Are eSIM numbers real mobile phone numbers, and how can I find mine?

The telephone numbers that are supplied with our O2, Vodafone and Three plans are REAL UK mobile numbers ( MSISDNs ) and not virtual numbers ( DIDs ) or PSTN numbers.

Likewise the numbers supplied with our Bouygues plans are real French numbers.

This means that they operate identically to any other mobile number e.g. they can receive Two Factor Authentication SMSs etc.

It also means that the UK numbers can be ported to most other UK mobile operators & see our porting FAQ for details.

Our data only plans do not have a phone number associated but calls can be made and received via all the popular Apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram etc.

How to find your eSIM phone number

You’ll receive your eSIM number in your order confirmation email. This applies to all Vodafone, O2, and Bouygues eSIM plans, which include a phone number.

If you’ve purchased a data-only plan, no phone number is included or required. Data-only plans do not include a mobile number. These plans are intended for internet and app usage only. Data-only plans will not have a number, and any number appearing in device settings for these plans is a technical placeholder, not a usable number. Calls cannot be made directly using a phone number, but calls and messages can still be sent via apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram. 

You can also find your eSIM number directly on your device:

1. On iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Mobile Service > SIMs.  
2. On Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > Phone Number (tap to show details).  
3. On Vodafone plans: You can also dial *#100# in the Phone app to see your number instantly.
4. If you have an O2 Standard or Premium plan then you can also text the word NUMBER to 2020 to see your number instantly. As Outgoing SMS is disabled on the O2 Travel and SMS Only products this will not work for them.

Note: All O2, Vodafone, Three and Bouygues Telecom plans come with a genuine mobile phone number. O2, Vodafone and Three fully support UK Mobile Number Portability, MNP.