How do I switch between a physical SIM card and an eSIM?
Follow the steps to switch between SIM and eSIM and back.
Take me to
You can change your Telstra service from a physical SIM to eSIM at any time without charge in the My Telstra app.
Switch from physical SIM card to eSIM in My Telstra
- Go to Services
- Choose your service
- Select Transfer or restore eSIM to switch.
If you can’t access the app, contact us or find a store for more help.
Switch from eSIM to physical SIM card
To switch back to a physical SIM card, you’ll need to order a replacement SIM. Visit Lost, stolen, or faulty device or SIM card for more information on how to order a replacement.
Frequently asked questions
No. Once you've switched your plan to an eSIM, your physical SIM card will no longer work. You can recycle it at a Telstra store, or in your household recycling.
If you experience an error, you may be asked to try again later. If this happens more than four times in 24 hours, please call 13 22 00 or find a store for further assistance.
If you're switching your existing Telstra service to a new iPhone, you may see an error message stating your number can't be transferred. Finish setting up your new iPhone and use the Transfer or restore eSIM feature in the My Telstra app on your new phone to complete the process.
If your Telstra service is listed in the My Telstra app on an eSIM-enabled device, go to Get help > Mobiles and tablets > Manage my SIM, eSIM or device.
If Transfer or restore eSIM isn’t there, check the following:
- Only the owner of the Telstra account for the mobile service will have the Transfer or restore eSIM option in the My Telstra app. If the account owner added you as a full authority contact, find a store and bring your device and photo ID for assistance. The account owner can add full authority contacts in the My Telstra app by going to Security settings > Account contacts, or find a store and bring your photo ID for assistance.
- The app may need to be refreshed, even if you have the latest version. Try updating, or removing and re-installing the My Telstra app on your device. If the option still doesn’t appear, find a store and take your device and photo ID for assistance.
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