topic Re: Change my SIM to an eSIM in Pay As You Go

Change my SIM to an eSIM

Zoeee — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 12:54:13 GMT

I used to have a pay monthly sim contract which used a physical sim card in my phone. 6months ago I changed to pay as you go since I wanted to keep my UK number but no longer required regular use for data and calls/texts. I'm looking at getting a new phone which would not have the capability for a physical sim, esims only. Can I transfer my pay as you go UK mobile number onto an eSIM? I can't call the number to speak to someone and the live chat is useless.

Re: Change my SIM to an eSIM

madasaf1sh — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 13:02:00 GMT

@Zoeee

You need to go into store, and ask them for a PAYG esim, there is no way to order one online, and to be honest I would advise staying clear of o2's eSims, and look at better options such as giffgaff which works a lot better as esim, and isnt reliant on the rubbish o2 system..

Re: Change my SIM to an eSIM

Zoeee — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 05:56:08 GMT

@madasaf1sh - thanks for your help! Annoyingly I'm not in the UK so unable to go into the store. I guess I can get an esim online from another network like giffgaff and then get a pac code to transfer my number? I don't want to loose my UK number.

Re: Change my SIM to an eSIM

Spindle — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 09:17:03 GMT

Hello,

With giffgaff you need to install the eSIM via their App.

Here are the instructions from their Help pages,

https://help.giffgaff.com/en/articles/261570-switching-to-an-esim-with-giffgaff

It seems that it can take a while, so you may need to be patient.

Once that is fully activated, (check it is working), then you can PAC transfer your number across.

Again, from their Help pages

https://help.giffgaff.com/en/articles/240398-joining-us-keep-your-existing-number

Take care not to delete your eSIM, as it seems a pain to reinstall.

You would have to switch to a physical SIM first, (for security), then back to an eSIM.

Also, you will need to have some paid usage/purchase at least once every 6 months in order to prevent deactivation.

Again, from their Help pages,

https://help.giffgaff.com/en/articles/242797-why-has-my-number-been-deactivated

Hope it goes well for you.