An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. You get your number without a physical card: handy for dual-SIM use, and it cannot fall out or be easily swapped by a thief who takes your phone.

Step 1: check your phone supports eSIM

MTN’s tip: dial *#06#. If you see an EID number among the codes, your phone supports eSIM. If not, it does not. Many recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S and some other phones do; most budget phones do not.

MTN eSIM

  • Request it: through the MyMTN app, MyMTN Lite or the MTN Ghana website, or fill MTN’s eSIM request form at its online request site (mtncustomeronlinerequest.mtn.com.gh) and send the ticket number to customercare.GH@mtn.com.
  • Internet needed: MTN says your phone must be connected to data or Wi-Fi to download the eSIM profile.
  • Welcome gift: MTN says first-time eSIM activations get a one-off 3GB non-expiry data bundle.
  • Everything works: MTN says you can buy data and airtime, use MoMo and check balances on an eSIM, as on a physical SIM.

Telecel eSIM

Telecel says you can request and activate an eSIM in the Telecel Play app without visiting a shop. You need an active Telecel number, a valid email address, your Ghana Card and an eSIM-compatible phone connected to the internet. After OTP, KYC and biometric checks, Telecel emails you a QR code to scan. Your number stays the same.

AT eSIM

AT offers eSIM too; its FAQ describes activation by scanning a QR code from the operator. Ask at an AT shop or call 100.

Moving your eSIM to a new phone

MTN’s steps, in short: connect the old phone to the internet, remove the eSIM profile from it, turn it off, then set up the eSIM on the new phone while it is online. If you lose the phone or delete the eSIM by mistake, MTN offers an eSIM swap.

Keep your Ghana Card details and email account secure: whoever controls them can request an eSIM. Never share eSIM QR codes or OTPs.

This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.

Common questions

How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?

Dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM, according to MTN.

Do I keep my number when I switch to eSIM?

Yes. Telecel says your existing number is kept and moved to the eSIM.

Do I get free data with an MTN eSIM?

MTN says first-time eSIM activations get a one-off free 3GB non-expiry data bundle.

What if I change phones?

eSIMs can be moved. MTN describes removing the eSIM from the old phone and setting it up on the new one while connected to the internet.

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