eSIM in Europe: All Supported Mobile Carriers for Your iPhone
by Vanessa Ricca, on Feb 3, 2026The eSIM eliminates the need to swap SIM cards – but which carriers actually support it? We've compiled the complete overview for 12 European countries, including Ireland.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your smartphone. Instead of inserting a physical nano-SIM, you simply activate your mobile plan digitally. Contact your mobile carrier directly for setup.
The benefits:
- No more fiddly SIM card swapping
- Quick carrier switching
- Two numbers on one device possible (Dual-SIM)
- Perfect for travel: Local plans without a new card
- Environmentally friendly: no plastic SIM cards, less waste
eSIM Carriers in Europe: The Complete Overview
🇮🇪 Ireland
| Carrier | eSIM Support | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Ireland | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Eir | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| GoMo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Note: All major Irish mobile carriers support eSIM. Existing customers can easily switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM or activate a new plan digitally.
🇩🇪 Germany
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telekom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vodafone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| O2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 1&1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| BetterRoaming | – | – | ✓ |
| fraenk | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drillisch brands (e.g. sim.de, yourfone) | ✓* | ✓* | ✓* |
| Klarmobil | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blau | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Congstar | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*Availability may vary depending on brand and tariff.
Additional info:
Germany offers one of the widest eSIM selections in Europe, including major network operators and low-cost providers with flexible monthly plans.
🇦🇹 Austria
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drei | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Magenta | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| HoT (Hofer Telekom) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| spusu | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| yesss! | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Note: HoT, spusu and yesss! are especially popular low-cost prepaid eSIM options, ideal for occasional users and travellers.
🇸🇪 Sweden
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 (Tre) | – | – | ✓ |
| Tele2 | – | – | ✓ |
| Telenor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Additional info: Sweden has solid eSIM coverage. Telia and Telenor offer modern activation methods, while other carriers mainly rely on QR-code activation.
🇮🇹 Italy
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vodafone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wind Tre | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fastweb | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Iliad | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Very Mobile | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Ho.Mobile | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| CoopVoce | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Summary: Italy offers excellent eSIM coverage, with both major network operators and budget brands supporting digital SIM activation.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vodafone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Odido | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Summary: eSIMs are available from all major Dutch carriers, offering reliable coverage despite a relatively small provider selection.
🇩🇰 Denmark
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 (Three) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telenor | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telia | – | – | ✓ |
Additional info: eSIM support is growing in Denmark. 3 (Three) offers the most comprehensive activation options.
🇫🇮 Finland
| Carrier | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation | Prepaid International |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Telia | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Elisa | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alcom | – | ✓ | – |
Summary: Finland is technologically advanced when it comes to eSIMs, with strong support from major carriers and prepaid options for international users.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Vodafone | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| O2 | – | – | ✓ |
Note: All major Czech carriers support eSIM, with activation either handled directly by the carrier or via QR code.
🇧🇪 Belgium
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proximus | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telenet/Base | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Note: Belgium offers eSIM support across both major networks and smaller providers, with activation usually via QR code or app.
🇵🇹 Portugal
| Carrier | eSIM Carrier Activation | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEO | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NOS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vodafone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| TMN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Additional info: Portugal has excellent eSIM coverage. All major carriers support modern activation methods, including Quick Transfer.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
| Carrier | eSIM Support | eSIM Quick Transfer | Other Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swisscom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sunrise | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Salt | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wingo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| yallo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lebara Switzerland | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Additional info: Alongside major operators like Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt, affordable brands such as Wingo, yallo and Lebara also offer eSIM plans.
What Do the Activation Methods Mean?
eSIM Carrier Activation: The carrier activates the eSIM automatically at purchase or by phone – no QR code needed.
eSIM Quick Transfer: You can transfer your phone number directly from one iPhone to another without contacting your carrier. You can also convert your physical SIM card to an eSIM.
Other Activation: Activation via QR code or carrier app.
eSIM for travelers
If you are abroad for a short time and need a reliable eSIM to browse online from your iPhone, you can activate one through providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Jetpac or Nomad - platforms that offer dedicated and flexible plans designed for people on the move.
eSIM and Refurbished iPhones
The good news: All iPhones from the iPhone XS (2018) onwards support eSIM. This means even if you buy a refurbished iPhone, you can fully use the eSIM function – provided your carrier supports it.
Tip: When buying a refurbished iPhone, you not only save money but also protect the environment. A refurbished smartphone produces up to 70% less CO₂ emissions than a new device.
Conclusion
eSIM support in Europe varies greatly by country. Whether you travel frequently or simply want to stay flexible: eSIMs can definitely make your life easier. And the best part: You don't need a brand new iPhone for it – a refurbished model works just as well.
Source: Apple Support – Wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service
