You are traveling abroad from India? and wants to know if you handset is compatible with eSIM, then this article is for you:
What is eSIM in India?
In India, eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without using a physical SIM card. It is directly embedded into your device’s hardware and makes switching between carriers or activating international plans hassle-free.
Key Benefits in India:
- Easily switch between carriers (Airtel, Jio, Vi) without a physical SIM.
- Convenient for international travel — activate local or international plans remotely.
- Supports dual SIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
How to Check if Your Device Supports eSIM in India:
1. Check Device Compatibility before you fly out of India:
- Go to the official website of your phone’s brand (Apple, Samsung, Motorola, One+, Oppo, Vivo, Google, etc.) and check the specifications for eSIM support.
- In India, eSIM is supported on most iPhones (from iPhone XR onwards), Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer, Google Pixel 3 and above, and some Motorola and Huawei models.
For iPhone Users:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Look for “Digital SIM” or an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number.
- Compatible models in India include:
- iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer.
- All iPhone 14 models sold in the U.S. are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot).
For Android Users:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > SIM Card Status.
- Look for an EID or eSIM option.
- Popular eSIM-compatible models in India:
- Samsung Galaxy: S20, S21, S22 series, Note 20, Z Flip, Z Fold series.
- Google Pixel: 3 and above (except some carrier-locked versions).
- Motorola Razr (foldable series).
Use Dial Code to Check:
- Dial
*#06#on your phone. - If your phone supports eSIM, you’ll see an EID number along with the IMEI.
Which Indian Carriers Support eSIM?
- Airtel
- Jio
- Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Note: BSNL does not support eSIM yet.
How to Activate eSIM for International Roaming before your travel starts:
- Contact your carrier (Airtel, Jio, or Vi) to request an eSIM.
- They will send a QR code via email.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code.
Or alternatively, use PlanetRoam Europe, USA SIM Card & 200+ Countries World SIM – which comes with both eSIM & Physical SIM Option
Switching between SIMs:
- Go to Settings > Cellular and switch between physical SIM and eSIM profiles easily.
- Ideal for keeping your Indian SIM active while using a local eSIM abroad for receiving calls, OTPs etc.
