eSIM NZ: The Complete Guide to Getting Started

eSIM is available with every plan at Rocket Mobile. Here’s what you need to know in a nutshell.

What is eSIM?

eSIM is short for ‘embedded SIM’. Instead of a physical SIM that you get delivered, and manually insert into your phone’s SIM slot, an eSIM is entirely virtual, and gets loaded into your phone digitally.

Why should I get eSIM?

When you sign up for a physical SIM, it can take a few days to get to your address via courier. With an eSIM, you can decide on your plan, purchase and enjoy your unlimited data plan in a matter of minutes.

eSIM makes it super easy to connect, because you don’t have to go into a physical store, or show a photo ID for a credit check to activate. Just follow the prompts on your device to download, install and activate, and you’ll be good to go.

Like all Rocket Mobile plans, you can bring your existing number with you. An eSIM lets you easily switch between numbers, e.g. if you have separate work and personal numbers.

What makes eSIM eco-friendly?

No more plastic SIM cards, and lower carbon footprint thanks to no more physical deliveries to your door. It’s clear that eSIM is the more environmentally friendly option.

Is my device eSIM compatible?

Most phones released since 2020 are eSIM compatible. If you’re not sure, go to your phone’s mobile settings and look for ‘SIM manager’ or an option to add an eSIM. You can also check with your manufacturer, or try googling your phone model and ‘eSIM’.

How do I get an eSIM mobile data plan?

1. Keep eSIM as your selection during purchase

This is the default option, so you should be able to leave this as is. It will say ‘Change to a physical SIM’ next to the word eSIM.

2. Download & install your eSIM

After your purchase, you’ll be given a QR code. It’s easiest to purchase your plan on a separate device (e.g. your computer) to the one you plan to install your eSIM on, so you can use the camera app on your phone to scan the QR code directly.

You can also take a screenshot of the QR code on your phone, then use your gallery app to open the image and follow the link

If you can’t find the QR code, log in to your MyAccount, then go to My OrdersOrder History, click on the ORD number, then the pink eye icon next to where it says eSIM.

In your Rocket Mobile app, open the main menu by tapping the three lines in the top right corner of your screen, then tap Order History, select your #ORD number, then tap the pink eye icon next to where it says eSIM.

Make sure you have wifi or a data connection to download the eSIM.

You can go into the settings of your device and enter the details manually by copy pasting the SM-DP+ Address, Activation Code & Confirmation Code shown below the QR code.

On an iPhone, go into Settings → Mobile → SIMs → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually

On an Android, go into Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM

When asked to Enter Code, use the 6 digit Confirmation Code sent with your QR code.

4. Activate your eSIM

Once it’s installed, activation is as easy as if you’re using a physical SIM. You should get an SMS message from 7878 saying ‘Welcome! Please click this link to setup…’ with a link to activate your new eSIM.

If you don’t get this SMS, try sending an SMS or making a call from your device, this should trigger the Welcome SMS to be sent to you.

Click the link, and you’ll be directed to log in to your Rocket Mobile account to complete the activation process. Make sure you login the same way you did when you purchased your eSIM.

Once you’ve done that, you’re all done and your new eSIM should be good to go!

For more, check out our help page.

Rocket Mobile Capped Plan Overview

Your Capped Rocket Mobile plan is bundled with value, including a set amount of max speed data, plus unlimited talk and text to NZ and Aus. There are also optional extras based on how you want to connect which are outlined here:
What is it How much Do I have any other options
Voicemail Calls to voicemail are FREE Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry.
MMS PXT Not available If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead.
International calls & texts $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location.
Roaming For just $9 a day you can use your NZ data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling.
Premium rate numbers Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Unlimited talk and TXTs are for standard person-to-person calls to standard NZ and Aus numbers.
  • Your Rocket Mobile mobile plan is for personal mobile use only.
  • For all out of bundle charges:
  • ● If you’re a Pay Monthly customer (joined before we rebranded), click here
  • ● If you’re a Pay Upfront customer (joined as Rocket Mobile), click here

Rocket Mobile Unlimited Plan Overview

Your unlimited Rocket Mobile plan is bundled with value, including unlimited mobile data at the speed you need, plus unlimited talk and text to NZ and Aus. There are also optional extras based on how you want to connect which are outlined here:

What is it How much Do I have any other options
Voicemail Calls to voicemail are FREE Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry.
MMS PXT 10 free MMS/PXT per month to NZ mobiles then no more can be sent. If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead, using your unlimited data.
International calls & texts $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location.
Roaming For just $9 a day you can use your NZ non-stop data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling.
Premium rate numbers Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Unlimited talk and TXTs are for standard person-to-person calls to standard NZ and Aus numbers.
  • Your Rocket Mobile mobile plan is for personal mobile use only.
  • For all out of bundle charges:
  • ● If you’re a Pay Monthly customer (joined before we rebranded), click here
  • ● If you’re a Pay Upfront customer (joined as Rocket Mobile), click here