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New Contributor
November 22, 2025
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eSim porting and activating abroad

  • November 22, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 238 views

Hello, 

I have signed up for an eSim and want to keep my number. I have a PAC from my current plan at Lebara.

I have separately received the eSim by email from ID Mobile but without any porting attached to it. 

I understand that I have to use the following service:

https://www.idmobile.co.uk/switch

Two questions:

1- Should I activate my eSim, be assigned a random number, then ask for a switch using the above link? Because the link requests an ID Mobile to be filled in

2- I am currently travelling (in Spain and the UAE if that's important). Can I activate and port the eSim while abroad or should I wait to be back in the UK?

 

Thank you for your help! 

    Best answer by WelshPaul

    Your plan and account are already active and you’ll be charged regardless of whether you install the eSIM. My advice is to install it while you’re in the UK get the temporary number register for an online account and then give iD Mobile the PAC to port your desired number.

    3 replies

    WelshPaul
    Platinum 
Contributor
    Platinum 
Contributor
    November 22, 2025

    If you have an eSIM or a regular SIM, you’ve already ordered a plan and therefore have a temporary number.

    I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    Jims92Author
    New Contributor
    November 22, 2025

    Thank you Paul, 

    Yes I have received an eSim. I don't know what phone number is attached to it. I cannot find it in the emails or my account. My account shows a previous plan that is no longer active. 

    I have not attempted to activate it yet out of fear of not being able to port my number to it. I am also unsure if I can activate it while abroad. 

    I am certain that the phone number I want to keep has not been ported yet though.

    WelshPaul
    Platinum 
Contributor
    WelshPaulAnswer
    Platinum 
Contributor
    November 22, 2025

    Your plan and account are already active and you’ll be charged regardless of whether you install the eSIM. My advice is to install it while you’re in the UK get the temporary number register for an online account and then give iD Mobile the PAC to port your desired number.

    I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.