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Telstra eSIM: Activation through the My Telstra App

As the next step in SIM card technology, eSIMs are a quick and convenient way to sign up to a phone plan. Telstra has made its eSIM capability even easier, thanks to the ability to set up through the Telstra app.

But if you’re not sure about an eSIM from Telstra, whether you want to buy one or want to activate your eSIM, you can read on to find out all you need to know about Telstra eSIM and activation.

What is an eSIM

An eSIM (also known as an embedded SIM) is basically 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 physical SIM cards, which can make it much easier to switch phone providers or to sign up to a phone plan for travelling overseas. However, you’ll need a compatible phone to access eSIM and it is also different to a dual-SIM phone.

Telstra has been offering eSIM for several years now, with the product available to both prepaid and postpaid customers.

Telstra eSIM plans

If you’re interested in an eSIM from Telstra, whether you’re a new customer looking to switch to a Telstra plan or you’re looking 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 an eSIM.

New Telstra eSIM

Prepaid: 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 Pre-Paid plan on eSIM’, then follow the steps to purchase and set up your eSIM. If this option isn’t available to you, it’s possible your device might not be eSIM-compatible.

Postpaid: Telstra states that customers with a new Upfront mobile or data-only service will need to activate their eSIM by visiting a Telstra store, as you’re unable to activate a Telstra eSIM online or via the app.

Telstra eSIM transfer from physical SIM

If you’re already a Telstra customer but want to know how to do a Telstra eSIM transfer from a physical SIM card, simply 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.

Apple iPhones from the iPhone 11 and onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 devices and onwards, along with the Google Pixel 3a and onwards are just some of the phones that have eSIM compatibility.

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 eSIM at the same time if you sign up through the My Telstra app.

Emma Bradstock
Telco Specialist
Emma Bradstock has been an authority on consumer phone, internet, technology and streaming markets in Australia for the last 5 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University and has a decade of professional writing experience in print and digital media.

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