If you're an O2 customer and want to switch to eSIM, here's what you need to know: how to request an O2 eSIM, how much a duplicate costs, which phones support it, and most importantly, what to use when traveling outside of Spain to avoid exorbitant roaming charges. This is an informative and independent guide; we are not O2, but we'll tell you what you need to know directly.
Does O2 have eSIM and how to request it?
Yes, O2 (Movistar's low-cost brand) offers eSIM for its mobile lines. You can request it from the customer area in the app or on the website, choosing to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM, and you'll receive a QR code to install it on your compatible mobile phone.
The process is like a SIM duplicate: you request the change, O2 deactivates your previous physical SIM and activates the eSIM with your same number. You don't change your plan or lose your line; only the medium changes, from plastic to a digital profile within the phone. This is useful if you're getting a new phone that no longer has a SIM tray, if you want a second line without a free tray, or if you simply prefer not to rely on a card that can be lost. If you're starting from a different point, you might be interested in understanding how to convert a SIM to eSIM in general.
Cost of O2 eSIM duplicate
The switch from physical SIM to eSIM at O2 is processed as a duplicate, and its cost may vary depending on current promotions. It is usually a low amount or even free in some cases, but it's advisable to confirm it in your customer area before processing it, as conditions change.
We don't want to give you a fixed figure that will be outdated tomorrow, so the recommendation is clear: check the exact amount in the O2 app just before requesting the change. Also keep in mind that every time you change phones, you will have to request the eSIM profile again (it is not transferred like a physical card), and that new duplicate could have a cost. To get a general idea of these amounts in the market, see our guide on how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone.
Before processing: check the price of the duplicate in the O2 app and if there is any promotion that makes it free. Duplicate costs change frequently.
Devices compatible with O2 eSIM
The O2 eSIM works on most mid-range and high-end mobile phones launched since 2019, as well as on some smartwatches with connectivity. The requirement is not from O2, but from the device itself: factory eSIM chip and unlocked.
Broadly speaking, these are the devices that usually support O2 eSIM. If yours isn't listed, the guide to eSIM compatible phones has the complete list:
| Type | Compatible examples |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone XS/XR onwards |
| Samsung | Galaxy S20 and later, Z Fold/Flip |
| Pixel 3 and later | |
| Apple Watch | Cellular models compatible with O2 |
An important detail about the Apple Watch: it appears frequently in O2 eSIM searches because the watch uses an eSIM profile linked to your line. If that's your case, consult how eSIM works on the Apple Watch before buying it. And if you're unsure about your model, how to tell if your mobile is eSIM compatible will confirm it in a moment.
Activating your O2 eSIM step-by-step
Once O2 sends you the QR code, activating it is quick. With Wi-Fi and your phone in hand, scan the code from your mobile data settings, wait for the profile to install, and your number will be active in minutes.
The usual path, so you don't get lost:
- Request the eSIM change from the O2 customer area.
- Receive the QR code (by email or in the app itself).
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
- Follow the wizard and wait for activation confirmation.
If the QR code gives an error when scanning, don't panic: it's usually a temporary glitch with a solution. We have a guide for eSIM QR scan errors with the most frequent fixes. And for the general process, how to activate an eSIM.
O2 roaming when traveling: what it actually costs
Within the European Union, O2's plan allows you to use your data without extra charges (roam like at home). The problem arises outside the EU: in destinations such as the United States, Japan, Morocco, or Turkey, roaming is billed separately and is expensive per megabyte.
Here's the nuance many people overlook: within Europe, you're fine, but as soon as you cross outside, your O2 eSIM is still your home number, not a cheap data solution for travel. Before leaving the EU zone, it's worth knowing how much international roaming costs and how to avoid roaming to prevent an unpleasant bill.
Key takeaway: your carrier's eSIM and a travel data eSIM are different things. The first is your line; the second, cheap internet abroad. You can (and should) have both.
The alternative for travel: a data eSIM
When you leave the EU, the most cost-effective option is to use your O2 eSIM only for calls and texts and add a destination-specific data eSIM. This way, you browse at local prices without touching your home plan or risking roaming charges.
The best part is that you can have both at the same time: your O2 line keeps your number for important matters, and the travel eSIM handles all your internet needs. For example: you travel to the United States, keep your number in case the bank calls you, and use a data eSIM for Maps, social media, and WhatsApp without overspending. If you're looking for where to start, check out the collection of all PuraSim eSIMs and choose the one for your destination. And to fully understand the difference, the guide eSIM vs. roaming makes it crystal clear.
Frequently asked questions
Does O2's eSIM keep my phone number?
Yes. When you switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM with O2, you keep your same number and your same plan; only the medium changes, from a plastic card to a digital profile within the mobile. It's the equivalent of a SIM duplicate, not a new subscription.
Can I use O2's eSIM abroad?
Within the European Union, you can use your data without extra charges, just like in Spain. Outside the EU, roaming applies and can be expensive, so for those trips, it's advisable to add a destination data eSIM and keep your O2 eSIM only for calls.
How long does it take O2 to activate the eSIM?
Once you request the change and receive the QR, activation usually completes within a few minutes after scanning. In some cases, O2 first deactivates your physical SIM, so there might be a brief interruption until the eSIM profile becomes active with your number.
Do I need to re-order the eSIM if I change phones?
Yes. Unlike a physical SIM, the eSIM profile is not automatically transferred from one phone to another. When you get a new phone, you will need to request the profile again from O2, and that process could incur a cost depending on the current conditions.
Does O2's eSIM work for Apple Watch?
Apple Watch models with Cellular connectivity can use an eSIM profile linked to your O2 line, provided that O2 supports it for your plan. It is advisable to confirm this with O2, as not all operators or all plans enable the watch's function.
Conclusion
Requesting an O2 eSIM is straightforward: you order it in your customer area, confirm the duplicate price, check that your mobile is compatible, and scan the QR. For travel within the EU, it works as is, but outside Europe, it's better to rely on a destination data eSIM. Travel with peace of mind and connect upon arrival without fear of the bill.
