E-SIM Service

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What Is An eSIM?
An eSIM is exactly what it sounds like: An electronic, or embedded, SIM. Instead of a physical card, SIM technology is built right into your phone. It eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and instead allows you to activate your compatible device on your chosen network by downloading an eSIM profile.

What are the requirements for me to get an eSIM profile and where can I purchase it from?
You can visit any Vodafone outlets to get your eSIM profile downloaded and activated to your device.
In order to activate an eSIM profile to your device, please ensure you have the following:
Prepaid & Individual Post-paid Customer
• An eSIM capable device
• A valid ID

How much will an eSIM profile cost?
If you wish to program your current number(s) on an eSIM, or purchase a new eSIM number, you will need to purchase this at 20.00 per eSIM profile.
Please note that only one eSIM profile can be used at a time.

Some devices which are eSIM compatible.

Huawei P40	Huawei P40	Samsung S24 Ultra	Samsung S24
Samsung S23 Ultra	Samsung S23	Samsung S22 Ultra	Samsung S22
Samsung Note 20 Ultra	Samsung Note 20	Samsung S21 Ultra	Samsung S21
Samsung S20	Samsung Z Flip	Samsung S20 Ultra	Samsung S20 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro Max	iPhone 16 Pro	iPhone 16 Plus	iPhone 16
iPhone 15 Pro Max	iPhone 15 Pro	iPhone 15 Plus	iPhone 15
iPhone 14 Pro Max	iPhone 14 Pro	iPhone 14 Plus	iPhone 14
iPhone 13 Pro Max	iPhone 13 Pro	iPhone 13	iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12	iPhone 11 Pro	Samsung Z Fold	iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone Xs Max	iPhone 11	iPhone 12 Mini	iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPad Pro 12.9" (2018)	iPhone Xr	iPhone SE (2nd Gen)	iPhone Xs
Huawei P40	Huawei P40

How to activate a plan on your eSIM enabled smartphone?

­­Samsung	Apple	Huawei	Google
Go to 'Settings'	Go to 'Settings'	Go to 'Settings'	Go to 'Settings'
Select 'Connections'	Select 'Mobile Data' or 'Mobile'	Select 'Mobile Network'	Select 'Network & Internet'
Select 'Sim Card Manager'	Select 'Add Mobile Plan' or 'Add Data Plan'	Select 'SIM Management'	Next to 'Mobile Operator' select + symbol
Under eSIMs, tap on 'Add Mobile Plan'		Select 'SIM 2'	Select 'Don't have a SIM?' or 'Download a SIM instead?'
Select 'Scan Carrier QR Code'		Under type, ensure eSIM is selected	Press 'Next
		Select + symbol above 'Add eSIM'	Select 'No Thanks' when asked to use 2 numbers
This will open QR Code Reader
Scan QR Code and wait for eSIM to be activated
Once eSIM has been added & you have a physical SIM inserted in your device, you will be able to set up your preferred SIM settings and toggle between which sim should be used when making calls, using data or sending an SMS. If you have converted your physical SIM to eSIM, your eSIM will automatically be selected as the default SIM.

 
Can I use an eSIM and physical SIM on my device?
Depending on the model of the device and eSIM compatibility (See Q4 for eSIM capable devices), you can use a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. In settings, select which sim you want to use when making a call, sending SMS or using data.

How do I manage multiple eSIM profiles? 
While an eSIM enabled device gives you the ability to activate and use up to more than 5 profiles on an eSIM, you can only use one eSIM profile at a time.
Once you have more than one plan activated on your device, you can label your plans. For example, you could label one plan Primary and another Secondary, or one plan Work and another Personal. With these labels, you can choose which phone number to use for different functions, such as making and receiving calls and messages or using data.  

How do I choose which number to send iMessage’s from?
If you are using an eSIM enabled iPhone, you can choose which number your iMessage’s are sent from
• Go to ‘Settings’
• Choose ‘Messages’
• Choose ‘iMessage and FaceTime Line’
• Select the phone number you want to send from  

How do I complete a factory reset on my phone without removing my eSIM profile(s)?

Apple	Samsung	Huawei	Google
Go to 'Settings'	Go to 'Settings'	Go to 'Settings'	Go to 'Settings'
Select 'General'	Select 'General Management'	Select 'System & Updates'	Select 'System'
Select 'Reset'	Select 'Reset'	Select 'Reset'	Select 'Advanced'
Select 'Erase All Content & Settings'	Select 'Factory Data Reset'	Select 'Reset Phone'	Select 'Reset Options'
Select 'Erase iPhone	Select 'Reset'	Select 'Reset Phone'	Select 'Erase All Data'
Select 'Erase All and Keep Mobile Plans'	Your eSIM will automatically be retained	Select 'Reset but Keep ESIMS'	Your eSIM will automatically be retained
If you choose ‘Erase All’, any plans on your eSIM will be removed.	If you choose ‘eSIMs’, any eSIM plans on your device will be removed.	If you choose ‘Reset’, any eSIM plans on your device will be removed.	If you choose ‘Erase downloaded SIMs’, any eSIM plans on your device will be removed
To re-instate one or more eSIM plans to your device you’ll need to visit any Vodafone Stores or contact your Business Account Managers for each plan to continue using them again on your device.

 
What happens when I remove/deactivate my eSIM profile?
Once an eSIM profile is removed/deactivated from a device, it cannot be reused. You will need to get a new eSIM profile or use a physical SIM card.

Can I transfer my eSIM from my device to another?
Each device will need to download a new eSIM profile and then your mobile number can be programmed onto it hence not allowing you to transfer one eSIM profile from a device to another.

What if my eSIM compatible device is not able to scan QR codes to download a profile?
You will not be able to use an eSIM, alternatively, if you have a physical SIM slot available, then you can use this. Scanner problem is a device issue which we have no control of and you may need to get your device repaired or purchase a new eSIM capable device.

What if I decide to sell my eSIM device?
You will need to replace your mobile number to a new physical SIM or eSIM and remove your eSIM profile before selling your device to someone else.

Will the contents of my eSIM remain intact i.e., phone contacts, SMS, etc. if I convert/replace my eSIM to a physical SIM?
In any case whether physical or eSIM, contacts phonebook is saved on the SIM card chip itself and not on the network. It’s only the number which gets disconnected and then connected to a new SIM. It will be your responsibility to manage your contacts or the contents saved on the SIM card. We suggest to always save your contacts online such as Google account, Samsung account, etc.  

If I purchased an eSIM capable device from other operators or from overseas, will I still be able to use an eSIM from Vodafone KIRIBATI?
Yes, however you will need to ensure the smartphone/tablet is network unlocked from the operator you purchased your eSIM capable device from, and then visit any Vodafone Kiribati outlet to download an eSIM profile. You must also ensure that your device is compatible with Vodafone Kiribati network bands/frequencies i.e., 3G – 2100MHz & 4G/4G+ – 700MHz/1800MHz

If I come into KIRIBATI, can I purchase an eSIM before arriving?
All eSIM activations are done physically at our retail outlets.

If I need to change devices, will I still need to get a new eSIM or will I retain the same number?
Yes. If you have purchased a new eSIM capable device, you will need to visit our retail outlets to download a new eSIM profile that can have your new or old number reprogrammed onto it.