O2 eSIM Review : My Personal Experience Using O2 eSIM in the UK.
When I visited the United Kingdom last year, I chose to use the O2 eSIM, and it turned out to be a smart decision. If you’re planning a trip to the UK or just searching for a reliable digital SIM solution in UK, this O2 eSIM review will provide everything you need to know from my real world usage to setup, plans, and practical tips.
What is O2 eSIM?
O2 , one of the UK’s leading mobile network operators, offers eSIM (embedded SIM) support for compatible smartphones. check your smartphone compatibility before buy. An O2 eSIM UK allows users to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card. It’s fast, secure, and perfect for travelers who want instant connectivity upon arrival.
O2 eSIM offers :
- No need to swap SIMs
- Dual SIM capability
- Quick online setup
Why I Chose O2 eSIM in the UK
As a traveler from the USA , I was looking for :
- Strong network coverage
- Affordable prepaid plans
- Easy activation
O2 checked all the boxes. From London to Scotland, the network coverage was consistently strong even in remote areas.
How to Buy O2 eSIM – Buying Guide
Buying an O2 eSIM is pretty straightforward.
Buy O2 eSIM Via O2 Website or App
- Visit O2’s official eSIM page
- Select your preferred plan (pay monthly or pay-as-you-go)
- Choose “Get an eSIM” at checkout
- Receive your QR code via email or SMS
Buy O2 eSIM In Store (UK)
- Visit any O2 store
- Ask for an eSIM QR voucher
- Activate it via the My O2 App or phone settings
O2 eSIM Activation with QR Code – O2 eSIM review about esim activation
Here’s exactly how I activated my O2 eSIM on an iPhone :
O2 eSIM activation on iPhone :
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM
- Scan the O2 QR code
- Follow on screen prompts
- Wait for activation (Approx 2-5 mins)
O2 eSIM activation on Android Smartphone
- Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier
- Scan QR code
- Confirm and apply settings
Tip: Restart your phone once O2 esim added to ensure data works properly.
O2 eSIM Plans and Prices (2025)
O2 offers a variety of plans that suit both short term travelers and long term users. Here’s a breakdown of typical eSIM plans :
Plan Type | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay As You Go | 10GB | 30 Days | £10 (~$13 USD) |
Big Bundle 1 | 20GB + EU Roaming | 30 Days | £15 (~$19 USD) |
Big Bundle 2 | 50GB + Unlimited Calls | 30 Days | £20 (~$25 USD) |
Monthly Contract SIM | Customizable | 12 months | From £10/month |
All plans include unlimited UK texts & calls
Some plans support EU roaming
Pros & Cons of O2 eSIM – My experience
Here are O2 eSIM UK pros and cons based on my personal use and experience. I would like to share with you as part O2 esim review.
Pros:
- Fast and easy setup with QR code
- Excellent UK coverage (used in London, Manchester, Highlands)
- No physical SIM needed – great for dual SIM iPhones
- Competitive pricing, especially for Big Bundles
- Supports roaming in EU countries
Cons:
- eSIM support mainly for newer phone models
- Some stores may not be familiar with tourist eSIM queries
- No dedicated customer support for eSIM issues abroad
O2 eSIM Review : Functionality Ratings Out of 10
O2 esim review by usability and functionality perspective . Here are my personal O2 esim feedback ratings based on functionality and usability.
Functionality | Rating (Out of 10) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Activation | 9/10 | Fast activation via QR code or app. Few simple steps if you follow correctly. |
Network Coverage (UK) | 9/10 | Strong and reliable signal in cities and towns. Slight drop in remote areas. |
Data Speed & Stability | 8.5/10 | Excellent 4G/LTE speed in urban areas, occasional dips in countryside. |
International Roaming | 6.5/10 | Works in EU but limited outside Europe unless specific plan is chosen. |
Device Compatibility | 9/10 | Works with most latest iPhones and Androids with eSIM support. |
Plan Flexibility & Pricing | 8/10 | Decent plans, but not the cheapest. Good value if staying in UK for weeks. |
Customer Support & Help | 7.5/10 | Support available, but some delays during busy hours. |
Top-up & Account Management | 8/10 | Easy through My O2 app or website. |
Usability for Tourists | 8.5/10 | Smooth onboarding, eSIM available instantly, useful for short stays. |
Overall Experience | 8.5/10 | Solid choice for UK travelers needing convenience, speed, and good coverage. |
FAQs about O2 eSIM UK
How do I get an eSIM on O2?
To get an O2 eSIM:
Existing O2 Users: You can request an eSIM by visiting an O2 store, calling customer care, or using the My O2 app or website.
New Customers: You can order a new O2 eSIM online or in-store. You’ll receive a QR code that you scan to activate it.
Device Compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIM (e.g., iPhone XS or newer, Pixel 4+, Samsung S20+).
What are the benefits of using O2 eSIM?
Dual SIM functionality: Use one eSIM and one physical SIM together.
Instant activation: No need to wait for physical delivery.
Perfect for travelers: Easily switch to local data plans while keeping your main number.
Less risk of SIM loss or damage: No physical card involved.
Environment-friendly: No plastic SIM packaging.
How long does O2 eSIM take to activate?
Activation is typically instant to a few minutes once you scan the QR code.
In rare cases, it may take up to 24 hours, especially during peak times or system maintenance.
Ensure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi during activation.
What countries is O2 eSIM available in?
O2 UK eSIM is primarily for use within the UK.
You can also roam in many countries, especially across Europe, where O2 offers roaming as part of its inclusive plans.
For international roaming, you may need to check plan compatibility and costs before traveling.
Is O2 eSIM better than a physical SIM?
Yes, for most users especially those :
who travel frequently want to use two networks on one phone.
Prefer quick setup without waiting for SIM delivery.
Like managing plans digitally.
However, a physical SIM may still be useful :
On older phones without eSIM supportIf you frequently swap devices without QR reactivation
Conclusion
If you’re traveling to the UK and want a hassle-free internet and call solution, the O2 eSIM is highly recommended. Activation is easy, coverage is strong, and the plans are tourist friendly. While it’s not the cheapest in the market, the reliability and brand trust make it worth considering.
Martin David is a seasoned tech writer and mobile technology expert with a Master’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. As the Senior Content Producer at Vox Mobile, he brings deep technical knowledge and a passion for simplifying complex topics related to eSIMs, smartphones, and digital connectivity. Martin is also an avid traveler who loves exploring new destinations, making him uniquely positioned to write about mobile tech from a global perspective.
