Can you get an eSIM for a pay as you go SIM?

Yes, some providers offer the option to get an eSIM for pay as you go SIM, but it is much more common for SIM only plans. It is also important to keep in mind that you don’t always have the option to choose an eSIM directly when ordering the pay as you go SIM – in some cases, you need to first purchase a regular SIM card and then switch to an eSIM. However, what applies with your current or future provider should be clearly stated in the information on their website. If it doesn’t, you can always contact the provider for guidance.

What do you need to enable an eSIM for a pay as you go SIM?

To use an eSIM for a pay as you go SIM, you must have a mobile phone that supports eSIM and a provider that offers the option to choose eSIM specifically for a pay as you go SIM. At the moment, there are relatively few providers that offer eSIM as an option for both SIM only and pay as you go SIM, but below are some current examples.

Providers offering eSIM for pay as you go SIM

  • ID Mobile
  • Lycamobile
  • Vodafone

How to get an eSIM for pay as you go SIM

  1. Choose the pay as you go SIM you want on the provider’s website.
  2. Fill in the requested details and specify that you want eSIM as the SIM type.
  3. Proceed to checkout and pay.
  4. The provider sends you a QR code (in some cases via a confirmation email), which you use to activate the eSIM on your device.

The exact process of obtaining an eSIM for a pay as you go SIM can vary between different providers. Above, we describe how it might look. Below you can see how to activate the eSIM on the device, but even in this case, the process may vary between different providers and devices.

Activate the eSIM on your device

On iPhone

  1. Connect to WiFi or the mobile network.
  2. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
  3. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code.

On Samsung

  1. Connect to WiFi or the mobile network.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Go to Connections > SIM card manager > Add subscription.
  4. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code.

On Google Pixel

  1. Connect to WiFi or the mobile network.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Go to Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add eSIM.
  4. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code.

On Huawei

  1. Connect to WiFi or the mobile network.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Go to Mobile Network > SIM Management > Add eSIM.
  4. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code.

What are the advantages of eSIM for pay as you go SIM?

Provided you can choose an eSIM for a pay as you go SIM when ordering, the biggest advantage is that you can start using your pay as you go SIM immediately, without having to wait for a SIM card to arrive at your home, which you would then need to insert into the device and activate. Other advantages of eSIM overall include the ability to use multiple pay as you go SIMs or contracts (from the same or different providers) on a single mobile, and the ease of switching between them. However, this requires that your mobile supports dual SIM (dual SIM cards).

It is also a more environmentally friendly option compared to a regular SIM card, as the eSIM is integrated into the device during manufacturing and does not need to be produced or shipped. 

Are there any drawbacks to choosing an eSIM instead of a regular SIM card?

Yes, as we discussed earlier, it’s not always just a matter of choosing an eSIM instead of a regular SIM during the ordering process. This can make the set up more complicated than if you had opted for a regular SIM card. It is also not as easy to transfer an eSIM between devices, for example, if you are changing your mobile. 

Several manufacturers and providers have started offering solutions for ‘quick transfer’ of eSIM between different devices, but please check in advance as this is not always available. In most cases you need to ask your provider for a new QR code to activate the eSIM on the new device.

Can you switch from a regular SIM card to an eSIM with a pay as you go SIM?

Yes, as long as the provider’s pay as you go SIM supports eSIM, you should be able to switch from a regular SIM card to an eSIM without any issues. However, the exact process varies between providers. With Vodafone, it seems you can switch to an eSIM in the settings on your existing or new mobile or directly online. You can read more about it on Vodafone’s support page about eSIM.

At Lycamobile, you first order a free eSIM on the website. You will then receive a confirmation email with a QR code that you scan to install the eSIM on your device. Then log in to your Lycamobile account on the website and go to Manage account > Switch SIM where you can choose to switch from a physical SIM card to an eSIM.

Which is the cheapest pay as you go eSIM?

Now Mobile 1 GB is the cheapest pay as you go eSIM right now (checked on 07/10/2025). Top up from £2.5.

Get the deal at Now Mobile

Frequently asked questions about eSIM for pay as you go SIM

Does it cost anything to get an eSIM for a pay as you go SIM?

No, just like regular SIM cards, eSIMs are free as long as you order online. But to be able to use the pay as you go SIM, you must top it up with a price plan, and this will be your ongoing cost.
Do all providers offer eSIM for pay as you go SIM?

No, not all providers offer eSIM for pay as you go SIMs. You can see which providers offer the option to choose an eSIM for pay as you go SIM in the table at the top of the page.
Is 5G included when getting an eSIM for a pay as you go SIM?

Yes, if your provider and pay as you go SIM support 5G, then your eSIM will also support the technology. Remember that your device must also support 5G for you to connect to the 5G network.
Why choose an eSIM over a SIM card when getting a pay as you go SIM?

The biggest advantage of choosing an eSIM is that you can usually start using your pay as you go SIM immediately, without waiting for a SIM card to arrive in the post. It also allows you to combine two (or more, depending on what your mobile supports) numbers on the same mobile, which is handy for using both your home and work number on the same device.