eSIM for Business: How to Set Up & Manage eSIMs Across Your Fleet

Last updated: 26th March 2026

The days of prising open SIM trays with paperclips are numbered. eSIM technology — an embedded, programmable SIM built directly into your phone’s circuitry — lets businesses activate mobile lines instantly, manage dual numbers on a single handset, and provision entire fleets without waiting for plastic SIM cards to arrive in the post. This practical guide walks you through exactly how to set up eSIMs on iPhone and Android devices, how to manage them at scale using MDM, and which UK networks support eSIM for business plans in 2026.

What Is an eSIM and How Does It Differ from a Physical SIM?

A traditional SIM card is a small plastic chip that stores your mobile identity (IMSI) and network authentication keys. You physically insert it into your phone’s SIM tray. An eSIM (embedded SIM) performs exactly the same function, but the chip is permanently soldered onto your phone’s motherboard at the factory. Instead of swapping a physical card, you download a digital profile from your carrier that programmes the eSIM with your line information.

The eSIM is defined by the GSMA’s Remote SIM Provisioning standard, which means any eSIM-compatible phone can accept profiles from any supported carrier. You can store multiple eSIM profiles on a single device (most phones support 8 or more), though typically only one or two can be active simultaneously depending on the handset.

Key Differences at a Glance

How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone (QR Code Method)

Apple has supported eSIM since the iPhone XS (2018). Every current business iPhone — from the iPhone SE (3rd generation) through to the iPhone 16 range — supports eSIM. The iPhone 15 and 16 models sold in the UK include both a nano SIM tray and eSIM support, allowing dual-line operation.

Step-by-Step: iPhone eSIM Activation

1. Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi. eSIM activation requires an internet connection.
2. Open Settings → Mobile Service (or Cellular).
3. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Mobile Plan on older iOS versions).
4. Select Use QR Code. Your carrier will have provided a QR code either via email, on a printed card, or through their business portal.
5. Point your iPhone’s camera at the QR code. The phone will read the provisioning data automatically.
6. Tap Continue when prompted to add the mobile plan.
7. You may be asked to enter a confirmation code provided by your carrier.
8. Label the new line (e.g., “Work” or “Business”) to distinguish it from your personal line if using dual SIM.
9. Choose your default line for calls, messages, and data, or set the new eSIM line as primary.
10. The eSIM will activate within seconds. You should see signal bars and your network name appear in the status bar.

If your carrier supports Apple’s eSIM Carrier Activation, the process is even simpler — the eSIM may activate automatically when you sign into your Apple ID on a new iPhone, with no QR code needed. This is particularly useful for fleet deployments where IT teams set up devices in bulk.

iOS 17+ eSIM Transfer

From iOS 17 onwards, you can transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another without contacting your carrier. Go to Settings → Mobile Service → the eSIM line → Transfer to New iPhone. This is invaluable for businesses upgrading handsets across a fleet — no need to request new QR codes or profiles.

How to Set Up an eSIM on Samsung and Android

Android eSIM support varies more by manufacturer than the iPhone ecosystem. Samsung Galaxy flagships (S21 onwards, Z Fold3 onwards) all support eSIM. Google Pixel phones have supported eSIM since the Pixel 2. Other brands including OnePlus, Sony, and Motorola have added eSIM to select models.

Step-by-Step: Samsung eSIM Activation

1. Connect your Samsung device to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
3. Tap Add eSIM.
4. Select Scan QR code from service provider.
5. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
6. If prompted, enter the activation code.
7. The eSIM profile will download and install. This usually takes under a minute.
8. Label the eSIM (e.g., “Work”) and set your preferred line for calls, texts, and data.

Step-by-Step: Google Pixel eSIM Activation

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs.
3. Tap the + button to add a new SIM.
4. Select Download a SIM instead? (or Don’t have a SIM card?).
5. Tap Next, then scan the carrier’s QR code.
6. Confirm the installation and label your new line.

eSIM-Compatible Business Handsets (2026)

UK Network eSIM Support for Business Plans

Dual SIM Management for Business

One of the most powerful business use cases for eSIM is running two phone numbers on a single device. With an eSIM for work and a physical SIM (or second eSIM) for personal use, employees carry one phone instead of two. This reduces hardware costs, simplifies logistics, and improves adoption — employees are far more likely to keep a single phone on them at all times.

Configuring Dual SIM on iPhone

Once both a physical SIM and an eSIM are active on an iPhone, iOS lets you designate a default line for calls, messages, and mobile data. You can also set per-contact line preferences — for example, always call a particular client from the work line. Incoming calls display which line is being called, so employees can immediately tell whether an incoming call is business or personal.

Configuring Dual SIM on Samsung

Samsung’s SIM Manager in One UI provides similar controls. You can set a primary SIM for calls and another for data, enable “Dual SIM Always On” (so both lines are reachable simultaneously), and assign contacts to specific SIMs. Samsung also supports the “Call & Text on Other Devices” feature, which can route calls from either SIM to a linked Galaxy tablet or laptop.

Fleet Provisioning via MDM

For businesses managing 10 or more devices, manually scanning QR codes on each phone is inefficient. Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms such as Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, and Jamf Pro can automate eSIM provisioning at scale using the GSMA SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) protocol.

How MDM-Based eSIM Provisioning Works

1. Your carrier provides eSIM profiles to an SM-DP+ server (managed by the carrier or a third-party).
2. Your MDM platform is configured with the SM-DP+ server address and activation codes.
3. When a new device is enrolled into MDM (either via Apple Business Manager’s Automated Device Enrollment or Android Enterprise’s Zero-Touch Enrollment), the MDM pushes the eSIM profile to the device automatically.
4. The device downloads the eSIM profile, activates the line, and is ready for use — all without anyone touching the phone.

This zero-touch workflow is transformative for businesses that regularly onboard new employees, replace lost devices, or rotate handsets across a seasonal workforce. The entire process — from ordering a line to a working phone in an employee’s hand — can take minutes instead of days.

Benefits of eSIM for UK Businesses

Instant Provisioning

No more waiting 1–3 days for a SIM card to arrive in the post. Activate a new line in minutes, from anywhere. This is particularly valuable for businesses with remote workers, field engineers, or multiple office locations across the UK.

No Courier Costs or Delays

Physical SIM distribution involves postage, secure packaging, and tracking. For a fleet of 50+ devices, this adds up. eSIM eliminates the logistics entirely.

Dual Number on One Device

Employees can carry one phone for work and personal use. This improves work-life balance (they can silence the work line outside hours) while reducing your hardware costs by up to 50%.

Enhanced Security

A physical SIM can be removed from a phone and placed in another device — a security risk if a phone is stolen. An eSIM is embedded in the device and tied to it, making SIM-swap fraud significantly harder. Combined with MDM, you can remotely wipe an eSIM profile from a lost or stolen device.

Simplified Device Upgrades

When upgrading handsets, eSIM profiles can be transferred digitally (on iPhone, directly from device to device). No need to order and post replacement SIM cards for every upgrade cycle.

Related Help Guides

• Switching mobile provider
• MDM Intune setup guide
• Lost or stolen phone action plan
• best mobile network in the UK
• business mobile phone plans
• best business mobile phones
• SIM only deals for business

Related Reading

• Business eSIM in the UK — Overview & Benefits
• Best Business Mobile Phone Plans UK
• MDM Solutions UK Compared