Does Lebara have an eSIM in the UK?
Lebara supports eSIM technology in the UK. That said, availability is limited for new customers. If you already have a Lebara UK SIM and a compatible device provided by Lebara, you can switch to an eSIM by contacting customer service. New customers have far more limited options — currently, you can buy a Lebara eSIM plan only if you’re using Apple’s iPhone Air. Lebara says it will add support for more devices in the future.
The device restriction is the main drawback of Lebara eSIM right now. Saily is a strong alternative — it works with a wide range of eSIM-compatible devices, is quick and easy to set up, and can be used alongside your regular SIM card if you mainly need data while traveling.
Lebara also offers a Travel eSIM, which shouldn’t be confused with its regular UK mobile eSIM. The Travel eSIM is a separate travel-focused product with its own app, plans, and pricing, designed for getting mobile data while abroad rather than replacing your regular Lebara UK SIM.
Why is Lebara eSIM currently limited to the iPhone Air in the UK?
Lebara is rolling out eSIM support in phases. Currently, new customers can only purchase a Lebara eSIM if they’re using the iPhone Air, although Lebara declares that it’ll add support for more devices at a later date. This restriction applies specifically to new eSIM purchases — existing Lebara customers can switch to an eSIM on a compatible device by contacting customer service.
Lebara eSIM UK plans and deals
Lebara doesn’t offer separate plans specifically for eSIM users — instead, you can use any of its regular mobile plans on an eSIM if your phone is compatible. Options range from 5 GB up to unlimited data, so you’ll find a fit for most needs. Every plan includes 5G at no extra cost, and most also come with unlimited UK calls and texts, along with an allowance for international calls.
Plan
| Data | UK calls and texts | International minutes | Price |
|---|
5 GB
| 5 GB | 1,000 min and 1,000 texts | 100 min | £5/30 days |
|---|
30 GB
| 30 GB | Unlimited | 100 min | £10/30 days |
|---|
50 GB
| 50 GB | Unlimited | 500 min | £15/30 days |
|---|
100 GB
| 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £20/30 days |
|---|
Unlimited Data
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 min | £25/30 days |
|---|
Unlimited Plus
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £30/30 days |
|---|
All plans use the Vodafone network and include 5G and EU roaming, subject to Lebara’s roaming terms and fair-use limits. If you’re happy to commit for longer, Lebara also currently offers 10% off its 12-month plans.
The information about features and pricing in this review was last verified on the eSIM provider’s official website, specifically its English-language sites, on September 23, 2026, and is subject to change.
How to get a Lebara eSIM in the UK
Getting a Lebara eSIM works a little differently depending on whether you’re a new customer or already have a Lebara account. Below, we’ll walk through both situations.
Lebara eSIM for new customers
If you’re new to Lebara, getting an eSIM requires simply choosing a mobile plan on the provider’s website and selecting the eSIM option as you sign up. For now, this is only available to new customers using the iPhone Air — although Lebara claims that support for more devices will be added in the future. Once you’ve completed your purchase, Lebara will send you the details you need to set up your eSIM.
Lebara eSIM for existing customers
If you want to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM as a Lebara customer, head to “MyLebara” > Log in > “Help” > “Support” > search for eSIM, then follow the steps to request your swap and receive a QR code by email. Alternatively, get in touch with Lebara’s customer support, and they’ll guide you through the process. The iPhone Air restriction for new customers doesn’t apply here — Lebara says eSIMs are available to existing customers on compatible devices provided by Lebara.
How to activate a Lebara UK eSIM
Once you’ve got your eSIM — whether through a new sign-up or a switch as an existing customer — activating it should be pretty quick. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and are in the UK, then follow these steps:
Open “Settings” on your phone.
Go to your mobile or SIM settings. On an iPhone, select “Mobile service” (the wording varies among Android devices).
Select “Add eSIM.”
Choose the QR code option and scan the code provided by Lebara.
Enter the confirmation code when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation.
Lebara says your eSIM should activate instantly once you’ve scanned the eSIM QR code and entered the confirmation code. You can also activate your eSIM manually while connected to Wi-Fi by following the setup instructions provided by Lebara.
Lebara UK eSIM reviews
General reviews for Lebara UK are strong — for example, Trustpilot puts the brand at 4.8 out of 5 stars with plenty of praise for patient customer service and fair pricing. However, eSIM-specific feedback is more mixed and tends to center on two things — the device restriction and how smooth (or not) the switching process goes.
On Reddit, some customers report a smooth switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM and the service working well across different compatible phones. Others have had a much less straightforward experience. Complaints include delays or problems when migrating an existing number, incoming calls not working, voicemail issues, unreliable mobile data, and difficulty switching back to a physical SIM.
These complaints don’t necessarily reflect how reliable eSIMs are — many relate specifically to the process of migrating to a Lebara eSIM or problems with the service after switching. Some of these reports surfaced soon after Lebara introduced its eSIM in October 2025, but similar migration problems are still turning up as recently as September 2026.
The other major drawback is availability. New customers are still limited to the iPhone Air, making Lebara eSIM a less practical choice if you’re joining with another device. For existing Lebara customers with a supported phone, though, switching may be worth it if moving away from a physical SIM is the priority. If you mainly need an eSIM for travel or want broader device compatibility from the start, it’s probably worth looking at another provider.
To compare your options, check out some of the best eSIM review sites for reviews and comparisons of leading eSIM carriers.
Why choose Saily eSIM over Lebara eSIM?
It makes sense to get a Lebara eSIM if you want a full UK mobile plan with calls, texts, and data, particularly if you’re already a Lebara customer and want to keep your existing service while getting the benefits of an eSIM. New customers, on the other hand, might find that the current iPhone Air restriction makes the eSIM option too limited.
Saily is more flexible if mobile data is your main priority. It works with a wide range of compatible devices, with eSIM plans available for the UK and more than 200 other destinations. You can buy and manage your plans through the Saily app and keep the eSIM installed for future trips, rather than setting up a new eSIM each time you travel.
Saily works alongside your regular SIM, so you can keep your usual number for calls and messages while using Saily for mobile data. On top of that, Saily offers a US phone number, which can come in handy when you’re traveling or need a local number abroad.
If that sounds closer to what you need, download the Saily eSIM app and select your plan to get started.
We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!
