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

eSIMs in India are convenient, secure, hassle-free, travel-friendly, and much more! The activation process is simple: an SMS and confirmation either by phone/SMS or by email. Just install the network profile on your phone, and you’re good to go! But don’t worry—we’ll discuss all the details in this article!

A recent report claims that by 2028, there will be more than 215 million eSIM users in India! In 2024, travellers using traditional carrier services are forecasted to pay an average of $8.57 per gigabyte (GB) of data while abroad, whereas eSIM users are expected to pay significantly less at $5.50 per GB. There are many cons of using it over a physical SIM.

So should you switch to an eSIM in India or not? I hope you will find the answer in this article! It doesn’t matter if you are using an Airtel eSIM in India, Jio eSIM in India or a Vi eSIM in India. You’ll learn how to convert your physical SIM to this one immediately!

Also Read: Top Unlimited Data Plans In India You Should Know!

What Is An eSIM?

When you get a new device, you’ll have to set it up. To access features like calling, internet, or anything else, you would need to put up a SIM. Traditionally, we use a physical SIM. But as technology has improved, people have started preferring eSIMs.

eSIMs are embedded SIMs, which are a digital form of SIM that is built into your device electronically. In simple terms, your device will always carry a SIM, even if you travel to different countries. It will store different carrier profiles, which you can swap later on according to your own preferences and the country you are travelling to.

One thing you need to make sure of is that before using eSIM, be it Airtel eSIM, Jio eSIM, or Vi eSIM, your mobile phone needs to be compatible with it. These days, all the latest mobile phones already have this technology. But if you are using an old model, make sure to upgrade to a new one.

Also read: All BSNL Data Plans And Net Pack List

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using eSIM In India

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of eSIM in India:

Advantages Of Using eSIM In India

Here are the reasons why you should switch to an eSIM in India.

1. Enhanced Security: Imagine someone steals your device. They will immediately take out the SIM and destroy it so that you or the Police won’t be able to track the location. But in the case of eSIM, it can’t happen.
2. Flexibility Of Activation: There is no physical SIM. It is already built-in, so it can’t be destroyed. It’ll be on the device, so it’s easy for the authorities to check your device’s location and catch the thief. The second benefit is the flexibility of eSIM activation in India. You can change carriers anytime without opening your SIM tray and needing a physical SIM.
3. Cloning Made Difficult: With a physical SIM there is always a risk that someone might clone your SIM and gain access to the sensitive information. But that won’t happen with an eSIM.
4. Travel Made Easy: You can even change plans depending on the place you are travelling to. Even if you are travelling to a new country, you can check the list of local service providers and swap instantly.
5. Frequent Security And Firmware update: Just like any other technology, SIM card also needs to be upgraded. Remember going to the nearest store to the SIM upgraded to 5G? Well, you won’t have to go anywhere in case of eSIM because it will happen virtually.

Disadvantages Of Using An eSIM In India

Although there are some great things about using an eSIM in our country, there are still things that you should know before you make the switch.

1. Compatibility Issues: Some mobile phones are still not compatible with using an eSIM. In this situation, the only option is to upgrade your device to a new one, which can incur extra costs even if your current device works perfectly.
2. Device Dependency: If you have an eSIM installed in your device, you can’t simply switch to a new device. Unlike a physical SIM, which you can just swap, an eSIM requires a certain process to be followed if you change your mobile phone. Surely, nobody changes their device every month, but it’s still an inconvenience.
3. Possible Data Leaks: eSIMs are stored digitally, and any digital information is prone to hacking. If that happens, there is always a risk of losing important and sensitive information to potential fraud. These concerns related to privacy and security are also one of the reasons why people are hesitant to switch from their physical SIMs.

Also read: All Airtel Data Plans List 

How To Activate eSIM On Airtel In India?

If you have been looking for a guide on how to activate eSIM Airtel on your device, then you are in the right place. Please note that the steps would be the same, no matter whether you are using Android or iOS. You can follow these simple steps to start the Airtel eSIM process on your mobile phone:

1. 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 receive a message from 121.
3. Reply by ‘1’.
4. Provide consent for Airtel eSIM activation to begin the eSIM Airtel process.
5. You will get the QR code on your registered email ID.

The complete activation of the Airtel eSIM process can take up to two hours with Airtel. So, if the eSIM Airtel still hasn’t been activated, contact customer support by dialling 121.

Also Read: Know Your JIO Mobile Number In 5 Easy Ways

How To Activate eSIM Jio In India?

If you want to learn how to activate eSIM Jio on your device, follow these steps correctly:

1. Open Settings and then tap on About to check your IMEI and EID number.
2. Send an SMS GETESIM <32 Digit EID> <15 Digits handset IMEI> to 199.
3. You will get a 19-digit eSIM number and your eSIM profile configuration details for the Jio eSIM activation.
4. Send an SMS, SIMCHG <19 Digit eSIM number> to 199.
5. After two hours, it will give you an update along with the whole process.
6. Confirm it by sending ‘1’ to 183 to start the Jio eSIM activation.
7. Share your 19-digit eSIM number once you get a call.
8. You will receive a confirmation message.

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

How to Activate eSIM on VI In India?

1. Send an SMS, eSIM <space> registered email address to 199.
2. A confirmation message will shortly arrive.
3. Reply by ESIMY to confirm
4. Give your consent once you get the call.
5. You will get the QR code.

Know How to Activate/Setup eSIM on Android and iOS

1. For Android

1. Open Settings, and tap on Network And Internet.
2. Click SIMs and tap on Add SIM.
3. Select the Download a New eSIM option
4. 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 these 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.
• 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

1. Open Settings and tap on Mobile Data.
2. Select Add Data Plan.
3. Scan the QR code you got in your mail.
4. After scanning, select Add Data Plan and choose the Data Plan Labels that suit 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.
• Type the Activation Code you got in the eSIM profile configuration SMS.
• Tap on Next and your eSIM will be activated.

eSIM Vs. Physical SIM?

If you are wondering about the difference between an eSIM in India and a Physical SIM, this table can help you understand.

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

Once we activate eSIM, physical SIM becomes obsolete. To enable the physical SIM again, you need to activate it again. To do this, one must go to the service provider. 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 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 Mobile Phone With eSIM in India

Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM In India!

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

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

Q.5 Does eSIM drain the battery?

The use of an eSIM itself does not significantly contribute to battery drain in a device. The impact on battery life is minimal and comparable to that of a physical SIM card.

Q: Will I have to pay anything for eSIM in India?

Ans: Nope, the process is absolutely free. However, there may be charges if you switch back to a physical SIM.

Q: Is eSIM in India safe?

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use. They’re more secure than regular SIM cards because your eSIM profile can’t be easily changed, and you can block the eSIM to prevent unauthorised use.

Q: Does Airtel have eSIM?

Yes, Airtel offers eSIMs for smartphones and smartwatches. With an Airtel eSIM, you’re not tied to a physical SIM card, making it easy to switch between devices.

Also Read: How To Block SIM Card On Jio / Airtel / Vi And More!

Wrapping Up

By following these methods, you can easily activate eSIM in India. eSIM has many potential advantages over physical SIM cards, which is one big reason why many smartphones being launched support eSIM technology. If you are looking to upgrade to an eSIM smartphone, you will easily find options in the Indian market.

It will also allow you to operate two SIMs in devices that physically support only one SIM, like many Pixel devices out there.

Remember to put any queries related to eSIM in India, be it airtel eSIM, Jio eSIM, or any other in the comment section below. I would love to help you sort all of the questions.

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