20-01-2026 03:22 PM
Hi EE team, I’m currently outside the UK.
My EE number is active on a physical SIM in my old phone.
My new iPhone is eSIM-only (no SIM tray).
The EE app and website only allow physical SIM replacement, and phone support routes to top-up only.
I need you to convert my physical SIM to an eSIM and issue a replacement eSIM / QR code so I can activate on my new iPhone.
Solved! See the answer below or view the solution in context.
20-01-2026 03:31 PM
If you can only top-up you must be on PAYG. There are no eSIMs for PAYG. Hence you are only offered physical SIM replacements.
20-01-2026 03:31 PM
If you can only top-up you must be on PAYG. There are no eSIMs for PAYG. Hence you are only offered physical SIM replacements.
20-01-2026 03:52 PM
And to add, swapping SIMs outside the UK comes with no guarantees. It can sometimes work, but the official process is to the effect of "make no promises" - and thus you should always be prepared to be offline until your return to the UK.