Transfer eSim from outside NZ

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Transfer eSim from outside NZ

allstarnz

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#309425 18-Oct-2023 10:52

I live overseas right now and may not be back in NZ again for another 12ish months or more.

When I was last home I converted my preaid Spark SIM over to an eSIM (I wanted my physical SIM slot for my local provider)

I'm getting a new phone and want to move my SIM over to it, is there any way to wangle my eSIM onto my new phone outside of NZ? Apparently I can't do that as "I need to have Spark signal to activate" the eSIM and I must be in NZ and go into their store to do it. Sigh.

Meanwhile, I can transfer an esim from KeepGo, Airalo and a lot of other providers without even interacting with a real person. I realise the possibility of sim-jacking etc is real, give me a break.

Just trying to work out all my options.

1 | 2

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#3148723 18-Oct-2023 10:56

Do you have a QR code from Spark that you initially used to set up the eSIM?

If so, remove the eSIM from your current/old phone, then wait about five minutes, then scan the QR code on your new phone to add it back.

That's how it worked for me with One NZ the other week when I moved to a newer iPhone.

allstarnz

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#3148724 18-Oct-2023 10:58

Benjip:

Do you have a QR code from Spark that you initially used to set up the eSIM?

If so, remove the eSIM from your current/old phone, then wait about five minutes, then scan the QR code on your new phone to add it back.

That's how it worked for me with One NZ the other week when I moved to a newer iPhone.

OOOO, that's useful to know!! I might still have a photo of it. I ended up getting quite the run around getting it installed first time.

:edit: No dice, I wish I'd known about that at the time.

ShaneKNZ

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Spark

#3148777 18-Oct-2023 12:55

hi allstarnz.

Spark don't support 're-usable' eSIMs like described in the post above (for good reasons). So even if you still had the QR code from your original connection - it wouldn't work on another device.

Due to Spark's security policy, any SIM swaps still require a physical store visit (to my knowledge). Noting you're overseas - you could try it via the Helpdesk (but they might tell you to go to a store) - or if you have someone authorised on your account in NZ, they should be able to request this in a store for you - then send you the QR code.

stocksp

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#3148783 18-Oct-2023 13:07

And it's this which means that I won't move to eSims. Overseas telcos seem to be able to manage online eSim replacement. Are we a lot more secure than they are, or just behind on tech?

ShaneKNZ

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Spark

#3148791 18-Oct-2023 13:10

I might have to let you make your own mind up about that one ;)

Benjip

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#3148792 18-Oct-2023 13:19

ShaneKNZ:

hi allstarnz.

Spark don't support 're-usable' eSIMs like described in the post above (for good reasons). So even if you still had the QR code from your original connection - it wouldn't work on another device.

Due to Spark's security policy, any SIM swaps still require a physical store visit (to my knowledge). Noting you're overseas - you could try it via the Helpdesk (but they might tell you to go to a store) - or if you have someone authorised on your account in NZ, they should be able to request this in a store for you - then send you the QR code.

Pray tell what these good reasons are?

To me it just seems like a major inconvenience.

ShaneKNZ

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#3148794 18-Oct-2023 13:34

I'm not arguing the convenience or defending the decision, the 'for good reasons' was mainly meaning it's not by accident or lack of choice. But for example:

Re-use is less secure.

Profile re-use means users may not get the latest eSIM profile available for their carrier when switching devices.

Incorrect or unsuccessful profile deletion can cause issues of profiles getting stuck or prevent users from (re)downloading the profile.

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allstarnz

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#3148860 18-Oct-2023 14:35

Thank you for your reply Shane.

It's unfortunate that the great use of eSim is being held back by over zealous gatekeeping by Telcos. No wonder everyone is being dragged kicking and screaming from their physical SIM. Something like this is really a function that should be able to be done via a service portal.

Grumbling aside, I'll see if i can make something work. Seems like it might not though.

Dynamic

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#3148916 18-Oct-2023 16:56

SIM swapping hijacks are a real thing that affect NZers, so I quite understand the telcos taking a cautions approach. Having done a SIM swap last year, it was a PITA having to go to the store.

SIM swapping attacks | CERT NZ

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/telcos-respond-after-sim-card-hijacking-costs-kiwis-more-than-1-million/FDY4WDIT2ZO3NSHCT5UR7MBXCM/

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PocketSmith for budgeting and personal finance management. A great Kiwi company.

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#3148925 18-Oct-2023 17:06

My family and I recently switched phones and the experience has been interesting:

- Optus and Telstra, new esims issued within their respective apps. Account PIN, 2FA required.
- Vodafone AU - supports the native iOS sim transfer method so fairly seamless. Pain in the behind to get another esim issued though.

- One NZ - was really straightforward, just delete the old esim. Scan the old QR codes on the new device. Note that if you have roaming disabled, this will fall off and you’ll need to call to enable it.

- 2 Degrees - stuck. Have to visit a store in NZ and pay the $5 tax they insist on to move the number.

- Spark - was suggested to open a pay monthly plan (which allows direct to esim) and then transition to prepaid. Doesn’t require going in store but does seems a bit overboard.

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Aucklandjafa

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#3151948 25-Oct-2023 07:08

allstarnz: Thank you for your reply Shane.

It's unfortunate that the great use of eSim is being held back by over zealous gatekeeping by Telcos. No wonder everyone is being dragged kicking and screaming from their physical SIM. Something like this is really a function that should be able to be done via a service portal.

Grumbling aside, I'll see if i can make something work. Seems like it might not though.

Heya, you can get someone to go into a Spark store on behalf of you and take a photo of the QR code - I recently did this for my sister.

Cheers

Mrcutiepatootie

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#3152014 25-Oct-2023 11:29

Dynamic:
SIM swapping hijacks are a real thing that affect NZers, so I quite understand the telcos taking a cautions approach. Having done a SIM swap last year, it was a PITA having to go to the store.

SIM swapping attacks | CERT NZ

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/telcos-respond-after-sim-card-hijacking-costs-kiwis-more-than-1-million/FDY4WDIT2ZO3NSHCT5UR7MBXCM/

Yes, it’s frustrating how even with eSIMs we’re still forced to visit a shop just for verification. Couldn’t the telcos just use RealMe as part of their verification? It’s already used on most services like NZPost and MyMSD.

droidxt

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#3181281 12-Jan-2024 20:16

I'm currently on holiday overseas and broke my phone. Bought a new phone but spark won't transfer the esim unless I go to a physical store. The only other option they've given me is to get someone in NZ to go on my behalf.

I don't understand why I can't remotely show my ID over a live video call and have a new SIM generated.

I'm stuck without uber, banking, and other important apps without my phone number.

Does anyone who works at Spark browse this forum?

I'll be switching telco after this shitshow.