Flying out of Country? & and don’t know How to Install eSIM in India Before International Travel begins? Below is the Complete Guide
Step 1: Check if Your Device Supports eSIM – by following below process:
- iPhone: Compatible models include iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and newer.
- Go to Settings > General > About and check for “Digital SIM” or EID.
- Android: Supported on Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer, Google Pixel 3 and above, and some Motorola models.
- Go to Settings > About Phone > SIM Card Status to check for EID or eSIM.
- Dial Code: Dial
*#06#— if you see an EID number, your device supports eSIM.
Step 2: Choose a Carrier (Airtel, Jio, or Vi) (note: Also check the IR rates, IR pack is activated before you travel)
- Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) support eSIM in India.
- BSNL does not support eSIM yet.
Step 3: Convert Your Physical SIM to eSIM or alternatively you can just buy a New eSIM with new phone number:
Option 1: Convert Your Physical SIM to eSIM
-
Airtel:
- Send “eSIM <your registered email ID>” to 121 via SMS.
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS. Reply with “1” to confirm.
- You’ll get a QR code via e-mail within a few minutes – follow the process mentioned in the e-mail.
-
Jio:
- Send “GETESIM” to 199 via SMS.
- Follow the instructions in the response to get a QR code via email.
-
Vi:
- Send “eSIM <your registered email ID>” to 199 via SMS.
- Confirm by replying “ESIMY” to the follow-up SMS.
- You’ll get a QR code via email.
Option 2: Get a New eSIM for International Travel
- Visit an Airtel, Jio, or Vi store or use their official apps to purchase an eSIM with an international roaming plan, choose wisely as per your requirements, duration of travel, data requirements etc.
- They’ll provide a QR code via email.
- If you find your current service providers rates exorbitant – Check PlanetRoam SIM Card options
Step 4: Install the eSIM on Your Device
iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Scan the QR code received via email.
- Choose “Add Cellular Plan” when prompted.
- Set your new eSIM as primary or secondary as per your preference.
Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.):
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan.
- Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
- Follow the prompts to activate the eSIM.
Step 5: Configure Mobile Data and Roaming
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
- Enable Data Roaming if you plan to use the eSIM abroad.
- Choose the appropriate data plan for international usage.
Step 6: Test the eSIM
- Make a test call or use mobile data to ensure the eSIM is active.
- Contact customer support if you face any issues.
