Can I use eSIM as a hotspot to share data?

Yes, where your phone allows it. A HelloRoam eSIM data plan works through your phone's normal hotspot or personal-hotspot setting, the same as a physical SIM. Turn on the hotspot in your phone settings, connect your laptop or a second device over Wi-Fi, and it draws from the same data plan. Sharing a fixed data plan across devices uses it up faster. Check your remaining balance in the HelloRoam app if you plan to hotspot for more than a quick task.

Can I still use my phone's physical SIM slot after I add an eSIM?

Yes. Adding an eSIM does not disable your physical SIM slot. Most eSIM phones with a SIM tray, including every iPhone from the XS (2018) onward that has one, run both at once in dual SIM mode. Your physical SIM can keep handling calls and texts on your home number. Your HelloRoam eSIM handles data on the local network at your destination.

How long has eSIM technology been around?

Consumer eSIM technology dates to 2016, when the GSMA published SGP.22, the remote provisioning standard phones still use. Apple brought eSIM to the iPhone with the XS in 2018, and Samsung and Google flagships also support it. Most flagship phones now ship with an eUICC chip built in, though some budget models still skip it. HelloRoam uses that same SGP.22 standard to deliver travel plans.

What Is an eSIM? Digital SIM Cards Explained

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. You install a HelloRoam eSIM over Wi-Fi in minutes and connect to local networks in 185+ countries. No plastic card to carry, no shop visit before your trip, and no roaming fees when you land.

Last updated: 25 September 2026

HelloRoam Editorial TeamHelloRoam Team

An eSIM digital SIM built into a smartphone, ready to activate without a physical card

What Is an eSIM Card? eSIM Explained

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your handset that lets you add a travel data plan without swapping a physical card. What is data roaming? It is when your UK carrier (EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three) connects you to a foreign network abroad. Outside what your plan includes, that usually costs a daily fee or a roaming pass. Since Brexit ended guaranteed free EU roaming on 1 January 2021, daily fees can hit your bill the moment you land in Spain, Italy, or Greece. A HelloRoam eSIM avoids those fees: it connects you to a local network for one prepaid price, with no roaming charges from your UK network. The chip is soldered into your handset's motherboard and stores carrier profiles in software. No card to insert, lose, or pick up at the WHSmith in Heathrow Departures.

The GSMA, the industry body behind the SGP.22 eSIM standard, defines how handsets store and switch carrier profiles wirelessly. This technology is also called a virtual SIM or digital SIM card because the entire profile lives in software, not on a removable chip. Many handsets have it built in, but not all: plenty of budget and mid-range models still do not. Compatible models include every iPhone from the XS onward, most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models, and the Google Pixel 4 and newer. HelloRoam is built by Future Syncs Limited (UK Companies House number 15950168) and helps British travellers flying from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Manchester skip carrier roaming fees and get online the moment they land in Spain, Turkey, Greece, France, or wherever they are headed.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a built-in digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical SIM card.

How to get an eSIM

Check device compatibility
Choose an eSIM plan
Purchase online
Scan QR code or install manually
Activate in settings

How Does an eSIM Work? (iPhone and Android Setup)

An eSIM works by using built-in software to download and store a carrier profile directly on your handset. Once active, it connects you to mobile networks for calls, texts, and mobile data, exactly like a physical SIM card. How does an eSIM work on iPhone? On compatible models (XS and newer), go to Settings, Mobile Service, then Add eSIM. With your iPhone set to English (UK), the menu is called Mobile Service, not Cellular as it is in English (US). How does it work on Android? Go to Settings, Network and internet, SIM manager, then Add eSIM. Many Android phones support this, including most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models and the Google Pixel 4 and newer, but plenty of budget and mid-range models do not. Check your phone's settings or our compatibility list if you are not sure about your specific model.

Getting set up takes about 5 minutes: buy a plan, open your confirmation email, and scan the QR code. Your physical SIM stays in place the whole time. Run both at once in dual SIM mode and your UK number stays active on EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three for calls, while the eSIM handles all your mobile data on a local network for one prepaid HelloRoam price. Popular UK holiday destinations including Spain, Turkey, Greece, France, and Portugal all work with HelloRoam plans. Bear in mind that since Brexit, EE and Three charge for roaming in Europe on many plans, so a prepaid eSIM plan is a straightforward way to keep your data costs predictable.

How Do You Set Up an eSIM?

Follow these steps to get your eSIM sorted on an iPhone or Android before your holiday.

Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app

Pick your plan and check out

Browse data plans for your destination and complete checkout online or in the HelloRoam app.

Scan the QR code

Open your confirmation email and scan the QR code with your phone camera to install the eSIM.

Land and go

Your plan installs right away. It activates when you arrive at your destination country.

Explore eSIM plans

Why eSIM Matters in 2026

Mobile connectivity has changed fast, and eSIM sits at the centre of that shift. The reasons are practical, not just technical.

Travellers today expect:

Instant connectivity upon arrival
Real savings on every trip
No dependency on local stores or kiosks
Switch between countries instantly

Traditional SIM cards struggle to meet these expectations. eSIM solves these problems by making connectivity digital-first.

Smartphone manufacturers are also increasingly removing physical SIM trays from newer models, signalling a long-term industry shift towards eSIM-only devices.

Save on international data costs with one prepaid eSIM price instead of carrier roaming

Save on
data costs

HelloRoam plans start at £0.77. No contracts, no hidden fees, and refunds on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days.(Source: HelloRoam pricing analysis, 2026)

Browse Plans

Not sure if your handset supports eSIM?

Not all phones support eSIM, but most modern smartphones do.

Compatibility can vary based on region and carrier restrictions, so always check your specific model before buying a plan.

Why this matters:

eSIM is a hardware feature. If your handset doesn't support it, no provider can switch it on for you.

Check Compatibility

eSIM benefits for international travel

Avoid roaming fees
Skip the airport SIM kiosk entirely. An eSIM connects your handset to local carriers the moment you land, giving you instant data on a local network with no extra charges from EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three.
Ready in minutes
Choose a plan online, scan a QR code, and you are connected within minutes. No trip to the post office, no hunting for a SIM card shop on arrival.
Keep primary number active
Your phone can hold multiple eSIM profiles at once. Switch between networks or numbers without hunting for a SIM ejector pin or a tiny plastic card.
Multi-country coverage
HelloRoam connects you to 212+ mobile networks across 185+ countries, with 4G LTE or 5G mobile data in most countries.
Quick switching
No rolling contracts, no early exit fees. Pick a plan that fits your trip length and data requirements, with no strings attached.
Backup connectivity
Had your bag nicked in Barcelona or left your jacket at Heathrow? Your eSIM stays locked inside the handset. It cannot be removed, stolen, or lost down the back of a seat.

Common Use Cases for eSIM

Travel
The most popular use case: affordable, instant mobile data abroad.
Business
Professionals can maintain multiple numbers or plans without juggling devices.
Remote Work
Mobile data in different countries, without hunting for Wi-Fi.

eSIM Disadvantages to Know Before You Buy

While eSIM offers many advantages, it's important to understand its limitations:

Requires a compatible deviceOlder handsets and most budget models still need a physical SIM. In the UK, Samsung A-series and many mid-range handsets sold on contract through EE or Three do not support eSIM. Check the HelloRoam compatibility list before you buy a plan.
Some older networks may not fully support itSmaller regional networks in some destinations have not yet added eSIM support. This is less common in Europe, the US, or Southeast Asia, but worth checking for less-visited destinations. Check coverage for your specific destination before you buy.
Initial setup may feel unfamiliar to first-time usersYou need Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the profile. Get it sorted at home before you head to Heathrow or Gatwick. Destination airport Wi-Fi is an option in a pinch, but home broadband makes the setup quicker and more reliable.
Transferring eSIM between devices can require extra stepsMoving a carrier eSIM to a new handset takes more steps than sliding a physical SIM across. UK phone insurance providers such as Protect Your Bubble or insurance through your bank account may replace your handset but cannot transfer the eSIM profile. An installed HelloRoam eSIM cannot move, so contact HelloRoam support before you switch phones.

These limitations are shrinking as adoption grows, but they are

still worth considering.

These limitations are shrinking as adoption grows, but they are still worth considering.

eSIM security and future technology

eSIM technology is designed for both convenience and long-term mobile innovation. From stronger security protections to growing worldwide adoption, eSIM is shaping how travellers and connected devices stay online.

More secure than physical SIM cards

Encrypted digital activation

Remote profile management

Growing global adoption

Future-ready travel connectivity

Beyond smartphones

Supported by leading brands including Apple, Samsung, and Google.

eSIM vs SIM Card: Which Is Better for International Travel?

SIM Card

eSIM

An eSIM is generally better than a physical SIM card for international travel because it activates instantly, costs less than roaming, and lets you switch networks without changing hardware. Travellers benefit from faster setup, greater flexibility, and lower overall costs.

Common eSIM Problems and Fixes

Running into a problem with your eSIM installation or mobile data? Our 24/7 support team sees these issues regularly. Below are quick fixes for the most common problems UK travellers face, from QR code scanning on iPhone to carrier-lock issues on handsets bought through EE, Vodafone, or Three.

1
1. 1Clean your handset's camera lens and make sure the QR code is well lit.
2. 2Hold your handset 15 to 30 centimetres from the code and try tilting the screen slightly.
3. 3If it still won't scan, tap 'Enter Details Manually' and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your HelloRoam confirmation email.
4. 4On iPhone, this option appears under Settings, Mobile Service, Add eSIM.
Does your handset say the code's no longer valid? The eSIM may already be on your handset. Check your list of SIMs before you scan again.
2
1. 1Restart your handset first.
2. 2Then go to Settings, Mobile Data, and confirm the HelloRoam line is set as your data line and that Data Roaming is switched on for that line.
3. 3On Android, check Settings, Network and internet, SIM manager.
4. 4If you bought an automatic-activation plan, it will not go live until you arrive in your destination country, so this is expected behaviour when you are still at home.
Fix 2 of 6 · Recorded on iPhone · 0:10
Set the HelloRoam line for mobile data, under Mobile Data in Mobile Service.
3
1. 1Open Settings and check your list of SIMs first.
2. 2On iPhone, it's under Mobile Service.
3. 3The HelloRoam line might appear under another name, such as Secondary.
4. 4If it's switched off, tap it and turn the line on.
5. 5If it's missing from the list altogether, the install didn't finish, so read the error message on screen.
6. 6Check your handset supports eSIM and isn't carrier-locked.
7. 7Don't delete an eSIM to fix this: email help@helloroam.com with your order number and the error message.
4
1. 1On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, and tap the profile you want to delete.
2. 2Choose 'Remove Mobile Plan' or 'Delete eSIM'.
3. 3On Android, go to Settings, Network and internet, SIM manager, then select the profile and choose Remove.
4. 4If the option is greyed out, the plan is still active.
5. 5Turn it off first, then delete it.
5
1. 1Most handsets let you store several profiles but only use one for mobile data at a time.
2. 2On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Mobile Data, and choose which line handles your data.
3. 3On Android, go to Settings, Network and internet, SIM manager, and set your preferred data SIM.
4. 4Turn off any profile you are not using right now to avoid confusion.
6
1. 1Check that you typed the code exactly as shown in your confirmation email, including any dashes or special characters.
2. 2Connect to stable Wi-Fi, ideally your home broadband, and try again.
3. 3If the code still fails after two attempts, contact HelloRoam support via WhatsApp or email help@helloroam.com with your order number.
4. 4Before your eSIM connects in your destination, we can issue a new one.

Still stuck? Our team is here 24/7 on email, WhatsApp, live chat and in the app.

Email help@helloroam.com WhatsApp Live chat

“eSIM technology is the biggest shift in mobile connectivity since the smartphone. Travelers no longer need to choose between staying connected and overpaying.”

Aqib Hassan, Co-Founder & CTO, HelloRoam

Frequently Asked eSIM Questions

HelloRoam travel eSIMs are data-only and don't assign you a new phone number. Your existing number stays on your physical SIM card for calls and texts while your travel plan handles mobile data on a local network. This means your UK mobile number stays active on EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three throughout your trip. For calls over your data connection, use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom. If you need a second number for voice calls abroad, you'd need a separate voice eSIM from a local carrier, which is a different product from a travel data plan.

eSIM stands for embedded SIM. The GSMA SGP.22 standard defines how this built-in chip stores carrier profiles in software instead of on a removable card. You may also hear it called a digital SIM card or virtual SIM. Unlike a physical SIM, your phone's motherboard houses the embedded chip permanently and you can't remove it. Without the technical jargon? It's simply a tiny chip inside your phone that connects you to mobile networks, no card swap needed.

Data roaming is when your phone uses a foreign mobile network abroad and your UK carrier charges you for that usage. An eSIM removes this problem. You buy a plan online before your trip, the profile downloads over Wi-Fi, and your phone connects to a local network abroad. You pay one prepaid HelloRoam price, with no roaming fees from your home carrier, so no surprise charges appear on your home bill. Since Brexit ended guaranteed free EU roaming, this matters for trips to Spain, France, Italy, Greece or Portugal. EE, Vodafone and Three charge daily roaming fees in Europe on many plans, and a HelloRoam eSIM plan sidesteps all of that.

eSIM doesn't drain your battery faster than a physical SIM. Both use the same radio hardware to connect to cellular networks. Battery drain depends on signal strength, screen brightness, and app usage, not on whether you have an embedded or physical card installed. Running two active lines at once (dual SIM mode) can use slightly more power because your phone maintains two network connections, but the difference is small in day-to-day use. If battery life is a concern on a long-haul flight or a full day of sightseeing, the bigger impact comes from leaving mobile data on in areas with poor signal.

eSIM is generally more practical than pocket Wi-Fi for most travellers. Pocket Wi-Fi requires hiring a separate device, carrying it charged throughout the day, and returning it after your trip. An eSIM installs directly on your phone, needs no extra hardware, and activates automatically when you land. The only scenario where pocket Wi-Fi has an edge is when you're travelling as a group and need to share data across multiple devices simultaneously without using hotspot on your phone. For solo travellers or couples, an eSIM with hotspot enabled covers both scenarios without the extra device to manage.

Using eSIM for business travel is straightforward. You install a data plan before your trip, your UK business number stays active on your physical SIM for calls, and the eSIM handles all data abroad on a local network for one prepaid price. There are no roaming surcharges to claim on expenses. For frequent business travellers, the HelloRoam app lets you manage multiple profiles across different countries and pre-load plans for upcoming trips. Most phones used in business, including iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24, and Google Pixel 8, fully support the technology.

Switching to HelloRoam for travel doesn't affect your existing UK contract at all. Your home SIM stays active in your phone throughout your trip, keeping your existing number for calls and texts. You're simply adding a separate data plan for abroad. When you return to the UK, turn off the travel eSIM line and your home SIM takes over automatically. HelloRoam eSIM plans work alongside EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 contracts without any interference. Number porting between UK carriers is a separate process handled directly by those carriers.

Phones sold by UK networks since December 2021 come unlocked, but an older EE, Three or O2 phone may still be locked to that network. A locked phone blocks eSIM profiles from other carriers, including travel plans. To check, go to Settings and look for a network lock or carrier restriction notice. If your phone is locked, contact your UK carrier and ask for an unlock before your trip. Once unlocked, your phone accepts any eSIM profile, including HelloRoam travel plans for abroad.

HelloRoam eSIM plans start at £0.77 for fixed data packages. Fixed plan sizes vary by destination, and unlimited daily options are available in most destinations. That often costs much less than daily roaming add-ons such as EE Roam Abroad, Vodafone Roaming or O2 Travel. No monthly fees, no contracts, and no roaming surcharges from your UK carrier. You buy the plan before your trip, scan a QR code, and it activates when you land.