How to Activate Vi eSIM in India

how can you activate eSIM in India?

Once you have initiated the process of converting your physical SIM to an eSIM, please ensure that you complete all the steps.

Apart from having an eSIM compatible device, it is mandatory to have your email ID updated in your account as we’ll be sharing information regarding your eSIM profile
Do not click on the ‘delete’ option in the eSIM settings as it will remove the eSIM from your phone and you won’t be able to make calls, access mobile data, etc.
Upon eSIM request completion, Incoming and Outgoing SMS services (including OTPs) will be barred for 24 hours after eSIM activation as per Government regulations. iMessage and Face Time will be barred for iOS handsets for 24 hours after eSIM activation.
After switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM, activate your new eSIM profile, remove the physical SIM and restart your device.
When migration happens eSIM to eSIM (Device change). Profile has to be deleted from old handset when eSIM migration happens to New Device
Do not share QR Code with anyone, it may lead to unauthorized access to your mobile number.
If your eSIM-activated device is lost, please visit your nearest Vi Store for assistance.
In case you wish to get a new Vi eSIM connection, please visit your nearest Vi Store

Note: The eSIM should be configured in the device within the next 4 hours post initiating request. In absence of eSIM profile configuration, request will be auto cancelled. During this period, physical SIM will continue to work.

How to Activate your Vi eSIM via SMS

Step 1: Update & Verify Your Email ID

Ensure your registered email is up to date.
The activation QR code will be sent to your email.

Step 2: Check and Keep your EID ready

Your EID is needed to activate eSIM on the right device.
Dial *#06# to check the EID of your device
The EID can be copy and pasted from your device. Refer to FAQ section for a detailed breakdown

Step 3: Send an SMS to 199

SMS Send eSIM
<SPACE> EID <SPACE> 1 or 2 <SPACE> Email ID to 199
Type option “1” if you are using an iPhone or Type “2” if you are using an Android phone
Type your registered email ID

Step 4: Revert on the SMS that you will receive post 15 minutes as per DOT Guidelines

Revert with typing “eSIMY” to give your consent

Step 5: Give your consent on the IVR Call

Answer the verification call from our eSIM activation number, starting with 012471*****
Enter the prompted number when instructed. For positive consent, press 1.

Step 6: Final activation

For QR code- Scan the QR code received as an attachment on your registered email ID to activate the eSIM
For eSIM Upgrade using profile download, proceed to download and install your Vi eSIM by following the activation steps specific to your smartphone model

For Apple devices- Configure Vi eSIM on your iPhone using the below steps:

Connect iPhone to Data Network or Wi-Fi
Open your notifications panel
Click on Finish Setting Up Mobile Service Notification
Select Continue and follow the steps

For Google devices- First, make sure you have already submitted an Vi eSIM activation request. Now, follow these steps:

Connect your device to Data Network or Wi-Fi
Open Settings > Network & Internet > Click on plus (+) sign next to mobile network
Click on Download a SIM
Follow the on-screen prompts to activate your Vi eSIM

For Samsung devices- Follow the steps below to configure Vi eSIM in your Samsung smartphone:

Connect Samsung smartphone to Data Network or Wi-Fi
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM and proceed

For Motorola devices- First, make sure you have already submitted a Vi SIM activation request. Now, follow these steps:

Connect your device to Data Network or Wi-Fi
Open Settings > Network & Internet > Click on plus (+) sign next to mobile network
Click on Download a SIM
Follow the on-screen prompts to activate your Vi eSIM

For Vivo devices - Here are the steps:

Connect your device to Data Network or Wi-Fi
Open Settings > Network & Internet > Click on “SIM card & mobile network.”
Tap on eSIM and then on “+ Add eSIM”
Click on “eSIM card” and tap on “Add”
Follow the on-screen prompts to activate your Vi eSIM

For Oppo devices - Here are the steps

Connect your eSIM device to Wi-Fi and go to Settings to install the Vi Data plan using the activation code.
Select Mobile Network
Select eSIM to continue
Tap on Next to proceed further
Tap on Download to install your Vi eSIM
eSIM download finished, select settings
Select Yes to activate the downloaded Vi eSIM

For Xiaomi devices- Here are the steps

Connect your eSIM device to Wi-Fi and go to Settings to install the activation code.
Scroll up to 'Mobile networks' and tap
Tap on 'Manage eSIM' to proceed.
Select 'Add eSIM' to install the Vi eSIM
Add the 'mobile plan' and get started

For OnePlus devicesHere are the steps

Connect your device to Data Network or Wi-Fi
Select Mobile Network
Select eSIM to continue
Tap on Next to proceed further
eSIM Download will start
Once download is finished, select settings
Select Yes to download the Vi eSIM

For Honor devices - Here are the steps

Connect your device to Data Network or Wi-Fi
After that, Select Mobile network.
Select Sim Management to continue.
Tap on Add eSIM to proceed further.
Tap on Add the eSIM to activate your Vi eSIM.

For Nokia Devices- Here are the steps

Connect your device to Data Network or Wi-Fi
After that, select 'Network and internet'.
Scroll down and select 'SIMs' to add a network.
Proceed with the 'Set up an eSIM' option
Tap on “Finish’ to confirm installation of the Vi eSIM

The New Vi eSIM Activation process

Step 1:

To start the process- Send SMS "eSIM< space >EID< space >"1" or "2"< space >Email ID" to 199

Type option “1” if you are using an iPhone or Type “2” if you are using an Android phone
Type your registered email ID

If your email id is valid, you will receive an confirmation SMS sent after 15 mins as per DOT guidelines. You would need to reply with "ESIMY" to confirm the eSIM change request within 15 mins of receiving the consent message.

If your email id is Invalid, you will receive a SMS from 199, asking you to re-initiate the process with the correct email id, and will also guide you on how to update the email id

Step 2:

Post your confirmation SMS, you will receive another SMS from 199 with details regarding an auto-generated call that you will receive within 30 minutes asking for your consent.

After providing your consent on the call, you will receive both a final SMS regarding the QR Code which you would have received on your registered email id and also the eSIM profile in the setting of your phone. Refer above for handset wise activation steps.

Select either QR code scan or eSIM profile download from settings to activate your new Vi eSIM

This is a unique QR code applicable for one time use on a single device only and is valid for 7 days.

Important info : In case you haven't received the QR Code, please check spam/junk folder or search for sender id "esim@vodafoneidea.com".

Step 3

Select your device

How to access the QR code

Please make sure you are connected to a stable WiFi / Hotspot / Mobile Data.

Click on "Settings" > Select "Network & Internet" > Click on "Mobile Network" > Click on "Download a SIM instead" > Click on "Next"

Scan QR code received on mail.

Your eSIM will be activated within 30 minutes after successfully scanning the QR code

Please note: Upgrade from physical Vi SIM to eSIM is free of cost.

If you encounter any difficulty scanning the QR code, chat with our eSIM experts by clicking https://wa.me/message/3EQEPQDMYVKTA1. Our experts are available all 7 days of the week from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (IST) midnight. Alternatively, you can email us at customercare@vodafoneidea.com