eSIM Phones in Kenya: What You Need to Know

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into the phone. You download your line instead of inserting a card, and you can keep a physical SIM alongside it on many phones.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID number, the phone supports eSIM. You can also check the SIM line in the spec table on any Phonetab product page. iPhones from the 12 onwards, Google Pixel phones and Samsung Galaxy S and Z models support eSIM; for Galaxy A models, check the spec table.

Getting a Safaricom eSIM

Visit a Safaricom shop with your original ID or passport. You receive a QR code; scan it on Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the line. Safaricom lists a fee of KSh 150 for prepaid lines and KSh 250 for a new line (check current fees with Safaricom).

After switching

Open the SIM Toolkit to set up M-Pesa on the eSIM. On dual-SIM phones, set the eSIM as the default line for calls and data if you want USSD codes to use it.

Changing phones

A Safaricom eSIM is tied to one device; moving it means a visit to a Safaricom shop for a new QR code.

Explore your options

Source: HapaKenya, How to get a Safaricom eSIM in Kenya

Need help applying this to a particular device? Talk to Phonetab.