Upgrading to keep same mobile, do I click 'physical sim' or 'esim'

Forum|Forum|10 months ago
November 3, 2025
5 replies
318 views

Hi all, apologies I need constant reassurance before doing anything! I have researched and if understood correctly, as long as i click Upgrade whilst in my account and browse the deals,I will keep my mobile number.

When I get to checkout, I am confused as to which sim option to pick. Should I be clicking ‘physical sim’ which has the description - “keep using your current sim card in your new phone” which I imagine means I keep my number as all I need to do is remove the sim from my current phone and pop it in the new handset?

Thanks in advance!

Best answer by WelshPaul

@SarahJay You are correct in thinking this however if you call sales between 9am to 6pm Mon To Fri on +44 20 7139 1397 the will definitely help you make the correct decision.

Joe 🙂

Hi Joe, thanks for answering but this doesn’t really answer my question, do I pick physical sim or esim at check out?

Choose your preferred option. For a physical SIM, select “Physical SIM”. For an eSIM, select “eSIM”. If you’re upgrading, your existing number will be used with your chosen option.

S

SarahJayAuthor

New Contributor

Just want to clarify subject title was meant to say ‘keep mobile number’, I’m looking to get a new handset :)

JoeKing

Silver Contributor

@SarahJay You are correct in thinking this however if you call sales between 9am to 6pm Mon To Fri on +44 20 7139 1397 the will definitely help you make the correct decision.

Joe 🙂

Android OS 16 - Nothing Phone 2, (Samsung Galaxy S 25 Ultra Here to help, I do have a life. 😉

S

SarahJayAuthor

New Contributor

@SarahJay You are correct in thinking this however if you call sales between 9am to 6pm Mon To Fri on +44 20 7139 1397 the will definitely help you make the correct decision.

Joe 🙂

Hi Joe, thanks for answering but this doesn’t really answer my question, do I pick physical sim or esim at check out?

WelshPaulAnswer

Platinum  Contributor

@SarahJay You are correct in thinking this however if you call sales between 9am to 6pm Mon To Fri on +44 20 7139 1397 the will definitely help you make the correct decision.

Joe 🙂

Hi Joe, thanks for answering but this doesn’t really answer my question, do I pick physical sim or esim at check out?

Choose your preferred option. For a physical SIM, select “Physical SIM”. For an eSIM, select “eSIM”. If you’re upgrading, your existing number will be used with your chosen option.

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.

Gemma M

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @SarahJay

I am so sorry to hear of any issues that you may be facing regarding your upgrade. Please see the below steps to upgrade either to a handset or SIM-only plan:

SIM ONLY
Please follow the steps below:
1. From dashboard, scroll down and tap on "view all upgrade deals".
2. On the next page, select the box "SIM only deals".
3. Scroll down and tap on "choose this plan" next to the plan you wish to proceed with.
4. On the next page, tap on "continue" and follow the steps to complete the order. A card verification will be required. After completing this step, tap on "place order".
5. You will receive an order reference number at the end.

HANDSET
Please follow the steps below:
1. From dashboard, scroll down and tap on "view all upgrade deals".
2. Scroll down and tap on "choose this plan" next to the plan you wish to proceed with.
3. On the next page, tap on "continue" and follow the steps to complete the order. A card verification will be required. After completing this step, tap on "place order".
4. You will receive an order reference number at the end.

Regards,

Gemma

iD Social Media

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.