Activate and download my service on eSIM

After buying a service with eSIM, there are a few ways to download the eSIM profile to your eSIM-compatible device.

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    Select how to download your eSIM

    The way you download your eSIM profile depends on whether you were given a QR code to scan or if we sent you a 6-digit confirmation code for carrier activation. Otherwise, you can do it through the My Telstra app.

    Carrier activation with 6-digit confirmation code

    If you requested an eSIM when you bought your new device on an Upfront plan from Telstra, it’ll already be assigned to your device.

    Instructions for your device

    Select your device to find out how to download your eSIM profile.

     

    To download your eSIM profile on an Apple iPhone, you can either watch the video or follow our step-by-step instructions below.

    Apple iOS carrier activation video
    Apple iOS carrier activation step-by-step instructions

    Follow these steps to download your eSIM profile on an Apple iPhone, whether your device is new or already set up.

    To download your eSIM with carrier activation on a new Apple iPhone:

    1. Set your device up and connect to Wi-Fi
    2. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM
    3. Enter the 6-digit confirmation code we sent you
    4. Your eSIM will be downloaded.

    To download your eSIM with carrier activation on an active Apple iPhone:

    1. Go to your device settings
    2. Select Set Up Mobile (If you don’t see Set Up Mobile, select Mobile then Add eSIM)
    3. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM
    4. Enter the 6-digit confirmation code we sent you
    5. Your eSIM will be downloaded.

    To download your eSIM profile on a Google Pixel or Android device, you can either watch the video or follow our step-by-step instructions below.

    Google Pixel and Android carrier activation video
    Google Pixel and Android carrier activation step-by-step instructions

    Follow these steps to download your eSIM profile on a Google Pixel or Android device, whether your device is new or already set up.

    To download your eSIM with carrier activation on a new Google Pixel or Android device:

    1. Set your device up and connect to Wi-Fi
    2. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM
    3. Enter the 6-digit confirmation code we sent you
    4. Your eSIM will be downloaded.

    To download your eSIM with carrier activation on an active Google Pixel or Android device:

    1. Go to your device settings
    2. Select Network and Internet
    3. Go to SIMs, then Add eSIM
    4. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM
    5. Enter the 6-digit confirmation code we sent you
    6. Your eSIM will be downloaded.

    To download your eSIM profile on a Samsung Galaxy, you can either watch the video or follow our step-by-step instructions below.

    Samsung Galaxy carrier activation video
    Samsung Galaxy carrier activation step-by-step instructions

    Follow these steps to download your eSIM profile on a Samsung Galaxy, whether your device is new or already set up.

    To download your eSIM with carrier activation on a new Samsung Galaxy:

    1. Set your device up and connect to Wi-Fi
    2. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM
    3. Enter the 6-digit confirmation code we sent you
    4. Your eSIM will be downloaded.

    To download your eSIM with carrier activation on an active Samsung Galaxy:

    1. Go to your device settings
    2. Select Connections
    3. Go to SIM Manager, then Add eSIM
    4. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM
    5. Enter the 6-digit confirmation code we sent you
    6. Your eSIM will be downloaded.

    Need more help?

    QR code to scan

    To download your eSIM profile with a QR code, watch the video or scan the code and follow the prompts on your device.

    QR code activation video

    The QR code will only work one time, so we recommend you don’t delete the eSIM once it’s installed. If you have, you’ll need to follow the steps to re-download it in the My Telstra app.

    Learn how to check if your eSIM is installed.

    Need more help?

    • If the QR code is lost or not working, follow the steps to activate in the My Telstra app.
    • If you received an error message saying you can’t activate your eSIM, check if it’s already installed.

    My Telstra app

    You can download an eSIM profile you’ve ordered by signing in to the My Telstra app on your device. Make sure you sign in with the Telstra ID you used to order your service.

    To download your eSIM profile in My Telstra, watch the video or follow our step-by-step instructions below.

    My Telstra app activation video

    To download an eSIM profile in the My Telstra app:

    1. Go to Services
    2. Select your service
    3. Follow the prompts to Download eSIM profile.

    Need more help?

    Important

    If you’re switching from another provider and keeping your number, you need to download the Telstra eSIM to your device before the change can happen.

    Learn how long it will take to transfer an existing number

    Troubleshooting

    It can take up to one hour from order completion for your eSIM to be available in My Telstra. If it’s been an hour and you’re still not seeing your eSIM, follow these steps.

    Use the same Telstra ID and email you used to buy the eSIM.

    In the My Telstra app on your new device:

    1. Go to Services
    2. Select your service.
    3. Select Setup and manage eSIM and follow the prompts.

    New services may take a few hours to appear, but also make sure you’re using the same Telstra ID and email you used to buy the eSIM.

    If you’ve been waiting longer than four business hours, find a store or contact us and mention ‘mobile faults’.

    If you’re not sure if your eSIM is installed, check the settings on your device.

    To check your SIMs on Android:

    1. Go to Settings on your mobile
    2. Select Network and internet
    3. Find your list of active services under SIMs.

    To check your SIMs on Apple iOS:

    1. Go to Settings
    2. Select either Mobile or Mobile Data
    3. See your list of active services under SIM.

    If you have more than one SIM, you’ll also be able to choose which to use for calls, data and text.

    Good to know

    We don’t recommend deleting the eSIM from your device unless you need to. Downloading the profile too many times can result in the activation process being locked for 24 hours.

    If this happens, you’ll need to wait 24 hours for the lock to be lifted, or we can help you in-store.

    Find a store

    If you opted for carrier activation and haven’t received the confirmation code, check your email spam or junk folder.

    If you can’t find it there, try checking the notification centre in My Telstra.

    To access the notification centre in My Telstra:

    1. Go to Profile
    2. Go to Account activity.

    If you found the code, follow the carrier activation steps for your device.

    If you still can’t find the code, follow the steps to download your eSIM profile in My Telstra.

    Frequently asked questions

    New activations and mobile number transfers are typically completed within four business hours, but most get up and running sooner.

    Make sure you’ve downloaded your new eSIM, as this will start the transfer process. If we need more information to get your service going, we'll be in touch.

    We can transfer your mobile number during standard operating hours.

    Our standard operating hours:

    • Monday - Saturday: 7am to 11pm (AEST)
    • Sunday: 10am to 6pm (AEST)
    • Easter Monday, King’s Birthday and Boxing Day: 10am to 6pm (AEST).

    Outside these times, your transfer will commence the next business day.

    If you purchased a new device and can’t wait for it to arrive, you can activate your eSIM on another eSIM-compatible device, then transfer it across to your new device later.

    Learn how to transfer to or from eSIM.

    eSIM Quick Transfer allows you to transfer any SIM between two iPhones or two iPads. You can also convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM.

    If you have an existing iPhone or iPad you can transfer your eSIM from one device to another or convert your physical SIM to an eSIM on another device. Ensure you have both devices nearby.

    To transfer your eSIM on an Apple iPhone using Quick Transfer, you can either watch the video or follow our step-by-step instructions below.

    eSIM with Apple Quick Transfer activation video

    Activate your eSIM with Apple Quick Transfer

    Follow these steps to transfer your eSIM on an Apple iPhone using Quick Transfer.

    On the phone you’re transferring to:

    1. Go to Settings and select Mobile
    2. Choose Set Up Mobile
    3. Choose the service you want to transfer
    4. Select Transfer to confirm (verification may be required).
       

    On the phone you’re transferring from:

    1. When prompted, tap Transfer SIM to proceed.
       

    Back on the phone you’re transferring to:

    1. Sign in and complete identity verification when prompted.
    2. Download your eSIM profile.
    3. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish setup.

    We recommend checking with your device manufacturer.

    Typical laptop eSIM activation steps:

    1. Connect the laptop to Wi-Fi
    2. Open the Settings app on the laptop and search for eSIM
    3. Select Manage eSIM profiles
    4. Add your new profile.

    If you purchased a new eSIM service and have a confirmation code in your emails, enter the code and follow the prompts.

    If you have a QR code, choose the option to enter the activation code from your mobile operator. Scan the QR code with your laptop camera and follow the prompts.

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