This article contains information about eSIMs, including what it is, how to get an eSIM, how it works.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is an embedded SIM built into your device. It’s a hassle-free, green alternative to using a physical SIM card.
How do I download an eSIM ?
There are two ways you can download an eSIM onto your mobile device .
If you visited a retail store and received an on-screen notification to download your eSIM, simply tap the notification and follow the on-screen prompts.
Otherwise, you’ll need to download your eSIM by scanning the QR code provided to you in the welcome email.
If you're switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM, remove the physical SIM card and restart your phone before downloading your new eSIM.
Download eSIM on Apple devices
If your iPhone or iPad is already set up:
- If your iPhone or iPad is already set up, your device will receive an on-screen notification advising An eSIM from One NZ is ready to be set up on this iPhone. Tap on the notification to begin download.
- When you see the Activate eSIM message on-screen, click Continue at the bottom of the screen.
- Once the eSIM has been activated, you’ll receive a notification confirming setup is complete.
- Click Done
- If you already have an active connection on your phone, you’ll now need to select which line to use on which services, etc.
- Connect to WiFi or a hotspot.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone or iPad.
- As part of the set-up, you'll see a notification One NZ Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed
- In the Settings app, tap Finish Setting Up Mobile Service
- Follow the set-up instructions on-screen to activate your eSIM.
- When your eSIM has downloaded you'll see the cellular connectivity symbol showing that you now have service
Download eSIM on Samsung Galaxy devices
To download an eSIM onto a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet:
- Connect to WiFi or a hotspot.
- When a notification appears that says Your eSIM is ready to add. Add it to your phone so you can connect to the One NZ network”, tap the Add eSIM option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download your eSIM
- When your eSIM has downloaded you'll see the cellular connectivity symbol showing that you now have service
- Make a call from your device to check its mobile connectivity
Download eSIM using a QR code
- Start by connecting your device to WiFi or a hotspot.
- In your phone's Settings, check that eSIM has been enabled (If you're using an Apple or Samsung device, this should already be done. For OPPO, you'll need to update the settings manually).
- Open the Camera app on your phone and scan the QR code that is embedded in (and attached to) the email. If your camera doesn't scan QR codes, you may need to select Google Lens in the camera app.
- Enter the confirmation code if prompted and click Next
How to get an eSIM?
Prepay Plans
eSIMs for One NZ prepay plans can be purchased at any One NZ retail store.
Travel eSIM plans can be purchase online before arriving in NZ, ready to activate once you land.
Travel eSIM plans can be purchase online before arriving in NZ, ready to activate once you land.
Tablet Plans
Tablet plans can only be purchased in person at a One NZ retail store. While in-store purchasing your new plan, you can choose an eSIM.
Bringing your phone from another telco
You can get a One NZ eSIM on any Apple or Samsung phone that supports eSIM.
However, some phones may not be supported if they have been locked by an overseas telco provider.
If you're unsure, visit your nearest One NZ store, and the team can check for you.
However, some phones may not be supported if they have been locked by an overseas telco provider.
If you're unsure, visit your nearest One NZ store, and the team can check for you.
What to do with your physical SIM post eSIM activation
Once your eSIM has been activated, you can remove and reuse the physical SIM card in a different phone. As the two SIMs can't share a plan, you will need a new plan connected to the physical SIM.
You should know
Switching mobile networks
Your eSIM cannot be moved to a different network provider, but you can transfer your mobile number through the porting process.
You can request a new eSIM from your new provider when purchasing your new plan.
If you have two mobile numbers, they don't both need to be on the same network.
You can request a new eSIM from your new provider when purchasing your new plan.
If you have two mobile numbers, they don't both need to be on the same network.
Switching your eSIM to a new device
If you want to move your eSIM profile to another device, you will need to use the QR code that you received in the eSIM welcome email at time of purchase.
- Make sure you're connected to Wifi (not phone data)
- Delete the eSIM profile from your current phone
- Wait a few minutes
- Scan the QR code you received in your eSIM welcome email onto the new phone and add the eSIM to your new phone.
How does Dual SIM work?
Every SIM has its own phone number and mobile plan.
Many phones offer dual SIM capability, meaning you could have two SIMs in one phone. One will often be an eSIM, and the other a physical SIM.
You can use both SIMs on one phone to make and receive calls and texts.
Switching Between SIMs
Most dual SIM phones are Dual SIM Dual Standby (or DSDS). If your phone supports DSDS, you can assign each SIM to voice, data and/or texts. To discover how to turn a SIM on or off, check your device's user guide.
Using Both SIMs
You can only use one mobile plan and number at a time. For instance, if you are on a call on one line, you can't get a call on the other SIM at the same time.
Support
Check our Troubleshooting page for technicial support