Meta Title: How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone in India (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)
Meta Description: Learn how to activate and set up eSIM on your iPhone in India for Jio, Airtel, and Vi. Includes step-by-step instructions, supported models, and troubleshooting tips.
With eSIM technology gaining momentum in India, switching from a physical SIM card to a digital eSIM is now more convenient than ever. Whether you use Airtel, Jio, or Vi, you can easily set up an eSIM on your iPhone and enjoy dual SIM support, better reliability, and less hassle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up eSIM on any supported iPhone in India in 2025, including detailed steps for all major Indian carriers.
✅ What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your smartphone. It allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical nano-SIM. You can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them when needed.
📋 iPhone Models That Support eSIM in India
As of 2025, these iPhones support eSIM:
- iPhone XR and later, including:
- iPhone SE (2nd gen & later)
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series
- iPhone 16 and 16 Pro (eSIM-only models in some markets)
💡 Note: In India, most iPhones still offer dual SIM (1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM).
🏷️ Major Indian Carriers That Support eSIM
- Jio
- Airtel
- Vi (Vodafone Idea)
All three offer eSIM activation via SMS, email, or QR code.
🔄 General eSIM Setup Steps (iPhone)
These steps are similar across carriers once you have your eSIM QR or activation code.
- Open Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM
- Choose Use QR Code or Convert Physical SIM (if applicable)
- Scan the QR code sent by your carrier or enter the activation code
- Follow the on-screen instructions to label and activate your plan
- Wait for network signal and confirm activation
📱 How to Activate eSIM on Jio
Step 1: SMS Request
- Send SMS:
GETESIM <19-digit eSIM number> IMEIto 199 - You’ll receive a confirmation and instructions
Step 2: Email
- Email:
esim@jio.com - Subject: eSIM activation request
- Attach:
- Scanned ID proof
- Your photograph
- Device IMEI and EID numbers
Step 3: QR Code
- Once verified, Jio will email you a QR code
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM and scan
📱 How to Activate eSIM on Airtel
Step 1: SMS Request
- Send SMS:
eSIM <email ID>to 121
You’ll get:
- Confirmation SMS
- Follow-up SMS with consent link
Step 2: Confirm & Activate
- Tap the link to confirm within 60 minutes
- Airtel will send a QR code to your email
Step 3: Scan QR on iPhone
- Use Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code
📱 How to Activate eSIM on Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Step 1: SMS Request
- Send SMS:
eSIM <email ID>to 199 - You’ll receive:
- Confirmation SMS
- Instructions for verification
Step 2: Verify & Approve
- Reply to confirm
- Vi will email a QR code with installation steps
Step 3: Add eSIM
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code
🔧 How to Convert a Physical SIM to eSIM on iPhone
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data
- Tap your current SIM > Convert to eSIM
- Follow prompts to complete the conversion
- Restart your iPhone if prompted
⚠️ This option only works with participating carriers and newer iPhones (iOS 17+).
💬 Troubleshooting & Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| eSIM Not Detected | Check internet connection and iOS update |
| Activation Failed | Contact carrier to reissue QR or reset |
| QR Code Expired | Request a new one from your carrier |
| Signal Loss | Try airplane mode or reboot device |
📌 Benefits of Using eSIM in India
- Use dual SIM (business + personal) on one iPhone
- No need to handle or cut physical SIMs
- Easily switch between multiple networks
- Ideal for frequent travelers
🔚 Final Thoughts
Setting up an eSIM on your iPhone in India is now simple, fast, and secure—thanks to digital onboarding by Jio, Airtel, and Vi. With Apple continuing its push for eSIM-only models like the iPhone 16 Pro, it’s a smart move to get comfortable with the future of mobile connectivity.