How to exchange your Tchibo SIM card for an eSIM for free: Instructions and tips 2026

Updated: Reading time: approx. 10 min.

Do you want to exchange your Tchibo MOBIL SIM card for an eSIM? The switch is free of charge and can be completed in just a few steps. In this guide, we will show you how the switch works step by step – whether you are already a Tchibo customer or a new customer looking to start directly with an eSIM.

You will also learn which devices are compatible, how to transfer the eSIM to a new smartphone, and what you should keep in mind regarding roaming abroad.

Do you need mobile internet as an eSIM quickly? Check out the matching VoiSim Germany data packages directly.

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What is an eSIM and why is the switch worth it?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip permanently built into your smartphone that takes over the function of a classic plastic SIM card. The difference: you no longer need to insert a physical card. Instead, your mobile profile is downloaded digitally onto the chip – usually via a QR code.

The most important benefits of an eSIM

  • No more SIM card swaps: You can easily change plans or providers digitally without waiting for a new card by mail.
  • Dual-SIM capability: With an eSIM and a physical SIM, you can use two numbers at the same time – ideal for work and private use or for traveling abroad.
  • More eco-friendly: Less plastic waste by eliminating physical cards and packaging.
  • More space in the device: Manufacturers can use the freed-up space for a larger battery or better hardware.
  • Cannot be lost: An eSIM cannot fall out or be damaged – practical if you frequently switch smartphones.

Good to know: At Tchibo MOBIL, switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM is completely free. You keep your existing phone number, your plan, and all terms.

Which devices are compatible with the Tchibo MOBIL eSIM?

Before you start the switch, check whether your device supports eSIM. Tchibo MOBIL uses the Telefónica (o2) network, and most modern eSIM-capable devices are compatible.

Compatible Smartphones

Manufacturer Compatible Models
Apple iPhone XS, XR and all newer models (incl. iPhone SE from 2020)
Samsung Galaxy S20+, Galaxy Z Flip (all), Galaxy Z Fold (all), Galaxy Note 20+
Google Pixel 3 and all newer models
Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro
Xiaomi Mi 11 and newer, 12T Pro
Motorola Razr 2019, Razr 5G
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 1 IV, 5 IV
Oppo Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro

Compatible Smartwatches

Manufacturer Compatible Models
Apple Apple Watch Series 3 and newer
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and newer

Tip: If you are unsure whether your device is eSIM-enabled, you can find this information in your settings under "Mobile Data" or "Network Settings". Alternatively, you can check your IMEI number on the manufacturer's website.

Attention: Devices locked to another provider ( SIM-lock) may not work with the Tchibo MOBIL eSIM. Make sure your smartphone is unlocked for all networks.

Exchanging SIM for eSIM – Guide for existing customers

Are you already a Tchibo MOBIL customer and want to exchange your classic SIM card for an eSIM? The process is straightforward and free. You have two options:

Option 1: Online via the Customer Center

  1. Log in to your Tchibo MOBIL Customer Center at tchibo-mobil.de.
  2. Navigate to the "SIM card" section and select the option "Order replacement SIM card".
  3. Select "eSIM" as the desired format.
  4. Confirm the switch. Your old physical SIM card will be deactivated automatically after activation.
  5. Receive your access details by mail. For security reasons, Tchibo sends the eSIM access details (incl. QR code) by post.

Option 2: By phone via customer service

  1. Call customer service at 040 605900095.
  2. Have your contract details ready (customer number, phone number, ID details if applicable).
  3. Inform the representative that you want to convert your SIM into an eSIM.
  4. Receive the access details by post within a few business days.

Important: Before switching, check if your address in the customer portal is up to date. The eSIM access data will be delivered via letter only.

Back up your data: If you have saved contacts on your old SIM card, back them up to your smartphone or the cloud beforehand. After the switch, the old SIM is no longer usable.

Ordering an eSIM from Tchibo MOBIL for new customers

As a new customer, you can choose an eSIM instead of the conventional plastic SIM card when booking your plan. This saves you waiting for the physical card to arrive by mail.

  1. Visit the Tchibo MOBIL website and select your desired plan (e.g., FLEX smartphone plan or prepaid).
  2. Select "eSIM" as the SIM card option instead of the plastic SIM.
  3. Complete the online registration with your personal details.
  4. Perform identity verification – via VideoIdent (fastest) or PostIdent.
  5. Receive your eSIM QR code via email or mail after successful verification.
  6. Scan the QR code and activate the eSIM on your device.

The eSIM is also free for new customers – no extra fees compared to the physical SIM.

Activating your eSIM – Step-by-step for iPhone & Android

As soon as you receive your QR code from Tchibo MOBIL, activation only takes a few minutes.

On iPhone (iOS)

  1. Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
  3. Scan the QR code with your iPhone's camera.
  4. Tap "Add Cellular Plan" and follow the instructions.
  5. Assign a label (e.g., "Tchibo MOBIL") so you can easily identify the eSIM.
  6. For Dual-SIM: Define which SIM is used for calls, SMS, and mobile data.
  7. Done! The eSIM is usually active within a few minutes.

On Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.)

  1. Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (Samsung) or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (Pixel).
  3. Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan".
  4. Scan the QR code from Tchibo MOBIL.
  5. Confirm the installation and wait for the profile to download.
  6. Activate the eSIM and assign it a name.
  7. For Dual-SIM: Configure your preferred SIM for calls and data.

QR code not working? Check if your smartphone has the latest software. Sometimes a restart helps. If the problem persists, request a new code at 040 605900095.

Setting up an eSIM on a smartwatch

Do you want to use your Tchibo MOBIL eSIM on an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch? This works as long as your plan supports MultiSIM.

Apple Watch

  1. Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  2. Go to "My Watch" → "Cellular".
  3. Tap "Set up Cellular".
  4. Scan the QR code or enter the data manually.
  5. Wait for the activation – this can take 10–15 minutes.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

  1. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone.
  2. Navigate to "Mobile plans" → "Add plan".
  3. Scan the QR code and follow the instructions.
  4. Wait for the activation.

Note: Check with Tchibo MOBIL beforehand if your plan supports a second eSIM for smartwatches and if any additional costs apply.

Transferring a Tchibo eSIM to a new smartphone

Bought a new phone? Unfortunately, an eSIM cannot simply be copied – you always need a new QR code.

  1. Delete the eSIM from the old device in the cellular settings.
  2. Contact Tchibo MOBIL via the Customer Center or by phone (040 605900095).
  3. Request a new QR code for your new device – usually free of charge.
  4. Receive the new code via email or mail.
  5. Install the eSIM on the new smartphone by scanning the QR code.

Important: Delete the eSIM from the old device before requesting the new QR code. As long as the old profile is active, a new one cannot be created.

Switching back from an eSIM to a physical SIM card

Would you rather go back to a classic plastic SIM? Switching back is also possible with Tchibo MOBIL:

  1. Contact customer service at 040 605900095 or via the Customer Center.
  2. Order a replacement SIM card in physical format (3-in-1: normal, Micro, Nano).
  3. Receive the new SIM by post – delivery takes approx. 3–5 business days.
  4. Insert the new SIM and activate it according to the included instructions.
  5. Your eSIM will be deactivated automatically during this process.

Your phone number and plan will remain the same. Please note that shipping costs of €6.95 may apply for the physical replacement SIM (the card itself is free).

Using Dual-SIM: Combining Tchibo eSIM + travel eSIM

One of the biggest advantages of modern smartphones with eSIM is the Dual-SIM capability. You can use your Tchibo MOBIL eSIM at the same time as a second SIM or eSIM:

  • Separate work and private life: One number for the office, one for personal use – on one device.
  • Travel eSIM for vacations: Keep your German number for calls and WhatsApp, and use a cheap data eSIM for mobile internet abroad.
  • Local SIM abroad: Instead of high roaming fees, use a local SIM while remaining reachable on your main number.

In your smartphone's settings, you can define which SIM is used for outgoing calls, SMS, and mobile data. Both SIMs can be ready to receive at the same time.

Roaming with Tchibo MOBIL abroad – Costs and alternatives

The roaming conditions are identical, regardless of whether you use a physical SIM or an eSIM.

Within the EU: Roaming included

Thanks to the EU roaming regulation, you can use your Tchibo MOBIL tariff in all EU countries at no extra cost – make calls, send SMS, and surf at the same conditions as in Germany.

Outside the EU: Beware of high costs

In non-EU countries, costs can quickly add up. Typical examples:

Destination Roaming situation
Turkey No EU roaming – several euros per MB possible
USA / Canada High fees without a special foreign package
Thailand / Indonesia Double-digit euro amounts per day for data usage
Dubai / UAE Data roaming extremely expensive without an add-on package
Switzerland Not an EU country – check conditions in advance

Tip: Disable mobile data for your Tchibo SIM before traveling to a non-EU country to avoid surprises on your bill. Instead, use a travel eSIM for affordable internet locally.

Surfing abroad for less: Travel eSIM as a smart addition

If you travel abroad regularly, you know the problem: roaming fees add up, buying local SIM cards is cumbersome, and hotel Wi-Fi is often unreliable.

The solution: A travel eSIM that you use in addition to your Tchibo MOBIL eSIM. Thanks to Dual-SIM, this works in parallel – you keep your German number and surf simultaneously via the travel eSIM with affordable data volume.

How the combination works

  1. Your Tchibo MOBIL eSIM remains active – for incoming calls, SMS, and WhatsApp.
  2. The travel eSIM handles mobile data – at a fraction of the roaming costs.
  3. In the settings, you specify that data runs via the travel eSIM and calls via Tchibo.

VoiSim travel eSIM: Affordable data for over 150 countries

At VoiSim, you will find travel eSIMs with 4G/5G speed, 24/7 live chat support, and no hidden costs:

🇹🇷 Turkey eSIM from €5.99 · 5 GB / 30 days 🇨🇭 Switzerland eSIM from €4.99 · 1 GB / 7 days 🇦🇪 Dubai / UAE eSIM from €10.13 · 3 GB / 30 days 🇮🇩 Indonesia eSIM from €6.99 · 5 GB / 30 days 🇪🇺 Europe eSIM from €4.99 · 1 GB / 7 days 🇪🇬 Egypt eSIM from €4.99 · 1 GB / 7 days

Is your next vacation coming up?

Save on roaming costs with a VoiSim travel eSIM. Installation in 2 minutes – scan the QR code and you're done. Works in parallel with your Tchibo MOBIL eSIM.

Discover all destinations & tariffs →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to switch from a SIM card to an eSIM at Tchibo MOBIL?

The switch is completely free of charge. There are no fees for the eSIM or the switching process.

How long does it take to receive the eSIM access credentials?

The access credentials are delivered by mail. Expect a delivery time of 3–7 business days, depending on the postal service.

Can I use the eSIM on multiple devices at the same time?

No, an eSIM can only be active on one device at a time. However, you can store multiple eSIM profiles on your smartphone and switch between them.

What do I do if the QR code doesn't work?

Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has the latest software installed. If the code is still not recognized, contact customer service at 040 605900095 and request a new QR code.

Do I keep my phone number when switching to an eSIM?

Yes, your phone number remains the same. The switch does not change your number, your tariff, or your conditions.

Can I also use the eSIM as a prepaid customer?

Yes, the eSIM is available at Tchibo MOBIL for all types of tariffs – prepaid plans and regular contracts alike.

Does the Tchibo eSIM also work abroad?

Yes, the eSIM works abroad just like a physical SIM. Within the EU, EU roaming applies without extra costs. Outside the EU, regular roaming fees apply – here, a cheap travel eSIM is recommended as a supplement.

Can I use a travel eSIM in parallel with the Tchibo eSIM?

Yes! All the eSIM-capable devices mentioned above support Dual-SIM. You can use a travel eSIM from VoiSim in parallel – keep your German number and surf cheaply abroad at the same time.

Do I need a new eSIM if I change my smartphone?

Yes, when changing devices, you need a new QR code. Delete the eSIM from the old device and contact customer service for a fresh code (free of charge).

Which network does Tchibo MOBIL use?

Tchibo MOBIL uses the Telefónica (o2) network with access to LTE and 5G. The maximum data speed is up to 100 Mbit/s.

Do you still have questions about the eSIM or are you looking for the right travel eSIM for your next vacation?
Our support team is there for you around the clock – via live chat on voisim.com or via email.

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