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Set Up eSIM on iPhone in India

Find out about eSIM, how to activate an eSIM on your iPhone, how to convert your physical SIM to eSIM and how to transfer your mobile number to another iPhone using Indian telecom providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi and BSNL.

Setting up eSIM on iPhone using Airtel Jio and Vi in India

Complete guide to activate and transfer eSIM on iPhone

What is eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your iPhone, removing the need for a physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM into your device, you can activate your mobile network digitally.

With eSIM on iPhone, you can:

Switch between mobile networks easily
Activate plans digitally
Store multiple eSIM profiles
Use Dual SIM functionality
Improve device security
Use international travel plans more conveniently

Modern iPhones can store several eSIM profiles and use two active SIMs simultaneously depending on the model.

Find out more about: Using eSIM on iPhone

What You’ll Need

Before setting up eSIM on your iPhone, make sure you have:

An iPhone XS, iPhone XR or later
A supported mobile network provider
Stable Wi-Fi connection
Latest iOS version installed
Active mobile number
Registered email address with your network provider

Indian telecom operators supporting eSIM include:

Some BSNL services may also support eSIM depending on your region.

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How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone

You can activate an eSIM on iPhone using one of the following methods depending on your carrier support:

Transfer your number from another iPhone
Convert physical SIM to eSIM
Activate using carrier activation
Scan a QR code
Use your network provider’s app
Enter eSIM details manually

Transfer Your Phone Number Using eSIM Quick Transfer

If your network provider supports eSIM Quick Transfer, you can transfer your existing SIM from your old iPhone to your new iPhone wirelessly.

Before you begin, make sure:

Both iPhones are nearby
Bluetooth is enabled
Both devices use the same Apple Account
Both iPhones run the latest iOS version

To transfer your mobile plan after setup:

Open the Settings app on your new iPhone.
Tap Mobile Data or Cellular.
Tap Add eSIM.
Select Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
Choose the mobile number you want to transfer.
Confirm the request on your old iPhone.
Wait for activation to complete.

Once the eSIM activates on the new iPhone, the SIM on your previous device will deactivate automatically.

This method works with supported carriers including Airtel and Jio.

Convert Physical SIM to eSIM on iPhone

Many Indian telecom providers allow you to convert your physical SIM into an eSIM without changing your number.

Convert Airtel SIM to eSIM

To activate an Airtel eSIM on iPhone:

Open the Messages app.
Send: eSIM <registered email ID>

to: 121

Example: eSIM abc@gmail.com

Airtel will send a confirmation SMS.
Confirm the request.
You will receive a QR code on your registered email address.
Open: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM
Scan the QR code.
Tap Continue.
Restart your iPhone after activation.

Official Airtel support: Airtel eSIM Support

Convert Jio SIM to eSIM

Jio users can activate eSIM through the MyJio app or a nearby Jio Store.

To activate:

Visit a Jio Store or open the MyJio app.
Provide your:

IMEI number
EID number

You can find these in: Settings → General → About

Jio will provide a QR code.
Open: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM
Scan the QR code.
Wait for activation to complete.

Official Jio page: [Jio eSIM Help](https://www.jio.com/help/faq/mobile/services/esim-and-eid/how-do-i-get-esim-for-my-device?utm_source=chatgpt.com#/)

Convert Vi SIM to eSIM

Vi users can also switch to eSIM using SMS activation.

Open Messages.
Send: eSIM <registered email ID>

to: 199

Confirm the SMS request.
Vi will send a QR code to your email.
Open: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM
Scan the QR code.
Complete activation.

Official Vi page: Vi eSIM Guide

Activate an eSIM Using Carrier Activation

Some carriers automatically assign an eSIM to your iPhone during purchase.

If your carrier sends a digital activation request:

Turn on your iPhone.
When the “Mobile Plan Ready to Be Installed” notification appears, tap it.
Tap Continue.
Wait for activation.
Test your connection by making a call.

If the eSIM replaces your physical SIM, remove the physical SIM and restart your iPhone.

Set Up eSIM With a QR Code

If your network provider gives you a QR code, you can activate your eSIM directly.

To activate eSIM using QR code:

Open the Camera app.
Scan the QR code.
Tap Add eSIM when prompted.
Tap Continue.
Tap Add Mobile Plan.
Enter the confirmation code if your carrier asks for one.
Wait for activation to complete.

This method is commonly used by:

Activate eSIM Using a Carrier Link

Some telecom operators send activation links instead of QR codes.

If you receive a carrier link:

Tap the link on your iPhone.
When “Activate New eSIM” appears, tap Allow.
Tap Continue.
Wait for setup to finish.

Activate eSIM Using a Carrier App

Some providers allow eSIM activation directly through their official apps.

Examples:

To activate:

Install your carrier’s app.
Sign in using your mobile number.
Select eSIM activation.
Follow the onscreen instructions.

Enter eSIM Details Manually

If your provider sends manual activation details:

Open Settings.
Tap Mobile Data or Cellular.
Tap Add eSIM.
Tap Enter Details Manually.
Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by your carrier.
Complete setup.

Transfer eSIM From Android to iPhone

If you are switching from Android to iPhone and your Android phone uses eSIM:

Contact your telecom provider.
Request eSIM transfer.
Your provider may:

Send a QR code
Use carrier activation
Transfer the number digitally

Some carriers now support direct Android-to-iPhone eSIM transfer.

Supported iPhones for eSIM

Apple supports eSIM on:

iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone 11
iPhone 12
iPhone 13
iPhone 14
iPhone 15
iPhone 16

Benefits of eSIM on iPhone

eSIM technology offers several advantages:

Easier Activation

No physical SIM swapping required.

Better Security

A stolen iPhone is harder to disconnect from the network.

Dual SIM Support

Use two numbers simultaneously.

Travel Convenience

Activate international plans digitally.

Cleaner Device Design

No SIM tray required on some models.

Common eSIM Problems and Solutions

QR Code Not Working

Try:

Restarting iPhone
Using better lighting
Connecting to stable Wi-Fi
Requesting a new QR code

eSIM Not Activating

Check:

Carrier support
Internet connection
Latest iOS version

Contact your provider if needed.

No Signal After Activation