eSIM in India: Complete Setup Guide for Jio and Airtel

The eSIM (embedded SIM) is rapidly changing how Indians use mobile services. Instead of a physical nano-SIM card that you insert into your phone, an eSIM is a tiny chip permanently built into your device that can be programmed with your carrier's information digitally. This means no more visiting a store for a SIM card, no more fumbling with SIM ejector tools, and the ability to switch carriers or manage multiple numbers without swapping physical cards.

In India, Jio and Airtel are the two carriers that fully support eSIM activation as of 2026. Vi (Vodafone Idea) has introduced eSIM support in select circles but the rollout remains limited. BSNL does not yet support eSIM. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about getting an eSIM set up on your phone in India, from checking device compatibility to the step-by-step activation process for each carrier.

What Is an eSIM and Why Should You Care?

An eSIM serves the same function as a traditional SIM card -- it identifies you to the mobile network and connects your phone to your carrier's services. The difference is entirely in form factor: instead of a removable plastic card, the eSIM is a rewritable chip soldered directly onto your phone's motherboard.

Key benefits of eSIM for Indian users:

Dual-SIM flexibility: Most eSIM-capable phones support one physical SIM and one eSIM simultaneously. This means you can keep your primary number on the physical SIM and add a second carrier on the eSIM for better coverage or data rates. For example, you could use Airtel as your primary calling SIM and Jio's eSIM for data, getting the best of both networks.

Instant activation: With eSIM, you can activate a new connection or port your number in minutes without visiting a store. The entire process is done digitally through the carrier's app or by scanning a QR code.

No physical damage risk: Physical SIM cards can be damaged, lost, or corroded. eSIMs eliminate this risk entirely. This is particularly relevant in India's humid climate, where physical SIM contacts can sometimes corrode and cause connectivity issues.

Travel convenience: When travelling internationally, you can add a local carrier's eSIM to your phone without removing your Indian SIM. This lets you keep receiving calls and messages on your Indian number while using a local data plan abroad. Check our international roaming guide for more on this.

Space savings: Some newer phones, like the iPhone 16 series and Google Pixel 9, are moving to eSIM-only designs in certain markets. While India still mandates a physical SIM slot, the trend is clearly moving towards eSIM-first devices, and early adoption prepares you for this future.

eSIM-Compatible Devices Available in India

Not all phones support eSIM. Here is a comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible devices currently sold in India as of April 2026.

Apple iPhones: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 16 series, and iPhone SE (3rd generation and later). All these models support one physical nano-SIM plus one eSIM (iPhone 13 and later support dual eSIM). The iPhone 14 US model is eSIM-only, but the India variant still includes a physical SIM slot.

Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S21 series and later (S22, S23, S24, S25 series), Galaxy Z Fold 3 and later, Galaxy Z Flip 3 and later, Galaxy A55, Galaxy A35 (2025 model onwards). Note that eSIM support on Samsung phones varies by region; make sure your specific Indian variant supports eSIM by checking Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.

Google Pixel: Pixel 3a and later models, including Pixel 7, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, and Pixel 9 Pro. Google Pixel phones offer the smoothest eSIM setup experience, with built-in carrier detection and one-tap activation.

Other brands: OnePlus 12 and later, Nothing Phone (2) and later, Motorola Razr (2023) and later, and select Xiaomi models (14 Ultra, 14T Pro). eSIM support in budget and mid-range phones from Chinese brands is still limited in India, though this is changing rapidly.

Wearables: Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular models), Samsung Galaxy Watch (LTE models), and Google Pixel Watch support eSIM for standalone connectivity. These require a postpaid plan with eSIM add-on from Jio or Airtel.

To verify if your specific device supports eSIM, go to Settings > About Phone and look for an EID (eSIM Identifier) number. If you see an EID listed, your device supports eSIM.

How to Activate Jio eSIM: Step-by-Step Process

Jio offers eSIM activation for both new connections and existing subscribers who want to convert their physical SIM to an eSIM. Here is the complete process for each scenario.

Converting an existing Jio physical SIM to eSIM:

Step 1: Ensure your phone is eSIM-compatible and connected to Wi-Fi (you will lose mobile connectivity briefly during the switch).

Step 2: Open the MyJio app and navigate to the "Device" or "eSIM" section. You can also initiate the process by sending an SMS: type "ESIM" followed by your registered email address and the EID number of your device, and send it to 199 from your Jio number. For example: ESIM user@email.com 89049032004008882600012345678901.

Step 3: Jio will send a verification SMS to confirm the request. Reply with "1" to confirm.

Step 4: You will receive an email with a QR code and an activation confirmation code within 2-4 hours (though it often arrives within 30 minutes).

Step 5: On your phone, go to Settings > Mobile Data / Cellular > Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on iPhone). Choose "Scan QR Code" and scan the QR code from the email. You can also use the option "Enter Details Manually" if scanning does not work.

Step 6: Enter the confirmation code when prompted. Your eSIM profile will download and activate within a few minutes. Once activated, your physical SIM will stop working, and all services will transfer to the eSIM.

Getting a new Jio eSIM connection: Visit the Jio website or MyJio app and select "Get New Connection." Choose eSIM as your SIM type. Complete the eKYC process using Aadhaar-based verification (you will need your Aadhaar number and the ability to receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number). Once KYC is verified, you will receive the eSIM QR code via email within 2-4 hours. Follow Steps 5-6 above to activate.

Important notes for Jio eSIM: The eSIM conversion is free of charge. Your existing plan, balance, and number remain unchanged. You can switch back to a physical SIM at any time by visiting a Jio Store. Jio eSIM works on all Jio plans including prepaid, postpaid, and JioFi data plans.

How to Activate Airtel eSIM: Step-by-Step Process

Airtel's eSIM activation process is slightly different from Jio's and generally considered more streamlined, especially through the Airtel Thanks app.

Converting an existing Airtel physical SIM to eSIM:

Step 1: Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is connected to Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Open the Airtel Thanks app (version 4.0 or later). Go to "Account" > "SIM Management" > "Convert to eSIM." Alternatively, send an SMS: type "eSIM" followed by your registered email address and send it to 121 from your Airtel number.

Step 3: Airtel will send you a verification SMS. Reply with "ESIM" followed by your EID number to 121. Your EID can be found in Settings > About Phone > EID on Android, or Settings > General > About on iPhone.

Step 4: You will receive a confirmation call from Airtel's automated system to verify your identity. Answer the call and follow the IVR prompts.

Step 5: After successful verification, Airtel will email you a QR code, typically within 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 6: Go to your phone's Settings > Mobile Data / Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from the email. Your eSIM will activate within minutes, and your physical SIM will be deactivated.

Getting a new Airtel eSIM connection: Visit the Airtel website or an Airtel store. Select "New Connection" and choose eSIM as the SIM type. Complete video KYC or Aadhaar-based eKYC. You will receive the eSIM QR code via email once KYC is approved. Airtel also offers in-store eSIM activation where a representative scans the QR code directly onto your device.

Important notes for Airtel eSIM: The conversion process is free. Airtel's eSIM support is available across all 22 telecom circles. You need to have the Airtel Thanks app updated to the latest version for the smoothest experience. If the app-based method fails, the SMS method is a reliable fallback.

Vi eSIM and BSNL: Current Status and Availability

While Jio and Airtel offer mature eSIM services, Vi and BSNL are at different stages of their eSIM journey.

Vi eSIM: Vi launched eSIM support in select circles in 2024 and has been gradually expanding coverage. As of April 2026, Vi eSIM is available in approximately 12 circles including Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Kolkata. The activation process is similar to Airtel's: send "ESIM" followed by your email and EID to 199 from your Vi number, verify via OTP, and receive a QR code by email.

However, Vi's eSIM activation can take longer than Jio or Airtel -- up to 24-48 hours in some cases. Customer support for eSIM issues at Vi is also not as well-trained, so troubleshooting can be frustrating. If you are a Vi subscriber considering eSIM, we recommend trying the process during a weekday when support staff are more readily available and being prepared to visit a Vi store if the digital process stalls.

BSNL eSIM: As of April 2026, BSNL does not support eSIM activation. The government-owned carrier has announced plans to introduce eSIM services, but no firm launch date has been set. BSNL subscribers who want to use eSIM will need to port their number to Jio or Airtel first.

MTNL eSIM: MTNL, which operates in Delhi and Mumbai, also does not currently support eSIM. Given MTNL's limited operational scope and ongoing financial challenges, eSIM support is unlikely in the near term.

For users who want eSIM right now, the practical choices are Jio and Airtel. Both offer reliable eSIM activation across all circles, and the choice between them should be based on network quality and plan pricing in your area rather than eSIM-specific features, as the eSIM experience is comparable on both carriers.

Troubleshooting Common eSIM Issues in India

While eSIM activation is generally straightforward, Indian users encounter some common issues. Here is how to resolve them.

QR code not scanning: This is the most common issue. Ensure you are scanning the QR code from a different device (not the phone you are activating the eSIM on). If the QR code is displayed on a computer screen, try increasing the brightness and zooming in. If it is in an email on your phone, open the email on a laptop or another phone and scan from there. As a last resort, use the "Enter Details Manually" option and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.

eSIM activation fails with "carrier not supported" error: This usually means your device's firmware does not include the carrier's eSIM profile. Update your phone to the latest software version and try again. On Samsung phones, also check if the CSC (Country Specific Code) matches India. Some imported or grey-market Samsung devices have firmware that does not support Indian carrier eSIMs.

No network after eSIM activation: After activation, the eSIM may take 5-15 minutes to fully connect to the network. Restart your phone if it does not connect within 15 minutes. If the problem persists, go to Settings > Mobile Data > select the eSIM > check that "Mobile Data" and "Enable This Line" are turned on. Also verify that the APN settings are correct: for Jio, the APN should be "jionet"; for Airtel, it should be "airtelgprs.com".

Cannot receive SMS on eSIM: If you are using dual SIM (physical + eSIM), ensure the eSIM line is set as the default for messaging in your phone's SIM management settings. Some phones default to the physical SIM for SMS, which can cause missed messages on the eSIM line.

eSIM lost after phone reset or update: If you factory reset your phone, the eSIM profile is deleted and cannot be restored automatically. You will need to contact your carrier (Jio: call 199 or visit MyJio app; Airtel: call 121 or visit Airtel Thanks app) to request a new eSIM QR code. This is typically free but requires identity verification. To avoid this, always back up your eSIM profile before resetting your phone, if your device supports eSIM backup.

Porting number to eSIM on a different carrier: You can port your number from one carrier to another while simultaneously converting to eSIM. Initiate the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) process by sending "PORT" followed by your number to 1900. When completing the porting formalities with the new carrier, specify that you want an eSIM. The porting typically takes 3-7 working days, after which you will receive the new eSIM QR code.

eSIM Best Practices and Tips for Indian Users

Now that you know how to set up and troubleshoot eSIM, here are some practical tips to get the most out of it.

Use eSIM + physical SIM for network redundancy: The smartest use of eSIM in India is to run two different carriers simultaneously. Keep your primary number on one and a secondary data-only or backup connection on the other. If one network goes down in your area, you instantly have a fallback. This is especially valuable for professionals who cannot afford to be unreachable.

Set data preferences wisely: In your phone's SIM management settings, you can choose which SIM to use for mobile data, calls, and SMS independently. If Airtel has better speeds in your area but Jio has a cheaper calling plan, set Airtel as the default for data and Jio for calls. Modern smartphones make this switch seamless.

Save your eSIM QR code: When you receive the eSIM QR code via email, save a copy in a secure location (cloud storage, password manager, or printed copy). Some QR codes are one-time use, but having the details helps when contacting customer support for reactivation after a device change or reset.

Consider eSIM for your secondary number: If you maintain separate personal and work numbers, eSIM lets you carry both on a single phone without a dual-SIM tray. This is particularly useful with phones like the iPhone 15 and 16 series that support both a nano-SIM and eSIM simultaneously.

eSIM for international travel: Before travelling abroad, research local eSIM options at your destination. Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offer prepaid eSIM data plans for most countries. You can add a travel eSIM while keeping your Indian Jio or Airtel eSIM active for receiving calls and messages. This eliminates the need for physical SIM swapping and is often cheaper than Indian carrier international roaming packs.

Transferring eSIM to a new phone: When upgrading to a new device, you cannot simply move the eSIM like a physical card. You need to deactivate the eSIM on your old phone and request a new QR code from your carrier. On iPhones running iOS 16 or later, Apple offers an eSIM Quick Transfer feature that can move the eSIM between iPhones wirelessly if the carrier supports it (both Jio and Airtel support this feature).

eSIM technology is still maturing in India, but it offers clear advantages for users willing to go through the initial setup. As more carriers and devices support it, eSIM will eventually become the default way Indians connect to mobile networks. Getting comfortable with it now puts you ahead of the curve. For more details on eSIM-compatible plans, visit our dedicated eSIM plans page.