How do I activate an eSIM in Australia?

After buying an eSIM plan you receive a QR code by email. On iPhone go to Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. On Android open Settings → Network → SIMs → Add eSIM. Scan the code and follow the prompts — activation typically completes in under five minutes.

Will my phone work with an eSIM?

eSIM is supported on iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and Samsung Galaxy S20+ and later. To confirm, dial *#06# on your phone — if you see an EID number listed, your device is eSIM-ready.

Is eSIM better than a physical SIM?

eSIMs activate in minutes, can't be lost, and let you carry multiple lines on newer iPhones. Physical SIMs work in every device including older phones and swap easily between handsets. For most new phones, an eSIM is faster and more convenient.

Can I keep my mobile number when I switch providers?

Yes — Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a legal right in Australia. Start the port from your new provider, don't cancel your old plan first, and the switch normally completes within 1–4 hours.

What details do I need to port my number?

You need your existing mobile number, your account number or existing SIM (ICCID) number, and your date of birth on the current account.

Help Center

Everything you need, plain English.

Activation walkthroughs, device compatibility, eSIM vs physical SIM, and how to bring your number across.

01 — Activation Guide

How to activate your SIM or eSIM.

eSIM (5 minutes)

Buy your plan and receive a QR code by email.
On iPhone: Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
On Android: Settings → Network → SIMs → Add eSIM.
Scan the QR code and follow the prompts.
Toggle the new line as primary or data SIM.

Physical SIM

SIM ships next business day to your address.
Insert into your phone's SIM tray.
Visit the activation URL printed on the SIM card.
Enter SIM serial (ICCID) and your details.
Restart your phone — you're live within 30 minutes.

Heads up: these details are a guide only and are subject to the service provider's policy and process. Always check your provider's official activation steps before starting.

02 — Compatible Devices

Will my phone work with eSIM?

eSIM requires a phone unlocked to all networks and released roughly after 2018. Below are the most common Australian-supported devices.

Apple iPhone

XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, SE (2020/2022)

Google Pixel

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (all variants)

Samsung Galaxy

S20+, S21+, S22+, S23, S24, Note 20, Z Fold/Flip

Oppo / Motorola

Find X3 Pro, Razr 2022+, Edge 40+ (model-specific)

Not sure? Dial *#06# on your phone — if you see an "EID", you're eSIM-ready.

03 — eSIM vs Physical SIM

Which is right for you?

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Activation time	~5 minutes via QR	1–3 business days
Travel-friendly	Yes — add eSIMs while abroad	Need to swap physical card
Multi-line	Up to 8 eSIMs on iPhone 14+	1 SIM slot only
Risk of loss	None — digital	Can be lost / damaged
Older phone support	iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, S20+	Universal
Number porting	Same as physical	Same as eSIM

04 — Number Porting (MNP)

Bring your number with you.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is your right under Australian law — providers must port your number, usually free, within 4 hours.

Don't cancel your old plan

Cancelling first kills your number. Start the port from your new provider — they handle it.

Have your details ready

You'll need your old SIM number (or account number), DOB, and the number to port.

Wait 1–4 hours

Your new SIM activates, your old one disconnects. SMS confirms when complete.

Tip: Port outside business hours? Most carriers also process 8am–10pm AEST 7 days a week.

Heads up: these details are a guide only and are subject to the service provider's policy and process. Porting timelines and requirements can vary between carriers.

How eSIM technology works

Understanding SIMs and eSIMs in plain English

A SIM (subscriber identity module) is the tiny chip that tells a mobile network your phone belongs to you. An eSIM is exactly the same idea, except the chip is soldered into the phone at the factory and a downloadable digital profile takes the place of the plastic card. Both technologies deliver the same coverage, the same speeds and the same call quality on the underlying Telstra, Optus or Vodafone network — the only meaningful difference is how you receive and install the profile.

Choosing between the two comes down to your phone, your travel patterns and how often you swap providers. Every iPhone since the XS and every Pixel since the 3 supports eSIM, and both formats support Australia's Mobile Number Portability rules — you keep your number regardless of which chip your provider uses. If you swap plans frequently or travel a lot, eSIM removes the courier wait; if you switch phones between old and new devices, a physical SIM still slots straight in.

SimBuddy publishes activation guides, device compatibility lists and porting instructions in the sections above. Every step is a general reference — the exact wording of settings menus and support codes can shift between iOS and Android versions, so always cross-check against your provider's official activation page before you start.

Every claim on this page cites the underlying carrier or standards body — see the Sources page for provenance.
Compatibility is device-specific: dial *#06# to reveal your EID before you buy an eSIM plan.
Porting is a legal right — start it from your new provider, never cancel the old plan first.