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Help With My Mobile - Troubleshooting
Learn about how you can resolve common issues with your Slingshot mobile services.
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This guide contains troubleshooting steps you can attempt if you are not receiving text messages.
1. Send yourself a text message and check to see if you receive it. If you did not receive the text message, try rebooting your phone and test again.
2. Check if you are receiving mobile reception, if you have no mobile signal we suggest moving into a space/location where you are able to receive mobile coverage and test again.
3. Test your Slingshot SIM card in another mobile phone and confirm if you can receive text messages.
If you find that you’ve performed all these steps, and you haven’t found a possible cause this issue, contact our team. We will then investigate further.
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To help resolve issues in making phone calls, please follow the steps outlined below.
1. Test to confirm if you are only experiencing this issue with some numbers or are unable make any calls at all by calling a range of numbers. If you can call certain numbers and not other numbers, we recommend calling the numbers you are experiencing issues with through your landline or another mobile phone. If you cannot complete any calls, move to step 2.
2. Try rebooting your mobile phone and test calling again.
3. Check if you are receiving mobile reception, if you have no mobile signal we suggest moving into a space/location where you are able to receive mobile coverage and test again.
4. Test your Slingshot SIM card in another mobile phone and confirm if you can complete calls.
If you find that you’ve performed all these steps, and you haven’t found a possible cause this issue, contact our team. We will then investigate further.
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To resolve issues in accessing online websites, please follow the guide provided below.
1. Check if you still have mobile data remaining on your Slingshot mobile plan. You can complete this by logging into your Slingshot My Mobile account.
2. Confirm if you are experiencing issues with some web sites or all web sites. If you can access websites like Google, Trademe and Slingshot, the issue could be with the certain web site you are attempting to access.
3. Try rebooting your mobile phone and test going online again.
4. Check if you are receiving mobile reception, if you have no mobile signal we suggest moving into a space/location where you are able to receive mobile coverage and test again.
5. Ensure that the APN settings on your mobile device are entered as shown below. If you require assistance on adding this access point, we recommend consulting your smart phone manual or conducting your own research.
APN Name: SlingshotDataAPN: wapaccess.co.nzProxy: [not set]Port: [not set]Username: [not set]Password: [not set]Server: [not set]MMSC: [not set]MMS proxy: [not set]MMS port: [not set]MCC: 530MNC: 05Authentication type: [not set]APN type: default (type this in)APN protocol: IPv4 -
If you are experiencing issues getting online or sending MMS messages, we recommend ensuring the follow access points are added on your mobile phone. If you require assistance on adding this access point, we recommend consulting your smart phone manual or conducting your own research.
Mobile Data Access PointAPN Name: SlingshotDataAPN: wapaccess.co.nzProxy: [not set]Port: [not set]Username: [not set]Password: [not set]Server: [not set]MMSC: [not set]MMS proxy: [not set]MMS port: [not set]MCC: 530MNC: 05Authentication type: [not set]APN type: default (type this in)APN protocol: IPv4MMS Messaging Access PointAPN Name: SlingshotMMSAPN: wapaccess.co.nzProxy: 210.55.11.73Port: 80Username: [not set]Password: [not set]Server: [not set]MMSC: http://mms.mmsaccess.co.nzMMS proxy: 210.55.11.73MMS port: 80MCC: 530MNC: 05Authentication type: [not set]APN type: mms (type this in lower case)APN protocol: IPv4
Learn about Slingshot Mobile and common queries relating to mobile services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You can add a Slingshot mobile plan to your account through your Slingshot My Account at anytime.
1. Login to your Slingshot My Account, if you do not know your password click the 'Forgot Your Password' link.
2. Click Get Mobile from the top right hand side and choose the plan you require from the selection below.
It does take 2-5 business days for the mobile SIM card delivery and you can view all our available mobile plans here.
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You can learn about bringing your existing mobile number to Slingshot here. This process generally takes 2-4 business hours.
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You can change your mobile plan at anytime through your Slingshot My Account
1. Login to your Slingshot My Account, if you do not know your password click the 'Forgot Your Password' link.
2. Once you are logged into your Slingshot My Account select My Mobile.
3. Choose Plans from the top to see all mobile plans currently available to you and to see which plan you are on.
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Slingshot mobile customers are unable to call 0900 numbers from their mobile phones. This is because 0900 numbers are expensive to call and their rates vary constantly. For such calls, we recommend utilising your homeline.
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You can find out how to hide your number here.
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Messaging all mobile networks across New Zealand are covered in your mobile plan. There are some message types that are not covered in your plan and are considered premium messaging services such as:
- Text messages for a competition
- Text messages for a donation
- Text messages for a vote
- Text messages sending a picture, video or voice message (MMS)
- Text messages sent through global roaming
These premium messaging services have casual rates that will be charged on your next invoice. Check out the Mobile TXT and Rates page for charges.
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Your mobile plan renews every 30 days and you can find out when this will occur through your Slingshot My Mobile account. Once you are logged in, you can see the plan renewal date on the My Mobile section.
Please note that your plan may renew at anytime up until 11:59 pm on the date listed in your My Mobile account. If this does not occur by the next day, please contact us.
Find out how to keep your existing mobile number when you join Slingshot mobile.
Transferring My Number
1. Once you receive your SIM card, pop into your phone and activate it by calling 6886.
2. Register your Slingshot SIM card at My Slingshot Mobile and create your new 4 digit pin.
3. Login to your Slingshot Mobile using your Slingshot mobile number (on the small card that arrives with your mobile SIM) and the 4 digit pin code you created.
4. Click the 'Transfer Your Number' option from the top.
5. Complete the 'Transfer Your Number' form and click 'Confirm transfer'.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Transferring mobile numbers across to our network takes 2-4 business hours from the time the request is successfully submitted.
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For this section, enter the number you wish to keep (the number you wish to bring over to Slingshot).
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You can check this by reviewing your previous mobile plan details or by contacting your previous mobile provider.
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Prepay customers: You can find your serial number on your old SIM card itself.
Account customers: You can find your account number by reviewing an invoice from your previous mobile provider.If you are unable to find your old serial number or account number, we recommend contacting your previous mobile provider.
Want to call an overseas number from New Zealand?
Mobile phone security tips
Calling or texting to Australian mobile and landlines is included in your Slingshot Mobile plan's calling minutes. All other destinations are charged at our casual rates and will appear on your next bill.
View our Mobile Rates Page for our rates.Is there much risk using my mobile phone?There can be risk with using your mobile phone if you're not careful. Not only is there the well-known threat of theft or damage to your phone, but with connectivity features like bluetooth, wi-fi and the Internet, you can also be at risk of hackers.
Follow these simple precautions to help protect your phone:
- Make sure your operating system is up to date
- Manufacturers update their operating systems in order to plug security gaps as they arise. Ensuring that you have the latest software means that you won't be left vulnerable to new security threats.
- Think twice about where you surf
- Your PC probably has anti-virus software but your phone won't. You need to be careful where you're surfing because you're not as well protected on your phone as you are on your PC.
- Don't 'jailbreak' or 'root' your phone
- Jailbreaking refers to a user running unofficial code on their device (e.g. installing an application on your iPhone that hasn't been approved by Apple). There is a chance that malicious code could be included which could do anything from 'bricking' your phone (effectively rendering it unusable) to sending sensitive data back to the programmer. Jailbreaking your phone also voids your warranty so be careful!
- Turn on your phone's anti-lock and any other security features
- Even losing your phone could be a security hazard - if your mobile ends up in the wrong hands they may have access to any number of your personal details that are entered into your phone. By activating password features on your phone it could help protect your information from getting into the wrong hands.
If your phone holds sensitive information and supports 'remote wipe' (in which you can effectively remove all information from your mobile via the internet) it might pay to activate this.
- Even losing your phone could be a security hazard - if your mobile ends up in the wrong hands they may have access to any number of your personal details that are entered into your phone. By activating password features on your phone it could help protect your information from getting into the wrong hands.
- Record your phone's IMEI number
- If you have a record of this number and can give it to Slingshot if your phone is stolen or lost, we can block the phone from using our network. It will also help police identify the phone if it's recovered. The IMEI number can be viewed by entering*#06# on your mobile handset.
- Switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you're not using them
- Having these features on presents other devices a window in which to access your phone. Having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched off renders your phone invisible to potential hackers and just gives you that little bit of extra protection.
- Don't connect to any old Wi-Fi hotspot
- It's tempting to save on mobile data and leech off someone elses' connection however some of these hotspots are set up purely to phish passwords and other information. If you're connecting to a hotspot make sure it's one you trust.
- Consider installing security software
- If you're not particularly confident in your ability to recognise threats, or you're disaster-prone it might pay to install a security client for your phone. Security providers such as ESET, Kaspersky, and Symantec offer a solution for your mobile already.
- If it seems strange, it probably is!
- Don't just assume that something is legit; take whatever measures you can to check something out before you put it on your mobile.
Not all phones are created equal but to save you some time we've put together instructions for connecting Android and Apple devices below:
ANDROID
- Press the "Home" button, then "Apps" and navigate to "Settings"
- Under "Wireless and Networks", make sure "Wi-Fi" is turned on, then tap "Wi-Fi".
- Your phone will scan for available wireless networks (to re-scan tap the "Scan" button). Tap the network you want to connect to.
- Enter your wireless password and tap "Connect"
APPLE
- Tap "Settings" then "Wi-Fi". Make sure it's swtiched on and you should see a list of networks.
- Tap the network you want to join, enter the password and tap "Join"
Pro-Tip
Both Android and Apple devices will have this little fella
How do I purchase a mobile add-on?to show that you're connected to the wireless.
If you run out of data, minutes, or texts, add-on packs can be purchased here.
For a list of all available add-ons and packs, check out our Mobile TXT and Rates Page.
Add-ons will show as a one off charge on the Slingshot invoice following their purchase and do not renew every 30 days.Slingshot mobile has a range of helpful ways you can track your remaining mobile minutes, and data.You can check your remaining balances through the following methods:- Visit www.mobile.slingshot.co.nz to check your plan balances
- Call 6886 and follow the voice prompts to check your plan balances
- Press 1 for Your remaining balances, then;
- Press 1 to check your remaining minutes
- Press 2 to check your remaining texts
- Press 3 to check your remaining data
There are a few different reasons that you might be having an issue getting online or making calls on your mobile:
You have run out of included Data or NZ and AUS minutes on your mobile plan
If you’ve used all of the included data or minutes in your Slingshot mobile plan, then you will need to purchase a top-up add-on to continue using the service for the month. We have instructions on how to top-up your plan here
There is a problem with the site you're trying to access
Try accessing a different site; if you're able to access other websites then it's likely that there is fault with the site that you're trying to access rather than with your Slingshot mobile.
There is a problem with the number you're trying to call
Try calling the number from another phone, if the same problem occurs then it's likely that there is fault with the number that you're calling rather than with your Slingshot mobile.
There is a problem with your handset
You will need to contact your mobile manufacturer for further assistance on issues related to your handset.
There is a problem with your SIM card
Give us a ring on 0800 89 2000 and we will help you out. We can arrange to have a new SIM card sent out to you if you require one.
Your mobile usage and plan details are available online 24/7 through our online My Mobile self-service system.
You will also be able to see your mobile base plan and top-up charges on your Slingshot invoice, which can be found in your My Account.
How do I set-up a toll bar on my mobile?Unfortunately Slingshot mobile does not have a toll bar feature. If you run out of calling minutes in your plan you will start to be charged a casual per min rate.
How do I cancel my mobile plan?
Please note that 0900 numbers and Text to Park services are automatically blocked when you're activated on Slingshot Mobile.To cancel your mobile plan can be one of two ways, a new provider can request the number and cancel the Slingshot mobile at the same time or you can cancel it by contacting us (canceling by contacting Slingshot means you will lose the mobile number you currently have)
How Slingshot mobile billing works
Slingshot mobiles are pre-paid (so canceling partway through the month won't get your plan credited it will just be lost)
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- To make the most of the last month check your rollover date in the mobile portal.
- Have the cancellation/porting request for the day before it rolls over. This way you get the full pre-paid month from Slingshot and you won't get another bill from us incorrectly.
Switching to another mobile provider?
If you transfer your mobile number to another provider, all you need to do is place a request with your new provider to port your mobile number over (this can not be raised from our side), your mobile plan/sim with Slingshot will stop working as soon as the port completes.
Just want your mobile canceled?
You can do this by contacting us by email (click here), Alternatively, please give us a call on 0800 89 2000 and one of our friendly staff will assist you with closing your account.
When you cancel, your mobile services will stop as soon as the request is made (so remember if you want the remainder of your current plan please check when your rollover date is and cancel it the day before this).
Your current Slingshot mobile number will be lost and after 14 days any rollover data you have accumulated will expire.
If you change your mind about canceling you can log back into the mobile portal and purchase a new plan bundle to re-activate.
How much does mobile data cost on Slingshot Mobile?All Slingshot mobile plans have a base amount of NZ roll over data. Once this data has been used for the month, you will need to purchase a data top-up add-on in order to continue using the service. For information on how to purchase a data add-on please visit the following FAQ here
Please note that while unused data included in your base plan will roll over to the next month and be used before your new month’s data, unused data included in the top-up add-on will expire after 30 days.
To see more information on Slingshot Mobile charges; View our Additional packs and rates here.
Yes! Simply dial out like you would from your home phone - don't forget to enter in the country code of the country you're calling though!
International Calls from you mobile are not included in slingshots monthly mobile plans, they are charged at a casual rate. One off charges for mobiles show up on your next invoice after the mobile plan renews.For more information on the Toll Rates for mobile, click here.
Can I call 0900 numbers from my mobile?We automatically bar 0900 numbers on Slingshot Mobile accounts. If you need to call a 0900 number then you will need to use your landline, sorry.
My mobile coverage is poorIf you're not getting coverage in an area that you believe you should be, try turning your phone off and on again. This will force your phone to search for coverage when you turn it back on.
Remember that Slingshot uses Spark's cell towers, so if you're with someone on Spark that is getting signal and you're not, there may be an issue with your phone.
Vodafone (and 2degrees) subscribers have different cell towers, so it is likely that they will receive coverage in an area that you might not; and vice versa.
If you're still having difficulties with mobile coverage, please give us a call on 0800 89 2000 and we'll see what we can do to help!
Simply give us a ring on 0800 89 2000 and we'll have a new one sent out to you. Our SIMs are shipped from Auckland so if you live in the North Island it'll take 1-2 business days, if you live in the South Island it'll take 2-3 business days.
If you wish to keep your number, when you receive your new sim, don't activate it. Just call us and we will get it done straight away for you!
How do I block a number from sending me TXT messages?Some handsets allow you to block certain numbers from texting your phone. You can check whether this facility is available in your mobile's instruction manual.
If your phone doesn't offer this facility and the texts you're receiving are threatening or malicious give us a ring on 0800 89 2000 and we will investigate the messages for you. Here at Slingshot we believe that text-bullying is a very serious matter and we treat it as such.
Can I buy two mobile add-ons in one month?Absolutely! If you have used all of the included minutes or data in your base plan, you can continue to top-up additional data or calling add-ons to suit your usage.
Please be aware that all add-ons purchased will appear on your next Slingshot invoice and any un-used minutes or data will expire after 30 days.
Another thing to consider if you are one of the cheaper mobile plans is that it might be more cost effective to just upgrade your monthly recurring plan to one that includes more data or minutes.
There is a hidden limit on the amount of top-ups and changes you can make per month; however it is high enough that most customers shouldn’t hit this through regular use.
Can I use directory 018 with Slingshot Mobile?Yes you can! This service is available with Slingshot mobile.
018 directory charges will show on you next invoice.
First of all, give us a call on 0800 89 2000 and we will organise to have your old SIM card blocked so no calls, texts, or Internet surfing can be used on your account. At the same time we will request a new SIM card to be dispatched to you; however this may take between 2 and 3 working days to arrive in the post.
Please note that you are liable for any charges that are incurred before the SIM card is blocked.
How much is texting on Slingshot Mobile?All Slingshot mobile plans come with an unlimited amount of NZ text messages.
There are some special services text services that are not included in the unlimited text bundle. Here are some common occurrences that a text will be charged and not included in your text add-on:
- The text may have been to enter a competition
- The text may have been a donation
- The text may have been a vote
- The text may have been sent to an international number
- The text may have been a multimedia message
View our casual rates and charges here.
Can I disable mobile data on Slingshot Mobile?Yes, you can do this in the settings section of your device. It is important to note that if you completely disable the 3G or 4G ability of your device, then it may not work correctly. Unused data included in your plan will continue to roll over to the next month, for a maximum of 12 months.
Once you have used the included data in your Slingshot mobile plan you will not be able to exceed that limit or continue using the data connection unless you purchase a top-up add-on for the month. For information on how to disable your mobile data on your phone click here.
- Please note that your data usage balances are tracked in real time so you’ll always know how much data you have remaining. For information on how to check your remaining balances, visit the following FAQ here
- For information on how to purchase a data top-up add-on, visit the following FAQ here
An easy way to manage your data use is to enable Wi-Fi on your smartphone.
- For Android users, go to Settings - Wireless & network – Wi-Fi Settings.
- For iPhone/iPad users, go to Settings - Wi-Fi.
Much like our broadband today, the raw service is bought from a wholesaler.
For Slingshot Mobile, Spark is our wholesaler. It may show up as "Skinny" if you're using an iPhone. Don't worry though, you're still with us!
Yes you can - the instructions on how to do this will differ depending on the phone you have. You'll need to follow the steps in the instruction manual for your mobile to set email up.
The settings you'll need from Slingshot are:- Host: pop3.slingshot.co.nz
- Username: 'username' - the first part of your email address before @slingshot.co.nz.
- Password: The password for your Slingshot account.
- Outgoing mail server: smtp.slingshot.co.nz
- Security type: SSL/TLS (accept all certificates)
- Port: 465
If you have any difficulties configuring email on your mobile phone, please contact the manufacturer or give us a call on 0800 89 2000.
Accessing your voicemail from your prepay Slingshot mobile is free regardless of how long it takes.
Please note that some customers on older post pay Slingshot mobile plans (signing up before September 1st 2015) will be charged $0.20 to access voicemail.
Voicemail User Guide
- Dial 6888 from your mobile phone.
To listen to your messages press 1.
To change your settings press 9.
- To activate the answer service press 1
- To record or change welcome message press 2
- To record or change the answer service message press 3
- To set or change your entry code press 4
- To change the listening order press 5
- Allows you to play voicemail messages in order of oldest to newest, rather than newest to oldest
- To turn the date/time function on or off press 6 - Off by default
- “The date/time function is on/off”
- To activate / deactivate press 1
- For the settings menu press 9
- For the main menu press *
- For more information press 0
- For the main menu press *
To hear this menu again, press 0.
[Please Note] You'll have an option to record both an "Answer Service" message and a "Voicemail" message. If you select Answer Service the message you record will be played to your caller and the call will be disconnected. If you're wanting people to be able to leave you a message then record a Voicemail message instead.
How do I make international calls on Slingshot mobile?To make international calls on Slingshot mobile will work by simply dialing/texting the number you want (remember to include the country calling code).
Calling or Texting International numbers while overseas or even when you are in New Zealand is an extra cost that is not included in our normal mobile plans.
one off charged services such as:- International calling. To check the calling rates for the destination you are ringing click here.
- MMS messaging (PXT)
- SMS to shortcode numbers (eg "text 'subscribe' to 2287 to receive daily cat facts")
- Video Calling
By downloading and using the MySlingshot app, you can do anything from checking your balance to changing your plan and a whole bunch of things in between!
How Can I Download it?
You can search the Android or Apple App stores for "My Slingshot" or download directly from the links below:
I'm getting an error saying my device is incompatible when I try to download it?
- If you get this error, you need to check you gmail (or email) account settings to determine your account is an NZ based account or not. If you’ve set up your account to another country other than New Zealand (i.e. US, UK, Australia) you won’t be able to download the app.
I'm getting an error saying "Please try again later or call us on 0800 89 2000"
- There are a couple of reasons why this might come up:
- If you've entered the wrong username and password
- If our system has an issue accessing your account. Try logging on via "My Account"
- If you're trying to change your technology type (upgrading from ADSL to Fibre for instance) or trying to get onto a plan with more data. Our IT team are working on getting this fixed asap!
Important steps you need to take to activate your SIM and number
- Activate your new SIM by inserting it into your phone and calling 6886. If you have a data only SIM you will also need to insert the SIM into a phone and call 6886.
- Register your new SIM at www.mobile.slingshot.co.nz.
- Log in to the online portal using the current phone number on the SIM and the PIN you choose.
- Port your existing number to your new Slingshot SIM, by completing the “Port your number” form. Porting is usually completed with 2 – 4 business hours.
- Set up Voicemail by calling 6888.
Once you have been set up in the Slingshot Mobile portal you can make changes to your plan, including roaming add-ons, or topping up your data or voice allowance.
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