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How To Start Using eSIM In India? A Guide for Airtel, Jio, And Vi

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eSIMs are the best replacement for the physical SIM that we use in our devices. They give many features as you can easily change your SIM card any time you want directly through your mobile operator.

- Updated: 26th Mar 2024, 11:58 IST
  • 1
    What Is An eSIM?
  • 2
    Benefits Of Using An eSIM
  • 3
    How To Activate eSIM On Airtel In India?
  • 4
    How To Activate eSIM Jio In India?
  • 5
    How to Activate eSIM on VI In India?
  • 6
    Know How to Activate/Setup eSIM on Android and iOS
    • 1. For Android
    • 2. For iOS
  • 7
    How To Switch Back To Physical SIM From E-SIM?
  • 8
    Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM In India!
  • 9
    Wrapping Up

eSIM in India have now become a trend because of the multiple benefits that they offer. There are many pros of using it instead of a regular physical SIM card. Many devices in India now also offer only one Physical SIM and the other option to use an additional eSIM. This also saves. a lot of space in the tray slot.

Another benefit is that, with an eSIM, you can easily change your SIM card network provider without the hassle of going to the store to get a new SIM card. However, please note that the eSIM can only be used on devices that are compatible to handle eSIM. In this article, you will learn how to convert your physical SIM into an eSIM in India. It doesn’t matter if you are using an Airtel Sim or a Jio SIM, you will find it all in this article.

Also Read: 5 Best Gaming Earbuds In India With Low Latency Mode!

What Is An eSIM?

airtel esim: eSIM profiles
Image Credits: esimdb

eSIM is basically an embedded form of a SIM card that can connect to any network provider without the need for a physical SIM card.

You can directly enable an eSIM card through your smartphone. And your smartphone should also be compatible with eSIM in India. However, eSIMs are not really mainstream, so very few devices support them, such as the new iPhones (starting from Apple iPhone 11) or the Google Pixel devices. 

In India, all the major operators support eSIM, but you only need a compatible device. Check out some of the benefits of using an eSIM in India.

Benefits Of Using An eSIM

esim jio: benefits of using an esim

eSIMs are beneficial for everyone, including OEM manufacturers, users, and telecom operators. Here are some benefits of using eSIM in India.

  1. eSIM can save a lot of space inside your smartphone by replacing the slide-in SIM tray with an onboard soldered eSIM. Unlike a physical SIM card, it doesn’t need any specific card slot
  2. An eSIM in India allows you to change your network operator simply over a phone call or by raising a request online.
  3. eSIMs can store multiple network profiles, and it works perfectly across the world. This is a great option for someone who travels a lot.
  4. Compared to a physical SIM card, losing an eSIM is very unlikely. Once you enable and set up the eSIM, you can never lose it. It’s a hardware chip on your device, and the only way you lose your eSIM is if you lose or break your smartphone.

Also Read: What Is Pocket AI Assistant? All Details You Must Know About!

How To Activate eSIM On Airtel In India?

how to activate esim airtel

If you have been looking for a guide on how to activate eSIM Airtel on your device, then you are in the right place. The steps for activating an Airtel eSIM in India are very similar for both Android and iOS users. Follow these steps to start the Airtel eSIM process on your smartphone:

  1. The first step is to send an SMS, eSIM <space> registered email address to 121 to activate your eSIM on Airtel.
  2. If your email address is valid, you will shortly receive a message from 121 to confirm the Airtel eSIM process.
  3. You have to reply to this SMS by ‘1’.
  4. Now, you will get another SMS from 121 for providing consent for Airtel esim activation through a call and begin the eSIM Airtel process.
  5. After giving your consent, you will again receive a message from 121 with the QR code that has been sent to your registered email ID for the Airtel eSIM activation.

Remember, the complete activation of the Airtel eSIM process can take up to 2 hours with Airtel. So, if it still hasn’t been activated, and you are still wondering how to activate SIM Airtel, contact customer support by dialling 121 for the SIM Airtel activation.

Also Read: Samsung M Series Vs Samsung F Series: The Ultimate Showdown!

How To Activate eSIM Jio In India?

how to activate esim jio

If you want to learn how to activate eSIM Jio on your device, follow these steps correctly. This will help you how to activate Jio eSIM and start the transition from physical SIM to eSIM:

  1. Make sure your device is compatible with eSIM JIO. You can check it out on the official Jio website before you learn how to activate Jio eSIM.
  2. Open Settings and then tap on About to check your IMEI and EID number
  3. Now send an SMS GETESIM <32 Digit EID> <15 Digit IMEI> to 199 from your Android device having an active JIO SIM
  4. You will get a 19-digit eSIM number and your eSIM profile configuration details for the Jio eSIM activation.
  5. Now again, send an SMS, SIMCHG <19 Digit eSIM number> to 199
  6. After two hours, it will give you an update on the eSIM processing and how to activate the Jio ESIM process.
  7. After getting the message, confirm it by sending ‘1’ to 183 to start the Jio eSIM activation.
  8. Now, you will receive a call on your JIO number, asking you to share your 19-digit eSIM number.
  9. You will shortly receive a confirmation message for the confirmation of your new Jio eSIM activation.

Also Read: 5 Best Refurbished Mobile Phones Of All Time!

How to Activate eSIM on VI In India?

how to activate esim Vodafone
  1. So first, you need to SMS, eSIM <space> registered email address to 199
  2. A confirmation message will shortly arrive only if your email address is correct
  3. Now reply to the SMS by ESIMY to confirm
  4. You will again receive an SMS asking for consent through a call
  5. After giving consent, you will receive a message to your email ID with a QR code 

Know How to Activate/Setup eSIM on Android and iOS

1. For Android

activate on android
  1. Open Settings, and tap on Connections
  2. Now open Sim Card Manager and tap on Add Mobile Plan
  3. After this, select the Add Using QR Code option
  4. Now you have to scan the QR code that you got in your mail and follow other instructions.
  5. After scanning, tap on Add, which will add the eSIM to your device 

If you are looking to learn how to activate eSIM JIO on your Android Smartphone, then you have to follow some slightly different steps, such as:

  • Below Add Using QR Code, you will find an Enter Code Instead option
  • Tap on it and enter the activation code like this:  LPA:1$smdprd.jio.com$ <space> 32-digit activation code that you received via SMS/email and tap on Connect
  • Now your JIO eSIM activation is complete, and you can check it in the SIM Card Manager

Also Read: All Vi Data Plans List

2. For iOS

activate on iOS
  1. Open Settings and tap on Mobile Data
  2. Select Add Data Plan
  3. Now scan the QR code you got on your mail
  4. After scanning again, select Add Data Plan and choose the Data Plan Labels according to you. 
  5. Tap on Continue, and your eSIM is fully activated and configured.

Follow these steps to learn how to activate eSIM Jio on your iOS device if you’re using a JIO SIM card:

  • In the Add Data Plan Option, select Enter details manually 
  • You will see an SM-DP+address JIO column; enter smdprd.jio.com there.
  • Now type the Activation Code you got in the eSIM profile configuration SMS
  • After this, tap on Next in the top right corner, and your eSIM will be activated.

How To Switch Back To Physical SIM From E-SIM?

There is no simple answer to this question. To answer it, we will have to understand the process of eSIM in India. Once we activate eSIM, physical SIM becomes obsolete. To enable the physical SIM again, you need to activate the physical SIM again.

Unfortunately, this process can’t be done online or all by yourself. So, for this, one must go to the service provider and check with them for the process. Contacting your service operator is the most reliable option, as you can always request a new physical SIM card with your existing phone number.

The carrier will likely ask for verification details and may ask for verification details and may charge a fee for the new SIM card. Once you receive the new SIM card, you can follow their instruction to activate it and switch your service back to the physical SIM.

Also Read: Best Cellecor Earbuds To Buy In India

Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM In India!

Q.1 Is eSIM better than physical SIM In India?

A: Although the function of eSIM is the same as that of a physical SIM, it is way more secure as it does not face physical damage. However, the process of transferring your eSIM from one device to another isn’t as seamless as a physical one.

Q.2 Can the same eSIM be used in more than one device?

A: No eSIM can be used on more than one device at a time.

Q.3 Can I convert eSIM to physical SIM?

A: Yes, it is possible to convert an eSIM to a physical SIM card. The process is similar to that of normal SIM cards. It will require an identity proof. Once your service provider executive deactivates your eSIM, a new physical SIM card with the same number will be issued to you.

Q.4 What is SM-DP+ Address Jio?

The SM-DP+ Address Jio stands for Subscription Manager Data Preparation Address. This is a unique code that the network provider uses for your Jio eSIM actuation. You must have the SM-DP+ Address Jio to learn how to activate your eSIM Jio. You can find it only by contacting the service provider or by checking the email for the SM-DP+ Address.

Also Read: Apple Vision Pro Features: All I Expect From The Reveal!

Wrapping Up

In the end, I can say that by following these methods for your respective network, you can activate eSIM in India. eSIM has many benefits, and the technology behind it is amazing. It will also allow you to operate two SIMs in devices that physically support only one SIM, like many Pixel devices out there.

Let me know your opinions about eSIM in India in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you.

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Highlights of the Story

  • eSIMs have completely changed the way we use our Network operator.
  • An eSIM can be activated without even visiting the store physically, and it is safe and secure.
  • Although eSIMs can only be used on a few devices right now, here is the complete guide to use eSIM in India.

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