What is a Three eSIM and how to activate it

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Last update: May 29, 2023
María Pando
36 people have read this post in the last 12 months

A Three esim is a virtual SIM card built-in to devices. This article will help you understand what an eSim is, how to get an eSim on Three, how to activate your Three eSim and the best plans to get your three eSim.

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What is a Three eSIM?

Three eSIMs are virtual SIM cards that are built into devices. They save you the trouble of inserting different SIM cards from different networks. Check with your device manufacturer to see if it is eSIM compatible, or visit Three's device support.


How to get an eSIM on Three

Since eSims are electronic products, you do not get to order them like you would a physical sim. However, you need to get a QR code from three to activate your three eSim.

At the moment of writing, Three does not offer eSims to new customers. As part of a trial, they recently provided eSIMs. While they are working to reintroduce eSIMs, they are currently only able to replace them for trial participants.


Best plans to get with your Three eSIM

Since Three eSim is still in its trial phase, there is limited information about plans available on Three eSim. eSim users may subscribe to the same tariffs as regular sim users or have access to different tariffs.


How to activate your Three eSIM

Follow these steps to activate your Three eSim

On your iPhone

  1. Turn on your Wi-Fi.
  2. Launch your camera app.
  3. Scan the QR code three sent to you.
  4. Tap the resulting notification.
  5. Click 'Continue,' then 'Add Cellular Plan.'

On Android

  1. Enable Wi-Fi.
  2. Check that QR scanning is enabled.
  3. Launch your camera app.
  4. Scan the QR code we emailed to you.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Is it possible to use an eSIM in a Dual SIM phone?

Yes. You can use an eSIM and a physical SIM card if you have a Dual SIM phone. You can have two plans and phone numbers, even on different networks. You must choose one as your default if you have two SIM cards. This means that you can only receive one call at a time, and missed calls will be routed to your voicemail on the relevant number.

How do I top up my Three eSim?

The quickest way to top up is through your My3 account, where you can register a credit/debit card for future top-ups. To do so, log in to My3 or register if you don't already have an account.

  1. Navigate to Allowance in the Three apps.
  2. Tap top-up, or select an Add-on instead.
  3. Select your top-up amount or an Add-on, then follow the payment instructions.
  4. You can also top up on the web without registering a card or logging into My3, but you will need to re-enter your information each time.
  5. In any case, you can sign up for any Three top-up plan on three.co.uk.

Can I get rid of my eSIM?

You can't physically remove an eSIM, but you can uninstall your plan from your device. Here's how to do it:

  1. Navigate to the Settings menu.
  2. Select 'Mobile Data,' then 'Data Plan.'
  3. Choose 'Remove Data Plan,' then 'Remove Three Plan.'
  4. You're ready to go. Your eSIM card is no longer associated with your device.

What should I do if my phone is being repaired or returned?

You should do a few things before returning your device to have it repaired or replaced. First, request a replacement eSIM or physical SIM so you can continue to use your number on another device. After that, remove your eSIM from your device and follow the steps on Three's repairing your device page. It's fine if you can't remove your eSIM due to technical issues with your device. Contact Three, and they will ensure that your information is secure.

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Roams offers a free information and comparison service, which tries to help anyone find the product that best suits their needs. To ensure that the data presented is correct, extensive market research and product analysis is carried out. Our database of mobile phone and internet rates is updated every day. The content is frequently reviewed by a team of writers with previous experience and/or specific training in telephony.

Personas que han participado en este post:

María PandoRoams
Actualizado por María Pando

María es experta en Marketing Digital, graduada en Publicidad y RRPP en la URJC. Tiene 3 años de experiencia a sus espaldas creando contenido sobre equipos de electrónica de consumo, entre otros. Amante de la naturaleza, se declara persona ecorresponsable y, por lo tanto, está muy preocupada por hacer un consumo justo en su día a día. Ahora mismo está viendo Los Soprano en Netflix, tiene un Samsung Galaxy S22 y se mueve por la ciudad en bici.

Nadia Pérez
Edited and revised por Nadia Pérez