How to activate your eSIM on iOS and Android
Follow these step-by-step guides to activate your eSIM on Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel and other Android devices. If you're on Pay As You Go, top up quickly and easily using our Instant Top Up service. For more information about eSIMs, check out the FAQ below.
Useful Numbers
Customer Service: 01481 700 700
Check balance/remaining minutes & data: *#100#
Voicemail: 171
| Apple | |
|---|---|
| iPad | iPhone |
| 1. Turn on WiFi and make sure you're connected | 1. Turn on WiFi and make sure you're connected |
| 2. Open Device Settings | 2. Open Device Settings |
| 3. Select Mobile Data | 3. Select Mobile Service |
| 4. Add Data Plan | 4. Select Setup Mobile Service |
| 5. Scan the QR code on the activation email that we sent you | 5. Select Use QR Code |
| 6. Add Data Plan, click/tap 'Confirm' | 6. Scan the QR code on the activation email that we sent you |
| 7. Activate eSIM click continue | |
| 8. Click/tap 'Done' | |
| Samsung | Google Pixel & Other |
|---|---|
| 1. Turn on Wi-Fi and make sure you're connected | 1. Turn on Wi-Fi and make sure you're connected |
| 2. Open Device Settings | 2. Open Device Settings |
| 3. Select Connections | 3. Select Network and Internet |
| 4. Select SIM Card Manager | 4. Select SIMs |
| 5. Select Add eSIM | 5. Download new eSIM |
| 6. Select Scan Carrier QR code | 6. Scan the QR code on the activation email that we sent you |
| 7. Scan the QR code on the activation email that we sent you | 7. When prompted click/tap 'Download Sure eSIM' |
| 8. When prompted click/tap 'Download Sure eSIM' |
Top up your Pay As You Go eSIM
Frequently Asked Questions
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that’s pre-installed on newer devices, which removes the need to insert a physical SIM. They work just like physical SIM cards by storing the data your device needs to use the Sure network.
When you visit the retail store and opt for eSIM, we'll give you an an activation card. This will have the QR (Quick Response) code for you to scan. QR codes are designed to be scanned using your smartphone's camera, and this is how you will download your eSIM profile to your device.
An eSIM profile is a virtual profile that stores a user's subscription and network settings.
eSIM is currently available to all Sure customers, new and existing, either on contract or prepay. To order an eSIM please visit our retail store or order online.
You will need an internet connection to download your eSIM. After that please follow the instructions above or on the activation card given to you at the retail store.
Once you have scanned the QR code, your eSIM profile should activate within a few minutes.
As a guide, the following models are compatible:
Apple - iPhone XS, iPhone XR and later models;
Samsung - Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Flip, Galaxy Note 20 and later models;
Google - Pixel 3 and later models;
Sony - Xperia IV and later models;
For all other brands - Oppo, Huawei, Motorola and Nokia - please visit the manufacturer's website.
Apple - iPad 2015 and later models;
Samsung - Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series and later models.
We do not currently offer eSIM for wearable devices such as smartwatches. We are hoping to add this in a future development.
No, the QR code is single use only. Once you have downloaded your eSIM profile to your phone, the QR code will become ineffective.
Yes, you can use your eSIM in the same way you would a physical SIM. Please don’t forget to look at the available roaming boosters.
If your phone is lost or stolen, it’s important to contact us and report it straight away.
The QR code is single use only. Once you have downloaded your eSIM to your phone, the QR Activation code will become ineffective. If you need a replacement for any reason, please visit our retail store.
Yes, if a phone is 5G compatible then any of our SIMs will support this including eSIM when 5G goes live.
Resetting your smartphone will also delete the eSIM profile from your device and you will need a new Activation card to reset your eSIM profile. Please visit the retail store during opening hours if you're facing this issue.
You will need a new activation card to reset your eSIM profile. Our friendly retail store staff would be delighted to help you. Please pop in during opening hours.
Your PIN is disabled by default, and we recommend that you activate it. Please visit your phone settings in the security tab to enable your PIN, and then follow the instructions on your device.
If you have forgotten your mobile access PIN and enter it incorrectly three times, you will be asked to enter the phone's PUK code. The PUK code is an 8-digit number that you were given when you first purchased your eSIM activation card.
If you sign up for MySure you can find your PUK code at any time – find out more about PUK codes.