How to Set Up a NetOne eSIM Card: A Complete Guide for Zimbabwe

No more fumbling with tiny plastic cards — here's everything you need to know about getting and activating a NetOne eSIM in Zimbabwe.

eSIM technology is quietly changing how Zimbabweans connect. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card into your phone, an eSIM is built directly into your device and activated digitally. NetOne now offers eSIMs to its subscribers, and the process is simpler than you might think. This guide walks you through everything — from checking compatibility to activating your eSIM and understanding how it all works.

Step 1: Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM

Before anything else, you need to confirm that your device is eSIM-compatible. Here's the easiest way to find out:

Dial *#06# on your phone.

A screen will pop up showing barcodes and a series of numbers. If one of the numbers is labelled "EID" (Embedded Identity Document), your phone supports eSIM. If there's no EID listed, your device doesn't have eSIM capability.

As a general guide, most modern smartphones support eSIM, including:

iPhones from the iPhone XS (2018) and newer

Samsung Galaxy phones from 2020 onwards (S20 series and newer)

Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 and newer

Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi — some models, so always confirm with the *#06# trick

Step 2: Visit a NetOne Shop In Person

Unlike some international eSIM providers that let you set everything up online, NetOne currently issues eSIMs in-store only. You'll need to visit a NetOne retail outlet near you — this is like how you would register or replace a standard physical SIM card.

What to bring:

Your national ID card or passport (any valid government-issued photo ID)

Your eSIM-compatible smartphone

Walk in and let the staff know you want an eSIM. They will verify your identity, capture your details as required by POTRAZ regulations, and process the request.

Step 3: Scan the QR Code to Activate Your eSIM

Once your request is processed, the NetOne agent will provide you with a QR code. This QR code contains your eSIM profile — essentially a digital version of your SIM card.

Here's how to scan and install it on your phone:

On iPhone:

Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM

Tap Use QR Code

Scan the QR code provided by NetOne

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete activation

Label the plan (e.g., "NetOne") for easy management

On Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.):

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager (wording varies by brand)

Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan

Scan the QR code

Follow the prompts to confirm and activate

Your NetOne eSIM will be active within minutes. You can then dial *379# to check your balance and confirm everything is working.

Step 4: Manage Your eSIM and Bundle Activation

Once your NetOne eSIM is active, everything works exactly like a regular NetOne SIM. You can:

Recharge airtime via  OneMoney, Paynow, or by purchasing vouchers

Convert your airtime to a bundle by dialling *379# or *171#

Check your balance by dialling *379#

Make and receive calls just as normal

How Many eSIMs Can You Have?

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of eSIM technology. There are actually two separate limits to keep in mind:

How many eSIMs your phone can store — most modern smartphones can store multiple eSIM profiles. For example, an iPhone 14 can hold more than 8 eSIMs.

How many SIMs can be active at once — most phones only allow two SIMs active simultaneously (one physical + one eSIM, or two eSIMs). This is a phone limitation, not a NetOne restriction.

Should You Get an eSIM or Stick With a Physical SIM?

There's no pressure to switch — a physical NetOne SIM still works perfectly well for most people. But eSIMs do have some real advantages:

Reasons to get an eSIM:

Store multiple network profiles (NetOne SIM card or a roaming profile) without swapping cards

No risk of losing a tiny physical card

Great if you travel frequently and want the flexibility to switch operators easily

Reasons to stick with physical SIM:

Simpler to move between phones — just pop it out and in

No need to visit a shop if you upgrade your device

Works on any phone, even older models without eSIM support

Quick Summary

Step What to Do

1. Dial *#06# to check for EID (eSIM support)

2. Visit a NetOne shop with your national ID

3. Receive a QR code and scan it in your phone's settings

4. Convert your NetOne airtime to a bundle by dialling *379# or *171# 

Final Thoughts

Getting a NetOne eSIM is a straightforward process — visit a NetOne shop, show your ID, scan a QR code, and you're done. The in-person requirement might feel like a slight inconvenience compared to fully online setups, but it ensures your line is properly registered and secure.

If you have an eSIM-compatible phone and want a cleaner, more flexible way to manage your connections, the NetOne eSIM is well worth it. For everyone else, the familiar physical SIM remains just as reliable.