Business eSIM

What an eSIM is

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a SIM built into the device itself. It does the same job as a SIM card, connecting the device to the mobile network and carrying the number, but instead of inserting a card you download a profile from the network. That download is usually triggered by scanning a QR code or happens automatically when the device is set up.

A device with eSIM can store more than one profile, and many phones can use two lines at once, either two eSIMs or an eSIM plus a physical SIM. To check whether a device supports eSIM, Vodafone Business suggests dialling *#06#: compatible devices show an EID, the eSIM's unique identifier.

eSIM is a different way of delivering the line, not a different kind of plan. The same business plans apply, so everything in our guides to business mobile phone plans and business mobile phone contracts still holds.

How businesses use eSIM

The networks' own business pages describe the same core benefits:

• Faster onboarding: a new starter's line can be activated remotely, without waiting for a SIM card to arrive
• Remote working: phones can be sent straight to people's homes and connected without IT handling a SIM
• Two numbers on one phone: a work line and a personal line on the same handset, for bring-your-own-device or company phones
• Security: an eSIM cannot be taken out and put in another device, and a lost phone's eSIM can be deactivated and replaced
• Less logistics: no SIM cards to post, store, swap or lose, and less plastic and packaging
• Connected tablets, laptops and watches: many tablets, laptops and smartwatches can take an eSIM for mobile data

For a business with staff spread across sites or working from home, faster onboarding and replacements are usually the biggest gain.

Which devices support eSIM

Most recent smartphones support eSIM, including current iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones, and so do many tablets, laptops and smartwatches. Older and lower-cost devices may not, so check before you order.

Each network publishes its own list of eSIM-compatible devices. When you take lines through us, we can check that the devices you choose work with eSIM on the network you are joining. If you are choosing new phones, eSIM support is one of the criteria in our guide to how to choose the best phone for business use.

How networks provide business eSIMs

Each network has its own process, which can also differ between small business and corporate accounts. Here is how the networks describe it.

EE Business

For a new eSIM, EE Business provides a QR code to scan on the device. See our EE Business page for more on the network. Small and medium business customers can order new and replacement eSIMs online through their EE Business account or app; corporate customers go through their Mobile Manager administrator. EE Business also describes converting an existing SIM card to eSIM in the phone's settings (on iPhone this needs iOS 17.4 or later), transferring an eSIM to a new phone, including between Apple and Android, and adding an eSIM to a compatible Apple or Android watch.

Three Business

All Three Business plans are eSIM compatible, so you can choose an eSIM for any device that supports it. The eSIM is activated with a QR code; each QR code works only once, and the first download of the eSIM profile needs an internet connection. Three Business also supports eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone for moving a number to a new phone through the device settings. More on the network is on our Three Business page.

Vodafone Business

Vodafone Business says that once your company administrator orders an eSIM, the user receives an email with an activation QR code. Corporate customers can order eSIMs through Vodafone Business's online portal, either by QR code or sent directly to the device, and Vodafone Business suggests device management to automate activation when deploying devices at scale. More on the network is on our Vodafone Business page.

O2 Business

We can supply O2 Business lines too. Tell us which devices you use and we can confirm how eSIM provisioning works for your account. See our O2 Business page.

When you order through us, we confirm the process for your network and account type at quote, so you know what users will receive and what they need to do.

eSIM and device management

eSIM works best alongside device management. With zero-touch enrolment, a new phone can arrive with the user, enrol in your device management when switched on and pick up its line, apps and settings with very little IT involvement.

Some device management tools and network services can push or activate eSIM profiles as part of enrolment, which matters most when you deploy many devices at once. The details depend on the network and your tool, so tell us what you use. Our guides to mobile device management software and zero-touch enrolment explain the set-up.

Lost, stolen or replaced devices

With a physical SIM, a lost phone means ordering and posting a new card. With eSIM, the old profile can be deactivated and a replacement issued to the new device. EE Business, for example, describes ordering a replacement eSIM online through the account or app, or through the account administrator.

Build this into your process: when a phone is lost, lock or wipe it through device management, deactivate the eSIM and issue a replacement. When a member of staff leaves, deactivate their eSIM or move the number to their replacement. Our company mobile phone policy checklist covers what to write down.

Moving your team to eSIM

You do not need to change everything at once. A sensible approach is:

1. List your current lines and devices, and check which devices support eSIM.
2. Decide which lines move to eSIM now, often new starters, replacement phones and tablets first.
3. Agree how eSIMs will be delivered and who in your business will handle QR codes or administrator ordering.
4. Set up device management so new phones enrol automatically.
5. Convert or replace existing SIMs as phones are replaced, keeping each number.

Our sister site also covers business SIM only plans. For help with eSIM lines, device management or a move between networks, contact us and we can help you plan it.