How to Convert a Physical SIM to eSIM, by Network

Gusto mong mag-eSIM pero ayaw mong mawala ang number mo? That's the most common question we see, because your number is tied to GCash, banks, OTPs and everyone who has it saved. The good news: Smart, TNT and Globe let you convert and keep your number. The bad news: not every network offers it yet.

This page has one section per network, with the steps and fees each one published, checked on 29 October 2026. If your network's section says "not yet", don't pay anyone who claims they can do it for you.

eSIMs.ph is an independent guide run by Dominet BV. We're not a mobile network, telco or eSIM seller, and we don't sell, activate or register SIMs. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them. Telcos we mention don't pay us anything. That never changes what we write. Read our affiliate disclosure. Only your network can convert your SIM. Never give your OTP or QR code to anyone else.

Before you convert: a 5-point checklist

1. Your phone supports eSIM. Dial *#06# and look for an EID. Our compatible phones guide has more checks.
2. Your phone is unlocked or locked to the same network.
3. Your SIM is registered and active, and you know the number.
4. You can open your email on the spot. Smart and Globe send the QR code by email.
5. You have Wi-Fi or a second data source for installing the eSIM, because your physical SIM may stop working during the switch.

Quick comparison

As listed by each network on 29 October 2026:

Fees change. Always check the network's page before you pay.

Smart Prepaid

Smart gives two ways.

In a Smart Store

Smart Help lists what to bring:

• a valid government-issued ID
• your active Smart mobile number
• a valid email address, where the QR is sent
• your eSIM-capable phone

The store processes the upgrade, you pay the fee, and Smart emails the eSIM QR code. Scan it and follow the steps on screen. Smart's eSIM page also mentions signing an acknowledgement receipt in the store, and an authorization letter or special power of attorney if someone else goes for you.

In the MySmart app

Smart Help's steps for Smart Prepaid and TNT:

1. Open MySmart and log in.
2. Go to My Account, My Services, then My Services and Usage.
3. Tap Upgrade SIM.
4. Tap Send OTP, enter the code from SMS, and tap Verify.
5. Enter the email for the QR code and tap Verify Now.
6. Enter the email OTP and tap Verify.
7. Tap Submit.
8. Pay with Visa or Mastercard: P99 for Smart Prepaid.
9. Wait for the success message and the QR by email.
10. Scan the QR to install the eSIM.

You can also see the QR later in the My Order menu.

One caution: an older answer on Smart's eSIM FAQ page says a new number is assigned for a prepaid eSIM. Smart's newer help articles describe conversion with your number kept. Confirm before paying if you're unsure.

More on Smart's eSIM in our Smart eSIM guide.

TNT

TNT is a Smart brand, and its conversion follows the Smart steps above, in a Smart Store or in MySmart. The difference is the fee: Smart Help listed P89 for TNT on 29 October 2026.

Smart Postpaid and Infinity

Smart Help lists conversion for Postpaid and Infinity as free of charge, done at a Smart Store. Smart's eSIM page says the postpaid eSIM feature is for its Signature and Infinity plans, and that people on older plans may need to move to a current plan first.

Globe Prepaid

Globe says you can convert in the GlobeOne app and keep your number, for P99 as listed on 29 October 2026.

1. Open GlobeOne and go to SIM Services.
2. Select Change SIM, then choose eSIM.
3. The app checks your phone. If it's compatible, you can install the eSIM directly on the same phone.
4. Follow the on-screen steps.
5. Tap Continue and go to checkout. Pay with GCash or a Visa, Mastercard or JCB card.
6. Globe emails a receipt, instructions and the QR code.
7. Scan the QR to install and activate.

Notes from Globe's help page:

• There's no freebie when you convert. Starter freebies are for new eSIMs only.
• You can convert someone else's SIM by enrolling their number in your GlobeOne, but the QR must be scanned on the phone that will use it.
• If you can't finish, you can resume the transaction in GlobeOne within 15 days. Globe says to request a refund before trying again so you aren't charged twice.

See our Globe eSIM guide for activation and fixes.

Globe Postpaid

Globe says Postpaid customers can switch for free and keep their number. Request the change with the SIM Services button in GlobeOne, or go to any Globe store, where Globe says its store teams can guide you through the upgrade. Globe adds that if you can't finish within 15 days, you can simply try again.

TM

As of 29 October 2026, Globe's eSIM help page said eSIM was available to Globe Postpaid and Globe Prepaid customers and that Globe was working on making it available for TM customers. So there was no TM conversion yet. Watch Globe's help page for updates.

DITO

DITO's FAQ, checked on 29 October 2026, said converting a DITO physical SIM to an eSIM was not available yet, and neither was porting a number onto an eSIM. If you want DITO on eSIM, you can buy a new DITO eSIM with a new number. See our DITO eSIM guide.

GOMO

GOMO's "Get GOMO SIM" page offers a Local eSIM and a Roaming eSIM, and GOMO's FAQ says SIM registration is done in the GOMO PH app with your ID and a selfie. We couldn't find GOMO's rules on converting an existing GOMO physical SIM to eSIM, or on moving a GOMO eSIM to a new phone, on the public pages we could load on 29 October 2026. Check in the GOMO PH app or with GOMO's official support before you pay.

After converting: install, test, then clean up

1. Install the eSIM from the QR while on Wi-Fi.
2. Test a call, an SMS and mobile data on the new eSIM line.
3. Set the line for mobile data, calls and iMessage or FaceTime if you use an iPhone.
4. Keep the QR code somewhere safe. Smart and Globe both say you can reuse it to reinstall. Globe caps reinstalls at 5 for prepaid.
5. Remove the old physical SIM only after everything works. It usually stops working once the eSIM is active.

Can you go back to a physical SIM?

• Smart: yes, at a Smart Store. Smart says your eSIM QR code no longer works once you move your number to a physical SIM.
• Globe: yes, at a Globe store for a P99 transaction fee, as listed on 29 October 2026.
• DITO: DITO says converting an eSIM back to a physical SIM wasn't available yet.

On iPhone: eSIM Quick Transfer

Apple says some carriers let you convert a physical SIM to eSIM on the same iPhone in Settings, or move a SIM from your old iPhone with eSIM Quick Transfer. Globe's help page describes Quick Transfer for iPhone 11 and newer on iOS 26, with both phones on the same Apple Account. If Settings doesn't offer it, use your network's app or store.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert my SIM to eSIM and keep my number?

Yes on Smart, TNT and Globe, according to their help pages on 29 October 2026. DITO and TM didn't offer it yet, and we couldn't confirm GOMO.

How much does it cost to convert to eSIM?

As listed on 29 October 2026: P99 for Smart Prepaid and Globe Prepaid, P89 for TNT, and free for Smart Postpaid, Infinity and Globe Postpaid.

Pwede bang mag-convert to eSIM online?

Oo, para sa Smart Prepaid at TNT sa MySmart app, at para sa Globe sa GlobeOne app. Smart Postpaid and Infinity go through a Smart Store.

Will my load and promos carry over?

The networks' conversion pages we checked don't say. Since it's the same number and account, ask the store or app support before converting if you have a large balance or an active promo.

What do I need to bring to a Smart Store?

A valid government ID, your active Smart number, an email address you can open, and your eSIM-capable phone.

Can someone convert my SIM for me?

Only your network should handle your SIM. Smart's page mentions an authorization letter or special power of attorney if a representative goes to the store for you. Never share your OTP or QR code with anyone else.