Learn about SIM and eSIM

An eSIM voucher is a physical voucher with a printed QR code that contains a digital SIM. It lets you access a cellular plan without having to insert a physical SIM card. This eSIM voucher also allows you to use up to two phone numbers on select smartphones. eSIM vouchers can be purchased online at the

SIM card shop page

.

When using a physical SIM card and an electronic SIM (eSIM), you can use two phone numbers on one smartphone. With both phone numbers, you can make and receive voice calls, and send and receive text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS).

This means you can have your personal and business phone numbers on one device or you can add a second phone line when travelling internationally.

Follow the instructions below to activate your eSIM and connect to the TELUS network:

Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi first and then follow the steps under your device’s brand below:

: On some devices, you’ll need to turn your eSIM on in your after downloading it so it can connect to the network.

If you purchased an eSIM QR voucher, you need to first complete an eSIM swap using self-serve, scan the QR code using the camera app, and then follow the steps under your device’s brand below:

Most new Android devices come with built-in options (on the device itself) to transfer eSIM from one Android device to another. If you don't see these options on your device, you can swap an eSIM between your two devices using a voucher.

Before you start, make sure your new device is connected to Wi-Fi.

: The steps below cover the most common set-up procedures, but there may be slight variations depending on your device model.

The new SIM card is now ready for use on the new device.

To convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same device, you need a Samsung running One UI 6.1 or later.

For steps on how to do this, see our support article that goes over

how to transfer existing numbers to your TELUS Mobility account from another carrier

.

Using on your iPhone, you can easily convert a SIM card to an eSIM by following the steps below:

: A physical SIM to eSIM conversion requires iPhone 11 or newer, iPhone SE 3rd generation or newer, and iOS 16.4 or later.

If you

purchased an eSIM QR voucher

, you need to scan the QR code using the app once you receive it and then follow the steps below:

If you’re switching to a new device or you wish to replace your current eSIM with a new one, you can do so online in

My TELUS

. You must be an owner or manager on the account.

Here's what you'll need to complete the swap:

Here’s how to swap your eSIM online:

If you’re currently using an eSIM and would like to change from Android to Apple or from Apple to Android, you can do so online in

My TELUS

. You must be an owner or manager on the account.

Here's what you'll need to complete the change:

Here’s how to swap your eSIM online:

This list includes devices sold in Canada. If you have an international model, you can still activate a new eSIM on it, provided that the device is compatible, unlocked and has enough memory available for the new eSIM.

Any in-market TELUS Mobility rate plan (prepaid or postpaid) is available on eSIM.

Most recent models allow activation of an eSIM without a need for a physical SIM. However, some older ones do require having an active physical SIM first before having an option to add an eSIM. For example, Samsung Galaxy Note20 requires a physical SIM to be active before adding an eSIM.

Each line is individually labelled to differentiate between numbers. These labels can be customized. These labels may vary depending on the operating system and the active carrier.

Both lines can be connected to the network at all times. While on a call using one line, the other line is on standby. If you receive a call on the other line while on a call using the first line, the incoming call will go to voicemail.

Both lines can access mobile data but only one line can access mobile data at any given time to prevent duplicating charges. Your usage will reflect the line that you have selected to use as the default at any given time. The default line can be changed in your device settings.

Yes. You can complete a SIM swap in self-serve. See the section

How to swap eSIMs

for details.

Calls and messages are billed according to the wireless plan associated with the line used at any given time. Overage rates may apply if you exceed your allotment of voice minutes or messages.

Yes, if available, customers can use a foreign carrier’s eSIM plan when travelling to countries outside of Canada if the network is compatible with the device. When you return home, you can switch from your foreign carrier's eSIM to your local eSIM.

Roaming rates and services are billed according to your postpaid rate plan. View our support article on

how you will be charged while travelling

for more details on roaming.

Yes, TELUS customers can activate an eSIM from another carrier on their TELUS eSIM-capable phone. The other carrier must support eSIM functionality on the device.

You can delete your eSIM profile by going to your phone’s network/cellular settings and locating the line (eSIM profile) you want to delete. When you delete your eSIM profile, you are not cancelling the line on the network so you will continue to be billed.

No, once an eSIM profile is deleted from the phone, you cannot scan the same eSIM voucher into another phone. An eSIM voucher can only be used and scanned once. You must purchase an eSIM voucher at your nearest TELUS store or online and complete a SIM-swap using self-serve.

: TELUS and its subsidiaries (“TELUS”) are not responsible for loss of carrier service as a result of an eSIM download wipe performed on any non-TELUS eSIM. If your phone’s eSIM line is currently active through a carrier other than TELUS, you are responsible for obtaining and activating a new eSIM from the carrier. You are responsible for any charges that your carrier may apply for a replacement eSIM.

Yes, to activate an eSIM you will need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.