How to set up Lidl Connect eSIM

Does Lidl Connect support eSIM?

Yes. Lidl offers "free & easy eSIM activation" and says you can "get and activate your eSIM directly through the Lidl Plus app". There is no charge for the eSIM, unlike the €0.99 physical SIM sold in Lidl stores, and no need to visit a shop. One number works on one SIM at a time.

Lidl's help pages are explicit: "The eSIM is free of charge with Lidl Connect." The 1GLOBAL price list adds that no activation or connection fees apply. You can also give an eSIM line to someone else on your account; Lidl calls it installing or sharing it.

Will your phone work with the eSIM?

It will if it supports eSIM, is unlocked and runs a recent enough system. Lidl gives the minimum versions as "iOS 16 for Apple and Android 9 (Pie) for Samsung" and publishes no list of models. A phone bought on contract may be locked to its network; ask your current provider to unlock it first.

Not every phone has eSIM, even recent ones: some models are sold in versions with and without it, depending on the country. The surest checks are your phone's own settings, where an eSIM phone offers to add an eSIM or a mobile plan, or the manufacturer's specifications for your exact model.

Unlocking rules differ by provider: Three and Tesco Mobile unlock free after the minimum term, Vodafone after 12 months or €200 spent, eir prepay after €120 of top-ups, and Virgin Media says phones it sold are already unlocked. Each is set out on its comparison page.

Lidl says its eSIMs "cannot currently be used directly in smartwatches", while "compatible tablets" are supported.

How do you set up Lidl Connect eSIM on an iPhone?

On an iPhone with iOS 16 or later, start in the Lidl Plus app, not in Settings. Choose eSIM when you sign up, and when the app says the eSIM is ready, follow its install prompt; iOS then asks you to confirm adding the mobile plan. Stay on WiFi, and keep your old SIM until any number transfer completes.

1. Connect to WiFi

   Lidl asks for WiFi when you change or move an eSIM, and a stable connection avoids a half-finished install.

2. Open Lidl Plus and choose eSIM

   During sign-up, choose eSIM as your SIM type.

3. Wait for the number transfer, if any

   If you are keeping your number, the eSIM becomes available once the transfer completes. You get a notification in the app.

4. Install from the app

   Follow the app’s install step. iOS shows its own screen to add the plan; confirm it.

5. Label and choose lines

   If the phone keeps another SIM, choose which line to use for calls, messages and mobile data.

How do you set up Lidl Connect eSIM on Android?

On Android the start is the same: choose eSIM in the Lidl Plus app and install it from there when it is ready. Lidl names Android 9 on Samsung as the minimum; other makers' phones need eSIM support and an unlocked handset. Android then asks you to confirm downloading the SIM profile. Stay on WiFi throughout.

1. Check eSIM support

   Look in your phone’s network or SIM settings for an option to add an eSIM, or check the maker’s specifications for your model.

2. Connect to WiFi and open Lidl Plus

   Choose eSIM as your SIM type during sign-up.

3. Wait for any number transfer

   When keeping your number, install only after the app tells you the transfer is complete.

4. Install and confirm

   Follow the app’s install step and confirm the download on Android’s own screen.

5. Set preferred SIMs

   On a dual-SIM phone, set Lidl Connect for calls, texts and mobile data.

Why can you not install the eSIM straight away?

Because you are keeping your number. Lidl says "your eSIM will be ready for installation after your number transfer has completed". Until then your old SIM carries the number and must stay active to receive the security code. If you take a new number instead, the eSIM is available as soon as you have signed up and paid.

Porting runs 8am–6pm Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm at weekends, and 1GLOBAL says a transfer is usually done the same day. In the first week after launch, Lidl said exceptional demand made some transfers slower than expected, as reported by TheJournal.ie.

How long does eSIM activation take on Lidl Connect?

Up to 24 hours, according to 1GLOBAL's service description, which adds "You can check the activation status in the Lidl App." Lidl sends a notification when a number transfer completes and an email when you are fully active. If nothing has happened after 24 hours, contact Lidl Connect customer care.

Can you switch between a Lidl SIM card and an eSIM later?

Yes, in the Lidl Plus app with Change my SIM, on WiFi. Your old SIM stops working as the new one becomes active on your line. To move to a physical SIM, buy one in a Lidl store first. To move an eSIM to a new phone, open Lidl Plus on the new phone and choose Change my SIM.

Lidl's wording: "your previous SIM will be automatically deactivated and your new SIM will become active on your line." If your phone is lost or stolen, contact customer care at once to block the SIM: the 1GLOBAL terms make you responsible for use until you report it.

What if the eSIM will not install?

Lidl's advice is to follow the instructions in the Lidl Plus app and, if it still fails, call customer care on +353 1 9203010. Before that, check WiFi, check that the phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, and, if you are keeping your number, that the transfer has completed. Restarting the phone often clears a stuck install.

More fixes, symptom by symptom, are on Lidl Connect not working.