Chances are, you don’t think much about your SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card unless you need to extract it to switch providers, plans or devices – an activity that usually involves a desperate search for one of those fiddly tools, or at the very least a paperclip.
In that moment, you’ll wish there was a better way – and there is. eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are a virtual version of those tiny cards that allow you to make calls, send messages and use mobile data. However, as you activate them digitally, they provide a hassle-free way to, for example, switch networks or have multiple numbers on one device.
Here’s everything you need to know about eSIMs and the best providers for UK businesses.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is software installed on a tiny chip that’s embedded directly into a digital device, such as a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. Just like a regular SIM, it connects you to your mobile phone network.
All the latest iPhones and Android phones support eSIMs. You can store multiple eSIMs on one device, and typically have two active at any one time.
How does an eSIM work?
As long as you have an eSIM-compatible phone, activation (where you download a mobile plan onto your device) takes a matter of moments.
Here’s the typical activation process:
Open up settings and find ‘Add eSim’ or a similar prompt. On an iPhone, this is under Mobile Service. On an Android, it’s under Connections > SIM manager
In many cases, you simply have to scan a QR code from your network provider to start the activation.
If your provider doesn’t offer a QR code, you can enter a manual activation code. Or, if you’re transferring a phone number from one device to another, you can do so via Bluetooth.
The activation should be completed within a few minutes.
You should then be able to see your activated eSIM alongside the network name in your settings.
Now you’re connected to your provider network, you can make calls, send texts and use mobile data. You can also switch between different eSIM profiles in your settings with ease.
What are the benefits of an eSIM?
Here are the main benefits of an eSIM for your business.
Easy setup and switching
By simply scanning a QR code or entering a code, activating your eSIM takes mere minutes. There’s no need to remove and swap in a physical card when switching providers or numbers.
Reduce the cost of business calls while roaming
eSIMs are great for international businesses or entrepreneurs who need to travel abroad. That’s because, rather than having to swap in a physical SIM to use local data and avoid roaming charges, you can simply switch to a local eSIM while keeping your primary SIM active.
For example, with Virtual Landline’s Roam like at Home feature, calls back to the UK from dozens of countries in the EU and North America are included in your bundle (calls to local numbers are debited from your top-up account).
Separate your work and personal life
With an eSIM, you can manage personal and work calls from one device by operating a business number on your mobile.
Both personal and business calls come through to the same phone, but you can identify the nature of the call without answering. That means you’ll never miss a crucial conversation and you can maintain a professional image even when out and about.
Improve phone signal in low coverage areas
If you hit a patch of low coverage, and your alternative SIM uses a different mobile network, you may be able to improve your coverage by switching — which you can do instantly in your settings.
Improve security
An eSIM cannot be lost or damaged. And even if your phone is stolen, you can disable your eSIM remotely to protect your data.
What are the best eSIM providers for UK businesses?
Here are the best eSIM providers for UK small businesses.
Virtual Landline
Key features
Receive business landline calls directly to your mobile
Calls to the UK from the EU and North America are included in your bundle
Extension to use the number on your PC or Mac
Virtual Landline’s Landline SIM is an excellent choice for UK small businesses wanting a professional business number without extra devices or complicated setup. It gives you a second, dedicated business number on your existing mobile via a fast, hassle-free eSIM download – activated instantly with a QR code.
With all business calls routed straight to your mobile, you stay reachable and professional wherever you are. The service clearly distinguishes between business and personal calls, helping you manage your time and maintain a polished image for clients and partners.
Their Roam Like at Home feature means calls back to the UK from the EU and North America are already included in your plan. For other international destinations, you can use your top-up account to call local numbers at competitive rates.
Price: £12.95 per month (£2.45 per month for PC or MAC extension)
Cellhire
Key features
Global business eSIM connectivity for teams and travellers
Access to more than 40 mobile networks across 191 countries
Voice, data, and multi-profile eSIM options for business use
Cellhire specialises in global business eSIMs, giving you reliable, flexible mobile connectivity across the UK and beyond, with seamless switching between networks and no need to swap physical SIM cards.
You can issue eSIMs instantly to staff using a QR code, which is great for mobile teams, remote workers, and frequent travellers. And your employees can keep work and personal numbers separate on a single device, while you maintain control through spend caps.
Cellhire’s eSIMs provide uninterrupted connectivity across 191 countries and has partnerships with more than 40 global mobile operators.
Price: Cellhire’s pricing is bespoke for each business and based on usage, locations, and data requirements.
Holafly
Key features
Unlimited data in more than 220 destinations
Centralised management for corporate travel
Instant activation with full cost control
Holafly is an eSIM solution that keeps your team connected anywhere in the world. Activation is instant via QR code, and you can manage every trip, user and data plan from a single dashboard.
Your business gets full visibility and control of roaming spend with transparent budgets and real-time usage monitoring. Unlimited data in most destinations ensures staff stay connected, supported by 24/7 assistance in 18 languages.
Holafly’s Business Center allows you to assign eSIMs with one click, customise plans for each trip and track consumption across your organisation. It has options for small to medium-sized businesses and startups.
Price: Custom business pricing based on trips, data needs and destinations.
Saily
Flexible data plans in over 200 destinations
One-tap setup for business travellers
No roaming fees
Saily’s business eSIM solution keeps your employees connected worldwide with flexible, contract-free data plans. You only pay for what you need, with hundreds of country-specific, regional, or global packages and no long-term contracts.
You activate your eSIM through the Saily app – a one-tap installation that only takes a few minutes. Your employees can keep their primary SIM and number active while using Saily for international data, making it ideal for frequent travellers who need fast, reliable internet abroad.
Your business also gets 24/7 chat support and a dedicated account manager to handle any issues promptly.
Price: Custom business pricing based on destinations and data needs.
Vodafone
Key features
Instant eSIM activation for business
Use one device for work and personal numbers
Flexible, secure SIM management
Vodafone offers a straightforward eSIM solution for UK businesses that want simpler SIM management and faster setup for employees. You receive eSIM activation codes by email and switching devices is simple – the same QR code can be reused when upgrading or replacing handsets, removing the need for SIM swaps and cutting down on admin.
Vodafone’s approach focuses on convenience and secure control through authorised admin contacts. It’s a practical option for businesses that want reliable business lines, easy provisioning, and the reassurance of a major UK network.
Price: Depends on your chosen Vodafone Business plan.
