Set up your eSIM
Install it in about two minutes on Wi-Fi before you fly, then switch it on once you're in the air or when you land. Your plan won't start until you arrive (or, for a few plans, until it's installed - check your plan page), so it's safe to install as soon as your email lands.
1Install the eSIM
One-tap installEasiest
Reading your email on the iPhone you're setting up? Use this - no scanning needed.
Scan on eSIM deviceA mobile plan is ready to be added to this iPhone.
ContinueScan the QR code
Have your email open on a laptop, tablet or another phone? Scan it from there.
Scan on eSIM deviceAfter scanning you'll see the same Continue, label and default-line screens as the one-tap install.
2Switch it on once you're in the air or landed
Do this once you're in the air or when you land - whenever you're ready to start using your eSIM. The eSIM only works at your destination, so switching your mobile data over while you're still in New Zealand will cut off your data at home. The one thing that's fine to do before you fly: turn Data Roaming off on your NZ SIM.
In the air or landed: turn Data Roaming ON for your SweetAsSIM eSIM
Overseas, your phone treats every network as "roaming" - so without this switch on, the eSIM won't connect. It's the #1 reason for "no data" after landing. It's safe: roaming on the eSIM just uses the data you've paid for. Keep roaming off on your NZ SIM instead.
1Install the eSIM
One-tap installEasiest
Reading your email on the phone you're setting up? Use this - no scanning needed.
Scan on eSIM deviceYour phone will download and add this eSIM.
DownloadScan the QR code
Have your email open on a laptop, tablet or another phone? Scan it from there.
Scan on eSIM deviceSamsungOn a Samsung Galaxy? It's under SIM manager
Other brands put it under Settings → Mobile network or SIM cards - search Settings for "eSIM" if you can't see it.
2Switch it on once you're in the air or landed
Do this once you're in the air or when you land - whenever you're ready to start using your eSIM. The eSIM only works at your destination, so switching your mobile data over while you're still in New Zealand will cut off your data at home. The one thing that's fine to do before you fly: turn Data Roaming off on your NZ SIM.
In the air or landed: turn Data Roaming ON for your SweetAsSIM eSIM
Overseas, your phone treats every network as "roaming" - so without this switch on, the eSIM won't connect. It's the #1 reason for "no data" after landing. It's safe: roaming on the eSIM just uses the data you've paid for. Keep roaming off on your NZ SIM instead.
SamsungOn a Samsung Galaxy? Two quick settings (once you're in the air or landed)
- Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → choose the travel eSIM.
- Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → turn Data roaming ON.
3Connected - you're sorted
Give your phone a minute to find a local network after you switch over - toggling flight mode off and on can speed it up. Keep the eSIM installed for the whole trip, and switch mobile data back to your NZ SIM when you get home.
The five things that trip people up
- Switching data to the eSIM before leaving NZ. It only works overseas, so your data stops until you land - install before you fly, switch over once you're in the air or landed.
- Data Roaming left off on the eSIM. It's the #1 reason for "no data" after landing.
- Deleting the eSIM or switching phones. You can reinstall it on the same phone, but it can't move to a different one - keep it on the phone you're travelling with.
- Trying to scan the QR code on the same phone. Use Quick Install instead - or screenshot the QR code and choose it from your photos, or show it on another screen.
- Mobile data still on your NZ SIM. Switch data to the eSIM so your NZ provider can't charge you roaming.
Neither works? Enter it manually
Your email includes an SM-DP+ address and an activation code. On iPhone: Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually. On Android: Add eSIM → scan screen → Need help? or Enter code manually. Copy both exactly - no extra spaces.
Setup questions
Can I install my eSIM before I travel?
Yes - and it's the easiest time to do it, on Wi-Fi at home. Just check your plan's details first (the About this eSIM panel on the plan page, or your eSIM details): most plans only start counting days when you first connect to a network at your destination, but a few start as soon as they're installed. For those, install just before you fly.
Can I scan the QR code with the same phone it's on?
A phone can't point its camera at its own screen - but you have options. Quick Install on the "View your eSIM" page is the easiest and preferred way on the same phone. Most phones also let you take a screenshot of the QR code and choose it from your photos when adding the eSIM, or you can show the code on a laptop or another phone.
Will installing the eSIM replace my normal SIM?
No. The travel eSIM is added alongside your existing SIM, so your NZ number keeps working for calls and texts. You just choose which line handles mobile data.
Can I delete the eSIM after my trip?
Yes, once your plan has finished. You can delete and reinstall it on the same phone if you need to, but it can't be moved to a different phone - so if you're changing phones before or during your trip, get in touch with support first.
Most fixes are on the troubleshooting page. Or email us your order number and phone model - a real person replies.