How do you switch network with an eSIM and keep your number?
Short answer
The same way as with a physical SIM. Text PAC to 65075 for a free switching code, valid for 30 days, then choose an eSIM when you order from your new network and give it the code. Ofcom says the new network must complete the switch within one working day, and your number moves to the eSIM.
Updated
65075
Text PAC to this number to keep your number when you switch
30 days
How long a PAC or STAC code stays valid, Ofcom says
1 working day
For your new network to complete the switch
An eSIM is a SIM built into the phone, so there is no card to swap. The switching rules are Ofcom's, the same as for a physical SIM, but the setup differs, and some new iPhones no longer take a physical SIM at all.
How do you keep your number when you switch to an eSIM?
With a PAC, exactly as you would with a physical SIM. The eSIM only changes how the new network's SIM reaches your phone.
- Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Ofcom says your provider must reply within one minute with the code and any early termination charges, and the code is valid for 30 days.
- Not keeping the number? Text STAC to 75075. Ofcom says the switch is then done without notice period charges or paying for two contracts at once.
- Accounts with more than one number, such as a family plan, need to ask by phone or on the provider's website rather than by text, Ofcom says.
- Give the code to your new network. Ofcom says it must complete the switch within one working day, and your old provider must not charge for any notice period after the switching date.
- EE, for example, says a PAC from it is free, and that if you do not give it to a new provider within 30 days your service carries on as normal.
Sources: Ofcom: switching mobile phone provider (read 15 October 2026); EE: what you need to know if you want to leave EE (read 15 October 2026)
What happens to your eSIM on switch day?
You set up the new network's eSIM first, then your number moves across to it on the switching date.
- Order the new plan as an eSIM. Vodafone says all its SIM only plans are available as an eSIM chosen at checkout, and it emails a QR code to scan.
- EE lets you choose an eSIM when you order a SIM only plan and download it straight away in the EE app, or have one pre-installed on a new pay monthly phone.
- giffgaff, for example, asks you to activate its eSIM before you enter your PAC. You use a temporary number until switch day, when it becomes your own number.
- Keep your old SIM or eSIM working until then. Vodafone says a number can only be active on one SIM at a time, and giffgaff says you lose service on your original network on switch day.
- Ofcom says any loss of service must not last longer than one working day.
Sources: Vodafone: what's an eSIM and how does it work? (read 15 October 2026); EE: download and use an EE eSIM (read 15 October 2026); giffgaff: joining us, keep your existing number (read 15 October 2026); Ofcom: switching mobile phone provider (read 15 October 2026)
How do you move an eSIM to a new phone?
On the same network you do not need a PAC. The phone and the network move the eSIM for you.
- Apple says eSIM Quick Transfer moves your number from your previous iPhone to a new one without contacting your network, if the network supports it.
- Both iPhones need iOS 18.4 or later, Bluetooth on and the same Apple Account, with the previous iPhone unlocked nearby. When the plan activates on the new iPhone, the previous SIM stops working.
- Some networks also let you convert a physical SIM into an eSIM on the same phone. EE and Vodafone both describe doing it in the phone's settings.
- Moving from Android to iPhone, Apple says to contact your network, which sends a new eSIM by activation or QR code. It adds that some networks support a direct transfer with iOS 26 or later.
- Previous phone lost, broken or dead? Quick Transfer needs it, so ask your network for a replacement eSIM instead. EE lets you replace your eSIM in the EE app if your device is lost or stolen.
Sources: Apple Support (UK): set up eSIM on iPhone (read 15 October 2026); EE: download and use an EE eSIM (read 15 October 2026); Vodafone: what's an eSIM and how does it work? (read 15 October 2026)
What if your network doesn't support eSIM?
An eSIM-only phone needs a network that offers eSIM. You can keep your number and move to one, or keep a phone with a SIM slot.
- Apple says iPhone Air and iPhone Duo do not support a physical SIM card, and that using an eSIM requires a network provider that supports eSIM.
- To keep your number and move to a network that offers eSIM, text PAC to 65075 and give the code to the new network.
- To stay with a network that only offers physical SIMs, choose a phone with a nano-SIM slot. Apple lists iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro as taking a nano-SIM and an eSIM.
- Check the new network's own eSIM page before you order. Vodafone, for example, says your phone must be network unlocked to use its eSIM, and Ofcom says providers cannot sell locked phones.
Sources: Apple UK: iPhone Air technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone Duo technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Ofcom: switching mobile phone provider (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone 17 technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone 17e technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone 18 Pro technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Vodafone: what's an eSIM and how does it work? (read 15 October 2026)
How do you switch network with an eSIM, step by step?
Six steps from checking your phone to the final bill.
- 1
Check your phone supports eSIM
Dial *#06#. EE and Vodafone both say that if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM.
- 2
Check your contract and get your code
Text INFO to 85075 to check whether you are still in contract, then PAC to 65075 to keep your number, or STAC to 75075 to give it up.
- 3
Order your new plan as an eSIM
Choose eSIM when you order and follow the network's instructions, whether that is a QR code, an app download or a link.
- 4
Set up the eSIM on Wi-Fi
Connect to Wi-Fi before you start. Apple and Vodafone both ask for a Wi-Fi connection to set up an eSIM.
- 5
Give your new network the code
Enter your PAC or STAC before it expires after 30 days. Ofcom says the switch must complete within one working day.
- 6
Check the final bill from your old network
Your old provider must not charge for any notice period after the switching date. EE, for example, sends a final bill within 14 days of the switch.
Sources: EE: download and use an EE eSIM (read 15 October 2026); Vodafone: what's an eSIM and how does it work? (read 15 October 2026); Ofcom: switching mobile phone provider (read 15 October 2026); Apple Support (UK): set up eSIM on iPhone (read 15 October 2026); EE: what you need to know if you want to leave EE (read 15 October 2026)
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Which iPhones only take an eSIM?
Apple UK lists two eSIM-only iPhones. The table below shows what each current iPhone's specifications page says.
- Apple UK's specifications describe iPhone Air and iPhone Duo as using eSIM technology that is not compatible with physical SIM cards.
- Both hold two active eSIMs and store eight or more, so your old and new networks can sit on the phone at once.
- iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro each take a nano-SIM and an eSIM.
- Not sure about another phone? Dial *#06#: EE and Vodafone both say that if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM.
Sources: Apple UK: iPhone Air technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone Duo technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone 18 Pro technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone 17 technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); Apple UK: iPhone 17e technical specifications (read 15 October 2026); EE: download and use an EE eSIM (read 15 October 2026); Vodafone: what's an eSIM and how does it work? (read 15 October 2026)
What SIM does each current iPhone take?
| iPhone | SIM type | eSIMs |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Air | eSIM only. Not compatible with physical SIM cards. | Two active eSIMs, and stores eight or more. |
| iPhone Duo | eSIM only. Not compatible with physical SIM cards. | Two active eSIMs, and stores eight or more. |
| iPhone 18 Pro | A nano-SIM and an eSIM. | Dual eSIM support. |
| iPhone 17 | A nano-SIM and an eSIM. | Dual eSIM support. |
| iPhone 17e | A nano-SIM and an eSIM. | Dual eSIM support. |
Questions about switching with an eSIM
Can I keep my number if I switch to an eSIM?
Yes. Moving to another network works the same with an eSIM as with a physical SIM: text PAC to 65075, then give the code to your new network, which Ofcom says must complete the switch within one working day. Staying put? EE and Vodafone let you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM and keep your number.
Does an eSIM transfer need both phones working?
Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer does: both iPhones must be nearby on iOS 18.4 or later, with the previous one unlocked. If your old phone is lost, broken or dead, ask your network for a replacement eSIM through its app, a QR code or a store instead. EE offers this in its app.
Which iPhones are eSIM only?
Apple UK lists iPhone Air and iPhone Duo as eSIM only, with no physical SIM card support. iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro take a nano-SIM and an eSIM. Apple says using an eSIM requires a network that supports it, so check yours before you buy.
How long is a PAC code valid for?
30 days, Ofcom says. Your current provider must reply within one minute of your request with the code and details of any early termination charges. If you do not give the code to a new network in time, EE says your service simply continues as normal and you are not switched.
Can I have two numbers on one phone with eSIM?
Yes, on phones that support it. Apple says iPhone Air and iPhone Duo hold two active eSIMs, and Vodafone says a dual SIM phone can use an eSIM and a physical SIM together, each with its own number. The same number cannot be active on two SIMs at once.
What if my network doesn't offer eSIM?
Either move to a network that does and keep your number with a PAC, or keep a phone that takes a nano-SIM. Apple says its eSIM-only iPhones need a network provider that supports eSIM, while iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro still take a nano-SIM.
More on switching your mobile
PAC codes, contract endings and what to do on switch day.
Cite this page
Taupia. "How do you switch network with an eSIM and keep your number?". Last updated 15 October 2026. https://taupia.com/learn-more/esim-switching
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