Moving your Jio, Airtel or Vi number to eSIM is usually something you can do from the operator’s app or by SMS. Keep your phone’s 32-digit EID, the email registered to your number and a little time free before you begin. The steps differ by operator, and activation is not always immediate.
Plan for a service gap. Your physical SIM may stop working during the switch, and incoming SMS, including bank OTPs, can remain blocked for around 24 hours after activation. Start when you can manage without those messages, rather than just before travel or a payment that needs an OTP.
Before you start
- Check eSIM support. Every iPhone sold in India since the XS supports it, along with most Samsung Galaxy S and Z phones and many recent Pixel, vivo and OnePlus models. If you’re on a dual-SIM iPhone, our piece on dual SIM on the iPhone Duo explains how eSIM and physical SIM slots combine.
- Find your EID. Dial *#06# and copy the 32-digit EID. On iPhone it is also under Settings > General > About; on Android, look under About phone > Status or SIM status.
- Check your email. Jio, Airtel and Vi send the QR code or confirmation to the email registered with your number. If that address is outdated, update it in the operator’s app first.
- Keep internet access available. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet, and your mobile data may drop during the switch. Jio’s start process specifically asks you to turn Wi-Fi off while it checks your Jio SIM over mobile data; follow the operator’s on-screen instructions.
How to activate Jio eSIM
In MyJio, search for “eSIM” and tap Switch to eSIM. Verify your email with the OTP, then enter the EID. Keep the Jio SIM in the same phone. Jio asks you to turn Wi-Fi off while starting the request so it can check the SIM over mobile data.
If you need the SMS method, follow these steps:
- Send
GETESIM <32-digit EID> <15-digit IMEI>to 199 from your Jio number. - Jio replies with a 19-digit eSIM number. Send
SIMCHG <19-digit number>to 199. - Wait out the two-hour cooling period. When the consent SMS arrives, reply
1to 199. - Answer the IVR call from +91 22 3507 2222 and enter the number it reads out. If you miss the call, send
RECALLto 199. - Install the profile. On iPhone, look for the “Jio Data Plan ready to be installed” notification. On Android, add the eSIM in SIM settings using the activation code from the SMS.
How to activate Airtel eSIM
In the Airtel app, open Home, scroll to Shortcuts and tap Upgrade to eSIM. Choose this device or another one, enter the EID and OTP, then confirm on the call Airtel places about 10 minutes later. Download the profile from your phone’s SIM settings. Airtel says it should go live within two hours.
To use SMS, send eSIM <registered email> to 121, reply 1 within 60 seconds, and confirm on the call that follows. Airtel then emails a QR code. Scan it from Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM on iPhone, or from SIM settings on Android. If the process stops after your physical SIM has been deactivated, Airtel postpaid users can SMS NOSIM to 121 to cancel.
How to activate Vi eSIM
In the Vi app, go to Help > Activate eSIM, choose your device type, and enter the EID and OTP. Vi asks you to send ESIMY to 199 within 15 minutes to confirm the request.
For the SMS method, send eSIM <EID> <device type> <email> to 199. Use 1 for iPhone and 2 for Android. Reply ESIMY, press 1 on the verification call from a number starting 012471, then scan the QR code sent from esim@vodafoneidea.com.
Jio, Airtel and Vi eSIM at a glance
| Operator | App path | SMS to start | Confirmation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | MyJio > search “Switch to eSIM” | GETESIM EID IMEI to 199 | Reply 1 after 2 hours, then IVR call |
| Airtel | Airtel app > Shortcuts > Upgrade to eSIM | eSIM email to 121 | Reply 1 within 60 seconds, then call |
| Vi | Vi app > Help > Activate eSIM | eSIM EID 1/2 email to 199 | ESIMY within 15 minutes, then call |
Why activation can take longer than expected
The confirmation steps and waiting times vary by operator. Jio has a two-hour cooling period before you reply to its consent message; Airtel and Vi use their own call or SMS confirmations. Incoming SMS can also stay blocked for up to a day after activation. If your bank sends OTPs only by SMS, make the switch when you have another way to access your account.
Once the eSIM is active, check that VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling are enabled if you use them. If you use an Apple Watch or Mac with your iPhone, our explainer on iPhone Handoff with Jio, Airtel and Vi covers which carrier features carry over.
Is an eSIM right for you?
An eSIM is handy if you use two numbers, travel with a second line, or have a phone without a SIM tray. It also can’t be removed from a lost phone as quickly as a physical SIM. The trade-off is that moving your number to a new phone takes a transfer or a fresh operator setup, rather than simply moving the SIM card. If you import a phone, check its regional model before buying; our iPhone 18 Pro 5G bands comparison covers some of those differences.
If you change phones often, a physical SIM may be simpler. If your phone supports eSIM and you’re comfortable following the operator’s transfer steps, the switch is straightforward once you’ve planned for the temporary SMS interruption.
- SourceJio eSIM request page
- SourceJio eSIM SMS guide (PDF)
- SourceAirtel eSIM page
- SourceVi eSIM activation
