Tutorial: Switching from a physical SIM card to eSIM on giffgaff in the UK

Publish: 2023-10-12 | Modify: 2023-10-19

A few months ago, the blogger purchased a giffgaff SIM card in the UK, as mentioned in "I Bought a UK SIM Card (Mobile Card) Giffgaff, with Activation Process and Precautions". Recently, giffgaff announced support for eSIM, allowing users to convert their existing physical SIM cards to eSIM. The blogger has successfully converted their giffgaff SIM card to eSIM and is sharing the process in this article.

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What is eSIM

eSIM stands for "embedded SIM." It is a small chip embedded directly in a phone or other device, replacing the traditional physical SIM card. This allows users to electronically switch network operators or service plans without needing to change physical cards.

Prerequisites

  • Purchased a giffgaff physical SIM card
  • Phone supports eSIM (currently, most phones in China do not support eSIM). The blogger used a Japanese version of the iPhone SE2.
  • Magic Internet tool

Converting giffgaff Physical SIM to eSIM

Install the "giffgaff" app on your eSIM-supported phone (available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store), open the app and log in. Go to the bottom menu and select "Account - SIM." Note: You need to open the Magic Internet tool in advance, otherwise the SIM option may not appear.

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Continue by selecting "Replace my SIM."

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Proceed to "Switch to a new eSIM."

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Agree to the terms and conditions, and then you will receive a text message with a verification code to confirm your existing giffgaff SIM card.

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Next, click "Install eSIM."

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The system will automatically send the eSIM configuration to your phone.

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You will also receive a text message and email notification informing you that the switch to eSIM usually takes less than 1 hour, but may take up to 24 hours during busy times. The blogger's switch from conversion to activating eSIM took about 30 minutes to complete. So, in general, it should be normal within 24 hours. If it takes more than 1 day and is still not activated successfully, it is recommended to contact giffgaff customer service for confirmation.

Just a quick update to let you know your request to transfer your number to your new giffgaff SIM is underway. The switch usually takes less than 1 hour but can go up to 24 hours at busy times.

If this wasn’t you, please raise a case with a giffgaff agent. Can't log in to contact an agent? Contact us here.

Common Issue Resolution

If you receive a "Service Unavailable" message when switching to eSIM, as shown in the image below, try again at a different time period.

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If your iPhone does not display the giffgaff phone number after adding giffgaff eSIM, go to "FaceTime - Set up giffgaff as a contact" so that the giffgaff phone number will be displayed (a text message fee will be deducted).

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Conclusion

To switch to giffgaff eSIM, you must have purchased a physical SIM card and your phone must natively support eSIM. Currently, giffgaff does not support directly issuing eSIM cards. Also, make sure to open the Magic Internet tool in advance when switching, otherwise the option may not appear. The switch usually takes up to 24 hours. If it takes more than 1 day and is not activated successfully, it is recommended to contact giffgaff customer service for confirmation.

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xiaoz

I come from China and I am a freelancer. I specialize in Linux operations, PHP, Golang, and front-end development. I have developed open-source projects such as Zdir, ImgURL, CCAA, and OneNav.

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