eSIM
The simpler SIM
Activate a new eSIM service and you could be surfing the web in as little as 10 minutes with the My Telstra app.
Simple connection
Buy, activate and manage a new Pre-Paid service in a few taps from the My Telstra app. New Upfront Mobile or Data services must be activated in a Telstra store.
Work & play in one device
eSIM allows multiple numbers on one device. So, you can have a personal and business number on the same compatible device.
It's easy being green
When you add a new Pre-Paid eSIM digitally or switch to an Upfront eSIM, you’re helping reduce CO2 emissions as eSIM eliminates plastic, packaging and transport of a physical SIM card.
No more overseas SIM swapping
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM that’s built into your device and can have multiple profiles. Simply add a local network when overseas and you’re ready to go.
What is eSIM?
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM that’s built into compatible mobile phones, tablets, wearables and other technology. It allows you to have multiple phone numbers connected to the same device using a digital eSIM profile.
Compatible devices
There are already quite a few phones on sale that are eSIM compatible (as well as dual SIM) from a range of manufactures including Apple, Samsung, Google and more.
Activate a new eSIM
Device with a plan
If you purchased a device with a Pre-Paid or post-paid service that came with a physical SIM and want to change to an eSIM see steps on Switching to eSIM.
Plan only
If you're a pre-paid SIM-only customer you can activate an eSIM in minutes using the following steps.
-
Check compatibility
Check your device is eSIM compatible. You can check with your device manufacturer or view the list above.
-
Download My Telstra app
Download the My Telstra app onto your compatible device.
-
Purchase and activate
Go to 'Services' in My Telstra and 'Buy a Pre-Paid plan on eSIM'. Then follow the steps to purchase a service and setup your eSIM. If the 'Buy a Pre-Paid plan on eSIM' option is not shown, it’s likely your device is not eSIM compatible.
Device with a plan
If you purchased a device with a Pre-Paid or post-paid service that came with a physical SIM and want to change to an eSIM see steps on Switching to eSIM.
Plan only
If you’ve got an Upfront Mobile or Data service, you can activate a new eSIM service by visiting a Telstra store.
Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM
If you have an existing Telstra physical SIM, switching to eSIM is easy.
-
Open the My Telstra app
When connected to Wi-Fi, open the My Telstra app on the device you’re moving the service to.
-
Transfer to eSIM
From the Services tab, select the relevant service and ‘Transfer or restore eSIM’. If you’re on an older plan, ‘Transfer or restore eSIM’ may not be shown. In this case, tap on the 3 dots at the top of the screen. If your device is compatible, the ‘Transfer or restore eSIM’ option will be shown.
-
Complete activation
Follow the prompts to complete eSIM activation.
Managing your eSIM with the My Telstra app
You can purchase, activate and manage your Pre-Paid eSIM in the My Telstra app. Customers with a post-paid service can switch from a physical SIM and manage their eSIM profile also in app.
FAQs
-
eSIM (embedded SIM) technology is replacing the need for traditional plastic SIM cards. It’s a digital way of storing your network service on compatible devices, that’s faster, simpler and more environmentally friendly.
-
Your eSIM Profile enables your device to connect to the Telstra network without the need for a physical SIM card. You can set up an eligible Telstra mobile or mobile data service on a compatible eSIM-enabled device via the My Telstra app.
-
-
eSIM is supported in a range of wearables, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Please check compatibility on your device manufacturer’s website or view the list here.
-
No. Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM doesn’t impact your plan, mobile number or Pre-Paid credit.
-
Yes. If your Telstra plan includes 5G network access and your device is 5G compatible, you can access Telstra's 5G network when you’re in Telstra 5G coverage areas.
-
A Telstra ID allows you to securely manage your services, track your usage and more in the My Telstra app.
-
To link your service through My Telstra:
- Sign in with your Telstra ID
- Go to Services
- Scroll to Can’t see one of your services?
- Go to Get help and follow the prompts.
- Sign in with your Telstra ID
-
You need to have iOS13 or later, to use eSIM. Not all iPhone models are eSIM-enabled so check the Apple website.
-
Using an eSIM can eliminate the CO2 emissions involved in manufacture, warehousing, and delivery of a physical plastic SIM.
-
If your device has a physical SIM and eSIM, or multiple eSIM profiles, it can use up to two mobile services at the same time. By purchasing multiple Telstra services, you can make and receive calls and texts with two different mobile numbers and use mobile data, with two separate plans on the same device. The plans do not need to be identical and can be a combination of Pre-Paid and Upfront if you choose.
Dual SIM requirements, functionality and operation may differ between device models. Check with the device manufacturer for details.
-
No. eSIM is a digital SIM technology available on compatible devices that allows you to use a Telstra mobile plan without requiring a physical SIM card. Dual SIM devices support two mobile services at the same time. Some dual SIM devices also come with eSIM technology, and vice versa, but not all.
-
Dual SIM is a capability your device may support, allowing it to support up to two mobile services. eSIM is an embedded SIM that’s built into a compatible device. Your unique eSIM profile can be digitally downloaded using the My Telstra app or an eSIM Card.
Need help?
Support
Find the answers you're looking for on our Device Security support page.
My Telstra app
View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via messaging and much more.
Contact us
Have a question you need answered? See our contact and help options.
Find a store
Find your nearest Telstra Store.