How to Activate eSIM in Jio, Airtel and Vi: Step-by-Step Guide

To activate eSIM in Jio, open the MyJio app, search for “eSIM”, tap “Switch to eSIM”, verify your email, enter your phone’s 32-digit EID, confirm the OTP and answer the verification call. Jio says processing takes about two hours and there is no charge. Airtel and Vi follow a similar app-based process.

An eSIM is a SIM built into the phone’s hardware. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download a profile from your operator. Your number, plan and balance stay the same. Below are the exact steps for Jio, Airtel and Vi, based on each operator’s official eSIM page as checked in October 2026.

What you need before you start

All three operators ask for the same basic things. Keep these ready before you begin, because some steps have short time windows.

Also read10 Best Free Productivity Apps in 2026 and What Each Plan Offers

• An eSIM-compatible phone. Check this first (see the next section).
• Your phone’s EID. This is a 32-digit number unique to the eSIM chip. Airtel and Vi both say you can find it in phone settings or by dialling *#06#.
• A working physical SIM in the same number. The OTP and confirmation steps go to your current SIM.
• A registered email ID. Jio and Vi send the profile or QR code by email, so the email on your account must be correct.
• Stable Wi-Fi. The profile downloads over the internet, and your mobile data may stop mid-way.

How to check if your phone supports eSIM

Most recent flagship and mid-range phones from Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, Vivo, Oppo and OnePlus support eSIM, according to Airtel’s eSIM page. Support varies by model and sometimes by the variant sold in India, so check your own handset.

1. Dial *#06#. If an EID appears along with your IMEI numbers, your phone has an eSIM chip.
2. Check settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings, General, About and look for EID. On Android, look under Settings, About phone, Status, or search “EID” in settings.
3. Use the operator’s checker. Jio and Vi both have a compatibility tool on their eSIM pages where you pick the brand and model.

For iPhones, Vi’s page says eSIM support starts from the iPhone XS. Airtel’s page lists the iPhone XS, XR and newer for transfers between iPhones.

How to activate eSIM in Jio

Jio’s official eSIM page lists the MyJio app as the main route. Older online guides describe an SMS method using codes sent to 199, but Jio’s current page does not list it, so the app is the safer option.

1. Open the MyJio app on your phone and log in with the number you want to convert.
2. Search for “eSIM” and tap Switch to eSIM.
3. Verify the email ID on your account. Jio sends an OTP to that email.
4. Enter the EID of the phone where you want the eSIM.
5. Enter the OTP sent to your Jio number.
6. Answer the automated verification call from Jio and press the number you are asked to press. If you miss the call, send RECALL to 199 for a callback.
7. Wait for the eSIM profile notification on your phone, or for a QR code in your email. Jio’s FAQ says processing takes about two hours after the call confirmation.
8. Install the profile, set it as your line for calls and data, remove the physical SIM and restart the phone.

Charges: Jio’s eSIM page states you do not need to pay anything to upgrade (checked October 2026).

Common error: On iPhones, Jio says “Error 999” usually means the email is not registered. Search “Update my Email ID” in MyJio, update it and try again.

How to activate eSIM in Airtel

Airtel’s eSIM page lists the Airtel app as the way to request an eSIM. It does not list an SMS route.

1. Install the Airtel app and log in with the number you want to convert.
2. On the home page, scroll to Shortcuts and tap Upgrade to eSIM.
3. Choose whether the eSIM is for this phone or another phone.
4. Enter the 32-digit EID of the target phone.
5. Enter the OTP sent to your registered Airtel number.
6. Expect a verification call about 10 minutes after you submit. Confirm on the call.
7. Download the eSIM profile from your phone’s settings. Airtel says the eSIM becomes active within two hours of the download.
8. Remove the physical SIM and restart the phone.

Time limit: Airtel says you must configure the eSIM within four hours of the request, or it is cancelled automatically. Your physical SIM keeps working until then.

Charges: Airtel’s eSIM page does not list any activation charge (checked October 2026).

How to activate eSIM in Vi

Vi (Vodafone Idea) offers two routes on its official page: the Vi app and SMS. Vi also notes that eSIM was not yet available in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, the North East and Assam at the time of checking.

Using the Vi app

1. Log in to the Vi app and go to Help, then Activate eSIM.
2. Choose the same device or another device, and select Android or iOS.
3. Enter the 32-digit EID carefully. Vi warns that a wrong EID makes activation fail.
4. Enter the OTP sent to your number.
5. Send ESIMY to 199 within 15 minutes. Vi says this step is a fraud check.
6. After about 15 minutes, go to Settings, Add eSIM on your phone and select the Vi profile over Wi-Fi.

Using SMS

1. Make sure your email ID with Vi is correct, because the QR code goes there.
2. From your Vi number, send an SMS to 199 in this order, separated by spaces: eSIM, your EID, device type (1 for iOS, 2 for Android) and your email ID.
3. Reply ESIMY to 199 within 15 minutes.
4. Answer the automated verification call and press 1 to give consent.
5. Download the profile from the Add eSIM section, or scan the QR code that arrives by email.

Charges: Vi’s eSIM page does not list any charge for getting an eSIM (checked October 2026).

Jio, Airtel and Vi eSIM at a glance

Point	Jio	Airtel	Vi
Main method	MyJio app	Airtel app	Vi app or SMS to 199
Details needed	EID, OTP, email	EID, OTP	EID, OTP, email
Verification	IVR call	Call about 10 minutes after request	ESIMY to 199 within 15 minutes, plus call (SMS route)
Activation time	About 2 hours	Within 2 hours of profile download	Profile ready in about 15 minutes
Charge listed (Oct 2026)	None	None listed	None listed

Why SMS and OTPs stop for 24 hours

Airtel and Vi both state that incoming and outgoing SMS, including OTPs, are blocked for 24 hours after an eSIM request is completed. Vi adds that iMessage and FaceTime are also blocked for 24 hours on iPhones. Calls and data work during this time.

This is a safety measure. If a fraudster takes over your number, the block stops them from receiving bank OTPs right away. Plan around it: avoid converting to eSIM on a day you need to make a bank payment, file a return or log in to a new service.

How to move your eSIM to a new phone

An eSIM cannot be pulled out and inserted elsewhere, so a phone change needs a fresh profile.

• Any phone, any operator: Repeat the app process above and choose “another device”. Enter the EID of the new phone, not the old one.
• Airtel, Android or cross-platform: Airtel app, Manage services, Upgrade to eSIM, then enter the new phone’s EID.
• Vi: Vi app, Help, Raise a service request, Activate eSIM. Enter the new EID, verify the OTP and send ESIMY to 199 within 15 minutes. Then delete the profile from the old phone.
• iPhone to iPhone: Airtel and Vi support Apple’s direct transfer. On the new iPhone, go to Settings, Mobile Service, Add eSIM, Transfer from Nearby iPhone, keep both phones close and approve on the old one. Both operators say this needs a recent iOS version.

Do not tap “Delete eSIM” in your phone’s settings unless you mean it. Airtel and Vi both warn that deleting the profile cuts off calls and data, and you will need a new eSIM or a store visit to get the number back.

eSIM swap scams: how they work and how to stay safe

In 2025, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) warned about a scam where fraudsters move a victim’s number to their own phone through a fake eSIM request. Digit reported the warning in September 2025.

The pattern is simple. A caller or SMS claims to be from your telecom operator and offers an “eSIM upgrade” or warns that your SIM will be blocked. You are sent a link or asked to share an EID, OTP or QR code. Once the request goes through, your physical SIM stops working and the scammer starts receiving your calls and OTPs, which can be used to reset banking and UPI access.

Follow these rules:

• Start an eSIM request only yourself, from the official operator app or a company store.
• Never click eSIM or SIM upgrade links that arrive by SMS, email or WhatsApp. Read our guide on how to spot phishing messages.
• Never share your EID, OTP or eSIM QR code with anyone. Airtel and Vi both warn against this on their eSIM pages.
• If your phone suddenly shows “No service” for a long time and you did not request a change, contact your operator from another phone at once and inform your bank.
• Report fraud on the national cybercrime portal and read how similar tricks work in our explainer on the digital arrest scam.

What to do if you lose a phone with an eSIM

With a physical SIM, a thief can pull the card out. With an eSIM, the profile stays on the phone, which makes it harder to misuse in another handset. You still need to act fast.

1. Contact your operator and block the number. Vi says customers who lose an eSIM phone should visit the nearest Vi store.
2. Get a new eSIM or a physical SIM issued against your ID at an operator store.
3. Block the handset through the government’s CEIR system. Our guide on blocking a lost phone on Sanchar Saathi explains the steps.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Jio eSIM page, Airtel eSIM page, Vi eSIM page, Digit report on I4C eSIM scam warning.