Understanding E-sims
What is an eSim?
An eSim is a built-in chip inside your smartphone. Unlike a phyiscal SIM card which you insert into your phone, eSIM comes pre-installed with your device and lets you download one or more eSIM profiles. Each profile will have its own number and mobile plan.
How does an eSim work?
To use an eSIM, you need to download a profile onto the chip built into your phone. If you want to get an eSIM, you can buy a new iPhone on a new Pay Monthly plan at your nearest Kiwi Internet store, and we’ll digitally assign an eSIM to your new device. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code provided to you in-store to get an eSIM. Note: eSIM is only available on selected iPhone models.
Using an eSIM allows your phone to become Dual-SIM, which means that you can use two mobile plans simultaneously. You can store one plan on your eSIM and another plan on your physical SIM card but only one* of them can be active at a time. This can be helpful if you’re roaming as you don’t need to carry multiple devices with different profiles. Instead, you can switch between your eSIM profiles easily.
*The iPhone 13 and newer models allow two different eSIM profiles to be active at the same time.
Is my device eSIM capable?
Several recent model smartphones support eSIM including:
iPhone: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, all iPhone 11 and later ranges, iPhone SE 2020 and SE 2022
Samsung: Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23 and S24 ranges (excludingS20, S21 and FE models), Note20 and Note20 Ultra, Fold, and Flip models
OPPO: Oppo Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Find N3
Google: Google Pixel series 6 and later
iPad: iPad 7th gen (2019) and later, iPad Mini 5th gen (2019) and later, iPad Air 3rd gen (2019) and later, and Apple iPad Pro 3rd gen (2018) and later.
Is my device eSIM capable?
Several recent model smartphones support eSIM including:
iPhone: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, all iPhone 11 and later ranges, iPhone SE 2020 and SE 2022
Samsung: Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23 and S24 ranges (excludingS20, S21 and FE models), Note20 and Note20 Ultra, Fold, and Flip models
OPPO: Oppo Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Find N3
Google: Google Pixel series 6 and later
iPad: iPad 7th gen (2019) and later, iPad Mini 5th gen (2019) and later, iPad Air 3rd gen (2019) and later, and Apple iPad Pro 3rd gen (2018) and later.
How do I download and activate my eSIM?
Step 1: Download your eSIM
Open Settings > Mobile > Add eSIM.
Depending on your phone’s language settings, this may be called Data Plan, Mobile Data Plan or Cellular Plan.
Point your phone at the QR code and follow the prompts.
If you don’t currently have a physical SIM you’re good to go!
Step 2: Reply to the transfer Text.
When transferring your mobile number, you will receive a text that reads as per below:
“Action required: we have received a request to move your mobile [numberxxx] to another provider. To proceed reply yes to this message within 2 hours. If you didn’t request the move then reply no, or ignore this message and it will be cancelled.”
From NZ Telecommunications Forum (TCF)
If you receive this text you must reply with a “yes” within a 2 hours window to proceed. If you reply no in error or miss the 2 hour window, please contact us for next steps.
If you are not transferring a number you can ignore this step.
Step 3: Choose labels for your plans
These labels are used to identify your plans in settings & when making calls/texts. You can change these in settings later.
Create a new label for your SIM under “Custom Label”
We recommend calling it “Kiwi Internet eSIM”. Note: “your new Kiwi Internet plan” is your eSIM.
Step 4: Select your default line
This will be used for all calls/texts going to an unknown contact.
Choose Kiwi Internet eSIM as your default line.
If you’re using dual SIM, choose the connection you’d prefer to make calls/texts from.
Step 5: Set up iMessage & FaceTime
Choose Kiwi Internet eSIM as your default line.
Choose the number you want to use as your primary plan for iMessage and FaceTime.
You may need to set this up later. See “Step 7: Things to Know for instructions.
If you’re using dual SIM, choose the plan connection you’d prefer to use.
Step 6: Choose your plan for Mobile Data use
This will be the plan that your phone uses for all mobile data use. You can change this later in settings.
Choose Kiwi Internet eSIM.
If you’re using dual SIM, choose the connection you want to use mobile data.
Step 7: Remove your physical SIM
If you’re moving from a physical SIM to eSIM, you’ll need to remove your physical SIM.
If you’re using dual SIM, you can ignore this step.
Take your physical SIM out of your phone once you eSIM is up and running.
Go to setting > Mobile > Tap on your physical SIM connection (This will say “No SIM”) > Tap Update Contacts.
You’re all set. You can change these later in settings.
You may need to turn Airplane Mode on and off to reset your connection.
Step 8: Things to know
VoLTE and WiFi Calling may be turned off by default. You may need to turn these back on.
VoLTE: Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data > Toggle “VoLTE” to on.
WiFi Calling: Settings > Mobile > (see your eSIM settings) > Wi-Fi Calling > Toggle “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” to on.
iMessage and FaceTime may need to be set up manually if you weren’t prompted during setup or you’re having issues.
iMessage: Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > Select your phone number or the name of your SIM connection.
FaceTime: Settings > FaceTime > Select your phone number or the name of your eSIM connection.
If you can’t see your number go to: Settings > Phone > My Number > Type your number in.
Using my eSIM
Can an eSIM have more than one connection?
Your phone’s eSIM can store multiple profiles, but only one profile can be active at a time. The current exceptions to this are the iPhone 13 models that allow two different eSIM profiles to be active at the same time.
For all eSIM phones, one eSIM and one physical SIM can be active together. Some Samsung and OPPO phone models allow two physical SIMs, each with their own connection, or one eSIM and one physical SIM active at the same time.
Can I use my eSIM overseas?
Yes, you can use your eSIM while travelling overseas just like you use your physical SIM.
Can I access the Kiwi Internet 4G network with my eSIM?
Yes. All you have to ensure is that your handset is 4G capable and within our 4G network coverage.
Can I use my eSIM for WiFi calling and hotspotting?
Yes, you can. WiFi calling and hotspotting are dependent on your device and the mobile plan you’re on, rather than the SIM.
Can I reuse a QR code once it has been scanned?
The eSIM profile can only be downloaded using the same QR code onto the device that was first used to download it. If you need to move your plan to another phone, you’ll need to contact our support team on 0800 894 198 to do a SIM swap.
Can I move my eSIM profile and phone number to another device?
Yes, you can.
You’ll need to contact our support team on 0800 894 198 to do a SIM swap.
Can I transfer my eSIM to a different mobile network?
Your physical eSIM itself cannot be moved from your device. However, you can transfer your mobile number on an eSIM to a different mobile network. When you move your number over, you will need to get a fresh QR code from your new mobile network and set up a new profile on your eSIM.
Does the eSIM have PIN and PUK codes?
Yes, there’s PIN and PUK code like the physical SIM.
Can I store contacts on my eSIM?
No, your eSIM cannot be used to store contacts.
Transferring Contacts
Contacts Transfer:
Please ensure that all your contacts have been saved to your phone rather than to the previous providers SIM card, you can use the below guide to transfer your contacts from the SIM card to the phone or iCloud account.
A full guide for this process can be found on our website here:
https://kiwiinternet.co.nz/support/transferring-contacts-from-sim-to-phone/
Android Phones:
Go to your Contacts App, using the menu choose, Import or export contacts, tap on export and follow on screen instructions.
Apple Phones:
Go To settings, choose contacts, go to Import Sim Contacts at the bottom of the screen, follow the on-screen instructions.