eSIMs are a quick and convenient way to sign up to a phone plan and Telstra has made it even easier thanks to the ability to set up your new phone plan with an eSIM through the Telstra app.
But if you’re not sure about buying a Telstra eSIM or can’t work out how to activate your new eSIM, read on to find out all you need to know about Telstra eSIM and activation.
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The following table shows a selection of sponsored SIM Only plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
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What is a Telstra eSIM?
An eSIM, which is also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that can be used to connect your phone or other device to a mobile network to make calls, send SMS and access mobile data.
This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, which can make it much easier to switch phone providers or to sign up to a phone plan when travelling overseas. However, you’ll need a eSIM-compatible phone to use an eSIM. It’s important to note that an eSIM-compatible phone is different to a dual-SIM phone.
Telstra has been offering eSIMs for several years now, with the product available to both prepaid and postpaid phone plan customers.
What are the benefits of a Telstra eSIM?
Telstra eSIMs offer a range of benefits over physical SIM cards:
- Get connected faster: Buy, activate and manage your phone plan without visiting a store or waiting for delivery.
- Multiple numbers: No need to carry multiple devices to juggle work and personal life.
- Environmentally friendly: eSIMs eliminate the plastic, packaging and the transport of a physical SIM card.
- App convenience: Manage, purchase and activate an eSIM in the My Telstra app.
Telstra eSIM plans
If you’re interested in an eSIM from Telstra, whether you’re a new customer or you want to switch from a physical Telstra SIM card, you’ll need a Telstra phone plan.
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra postpaid plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Other eSIM plans
If you’re not dedicated to an eSIM from Telstra, there are other telcos currently offering eSIM (and more providers likely to offer it in the future). Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim and Felix are a few Australian telcos currently offering eSIM.
The following table shows a selection of prepaid plans from providers offering eSIM from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 10GB data, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then alphabetically. Use our comparison tool to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
How to activate a Telstra eSIM
You may be able to activate your Telstra eSIM online, or go into a store. This will depend on the plan you have, and whether you’re switching from a different provider or from a physical Telstra SIM to a Telstra eSIM.
A Telstra eSIM can typically be activated via its app. Follow the steps below to activate your Telstra eSIM.
New Telstra eSIM
Telstra eSIM prepaid plan: If you want a new Telstra prepaid service and you have a compatible phone, simply download the My Telstra app.
In the My Telstra section, go to ‘Services’ and ‘Buy a prepaid plan on eSIM’, then follow the steps to purchase and set up your eSIM. If this option isn’t available to you, your device might not be eSIM-compatible.
Telstra eSIM postpaid plan: Telstra states that customers with a postpaid service can also switch from a physical SIM and manage their eSIM profile in app.
Telstra eSIM transfer from physical SIM
If you’re already a Telstra customer but want to transfer to an eSIM from a physical SIM card, open the My Telstra app. Go to the ‘Services’ section, choose the ‘Transfer or restore eSIM’ option and follow the instructions to activate.
Which phones can use eSIM?
Devices from Apple, Samsung and Google have all been eSIM-compatible for several years, while devices from other brands and cheaper phones might not currently have eSIM compatibility.
Here are some of the phones compatible with a Telstra eSIM:
- Apple iPhones from the iPhone 11 and onwards
- Samsung Galaxy S20 devices and onwards
- Google Pixel 3a and onwards
- Some OPPO devices, including the Find X3 series and onwards
- Some Motorola devices incluidn the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra and Motorola Razr 40
- Some Nokia devices, including the X30 5G
If you want to find out more about eSIMs and compatible devices, you can read our guide on eSIM plans and providers.
How much does a Telstra eSIM cost?
An eSIM from Telstra shouldn’t cost any more than what you’ll be paying for the Telstra phone plan you’ve signed up to. In the case of a prepaid plan with eSIM, you’ll purchase your plan and activate your Telstra eSIM at the same time if you sign up through the My Telstra app.
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