eSIM is short for ‘embedded SIM’. Instead of a physical chip that you insert into a slot in your phone, an eSIM is entirely virtual, and gets loaded into your phone digitally, if it’s an eSIM compatible device.

Once it’s loaded on your phone, it works just like a physical SIM.

eSIM is available on most major manufacturer (e.g. Apple, Samsung, etc) devices released since 2019. To check your device, go into mobile network and SIM manager settings, and see if there’s an option to add an eSIM. 

As a general guide, compatible devices include:

• iPhone XR, iPhone XS and later
• iPad 10 and later
• Samsung Galaxy S20 (FE series excluded) and later. 
• OPPO Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Find N2, Find N3 and A98
• Google Pixel 6 and later
• Huawei P40 Pro

Other devices not in this list may also be compatible, however this covers many of the popular devices in NZ.

Please check with your device’s manufacturer if you have further questions.

NOTE: Samsung Flip and Z Fold series devices should now work with Rocket Mobile eSIMs. If you installed an older Rocket Mobile eSIM which doesn’t work with your Flip or Fold device, please contact us via Live Chat, and we’ll swap it for a new eSIM that is compatible.

An eSIM lets you connect to a new mobile plan within minutes, instead of having to wait days for a physical SIM to be delivered to your address.

It also means you can hold more than one SIM (and phone number) in your device at a time, which could be helpful if you want to switch between a personal and work number, or if you are travelling.

Finally, it’s clearly the most climate-friendly choice. With no plastic, no packaging, and no physical delivery increasing your carbon footprint.

We still need a physical NZ address for our records, even if you buy an eSIM and nothing is actually delivered.

If you are a visitor and don’t have a NZ address, just put down the address of your first place of accommodation.

You will be given a QR code that needs to be scanned with the device you want the eSIM installed on. 

If you are viewing the QR code on a different device (e.g. your computer), you can use the camera app on your phone to scan the code on the screen.

Otherwise, you can take a screenshot of the code on your phone, and use the gallery app to read it. 

If you’re having trouble using the QR code, you can manually copy paste the SMDP+ Address, Activation Code (SMDP+ ID) and Confirmation Code into the eSIM installation screen on your device.

Important: A WiFi or data connection is required to download the eSIM onto the device.

Once you’ve successfully downloaded your eSIM using the QR code, activation is just the same as if you insert a physical SIM into your device.

Simply click the link on the SMS message you receive, login using the account you used to buy your plan, decide if you want to keep your number or grab a new one, and you’re good to go.

You will need to be in NZ to activate your eSIM.

Absolutely, just make sure you select that you’d like to transfer your number across when you’re activating your eSIM. You’ll need to ensure your old SIM is active on a device so you can reply YES to the text message asking you to confirm the number transfer.

Click here for more details on how to transfer your number across.

You may find that it says ‘One NZ’ when you’re activating your eSIM, or in the top left corner of your phone screen as the network name. That’s because we’re powered by One NZ’s network, which covers 98.5% of Kiwis.

For more details, check our coverage map here.

Sorry, our eSIM plans are currently only designed to be used with mobile devices, and aren’t compatible with wearables (e.g. smart watches) or EVs (electric vehicles) yet. Keep an eye on our website for future updates.

• Check your device is eSIM compatible
• Order an eSIM from our website by ‘buying’ a new plan (just pick the plan you’re on). You won’t be charged as long as you do not activate the eSIM after you download it.
• Download and install the eSIM as instructed but DO NOT activate it. Do not click the activation link in the SMS you’re sent. Otherwise you may be charged for a new SIM activation, so it’s very important to follow this step.
• Contact our Live Chat crew via your MyAccount and they will help you complete the SIM swap process