How to Get and Activate eSIM in India

An eSIM stands for “Embedded Subscriber Identity Module” and is embedded inside your device.

eSIM technology has existed for some time, although few are aware of its presence. This is because not all smartphones support this networking option, and it is a costly technology to implement because it requires a specific place on the motherboard.

Apple is one of the businesses that includes this feature on most of its iPhones. It is also available on Samsung and Motorola’s most costly devices. Google also offers eSIM support.

However, the relevant issue remains: how does eSIM technology function? Which smartphone is supported and affordable in India? This will all be covered in today’s article.

What is eSIM?

No, it is not an electronic SIM, if you were wondering. It is called embedded SIM because the eSIM technology is incorporated or soldered onto the phone’s motherboard. This feature is also available on smartwatches and drones, as it eliminates the need for an additional SIM card slot on the device.

This integrated or digital nano-SIM allows consumers to activate a cellular plan without needing to insert a physical nano-SIM. Only Bharti Airtel, Jio, and Vi provide eSIM support on Android and iOS mobile devices in India.

Which Smartphones Support eSIM in India?

As previously stated, most iPhones support the feature. eSIM support is available on iPhone 6 and later. Samsung devices that enable this feature include the Galaxy S20 and S21 series, as well as the Z Fold and Z Flip smartphones. Other Android devices include the Motorola Razr and Pixel 2 and above from Google.

However, the greatest obstacle is that smartphones must be compatible with this technology. Now, to determine whether phones support this, a list of names will appear on your screen.

How to Activate eSIM?

Activating or enabling an eSIM is a straightforward process, but it differs from operator to operator. Telcos do not charge a special fee for an eSIM, and your regular plan number is also forwarded. Additionally, both Airtel and Jio support eSIM on prepaid and postpaid contracts. Vi’s eSIM option is exclusive to postpaid plans.

• If you are Airtel user, you should send an SMS containing your eSIM registered email to 121.
• Vi customers need to send an SMS containing the eSIM registered email to 199.

Users will then receive an SMS from each carrier and follow the instructions. Users will eventually receive a QR code on their registered email address, which must be scanned. Also, confirm that the email address is correct. You can verify or amend your email address by installing the appropriate carrier’s app — the Airtel Thanks app, the Vi app, or the MyJio app.

Different smartphones have different ways to scan the QR code.

Samsung Devices

“Settings” > Select “Connections” > Click on “SIM Card Manager” > Click on “Add Mobile Plan” > Click on “Add Using QR Code.

Apple Devices

Go to “Settings” > Select “Mobile Data” > Click on “Add Data Plan”.

Pixel Devices

Click on “Settings” > Select “Network & Internet” > Click on “Mobile Network” > Click on “Download a SIM instead” > Click on “Next” > Scan QR code received by email.

Also Read: How to Port Your Indian Mobile Number to BSNL

Activate Jio eSIM

Step 1: Raise eSIM activation request

SMS ‘GETESIM<32 Digit EID><15 Digit IMEI>’ to 199 from the device with an active Jio SIM. If your email ID is not updated, you’ll get a reply asking to update it to reinitiate the process.

Step 2: Share eSIM number for eSIM processing

Type SIMCHG <19-digit eSIM number> and send the SMS to 199. After two hours, you will receive an update on eSIM processing.

Step 3: Confirm and activate eSIM

SMS ‘1’ to 183 to request an automated call from +91 2235072222. Press ‘1’ on the call to confirm. After that, install ‘Data plan’ on your device to activate eSIM following the below steps.

Conclusion

Hope this article provided you with sufficient information about eSIMs and how to get and activate them in India. If you are looking for more specific advantages and disadvantages of eSIMs, please check out our other article on Digital Gyan.