Switching to Skinny

Good news! Most phones will work on Skinny, provided they’re compatible with the network. If you got your phone from Skinny or Spark it'll work fine. If not, you will need to do a quick check to make sure your phone is compatible.

Check your phone’s compatibility

Yes, Skinny now supports eSIM. Simply select eSIM as your SIM option when you buy a plan. Then we'll email your eSIM QR code to you, once you have completed your purchase.

To activate your account you can either:

• Insert the Skinny SIM card into your phone and then call 456, or
• Sign up online and enter your new Skinny number. Please note, the SIM needs to be activated on NZ networks.
  

You can also activate your account by scanning your eSIM QR code.

Absolutely, you can buy just a SIM card from one of our channel partners or from our online store.
Do you want to use your own phone? Before buying a SIM, make sure your phone is compatible with our network. We are unable to offer refunds on SIM sales.

Yes, you can build your own number or search for available Skinny numbers. Once you find one you like, it’ll cost $5 to buy it. 
Here’s how to pick a new number:

• Buy a Skinny SIM (with a random Skinny number allocated). 
• Create an online account
• Pick your number (you need to login)

Please note that you will need to use a credit or debit card to pay for the number you pick. You cannot pay for the number using Skinny credit.

If you are having problems registering your number online, check you have:

• Activated your SIM card
• Entered in the correct number
• Not used your email address with another account
• Filled in all the mandatory fields correctly

If you still can't register your number online, chat with us by clicking the Chat Option on the bottom right corner or message us on our Skinny Facebook Page!

You can buy a Skinny SIM online for only $2 (including GST and free shipping).
You can also buy a Skinny SIM at supermarkets, gas stations, dairies and selected electronic stores nationwide.

Skinny SIMs have all three sizes (Standard, Micro, and Nano) in one card, so you never have to worry about getting the right size.

You can buy a new Skinny phone from our online shop. 
You can also head in to one of our partner stores to browse Skinny phones. Skinny phones are available at select Countdown, Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, New World, PAK’nSAVE, Paper Plus, PB Tech, and Smiths City stores nationwide. There’s probably a store near you.

Not only do we offer super-low prices on our plans and top-ups, we always give you the best possible service (just take a look at all the satisfied customer rewards we’ve won over the years). We’re also powered by Spark’s 4G/5G network which makes everything faster and more reliable. AND, if you bring your number to Skinny, you will get a one-off 8GB data bonus as a welcoming token from us. In short, you’ll love being on Skinny!

• New mobile customers only
• Customer needs to activate a new SIM in New Zealand, buy a $17 or above plan and bring their number over within 30 days of SIM activation.
• Data is not rollover. Your bonus data will sit in our account for 12 months unless used prior.
• 8GB Bonus data has a 12-month expiry date from activation.
• If you are on a $40, $50, or $70 Endless data plan, your bonus 8GB data gives you an extra 8GB of max speed data before your data speeds reduce. 
• If you are a current Skinny broadband customer, you can still claim this offer: if you are new to Skinny mobile.
• It will take approximately 3 hours (or more) to bring your number across from your previous provider to Skinny, as long as all your details are correct at the time of porting, and there are no account issues with your provider.
• You may be responsible for unlocking fees, porting charges, and/or early termination charges to your current telecommunications provider.
• 8GB Bring your number offer is valid for a limited time.

Can I use my phone while I am waiting?

• Yes - If you are using your new Skinny SIM, then you’ll receive a text telling you that your existing number has been switched over to Skinny. 

• Or you can continue to use your current (non-Skinny) SIM until you can no longer make or receive calls/texts or use your mobile data. When this happens the switch is complete and you can now pop your new Skinny SIM into your phone and your number will be there waiting

• Skinny terms apply.

• Bonus data of 8GB Data will usually take up to 1 hour or less to be applied to your plan. In some cases, this may take up to 1-3 working days to be applied. You must be on an active $17 or above 4-weekly Skinny mobile plan to receive your bonus data. Data is a one-off bonus.

• For more information on bringing your number over to Skinny see our Help page.