How does eSIM work (digital format)?
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 digital eSIM.
- 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 switch from a plastic SIM or paper eSIM voucher to a digital eSIM?
The following steps apply if you have a working phone number on a plastic SIM card or received your eSIM via a paper voucher and want to switch to a digitally issued eSIM.
How can I easily switch to eSIM directly on my phone using the SIM/eSIM Transfer feature?
If your phone supports the SIM/eSIM Transfer feature, you can easily switch to an eSIM without even logging into the My Vodafone. Check out the guide for using the SIM/eSIM Transfer feature.
If your phone doesn’t offer this option, follow the instructions further down the page and use the My Vodafone Self Care.
How can I switch to an eSIM for my existing number using the My Vodafone Self Care?
Make sure your phone is connected to the Internet.
We recommend using a Wi-Fi connection. You will not be able to upload the eSIM to your phone without an Internet connection.
Log in on My Vodafone and choose the section Services - My SIM / eSIM.
To log in to My Vodafone you need an email and password.
Select Exchange my SIM card for an eSIM and choose your preferred activation method.
- Activation via QR code – In the My Vodafone, your eSIM will be displayed as a QR code, which you then scan with your phone (or other device). Once your eSIM is ready (usually within a few minutes), we’ll confirm it via a service update SMS and an informational email. You’ll find your eSIM ready for activation in the Services section of My Vodafone (you may need to log out and log back in to see it).
- Activation by sending directly to your device via eID – This option means we’ll send the eSIM directly to your phone. To do this, you’ll need to provide us with your device’s EID number. Simply dial *#06# on your phone to find it. Carefully enter your device’s EID into My Vodafone and confirm. Once your eSIM is ready, we’ll notify you via SMS, and your phone will display a notification allowing you to complete the eSIM installation. You can then proceed to the final step of the guide.
If you're activating via QR code, go to your phone’s menu and find the option to add an eSIM. Then scan the QR code available in My Vodafone Self Care under Services - My SIM / eSIM in the My eSIM menu (you will see the text "Ready to activate").
The process for uploading an eSIM varies depending on the phone you are using. Instructions for selected models can be found below on this page.
If you upload your eSIM to your phone more than 14 days after you have made the request in Self Care, you will need to confirm its replacement (activation) manually according to the instructions in My Vodafone Self Care in the Services - My SIM / eSIM section.
Once the eSIM is successfully installed on your phone, we’ll activate it automatically—usually within an hour. Your number will then stop working on the original SIM card and start working on the new eSIM. If the eSIM doesn’t connect to the network automatically, try restarting your phone.
The default PIN code is 1234. By default, the PIN is disabled for eSIM, so you won’t need to enter it. However, you can enable or change it anytime in your phone’s settings.
One final tip – don’t forget to remove the old, now inactive SIM card from your phone to ensure everything works as it should.
I have an active number as a digitally issued eSIM — how can I transfer it to another phone?
How can I easily switch to eSIM directly on my phone using the SIM/eSIM Transfer feature?
If your phones support the SIM/eSIM Transfer feature, you can easily move your eSIM to another phone without even logging into the My Vodafone. Check out the guide for using the SIM/eSIM Transfer feature.
If your phone doesn’t offer this option, follow the instructions further down the page and use the My Vodafone Self Care.
How can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone using the My Vodafone Self Care?
Make sure both the original and the new phone are connected to the internet.
We recommend using a Wi-Fi connection. Without internet access, the eSIM cannot be deleted or downloaded to the phone.
If you no longer have access to the original phone, skip to step 4 and log in to the My Vodafone Self Care directly.
If you're transferring an eSIM with the phone number used to receive SMS login codes for My Vodafone, you’ll need to address this first to ensure you can still log in and complete the transfer.
- You can change the number used for receiving SMS login codes before starting the eSIM transfer by following this guide. Once done, continue with step 3.
- Alternatively, log in to the web version of My Vodafone, go to the Services section, select Transfer eSIM to another device, and order a brand-new eSIM. Then follow the on-screen instructions in My Vodafone (the process is nearly identical to replacing a plastic SIM with an eSIM, as described above). Your phone number will continue to work on the original eSIM until the new eSIM is installed on the new phone, so you’ll still be able to log in to My Vodafone during the process.
If you're transferring an eSIM with a number that is not used for receiving SMS login codes, you can proceed directly.
Follow your phone’s instructions to remove (delete) the eSIM from the original device.
It’s essential that the phone is connected to the internet at this time (preferably via Wi-Fi). This ensures the eSIM is properly deleted and can be reused on the new phone.
After a few minutes, log in to My Vodafone and go to the Services - My SIM / eSIM section.
To log in to My Vodafone you need an email and password (admin access is required).
Select My eSIM, where you should see that the eSIM has been removed from the device. Click the Activate button.
If My Vodafone still shows the eSIM as active, wait a few minutes and try logging in again later.
If you were unable to delete the eSIM from your original phone, instead select Transfer eSIM to another device and then follow the link to order a new eSIM. The process is the same as switching from a plastic SIM to an eSIM.
Choose your preferred activation method (via QR code or direct delivery to the device).
- If using a QR code - go to the new phone’s menu, find the option to add an eSIM, and scan the QR code from My Vodafone.
- If using direct delivery - you’ll need to enter your device’s EID. You can find it in the device settings or by dialing *#06#. Once we send the eSIM to your phone, you’ll receive an SMS with further instructions.
The default PIN code is 1234, and it is disabled by default on the eSIM, so you will not need to enter it. However, you can enable or change it at any time through your phone's menu.
Once the eSIM is installed on the new phone, your number will be ready to use.
In this case, there’s no need to confirm the replacement/activation in My Vodafone, as you’re still using the same eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What does a digital eSIM look like and how does it differ from an eSIM voucher?
- The digital eSIM has 2 variants. The first option is that you generate a QR code via My Vodafone, which you then take a photo of and upload the eSIM to your phone. For the second method, we will need your device EID (a unique code for your phone) and we will then send the eSIM directly to your phone.
- The advantage of a digital eSIM is that you get it almost instantly, you don't have to go in person or wait for it to be delivered to your mailbox.
- Unlike a paper eSIM voucher, the QR code displayed in the My Vodafone Self Care is one-time and cannot be used repeatedly. If you need to load your eSIM onto another device, you can use the eSIM Transfer feature or display a new QR code in My Vodafone.
How do I install an eSIM using a QR code on my Apple device?
- Connect your phone to the Internet via Wi-Fi or via mobile data through classic SIM.
- Go to Setting - Mobile Data.
- Choose Add mobile tariff and scan the eSIM QR code.
- Follow the instructions - assign the tag to eSIM and choose if the eSIM is used as the primary one for calling and data.
- By default, the PIN code requirement is disabled on the eSIM. If you want to enable it, you can do so through your phone's menu.
How do I install an eSIM using a QR code on my Android device?
The procedure for the loading of eSIM differs a bit in every device. You can find the procedure for the selected models below.
Google Pixel 3 and later models
- Connect your phone to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
- Go to setting - Web and Internet - Mobile Network.
- Choose Wider settings - Operator - Add the operator.
- Scan the QR code from the card with eSIM and confirm the download. By default, the PIN code requirement is disabled on the eSIM. If you want to enable it, you can do so through your phone's menu.
Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE
- 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.
- During the uploading of eSIM, the telephone must be connected via the mobile data of Vodafone, or to any Wi-Fi network.
- Install the application Galaxy Wearable in your phone.
- The procedure for the uploading of eSIM can be found in the manual from the manufacturer.
What shall I do when I did not manage to upload the eSIM into the phone?
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Try to turn off and on the phone, wait about 20 minutes and subsequently retry the activation.
- If nothing helps, ask us for a new eSIM.
What if I reclaim the phone in which I loaded the eSIM?
- I want to use my phone number on a plastic SIM in another phone during the repair - You can request a replacement SIM card in the classic plastic format at any time. You can find this option in the My Vodafone Self Care under Services - Do you need to return to the plastic SIM card? You can also arrange the replacement in person at one of our stores. Don’t forget to delete the eSIM from the phone being sent for repair. On Android devices, look for SIM card management; on Apple devices, go to Settings > Mobile Data.
- I want to use my phone number on an eSIM in another phone during the repair - Use the instructions provided earlier on this page and either use the SIM/eSIM Transfer feature or follow the steps in My Vodafone under “How can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone using the My Vodafone Self Care?” Important: If you're transferring an eSIM with the number used to receive SMS login codes for My Vodafone, make sure to address this first so you can log in and complete the transfer successfully.
- I want to use my phone number on an eSIM in another phone, but my current phone is not working and I can’t log in to My Vodafone - We’ll help you load the eSIM in person at one of our stores or via the Customer Care Line. We’ll need the EID of your new phone, which you can find by dialing *#06#.
- I want to use my phone number on an eSIM in another phone, my current phone is not working, but I can log in to My Vodafone - Follow the instructions above under “How can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone using the My Vodafone Self Care?
- I don’t want to use my phone number during the repair - If your number is used to receive verification codes for logging into My Vodafone, we recommend temporarily changing the number used for receiving SMS codes. Otherwise, you won’t be able to log in during the repair. Don’t forget to delete the eSIM from the phone being sent for repair. On Android devices, look for SIM card management; on Apple devices, go to Settings > Mobile Data. When you're ready to use your number again, we’ll help you load the eSIM in person at one of our stores or via the Customer Care Line.
What if I am going to sell the phone to somebody else and I had used the eSIM before?
- 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 - Do you need to return to the plastic 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 this option isn’t available, use the My Vodafone Self Care to issue a new eSIM for your new phone. You’ll find the steps on this page under “I have an active number as a digitally issued eSIM — how can I transfer it to another phone?”
- 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 want to use a physical SIM instead of an eSIM again, how do I do that?
You can ask us to exchange your SIM card for a physical SIM at any time. You can find this option in the My Vodafone Self Care under Services - Do you need to return to the plastic SIM card?
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 am using an eSIM uploaded via a paper QR code, how can I switch to the digital version of the eSIM?
Follow the instructions on this page under "How can I switch from a plastic SIM or paper eSIM voucher to a digital eSIM?".
Mějte přehled o svých službách díky aplikaci Můj Vodafone
