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How to get an EE eSIM this summer

10 June 2026

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Planning a trip this summer and wondering whether to switch to an eSIM before you fly? You're not alone. Searches for EE eSIMs spike every summer as UK travellers look for a smarter way to stay connected without dreading their bill when they get home.

This guide covers exactly how to get your EE eSIM set up, and explains why, if you're heading abroad, a dedicated travel eSIM might actually serve you better.

Getting an EE eSIM is straightforward if you're on a Pay Monthly plan, via the EE app, online through My EE, or in any EE store. But if you're travelling outside the UK this summer, your EE eSIM will still be subject to roaming charges abroad. A Sim Local travel eSIM gives you a local data plan for your destination instead, at a fixed price, with no roaming surprises.

Browse Sim Local travel eSIM plans

What is an EE eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM, instead of a physical card you slot into your phone, it's built into your device and activated electronically. With an EE eSIM, your EE plan lives on your phone without needing a physical SIM at all. Your number, data allowance, and plan stay exactly the same, it's just a different way of holding them.

The main advantages: no waiting for a SIM to arrive in the post, instant activation, and the ability to have two numbers on one phone (useful for travel, which we'll come back to).

How to get an EE eSIM, step by step

There are three ways to get your EE eSIM, depending on whether you're a new or existing customer.

Via Local Sim

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In an EE store

If you'd prefer face-to-face help, walk into any EE store and ask to switch your SIM to an eSIM. The in-store team can issue a new eSIM on the spot and walk you through activation. But since you should be travelling to UK you rather to stay connect even in the airport while you are in the check in process, so I do not recommend this options for you.

How to set up a Sim Local eSIM alongside your EE SIM

Once you've got your EE eSIM sorted for the UK, adding a Sim Local travel eSIM for your trip takes less than 10 minutes:

Choose your destination at simlocal.com and pick a data plan
Complete your purchase: you'll receive a QR code by email within minutes
Scan the QR code on your phone: Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM
Set Sim Local as your data line and keep EE selected for calls and texts
Turn off data roaming on your EE SIM: this makes sure all data goes through your local plan, not EE

Install it at home before you leave, and you land ready to go.

For a full walkthrough: how to install a Sim Local eSIM on iPhone

EE eSIM requirements: what you need to check first

Before you try to activate, make sure you meet these requirements:

Compatible device. Your phone needs to support eSIM. Most modern smartphones do, including iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. To check, go to Settings > About Phone and look for an EID number: if you see one, your phone supports eSIM.

Unlocked phone. If your phone is locked to another network, you'll need to unlock it before an EE eSIM will work.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get an EE eSIM?

Via the EE app or My EE online, activation usually takes a few minutes. In-store, it can be done on the same visit.

Can I have two eSIMs on one phone?

Most modern smartphones support dual SIM, meaning you can have your EE eSIM and a travel eSIM active at the same time. This is the setup most travellers use: EE for calls and texts, Sim Local for data abroad.

Is my phone compatible with an eSIM?

Most modern smartphones support eSIM, but the easiest way to confirm yours does is to use Sim Local's compatible handsets checker. As a general rule, iPhones from XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S21+, and Google Pixel 3+ all support eSIM — as do most Android flagships from 2020 onwards. If you're unsure, you can also check your settings: look for an EID number under Settings > About Phone. No EID, no eSIM support.

Ready to travel this summer without the roaming bill?

Getting your EE eSIM sorted is the first step. The next is making sure you've got a data plan that won't cost you a fortune the moment you cross the border.

A Sim Local travel eSIM gives you fast local data in 150+ countries, fixed price, no roaming, installed before you fly.

Get a Sim Local travel eSIM for your destination