Quick answer
Yes. Lyca Mobile offers eSIM across its prepaid plans, and unlike some carriers it does not restrict eSIM to postpaid — Lyca is prepaid-only, and eSIM is available on its existing plans. It is offered in Lyca's main markets including the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Existing customers with a physical Lyca SIM can also swap to an eSIM without changing their number.
This is genuinely useful for people whose phone has no SIM tray. If you have a US iPhone 14 or later, a physical-SIM-only prepaid carrier is not an option at all, so Lyca supporting eSIM is what makes it usable for you.
Ready to buy?
$1.15 from · instant QR · 7-day refund
Which devices work with a Lyca eSIM
Any eSIM-capable handset, which in practice means:
- iPhone XR, XS and XS Max onward — every iPhone from 2018.
- Google Pixel 3 and later.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, plus recent Z Fold and Z Flip models.
- Recent Motorola, Xiaomi, Sony, HONOR and OPPO flagships and upper mid-range models.
- Cellular iPads and some Windows laptops such as the Surface Pro X.
How to get a Lyca eSIM
- Choose a plan on the Lyca Mobile website for your country and select the eSIM option at checkout.
- Complete the purchase — your QR code is emailed to you.
- Connect to Wi-Fi before installing.
- iPhone: Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, Use QR Code. Android: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add eSIM.
- Scan the code and wait for the profile to install.
- Follow Lyca's activation step to bring the line onto the network.
Swapping an existing Lyca physical SIM to eSIM
Lyca supports converting an existing physical SIM line to an eSIM while keeping your number and balance. You request the swap through Lyca — via your account or customer services — and receive a new QR code to install. Do this on Wi-Fi and do not remove the old physical SIM until the eSIM line is confirmed working, so you are not left without service midway.
Lyca eSIM versus a travel eSIM abroad
These solve different problems and it is worth being clear about which one you need.
| Lyca Mobile eSIM | Travel eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A prepaid line in your home country | A data plan for the country you are visiting |
| Phone number | Yes — a local number with calls and SMS | Usually data-only, no number |
| Best for | Your everyday line, or a cheap local line where you live | Data while abroad, without roaming charges |
| Abroad | Depends on Lyca roaming rates for your destination | Local network rates in the country you are in |
| Setup | Buy, scan, activate with Lyca | Buy, scan, switch on when you land |
Lyca has historically been popular with people making a lot of international calls, and its own international rates can be strong. But calling rates and roaming data rates are different products. If your trip is about having maps and messaging that work when you land, a destination travel eSIM is normally the cheaper route, and you can run it alongside your Lyca line rather than instead of it.
Running a Lyca eSIM and a travel eSIM together
On an iPhone 13 or later you can hold two eSIMs active at once, so a Lyca line and a travel eSIM can run side by side — Lyca keeps your number live for calls and texts, and the travel eSIM carries data at local rates. On an iPhone 12 or earlier there is only one eSIM slot, so you would need your Lyca line on a physical SIM to run both.
- Install the travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, before departure.
- Keep the Lyca line active for calls and SMS.
- Set the travel eSIM as your Cellular Data line.
- Turn Data Roaming off on the Lyca line and on for the travel line.
Frequently asked questions
Does Lyca Mobile support eSIM?
Yes. Lyca Mobile offers eSIM on its prepaid plans in its main markets including the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland, on any eSIM-capable device.
Can I get a Lyca eSIM on any prepaid plan?
Lyca makes eSIM available across its existing prepaid plans rather than restricting it to particular tiers. Select the eSIM option at checkout instead of a physical SIM, and check the current plan page for your country.
Can I switch my Lyca physical SIM to an eSIM?
Yes. Lyca supports swapping an existing physical SIM to an eSIM while keeping your number and balance. Request the swap through Lyca, then install the new QR code over Wi-Fi before removing the old SIM.
Which phones work with a Lyca eSIM?
Any eSIM-capable handset — iPhone XR and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, plus recent Motorola, Xiaomi, Sony, HONOR and OPPO models, and cellular iPads. Dial *#06# and look for an EID to confirm.
Is a Lyca eSIM good for travelling abroad?
It keeps your number and calls working, but data abroad is charged at Lyca roaming rates. For data specifically, a destination travel eSIM is usually cheaper — and you can run both at once on an iPhone 13 or later.
How long does a Lyca eSIM take to activate?
The profile installs in about two minutes over Wi-Fi once you scan the QR code. The line then needs Lyca's activation step to complete before it will connect to the network.
Sources & further reading
Daniel Reyes
eSIM & Mobile Networks Writer
Daniel is a telecoms writer who has covered mobile networks and eSIM technology since 2019. He breaks down carrier coverage, device compatibility, and activation step by step.