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MATE now has eSIM on all mobile plans!
Internet & Mobile FAQs | MATE, Feature Blog Posts | MATE | 8 December 2023
Hey there, big news! MATE has a brand new feature to make it even easier to switch to our mobile services – we now offer eSIM on all mobile plans!
What is eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan from your service provider without having to use a physical SIM card.
The benefits of eSIM are:
- No More Physical SIM Card: You can forget about those tiny SIM cards you put in your phone. With eSIM, your phone can have its plan without needing a card!
- Easy to Switch: If you want to change your plan or use a different phone company, eSIM makes it easy!
Please note: Mobile companion plans for wearables, where you can pair your smart watch and phone on the same mobile number, are not currently available and will be released in future.
How to Get eSIM with MATE Mobile
It’s simple to get eSIM with MATE. Here’s what you do:
1. Check Your Phone: Make sure your phone can use eSIM. Most new smartphones can!
2. Select the eSIM option when signing up.
3. Activate your eSIM: Follow the easy steps to activate your SIM, and to transfer your number if needed. You’ll get an email once it’s live. Then you’re all set!
Why Pick MATE Mobile?
- No Contracts: We don’t believe in contracts between mates, and you can change your plan whenever you want.
- Friendly Support: If you ever need help, our friendly Australian team is here for you.
- Variety: We have different eSIM plans to fit what you need for talking, texting, and using the internet.
- eSIM: Make the switch quickly and easily, without waiting for delivery of a SIM card.
Frequently asked questions
What is eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to sign up for a MATE mobile plan without the need to insert a physical SIM card into your device.
It means you can quickly activate your MATE mobile plan on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network without waiting for the delivery of a physical SIM card.
To activate a MATE mobile eSIM plan, once your sign-up order is complete, you will need both your eSIM-compatible device and another device connected to internet, such as a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Alternatively, you can print out the email we send you once you’ve signed up to capture the QR code as part of the eSIM activation.
How does eSIM work?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a MATE mobile plan without the need to insert a physical SIM card into your phone.
If you sign up for an eSIM plan or complete a SIM swap to eSIM, we will send you a QR Code by email which you scan with your phone’s camera. This will then start the process of downloading your eSIM onto your compatible device.
What mobile plans are eSIM compatible?
All MATE mobile plans are now compatible with eSIM. If you choose to sign up with an eSIM, you can activate it right away!
Simply follow these 3 easy steps to get started:
Choose one of our great value mobile plans, all with big data, all on Australia’s trusted network
In the “build plan” section of the cart, select the checkbox that says “i would like an eSIM instead of a physical SIM”
Once your order is submitted, you can activate your MATE mobile SIM card straight away in our self-care portal or myMATE app. We’ll email you your QR code to download your eSIM profile after you have submitted your activation.
How do I know if my device is eSIM compatible?
Please ensure that you visit the device manufacturer’s website to check if your device is compatible with an eSIM.
eSIM only works with a select variety of new-generation devices including but not limited to:
Apple
iPhone XS / iPhone XS Max / iPhone XR or later
iPad 8th gen / iPad Pro 11 (2020) or later
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra or later
Samsung Galaxy Fold / Galaxy Z Fold / Galaxy Z Flip or later
Samsung Galaxy Note20 / Note20 Ultra
Google Pixel 4 / 4 XL or later
Other
Huawei P40 or later
Motorola Razr (inc. 5G) or later
Will using an eSIM change my plan?
No, there are no extra costs for using an eSIM and it behaves exactly like a physical SIM.
Can I access MATE’s 5G network with an eSIM?
Yes. If your MATE mobile plan includes 5G network access and your device is 5G compatible, you can access the 5G network when you’re in Telstra Wholesale 5G coverage areas.
Can I use a physical SIM and an eSIM on my device?
Yes, as long as your phone supports DSDS (dual SIM, dual standby). Most phones do, but it’s best to check with the manufacturer. You can have one physical SIM and one eSIM ‘active’ at a time.
Each device will be different, but it will usually prompt you to choose which SIM you want to use for data, and what should happen with incoming/outgoing calls and messages to each SIM.
Can I use multiple eSIMs on my device?
In most cases, you can store more than one eSIM in your device, but you can use only one at a time. If you have multiple eSIMs downloaded, you can toggle between them in your device settings. Some devices may support multiple eSIMs being active, so please check with your manufacturer.
Can I share my mobile number with my smart watch?
eSIM companion plans for wearables, where you can pair your smart watch and phone on the same mobile number, are not currently available.
Can I use eSIM for my smart watch?
eSIM is currently available for Android smart watches, including devices like the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch. If you use eSIM on an Android smart watch, you will need to purchase a separate MATE mobile plan.
For Apple Watches, eSIM is not currently available.
I’m an existing customer – how do I change to an eSIM?
For existing customers, you can move from a physical SIM card to an eSIM by contacting our support team.
What happens if I delete my eSIM?
Deleting or removing an eSIM via your phone settings is like throwing away a physical SIM card, it can’t be recovered and each eSIM can only be downloaded once.
If you have accidentally deleted an eSIM, please contact our support team, and we will assist you with a SIM swap to a new eSIM.
Please note that deleting an eSIM does not cancel your MATE mobile plan.
What happens to my eSIM if I lose my phone?
Simply login to the MATE self-care portal and visit the ‘My Orders’ section where you will see your completed order and a button to ‘View eSIM Instructions’.
Alternatively, you can contact our support team who can re-send the email.