WTF is
eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card installed directly on your mobile device. It works exactly the same as a normal physical SIM card by allowing your mobile device to connect to our mobile network.

• eSIMs can be remotely purchased activated, making it convenient without the need for waiting for a physical SIM to be delivered or purchased. Be up and running within 5 minutes.
• Most mobile devices can store multiple eSIMs simultaneously, allowing for easy network switching, especially when overseas, without the need for switching your physical SIM card. No more trying to find something to open your SIM slot, just turn off your ZenSIM eSIM while overseas, and back on when you return.
• eSIMs employ robust encryption and authentication protocols, reducing the risk of SIM card-related fraud and unauthorised access.
• With eSIMs, the activation process is more straightforward, as it eliminates the need for physical distribution and manual installation of SIM cards. And when you’re activating a new number, you can be using it within minutes.
• And most importantly, eSIMs reduce the need for entire physical SIM card production and distribution, contributing to our more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to mobile technology. Click here to learn about our sustainability approach.

Unfortunately not all devices support the use of an eSIM. It depends on the manufacturer and model. However, an increasing number of newer smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other connected devices are eSIM compatible. Our eSIM compatibility checker has all of the answers.

Most Australian mobile providers will provide you with a way to activate your new eSIM directly on the device, often without needing to visit a physical store. Either by scanning a QR code, or using their app. In the event you want to switch to us or away from us, just provide the mobile provider with your current number and required ID at checkout.

Yes, most phones with eSIM capability also have a physical SIM card slot. This allows you to use both (even at the same time), providing flexibility in how you manage your mobile connections. In addition, you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your device at any time. eSIM compatibility checker.

Yes, eSIM technology utilises advanced encryption and authentication protocols, making it highly secure. It's designed to resist hacking attempts and provide a safe platform for mobile communications. Additionally, once an eSIM has been allocated to a phone, it cannot be used again; where a physical SIM can easily be moved between devices.

Not at the moment. In the event you have a new phone, you’ll need to get a new eSIM provided. This is easy to do so don’t worry! Just download our app, and press the ‘Replace my eSIM’ function’ and you’ll be back up in no time.

Once we’ve confirmed you are who you say you are and we’ve charged you the first subscription fee, we’ll allocate you an eSIM.

From there, you’ll be able to log in to the ZenSim app which will give you the option of Installing your eSIM.

Clicking this option will bring you to a new screen on your phone that will guide you to installing your eSIM. Once that process has been completed, your eSIM should be ready and working.

If you have multiple eSIMs on your device already, just make sure that you’ve enabled/turned on your ZenSim eSIM in addition to any other eSIMs you might need.

Replacing your eSIM is easy!

In the ZenSim app, under the manage section of your service, there is a “Replace eSIM” option.

Once your new eSIM has been assigned, we’ll let you know to log back into the ZenSim app (on your new device!) and go through the install process as described above.

While we offer one free eSIM replacement a year, any additional eSIMs will incur a $2 cost.

Just be aware that there can only ever be one active eSIM for your service – so you can’t have it working on more than one device at a time.

Nice choice – enjoy your new device!

There is no option to swap eSIMs between devices (at least not yet…). In these situations you’ll need to replace your eSIM via the ZenSim app. 

You what?! See "What happens if I need a new eSIM" above... But in a nutshell, you'll need to order a replacement in the ZenSim app.

Yes, eSIM technology does not affect mobile reception or signal. The quality of your connection depends on the network coverage in your area, which is independent of the type of SIM card you use. Click here to check the coverage map.

An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional SIM card, embedded directly in your phone. It allows you to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card. Simply scan a QR code or download your plan, and you’re connected—no swapping cards or waiting required. It's fast, convenient, and ready to go.

The number of eSIMs you can use varies depending on your device type.

Most recent iPhones (iPhone 13, 14, and later) support two active eSIMs simultaneously. This means you can have two eSIM plans active at once.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series as well as the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series are among the first Android phones to support dual eSIM allowing for two active eSIM profiles at the same time.

It is important to note that from the iPhone XS, the Samsung Galaxy S20 and the Google Pixel 3a and later you can have dual SIMs but comprising of one physical SIM and one eSIM. The above is specifically for two eSIMs only.

Additionally, most models which can use eSIM can store multiple eSIM profiles on the device, though you’ll need to switch between them as needed (if dual eSIM is not supported).

At ZenSim, each eSIM is designed to work on one phone at a time—so using the same eSIM on two phones simultaneously isn’t possible. If you want to switch your eSIM to a new device, just open the ZenSim app, go to Replace eSIM, and re-install it on your new phone. This will deactivate the eSIM on your old device, making the transfer smooth and easy for your new setup!