📋 Why Get Your eSIM Through Mobile Connect?
- Telstra, Belong and Boost eSIM from a Telstra partner, so you can compare all three.
- We check your phone first, so you know it supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- We explain the catches, including keeping your number and what happens if your phone breaks.
- Local help, seven days. Two Brisbane stores, with phone repairs under the same roof.
What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work?
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone that you activate digitally, with no plastic card. You set it up by scanning a QR code or following steps in an app, and it works like a normal SIM for calls, texts and data.
The main benefits are speed, no waiting for delivery, and dual SIM. Many phones let you run two numbers at once, such as a personal number and a work number, or your Australian number alongside a travel data plan.
Which Providers Offer eSIM?
All three Telstra-family brands offer eSIM, but the rules differ.
Telstra eSIM
All Upfront mobile plans are eSIM compatible. You can also convert an existing Telstra physical SIM to eSIM. Note that Telstra says eSIM isn’t yet available if you’re keeping your number from another provider.
See Telstra plans →Boost eSIM
eSIM on its prepaid plans through the My Boost Mobile app, on Telstra’s full network. You can keep your existing number, and switching a physical SIM to eSIM keeps your plan and credit.
See Boost plans →Belong eSIM
eSIM with any Belong mobile or data plan, including moving your existing number across. The eSIM costs the same as a physical SIM.
See Belong plans →Based on Telstra’s eSIM page, Belong’s eSIM page and Boost’s eSIM page. Plans, prices and rules change, so ask us for today’s details.
Not sure which eSIM is right for you?
Tell us your phone and whether you want to keep your number. We’ll point you to the easiest option.
Telstra, Belong or Boost eSIM: How Do They Compare?
| Telstra | Belong | Boost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM available | All Upfront plans | Any mobile or data plan | Prepaid plans in the app |
| Keep your number from another provider | Not yet on eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Convert your own physical SIM to eSIM | Yes, via My Telstra | Yes | Yes, plan and credit kept |
| How you set it up | My Telstra app or a Telstra store | Belong app or website | My Boost Mobile app |
| Network | Full Telstra network | Telstra wholesale network | Full Telstra network |
| Best for | Phones on plans and support | Lowest monthly price | Telstra coverage for less |
⚠️ The Telstra Catch Most Guides Miss
If you’re switching to Telstra and want to keep your number, Telstra says to choose a physical SIM, because eSIM isn’t yet available for that. Belong and Boost let you bring your number across on eSIM. If you want a Telstra eSIM and your number, a common route is to take a physical SIM first, then convert it. Ask us and we’ll plan it with you.
Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible?
Most phones made from about 2020 onwards support eSIM. Your phone also needs to be unlocked, and handsets bought overseas may not work on every Australian network.
| Brand | Usually Supported |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone XS, XR and newer |
| Samsung Galaxy | Galaxy S20 and newer, plus Z Flip and Z Fold |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3a and newer |
| Motorola | razr (2020) and newer |
💡 30-Second Check
Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see a 32-digit EID number, your phone supports eSIM. If not, you’ll need a physical SIM, or a newer phone. We sell and repair phones, so ask us.
How Do You Set Up an eSIM?
Check your phone
Dial *#06# for an EID, and make sure it’s unlocked.
Choose your plan
Telstra, Belong or Boost. We’ll help you compare.
Get your eSIM
Order through the provider’s app or website, or with our help.
Install it
Scan the QR code or follow the steps on a Wi-Fi connection.
Test it
Restart your phone and test a call, a text and some data.
🔴 Keep Your Old SIM Until It Works
If you’re moving your number, keep your old SIM in your phone until your new eSIM is active. Don’t cancel your old service first, or you could lose your number. Keep your activation QR code or install key safe, since you may need it again.
eSIM or Physical SIM: Which Is Better?
✅ Choose eSIM If
- Your phone supports it and is unlocked
- You want to be connected in minutes, with no delivery
- You want two numbers on one phone
- You travel and want a local data eSIM as well
⚠️ Stick With a Physical SIM If
- You’re keeping your number while switching to Telstra
- You swap between phones often
- Your phone doesn’t support eSIM
- Your phone is damaged or unreliable
💡 The Honest Take
eSIM isn’t cheaper, and it isn’t always better. The plans cost the same as a physical SIM. The real benefit is convenience, so if a plastic SIM works fine for you, there’s no rush to change.
What Happens to Your eSIM if Your Phone Breaks?
Your eSIM is tied to your phone, so a broken phone can leave you without a service. With a physical SIM, you can pop it into another phone. With an eSIM, you have to move it through your provider.
That’s a real advantage of getting your eSIM through a phone repair shop. If your screen is cracked or your battery is failing, we can often repair it the same day, so you keep your phone and your service. If it can’t be repaired, we’ll help you move your service to a new phone. See also repair vs buying a new phone.
What About Travel eSIMs?
For overseas trips, a travel data eSIM is often cheaper than roaming. Keep your Australian eSIM or SIM active for calls and verification codes, and add a travel data eSIM as your second line if your phone supports dual SIM.
Our job is the Australian side. We’ll help you keep your Telstra, Belong or Boost service working while you’re away, and set up dual SIM before you travel.
Why Choose Mobile Connect for Your eSIM?
✅ What You Get With Us
📍 Two Brisbane Stores
- Underwood Marketplace
- Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town
- Email: info@mobileconnect.com.au
Ready to get your eSIM?
Send us an enquiry or walk into your nearest store. We’ll help you get connected.
What Do Customers Say About Mobile Connect?
Read what customers say about our advice, our service and the way we explain things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone that you activate digitally, so you do not need a plastic SIM card. You set it up by scanning a QR code or following steps in an app, and it works like a normal SIM for calls, texts and data.
Which phones support eSIM?
Most phones made from about 2020 onwards support eSIM. This includes iPhone XS, XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3a and newer, and Motorola razr models. To check yours, dial *#06# and look for a 32-digit EID number, or bring your phone in and we will check it.
Do Telstra, Belong and Boost all offer eSIM?
Yes. Telstra says all its Upfront mobile plans are eSIM compatible, Belong offers eSIM with any mobile or data plan, and Boost offers eSIM on its prepaid plans through the My Boost Mobile app. Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM compatible.
Can I keep my number with an eSIM?
With Belong and Boost, yes. With Telstra, not yet when you are switching from another provider, because Telstra says eSIM is not available for that. Telstra customers can still convert their own physical SIM to eSIM, and anyone switching to Telstra and keeping their number should choose a physical SIM.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM together?
Yes, on most eSIM phones. This is called dual SIM, and it lets you have two numbers on one phone, such as a personal number and a work number. Check that your phone supports it.
What happens to my eSIM if my phone breaks or I upgrade?
Your eSIM is tied to the phone, so you will need to move it to the new device. This is easy through your provider’s app, but it needs some planning if your old phone no longer works. We repair phones in store and can help you move your service.
Is an eSIM cheaper than a physical SIM?
Not usually. Plan prices are the same, and Belong’s eSIM costs the same as its physical SIM. The benefits are convenience and speed rather than price.
Should I choose eSIM or a physical SIM?
Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you want to activate quickly or use two numbers. Choose a physical SIM if you are keeping your number while switching to Telstra, you move between phones often or your phone does not support eSIM.
Can I use a travel eSIM with my Australian number?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Keep your Australian eSIM or SIM active for calls and codes, and add a travel data eSIM overseas to avoid roaming charges. We can help you set it up before you travel.