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Switching to an eSIM with giffgaff

How to get an eSIM on giffgaff and set up an eSIM on an eSIM-only phone. Also, how to check if eSIM is activated, how to diagnose an issue with an eSIM activation and how to change from eSIM to a physical SIM.

Written by Andy

Whether you're new to giffgaff or already with us, it's really simple to swap your SIM for an eSIM, or set up an eSIM on an eSIM-only phone.

How to get an eSIM

New to giffgaff?

  1. First, check if your phone works with eSIM

  2. Then, you can start your journey by downloading and log into the giffgaff app to create a new account

  3. Activate your eSIM in the giffgaff app

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions, nice and easy

Important: If you purchase a plan with your eSIM online, you will be directed to the app to complete the activation process. Once fully activated, your plan will be live on your account.

Note: If you're joining giffgaff from another network and would like to bring your number over, you can do this once you’ve got an eSIM.

Already a giffgaff member?

  1. First, check if your phone works with eSIM

  2. Then log into your giffgaff app (it’s super important that you do this first)

  3. Head over to Account > SIM > Replace my SIM > Switch to a new eSIM

  4. From here, follow the on-screen instructions to finish switching to an eSIM

What to do if you started your eSIM order on the website

If you chose to switch to an eSIM from your giffgaff dashboard on the website, you’ll still need to complete the activation using the giffgaff app.

Here’s how:

  1. Download or open the latest version of the giffgaff app on your device.

  2. Log in using the same giffgaff account you used to request the eSIM.

  3. Follow the on-screen steps in the app to install and activate your eSIM.

  4. Once activation is complete, your physical SIM will stop working and your eSIM will become active.

  5. Restart your phone if prompted.

  • Make sure your device supports eSIM and is connected to Wi‑Fi or mobile data during activation.

  • The activation must be completed on the device that will use the eSIM.

eSIM switching is available from 4:30am to 9:30pm. Activation usually takes less than an hour to switch but can go up to 24 hours at busy times if you’re already a giffgaff member and are switching from an existing physical SIM, or eSIM to a new eSIM.

For new members, activation should happen as soon as the eSIM’s installed on your phone. If your phone doesn’t connect right away, try restarting it or flicking flight mode 'on' and 'off' again for a soft reset.

How do I check if my eSIM is activated?

It all depends on the phone you’re using. If you’re setting up your eSIM on your mobile or through the web, just follow the steps below on your phone to get the right instructions.

iOS

  1. First things first, head over to 'Settings' then choose 'Mobile Data'

  2. Here, you’ll see your eSIM listed under 'SIMs'

  3. Tap on your eSIM and double-check that the 'Turn On This Line' option is turned on

  4. Then, you’ll be all good to go

Note: Sometimes you might get a message that says 'Unable to activate eSIM' during setup. If you've followed the steps above and everything looks right, there's no need to worry. Your eSIM should still work as expected.

Android

  1. Start off by going to 'Settings' then pick 'SIM cards and mobile networks'

  2. Next, scroll down and choose 'Manage eSIM'

  3. Here, you’ll find your activated eSIM. Don’t forget to double-check that it’s turned on

If your eSIM’s active but you’re not getting signal, try toggling flight mode on and off for a quick soft reset.

FAQs

Does giffgaff provide QR codes or SM-DP+ details for eSIM activation?

No. giffgaff eSIMs are activated through the giffgaff app only.

At the moment, we do not provide:

  • QR codes

  • SM-DP+ addresses

  • Manual activation codes

To activate your eSIM, simply follow the steps in the giffgaff app.

Do I need an internet connection to install my eSIM?

You do. To install your giffgaff eSIM, you’ll need a solid internet connection. We suggest connecting to WiFi.

If you do lose connection, just head back into the giffgaff app and pick up from where you left off.

What else should I know?

When switching from a physical SIM or an existing eSIM to a new eSIM, follow these tips:

  • Check that you’re on the latest version of the giffgaff app

  • Once your new eSIM is active, your old SIM (physical or eSIM) will stop working. Remove it or delete it to avoid any confusion

  • There's no difference in pricing between a plan on a physical SIM and a plan on an eSIM.

How do I get help with eSIM activation issues?

There are a few reasons why that might be causing you a bit of trouble - diagnosing these will help you find the right support for your issue:

  1. First off, check whether your phone works with eSIM. You can check this in the phone settings.

  2. Make sure that you’re trying to activate your eSIM through the giffgaff app and have followed the steps. Make sure that you've followed the right steps, depending on whether you're an existing or new giffgaff member. You can find the steps you need to follow here.

  3. Check your network connection. There may be issues in your area affecting your service. You can check this here.

  4. Try turning your phone off and on again. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

If that didn't work, try reaching out to our friendly community.

Can I switch back to a physical SIM card from an eSIM?

Absolutely. You just need to follow these steps through the giffgaff app or website:

  1. First up, you'll need a brand new, unactivated giffgaff SIM which you can order one for free (Or, if you've got a spare that's never been activated, just use that)

  2. Once you’ve got your SIM, log into to the giffgaff app or website (it’s super important that you do this first)

  3. Then, follow these steps to replace your SIM. Either:

    • App: tap on Account > SIM > Replace my SIM > Switch to a new physical SIM

    • Web: pop over to your Dashboard > Replace my SIM

  4. Follow the steps to start using a physical SIM card again

It's important to note that you can only switch to an eSIM between 4:30am to 9:30pm.

Note: If you’re in a rush and want to get a new SIM now instead of waiting for one to be delivered, you can visit your local shop and buy it for £1. Check out this blog for more info on this.

If your phone’s lost, or worse been stolen, you should report your phone as lost so it can be blocked. No one else can use it then.

How many eSIMs can my phone have at once?

Well, that all depends on the phone you have.

Some phone models can hold more than eight eSIMs but only one or two can be active at a time.

Keep in mind, only one SIM can be active on your giffgaff account at a time.

I'm using multiple SIMs on one phone and having connectivity issues

If the other SIMs are active, make sure you have the right SIM marked as your default for data, calls, and texts in your device settings as the phone might be trying to use one of the other SIMs for connectivity

If the other SIMs are old inactive ones, you should either remove it from your phone if it’s a SIM card or delete it from your device if it’s an eSIM

Did this solve your problem? If not, pop over to our friendly community or chat with our giffgaff HelpBot for a quick answer. Alternatively, ask one of our helpful agents for an answer within 24 hours.

Related Articles
Activating your giffgaff SIM
Continuing to use your eSIM if you switch to a different phone
What to do if you delete your eSIM
What’s an eSIM and its benefits
Where to find your SIM serial number
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