Switching between eSIM and physical SIM

eSIM

What you need

1. A phone that supports eSIM, such as an unlocked iPhone sold outside mainland China;
2. The giffgaff app installed on the phone, connected to Wi-Fi;
3. When to do it: 12:30 pm to 4:30 am the next day, Beijing time.

Steps

1. Log in to the app and tap Account > SIM > Replace my SIM > Switch to a new eSIM;
2. You will see a notice; keep a stable Wi-Fi connection;
3. Tick I understand and accept this > tap Start the switch;
4. Enter the code received by text (or choose to have the code sent to your email) and tap Confirm;
5. Tap Install eSIM and follow the prompts until We're activating your eSIM appears;
6. Activation usually finishes within 1 hour (24 hours at most). Open the app now and then to check. When it is done, the physical SIM loses service automatically (it is void).

Note: giffgaff may update these steps from time to time; the official site is the reference.

Switching from eSIM back to a physical SIM

When to do it: 12:30 pm to 4:30 am the next day, Beijing time.

1. Order an unactivated SIM here;
2. On the web, open the official site and go to profile and settings, find Replace my SIM and click Activate your SIM;
3. Enter the 6-character activation code on the new card;
4. Click Yes, I want to replace my SIM;
5. Then click Yes I'm sure and wait. It takes less than 1 hour, 24 hours at most.

Official explanation: click here