connected to the Internet.
  2. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet. You cannot activate the eSIM without it. We recommend to use Wi-Fi connection (some phones require it).
  3. Please check that the latest accessible firmware is installed in your phone. If you have bought your phone abroad make sure that it is not blocked to a certain provider.
  4. Try to turn off and on the phone, wait about 20 minutes and subsequently retry the activation.
  5. If nothing helps, ask us for a new eSIM.

What if I reclaim the phone in which I loaded the eSIM?

  • If you reclaim the phone in our shop, you do not need to be afraid, we will help you with everything on site.
  • Before the hand over of the phone into the service, it is good to delete eSIM from the phone. During the deletion of the eSIM it is vital for the phone to be connected to the Internet. Only in this way, deletion will be considered valid in our systems and your eSIM (QR code) can be subsequently reused for the upload into the spare phone.
  • If you use the phone which does not support the eSIM during the reclamation, you can ask us for exchange of the eSIM for classic format. When you have at hand a phone which supports eSIM, you will ask us again for the exchange of the eSIM. The former eSIM cannot be used in this case, because with the exchange of this eSIM card the former one will be invalidated, and the same rule works for eSIM.

What if I am going to sell the phone to somebody else and I used an eSIM installed via a QR code voucher?

  • I want to switch from eSIM to a plastic SIM - Request a plastic SIM card — you can do this via My Vodafone in the Services - New SIM card, or visit one of our stores where you can get a new SIM immediately.
  • I want to transfer my eSIM to a new phone - If your new phone supports SIM/eSIM Transfer, this is the fastest and easiest way to complete the process. If you still have the paper voucher with the QR code, you can delete the eSIM from the original phone (the phone must be connected to the internet), and then reuse the QR code to install the eSIM on your new phone. If this option isn’t available, use the My Vodafone Self Care to issue a new eSIM for your new phone in the Services - Exchange my SIM card for an eSIM.
  • I just want to delete the eSIM from my phone - Before selling a phone that supports eSIM, don’t forget to delete the eSIM you installed on it. On Android devices, look for SIM card management; on Apple devices, go to Settings > Mobile Data. Performing a factory reset usually does not delete the eSIM — it must be removed manually. Also, deleting the eSIM does not cancel your phone number or tariff.

I have lost or had my phone (device) with eSIM stolen, what should I do?

We're sorry you have to deal with this situation. First of all, we recommend blocking your eSIM so that no one can misuse it.

I want to use a physical SIM instead of an eSIM again, how do I do that?

You can do this via My Vodafone in the Services - New SIM card, or visit one of our stores where you can get a new SIM immediately.

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