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
For all full-service plans like the Vodafone, O2 and Three plans, your mobile number is provided in your order confirmation email.
Bouygues-specific note
If you’re using a Bouygues Telecom plan and have not received your mobile number:
Your mobile number is sent via SMS after you activate the eSIM on the registered Bouygues network. If you are in a country where your Bouygues plan has no network coverage, the SMS cannot be delivered. You will receive the mobile number once your device connects to a supported network.
For data only plans:
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:
- On iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Mobile Service > SIMs.
- On Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > Phone Number (tap to show details).
- On Vodafone plans: You can also dial *#100# in the Phone app to see your number instantly.
- 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.
Note: If your mobile number does not appear in your phone’s settings, this is normal and does not affect service. The number in your order confirmation email is your correct active number. This applies to all full-service plans and the O2 SMS Only product.
