HelloRoam is a global eSIM provider offering instant mobile data in 185+ countries. Buy prepaid travel eSIM plans with no extra fees, no contracts, and instant activation on any eSIM-compatible device.
Check whether your handset is eSIM compatible before you buy a plan. Your device must be carrier-unlocked to use HelloRoam data plans in 185+ countries. EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three must unlock your handset for free under Ofcom rules. Works with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and many more.
HelloRoam works on eSIM supported handsets from Apple (iPhone XS and newer), Samsung (Galaxy S20 and newer), Google (Pixel 2 and newer), and many more. EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three all support eSIM. Under Ofcom rules, all four networks must unlock your handset for free on request.
iPhones sold in mainland China do not support eSIM. Only some iPhone models sold in Hong Kong and Macau support eSIM. If you purchased your iPhone in one of these regions, verify eSIM compatibility before buying a plan.
Samsung handsets must be carrier-unlocked to use eSIM. Devices purchased from EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three may have eSIM disabled by default. Request a device unlock from your UK network. Under Ofcom rules, all four must do this for free.
Google Pixel devices purchased in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan may not support eSIM. Verify your device compatibility before purchasing a plan.
Motorola eSIM availability varies by region. Your device must be carrier-unlocked and purchased in a region that supports eSIM functionality.
Oppo Find X series global variants support eSIM. Oppo phones are sold at Amazon UK and Argos. Budget Oppo A-series models use physical SIM only. Confirm eSIM on your exact model before buying a plan.
Xiaomi 14 and 15 series global variants support eSIM. Chinese domestic models do not. Buy Xiaomi from Amazon UK or the Xiaomi UK store. Check your exact model number for eSIM hardware.
Huawei phones have limited eSIM support in the UK due to restricted Google services. Most models sold at Argos or Amazon UK use physical SIM only. Check with your network for compatibility.
Sony Xperia 1 V and Xperia 5 V support eSIM in their global variants. Available from Sony UK and Amazon UK. Confirm the eSIM-capable model before purchasing.
Honor eSIM works on select flagship models sold outside China. Budget Honor phones at Argos and Amazon UK use physical SIM only. Check the Honor spec page for your model.
OnePlus eSIM works on the 9 series onwards. Buy unlocked from OnePlus.com or Amazon UK. OnePlus handsets on O2 or EE may be network-locked. Under Ofcom rules, your network must unlock for free.
Vivo eSIM is limited to select flagship X-series global models. Vivo phones at Amazon UK vary by variant. Check the Vivo support page for your exact model before buying.
Nokia eSIM works on select models like the XR21. Nokia phones are sold at Currys and Amazon UK. Confirm eSIM on the Nokia spec page for your model.
Rakuten phones are sold only in Japan. They are not available from UK retailers and do not support UK network bands.
Sharp AQUOS phones are sold only in Japan. They are not available from UK retailers. eSIM works on select AQUOS models with Japanese networks only.
Fairphone 5 supports eSIM and is sold in the UK via the Fairphone store and select retailers. Fairphone works on EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three networks.
Nothing Phone (2) and (2a) Plus support eSIM. Buy from Nothing.tech or Amazon UK. Nothing handsets work on EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three networks in the UK.
TCL eSIM works on select 5G models. TCL phones are available at Amazon UK and Argos. Confirm eSIM on your model spec page before purchasing a plan.
Realme eSIM is limited to select GT flagship global variants. Budget Realme models at Amazon UK use physical SIM only. Check specs before purchasing.
ASUS Zenfone and ROG Phone support eSIM on select models. Buy unlocked from Amazon UK or the ASUS store. They are not sold through EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three.
Hammer rugged phones are a Polish brand with limited UK availability. eSIM works in select European markets. Check compatibility with UK networks before purchasing.
T-Mobile Revvl devices are sold only in the US and are not available in the UK. These phones do not work on UK networks.
eSIM support depends on the exact brand and model. Most budget phones at Argos, Tesco Mobile, and giffgaff use physical SIM only. Check your handset spec page for eSIM before buying a plan.
eSIM runs only on handsets with an embedded SIM chip built into the hardware at the factory. eSIM supported phones include the iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 2 and newer. Handsets released before 2018 and most budget Android mobiles lack this chip. Your handset must also be carrier-unlocked. EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three must unlock your phone for free under Ofcom rules. HelloRoam then works on any unlocked handset from the eSIM compatible phones list.
Your handset shows eSIM support inside its settings menu. On iPhone, open Settings, then General, then About, and look for an EID number. On Android, dial *#06# to check whether an EID appears alongside your IMEI. An EID confirms your handset has eSIM hardware. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. In the UK, EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three must unlock your device for free on request under Ofcom rules. Once unlocked, install a HelloRoam eSIM plan and get data wherever you travel.
Older handsets cannot use eSIM because they lack the embedded chip required for digital SIM profiles. Phones released before 2018, including iPhone X and earlier and Samsung Galaxy S9 and earlier, cannot add eSIM through any software update. The hardware must be present from the factory. To use a HelloRoam plan, you need a phone from the eSIM supported phones list, released in 2018 or later.
iPhones support eSIM from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR released in September 2018 onward. All models in the iPhone 11 through iPhone 16 range include eSIM, as does the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). iPhone X, 8, 7, and 6 do not have eSIM hardware. iPhones sold in mainland China and certain Hong Kong models also lack eSIM even on newer versions.
Google Pixel supports eSIM on every model from the Pixel 2 through the Pixel 10, including the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro series. The GSMA, which manages global eSIM standards, certifies Pixel handsets for eSIM use. Pixel 7 and newer can run two eSIMs at once without a physical SIM card. Your Pixel must be carrier-unlocked to install a HelloRoam plan.
The Honor 200 Lite does not support eSIM. Honor limits eSIM to select flagship models sold outside China. Budget and mid-range Honor handsets, including the 200 Lite, use physical SIM cards only. To use a HelloRoam travel eSIM, you need a different device with eSIM hardware. Check our full device list to find an eSIM compatible phone that suits you.
The Honor 50 does not support eSIM in most markets. Honor reserves eSIM for select high-end models sold outside China. The Honor 50 uses a physical dual SIM setup instead. UK travellers heading to Tenerife, Barcelona, or Rome who need data abroad should switch to an eSIM compatible handset. Check our full device list to find a phone that works with HelloRoam.
iPhone 13 includes eSIM on all four models: iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max. Apple made the iPhone 13 the first to run two active eSIMs simultaneously without a physical SIM card. HelloRoam eSIM plans work on iPhone 13 across 185+ countries. Your iPhone 13 must be carrier-unlocked to install a third-party eSIM.
iPhone supports eSIM on every model from the XS (2018) onward. Apple added eSIM following GSMA embedded SIM standards. Compatible models include the full iPhone 11 through 16 lineup plus the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). Your iPhone needs iOS 12.1 or later and must be carrier-unlocked to install a HelloRoam eSIM.
The Reno 14 does not support eSIM in most regions. Oppo limits eSIM to flagship Find series models in their global variants. The Reno lineup, including the Reno 14, uses physical SIM cards. If you need travel data for your summer holiday or a bank holiday break, check our full list of eSIM compatible phones to find a handset that works with HelloRoam.
The LG V40 ThinQ does not support eSIM. LG never added eSIM hardware to the V40 or any handset in the V series. LG exited the smartphone market in 2021, so no future update will add eSIM support. To use a HelloRoam travel eSIM, you need a phone with eSIM hardware from Apple, Samsung, Google, or another supported brand.
Checking eSIM compatibility takes about 30 seconds. On iPhone, go to Settings, General, About, and look for an EID number. On Android, dial *#06# and check for an EID next to your IMEI. An EID confirms the eSIM chip is present. Your handset must also be carrier-unlocked. UK networks EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three must unlock your device for free under Ofcom rules. Once that is sorted, install a HelloRoam plan and you are ready to go.
Most handsets store between 5 and 10 eSIM profiles but can only activate 1 or 2 at a time. iPhones before the 13 store up to 8 profiles and activate one at a time. iPhone 13 and newer run two active eSIMs without a physical SIM card. Samsung phones typically store 5 to 7 profiles. You can switch between stored HelloRoam profiles instantly without scanning a new QR code.
Dual SIM and eSIM are separate technologies. Dual SIM handsets hold two physical SIM cards in separate slots. eSIM is a chip built into the handset that downloads SIM profiles digitally, with no card to insert. Many modern phones combine both: one physical SIM slot plus an embedded eSIM. An iPhone XS or newer runs your EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three nano-SIM in the tray whilst the HelloRoam eSIM handles data abroad. That means your UK number stays active and you get local network speeds without swapping any cards.
eSIM availability varies by network. In the UK, EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three all support eSIM activation on compatible handsets. International carriers vary widely by country. HelloRoam provides its own eSIM data plans that work independently of your home network across 185+ countries. Your phone just needs eSIM hardware and a carrier unlock to get started.
The Honor 400 Lite is not confirmed to support eSIM as of April 2026. Honor typically reserves eSIM for premium flagship models sold outside China. Budget and mid-range Honor phones use physical SIM cards only. Check the Honor specifications page for your exact model before purchasing. For travel data, browse our full eSIM compatible phones list to find a device that works with HelloRoam.
iPhones from the XS onward are eSIM compatible, including every iPhone 11 through 16 model and the SE (2nd and 3rd generation). To check your specific iPhone, open Settings, General, About, and look for an EID number. An EID confirms eSIM hardware is present. Your iPhone must also be carrier-unlocked and running iOS 12.1 or later to install a HelloRoam eSIM.
The LG V60 ThinQ does not support eSIM. LG did not include eSIM hardware in the V60 or any other V-series handset. LG stopped making smartphones in 2021, so no future software update can add eSIM. If you need travel data abroad, you will need a phone from Apple, Samsung, Google, or another brand on the eSIM supported phones list.
Android phones with eSIM include flagship models from Samsung (Galaxy S20 and newer), Google (Pixel 2 and newer), OnePlus (9 series and newer), Motorola (Razr 40 and newer), and select Xiaomi, Oppo, and Sony models. Most budget and mid-range Android handsets do not have eSIM hardware. Chinese and Hong Kong regional variants often lack eSIM even when the global version supports it. Check your exact model before buying a HelloRoam plan.
eSIM compatible devices include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops. Phones with eSIM include iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 2 and newer. Cellular iPads from 2018 onward and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 support eSIM. Apple Watch Series 3 and newer and select Windows laptops with LTE also include eSIM. HelloRoam supports all of these across 185+ countries.
An eSIM is not transferable to a new phone once installed. If you want to know how to transfer eSIM to a new device, the answer is that you cannot move the profile directly. Your HelloRoam eSIM stays tied to the original handset where you activated it. If you switch phones, contact HelloRoam support with your order number and we can re-issue a new eSIM activation code for your replacement device. Keep your order confirmation email for faster support.
eSIM replaces the physical SIM card with a digital profile downloaded to a chip built into your handset. A physical SIM is a removable plastic card you slot into a tray. The key difference is that eSIM lets you add data plans instantly by scanning a QR code, whilst a physical SIM requires a shop visit or postal delivery. HelloRoam uses eSIM for instant activation across 185+ countries.
eSIM activation on HelloRoam takes about 2 minutes. You scan a QR code with your phone's camera, your device downloads the eSIM profile, and the plan activates automatically. No shop visit, no waiting for a SIM card in the post. EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three customers can keep their home SIM active whilst the HelloRoam eSIM handles data abroad.
Cellular iPads and Android tablets with eSIM hardware work with HelloRoam data-only plans. Compatible iPads include the iPad Pro from 2018 onward, iPad Air from 2019 onward, iPad mini from 2019 onward, and the standard iPad from 2019 onward. Wi-Fi-only models do not have cellular capability and cannot use eSIM. Confirm you have the Wi-Fi plus Cellular version before purchasing.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 supports eSIM on all models: S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. Samsung included eSIM starting with the S20 series, and every flagship Galaxy S model since then has it. Your S21 must be carrier-unlocked to install a third-party eSIM. Go to Settings, About Phone, and confirm no carrier lock is active. HelloRoam eSIM works on S21 across 185+ countries.
Your UK network must unlock your handset before you can install a third-party eSIM. Contact EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three and request a device unlock. Ofcom rules require all four UK networks to unlock handsets for free on request. Most unlock requests are completed within 24 hours for fully paid-off devices. On iPhone, check Settings, General, About, then Carrier Lock. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions', your handset is ready for a HelloRoam eSIM. On Android, look for a carrier lock indicator under Settings, Connections, SIM Card Manager.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 supports eSIM on all variants: S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra. Samsung includes eSIM hardware in every Galaxy S flagship from the S20 onward. Your S22 needs to be carrier-unlocked to add a HelloRoam eSIM. Go to Settings, About Phone, Status, and check for an EID number to confirm eSIM hardware. S22 users can run a physical SIM and eSIM together whilst travelling abroad.
Checking your lock status takes about a minute. On iPhone, go to Settings, General, About, and scroll to Carrier Lock. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions', your handset is carrier-unlocked. You can also dial *#06#: an EID alongside the IMEI confirms eSIM hardware. On Android, go to Settings, Connections, SIM Card Manager, and look for a lock indicator. If your handset is locked, contact EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three and request a device unlock. Ofcom rules require all UK networks to do this for free. Once unlocked, your handset is sorted for a HelloRoam eSIM plan.
To check if an iPhone is unlocked, open Settings, tap General, then About, and look for Carrier Lock near the bottom of the screen. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions', your iPhone is carrier-unlocked. A second method: insert a SIM card from a different network. If it activates, the phone is unlocked. You can also dial *#06# to view your IMEI number. Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked to install a HelloRoam eSIM plan.
iPhone 11 eSIM is fully supported on all three models: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Apple added eSIM to the iPhone XS and XR in 2018, and every iPhone from the 11 series onward includes it. Your iPhone 11 eSIM setup requires iOS 12.1 or later and a carrier-unlocked device. The iPhone 11 runs one physical nano-SIM alongside an eSIM, keeping your home number active whilst HelloRoam handles travel data in 185+ countries.