How to set up and switch eSIM

By Dylan Crismale

Last updated 03 June 2024

Contents

In this guide:

Choosing an eSIM plan
How to set up eSIM on iPhone
How to set up eSIM on Android
How to transfer eSIM between phones
How to convert a physical SIM to eSIM
eSIM set up FAQs

eSIM is a new technology that replaces the physical plastic SIM card on your phone. It's easy to set up eSIM on your phone in just a few minutes.

The method can vary slightly depending on which provider you're with and what kind of phone you have.

Choosing an eSIM plan

Not every provider in Australia offers eSIM yet. Here are popular mobile plans from providers in our database that do:

#1	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#4	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick Small Monthly Plan 15GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$20 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $19.90 Extra Small Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $19.90 SIM for $8 online until 04.05.25 New customers only. T&Cs apply. $19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Exetel	Exetel ExeSim Saver 4G Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$20 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

#1	TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	felix mobile Editor's Pick	felix mobile Editor's Pick felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $30 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#6	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $24.90 Small Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Includes 15GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 200 bonus std mins to selected countries when you activate by 11.08.25 $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Saver 4G Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network $25 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#10	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $29.90 Medium Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $29.90 SIM for $12 online until 04.05.25 + Includes 45GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 300 bonus std mins to selected countries. $29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 20Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $40 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $35 SIM 40GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 40GB on first 3 recharges before 28/04/25 for new services only. Note plan changes from 28/4/2025. Fair Go Policy and T&Cs apply. $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 12 May 2025. Terms Apply $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $40/mth Min. cost $40 Go to Site	$40/mth Min. cost $40	Go to Site
#6	More	More 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $25/mth for 12 mths, then $27/mth $32/mth Min. cost $32 Go to Site	$32/mth Min. cost $32	Go to Site
#7	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Essential 5G Plan 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $35 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$35 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Telstra	Telstra $39 Pre-Paid Mobile 55GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 40GB bonus data on first 3 recharges. $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 32GB 5G Mobile SIM 32GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $34/mth Min. cost $34 Go to Site	$34/mth Min. cost $34	Go to Site
#10	SpinTel	SpinTel $35 Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $35/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium SIM Only Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $49/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 95GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 95GB data for first 3 recharges, then 35GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	More	More 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $37/mth for 12 mths, then $37.80/mth $44/mth Min. cost $44 Go to Site	$44/mth Min. cost $44	Go to Site
#4	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 80GB 5G Mobile SIM 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $46/mth Min. cost $46 Go to Site	$46/mth Min. cost $46	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $45 SIM 60GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get unlimited data, every weekend when you stay connected with AutoRecharge. Fair Go Policy and T&Cs apply. $45 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$45 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Plus 5G Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $50 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$50 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $49.90 Extra Large Plan 200GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $49.90 SIM for $19 online until 04.05.25 + Includes 100GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 100 bonus std mins to selected countries. $49.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	SpinTel	SpinTel $50 Mobile Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#9	Telstra	Telstra $49 Pre-Paid Mobile 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 55GB bonus data on first 3 recharges. $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#10	AGL	AGL 5G Large 160GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Special Bundle Offer - $35/mth for first 6 months then $40/mth after that, when you have AGL energy. Ends 14.08.25 $50/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied

Once you've found a plan you like, sign up and receive set-up instructions from your telco. Usually, you'll receive a confirmation and a QR code that contains the details necessary to set up your eSIM profile.

How to set up eSIM on iPhone

All iPhones from the XS/XR series (released in 2018) and newer are eSIM compatible.

Steps to set up eSIM on iPhone

Open the Settings app
Tap Mobile
Tap Add eSIM followed by Use QR Code
Scan the QR code provided by your telco or tap Enter Details Manually, if needed. Follow the prompts including selecting your default number

Note: For iPhone models earlier than iPhone 14 you will need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network to activate eSIM.

How to set up eSIM on Android

Samsung's flagship phones have supported eSIM since the launch of the S20 series (released in 2020), and the fold and flip models (released in 2019). Google's Pixel has supported eSIM since the Pixel 3a in 2019.

Samsung
Google

Steps to set up eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Open the Settings app
Tap Connections followed by SIM card manager
Under eSIMS, tap Add mobile plan, followed by Scan carrier QR code
Scan the QR code provided by your telco and follow the prompts

Steps to set up eSIM on Google Pixel

Open the Settings app
Tap Networks and Internet
Tap the + icon if you already have a SIM on the phone, otherwise tap SIMs
Tap Download a SIM followed by Next
Scan the QR code provided by your telco and follow the prompts

How to transfer eSIM between phones

One of the few disadvantages of eSIM technology is that unlike a physical SIM, you can't just pop out the SIM tray, remove the SIM and put it in another phone.

Because the eSIM only exists as software on your phone, you need to follow instructions from your telco on transferring your eSIM between phones.

You can only transfer between eSIM-enabled devices, which includes most flagship phones from Apple, Samsung and Google released in the last five years, plus a few models from other manufacturers.

We'll outline the transfer process for a few common devices below.

Transferring eSIM to iPhone

Transferring eSIM between two iPhones can be fairly simple with an option to "Transfer from Nearby iPhone" during the set-up process (See Step 3 in the above iPhone section). To use this "Quick Transfer" it needs to be supported by your carrier. At the time of writing the only provider in Australia that supports Quick Transfer is Vodafone.

If you're with any other carrier or you're transferring from an Android phone you'll need to contact your carrier to transfer your phone number via an eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code from your carrier.

Transferring eSIM to Samsung Galaxy

To transfer an eSIM from another Galaxy phone follow the steps outlined above but choose Transfer SIM from another device instead of the option to "Scan carrier QR code" and follow the. You'll need the other device nearby and unlocked.

To transfer your eSIM from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy or other Android device you'll need to tap Transfer through service provider and follow instructions on the provider's website.

How to convert a physical SIM to eSIM

Some providers offer the option to convert your existing physical SIM to an eSIM. This essentially deactivates the profile associated with the physical SIM and creates a new eSIM profile for the same mobile number.

Telstra postpaid customers can switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM profile via the My Telstra app. This feature is not available to prepaid customers with physical SIM cards.

Optus postpaid customers can switch to a digital SIM in the My Optus app. Prepaid customers will need to perform a SIM replacement by heading in-store or calling Optus.

Vodafone customers with a physical SIM can convert to eSIM. iPhone users can navigate to the Settings app, tap Mobile and select their number under Mobile Plans. Then there should be an option to Convert to eSIM. Android users can navigate to Your plans in the My Vodafone app and follow the prompts for transferring your SIM to eSIM.

eSIM set up FAQs

Can I activate eSIM myself?

Yes, generally you can activate eSIM yourself with a QR code from your provider. In some cases you may need to order a new eSIM and then contact your telco's support. Kogan for example says if you lose your device or purchase a new one you'll need to order a new eSIM and call customer care to move the existing service to the new eSIM.

How long does it take to activate an eSIM?

For most people, the process should be fairly quick. As an example, Optus says activation may take up to 15 minutes or in some cases up to 4 hours. This is the same as a physical SIM. Activations can only take place during certain hours of the day - which is also standard practice for both SIM types.

While activation is similar to a physical SIM you do save time by not having to wait for a physical SIM to arrive or having to pick one up in-store.

What is an eSIM profile?

An eSIM profile is the software that is downloaded to your phone and allows you to connect to your provider's network. The eSIM profile data is stored in the eSIM chip that is installed in the hardware of the phone.

Can I convert physical SIM to eSIM myself?

Yes, on some devices you may see the option to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM. In some cases, you may need to contact your telco for assistance.

Can I use one eSIM on two devices?

No, like a physical SIM, an eSIM can only be active on one device at a time. However, you can have multiple active eSIMs on one device. You can usually have a maximum of two numbers active at once depending on the make and model.