giffgaff eSIM | How to Switch from Physical SIM to eSIM

March 15, 2026

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a small plastic card, you download your giffgaff profile directly onto your device. It does everything a physical SIM does — calls, texts, data, 5G — but without the plastic.

giffgaff launched eSIM support in 2023 and now offers it to all customers, both new and existing. You can activate an eSIM from the giffgaff app or directly from the website. There is no difference in pricing between a physical SIM and an eSIM — the same plans, the same prices, the same network.

Why Switch to a giffgaff eSIM?

No waiting for delivery — activate your SIM instantly, no post required.
Use two numbers on one phone — keep a personal and work line on the same device using your eSIM alongside a physical SIM.
Travel-friendly — add a local data eSIM when abroad without removing your giffgaff SIM.
More secure — an eSIM can't be physically removed from your phone, making it harder to steal your number.
Better for the environment — no plastic card, no packaging, no delivery van.
Same giffgaff experience — identical plans, 5G, EU roaming and O2 network coverage.

Check Your Phone Is Compatible

eSIM is a hardware feature — it needs to be built into your phone at the factory. You can't add it later with a software update. Most phones released from 2020 onwards support eSIM, but not all.

Compatible Apple devices: iPhone XR, XS and all newer models (including iPhone 14 and above, which support dual eSIM).

Compatible Samsung devices: Galaxy S20, Note 20, Z Fold, Z Flip and all newer models.

Compatible Google devices: Pixel 3a and all newer Pixel models.

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Tip: Not sure if your phone supports eSIM? Dial *#06# — if an EID number appears, your device is compatible.

New to giffgaff? Get an eSIM

If you're joining giffgaff for the first time with an eSIM, follow these steps:

Check your phone supports eSIM (see above).

Download the giffgaff app from the App Store or Google Play.

Create a new giffgaff account in the app.

On the app dashboard, select the eSIM option and choose your plan.

Follow the on-screen instructions to download and activate your eSIM.

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Good to know: If you purchase a plan with your eSIM online, you'll be redirected to the app to complete the activation. Once fully activated, your plan will be live on your account.

Want to keep your existing phone number? You can port your number to giffgaff once your eSIM is active. Text PAC to 65075 from your old SIM, then enter the code on your giffgaff dashboard.

Already a giffgaff Member? Switch to eSIM

If you already have a giffgaff physical SIM and want to switch to an eSIM, the process is straightforward:

Make sure you're logged into the giffgaff app (this step is essential — do it first).

Go to Account > SIM > Replace my SIM > Switch to a new eSIM.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the switch.

Once your new eSIM is active, your old physical SIM will stop working. Remove it from your phone to avoid confusion.

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Important: Your phone number, plan, credit and all account details transfer automatically. Nothing changes except the SIM type.

What to Know Before You Switch

eSIM switching is available from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm.
It can take up to 1 hour after activation to get signal, though it may take up to 24 hours at busy times.
Make sure you're on the latest version of the giffgaff app before starting.
Once your new eSIM is active, your old SIM (physical or eSIM) stops working immediately.
You can switch back to a physical SIM at any time through the same menu in the app.

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Tip: Heading abroad? Pack a spare physical SIM as a backup. If your phone goes missing, it's easier to replace a physical SIM than to set up a new eSIM whilst travelling. Avoid switching to eSIM while abroad — wait until you're on stable WiFi at home.

Troubleshooting

No signal after activation? Give your phone a quick restart, or toggle aeroplane mode on and off. Most activation issues resolve within an hour.

eSIM not appearing? Check you're running the latest version of the giffgaff app and your phone's operating system. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About to check for a carrier update.

Accidentally deleted your eSIM? Don't panic. Log into the giffgaff app and request a new eSIM through Account > SIM > Replace my SIM. Your number and plan are safe on the giffgaff servers — deleting the eSIM only removes the profile from your phone.

Still stuck? Contact a giffgaff agent at giffgaff.com/support/ask or chat with the HelpBot at help.giffgaff.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM is completely free. The same plans and prices apply — there's no difference between physical SIM and eSIM.

Most eSIMs activate within a few minutes. In some cases it can take up to 1 hour, or up to 24 hours at particularly busy times. If you still have no signal after an hour, restart your phone.

Yes. If your phone supports dual SIM (physical SIM + eSIM), you can use your giffgaff eSIM alongside a physical SIM from another provider. This is useful for keeping separate personal and work numbers.

Yes. If you're already a giffgaff member, your number transfers automatically. If you're joining from another network, activate your eSIM first, then port your number using a PAC code.

You'll need to request a new eSIM from the giffgaff app on your new phone. An eSIM cannot be transferred between devices — each phone needs its own eSIM profile downloaded through the app.

Yes, at any time. Go to Account > SIM > Replace my SIM in the giffgaff app and choose the physical SIM option. giffgaff will post you a new SIM card free of charge.

iPads with eSIM support can use a giffgaff eSIM. Smartwatches are not currently supported, as they require network features that giffgaff doesn't yet offer for wearables.

Yes. EU roaming is included on all plans — up to 5 GB of your data allowance can be used in the EU at no extra cost. The eSIM works exactly like a physical SIM when roaming.

Open the giffgaff app — if your number and plan details appear on the dashboard, your eSIM is active. You can also check for signal bars at the top of your phone screen.

giffgaff eSIM: How to Switch from a Physical SIM