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. Here's how:
New to giffgaff?
New to giffgaff?
First, check if your phone works with eSIM
Then, you can start your journey by downloading and log into the giffgaff app to create a new account
Activate your eSIM in the giffgaff app
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?
Already a giffgaff member?
First, check if your phone works with eSIM
Then log into your giffgaff app (it’s super important that you do this first)
Head over to Account > SIM > Replace my SIM > Switch to a new eSIM
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
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:
Download or open the latest version of the giffgaff app on your device.
Log in using the same giffgaff account you used to request the eSIM.
Follow the on-screen steps in the app to install and activate your eSIM.
Once activation is complete, your physical SIM will stop working and your eSIM will become active.
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.
FAQs
Does giffgaff provide QR codes or SM-DP+ details for eSIM activation?
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?
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.
How long does it take to activate my eSIM?
How long does it take to activate my eSIM?
It depends. If you’re already a giffgaff member and are switching from an existing physical SIM, or eSIM to a new eSIM, it usually takes less than an hour to switch but can go up to 24 hours at busy times.
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.
Note: To check whether your eSIM has been activated, read How do I check if my eSIM is activated?
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
How do I get help with eSIM activation issues?
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:
First off, check whether your phone works with eSIM. You can check this in the phone settings.
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.
Check your network connection. There may be issues in your area affecting your service. You can check this here.
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?
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:
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)
Once you’ve got your SIM, log into to the giffgaff app or website (it’s super important that you do this first)
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
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?
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.
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
eSIM switching is available from 4:30am to 9:30pm
It can take up to 1 hour after activating your eSIM to get signal but can go up to 24 hours at busy times. It's a good idea to give your phone a quick restart or toggle flight mode on and off
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.
Heading abroad? Pop a spare physical SIM in your bag. If your phone or SIM goes missing, it’s much easier to switch to a physical SIM than to set up a new eSIM while you’re away. Try to avoid switching to an eSIM abroad - it’s best to wait until you’re on stable WiFi.
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.