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How to activate eSIM on iPhone

Published on: Aug 21, 2025

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A SIM card connects your mobile device to a cellular network, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and access mobile data. Traditionally, physical SIM cards are used, but with advancements in technology, eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are becoming increasingly popular. An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded within a mobile device that seamlessly connects your device to the cellular network without using a physical SIM card. This offers several advantages, such as the convenience of switching between different SIMs, having multiple plans on one device, and better space utilisation. If you own an iPhone that supports eSIM, activating it is a simple process that can enhance your connectivity options.

Steps to activate eSIM in iPhone (Vi App):

Before you activate eSIM on your iPhone, a few steps should be followed. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you activate Vi eSIM on your iPhone.

  • Step 1: Initiate Request
    Open the Vi app > Login > Go to Help > Raise a Service Request > Activate eSIM.
  • Step 2: Enter EID
     Choose device (same or other) > Enter 32-digit EID > Refer to FAQs if needed
     Ensure the correct EID to avoid activation failure.
  • Step 3: Verify OTP
     Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
  • Step 4: Download Profile
     After 15 mins, download eSIM via:
     a) Notification on device, or
     b) QR code on registered email
     Activate eSIM, remove physical SIM, restart device.
  • Step 5: Availability
     Vi eSIM is not available in HP, JK, OR, NE, and Assam.

Steps to activate eSIM in iPhone (SMS)

  • Step 1: Verify Email ID
     Ensure your registered email ID is active, as the activation QR will be sent here.
  • Step 2: Enter EID
     Find and note your 32-digit EID from device settings.
     Ensure the EID is correct to avoid activation failure.
  • Step 3: Verify Identity
     Enter the OTP sent to your Vi number.
  • Step 4: Send SMS & Confirm
     From your Vi number, send:
     eSIM <EID> <Device Type> <Email ID>
     (Use 1 for iOS, 2 for Android)
     Example:
     eSIM 89049032000001012345678912345678 1 myemail@example.com
     Then, reply:
     eSIM Y to 199
     You’ll get:
    • Activation QR via email & SMS
    • IVR call for final confirmation
    • Steps to install your eSIM
  • Step 5: Device Eligibility
     Vi eSIM works on eSIM-supported handsets only.
     (Refer to FAQs for supported devices.)
  • Step 6: Availability
     Vi eSIM is not available in HP, JK, OR, NE, and Assam.

Troubleshooting Tips for Activating eSIM in iPhone

  • Restart iPhone: If the eSIM activation is not working, try restarting your iPhone.
  • Update iOS: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
  • Contact Vi: If you encounter issues, contact Vi customer care for further assistance.

Follow these steps to conveniently activate Vi eSIM on your iPhone!

If you found this article insightful, you may want to explore more about eSIM technology. Learn What is an eSIM and How Does eSIM Work? to understand the basics, discover How to Buy eSIM Online in India? for practical purchasing tips, and refer to our Step-by-Step Guide on How to Transfer Your eSIM from One Phone to Another to smoothly manage your digital connectivity. These resources will help you stay informed and make the most of your eSIM experience.

frequently asked questions

The New Vi REDX 1101 comes loaded with Lifestyle & Entertainment benefits. Every benefit is of premium category, offering an uncompromising experience. Please visit plan benefits page on Vi App for details.

There is no exit fee if you move from any older version of REDX plan to the new one.

Exit Fee will be charged when if you move out of REDX plan ie. Postpaid to Prepaid, Port-Out, Disconnection or Plan change. This fee will be applicable if International Roaming benefit was availed in the last 1 year on REDX 1101 plan.

You can log on to Vi App and go to my accounts > Active plan benefits > claim benefits section. You will be able to activate the benefits available with your plan. Sign-up using registered Vi mobile number and log on to the respective app (Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, etc.) using the same credentials.

 

  • It is a complimentary 12 month SonyLiv Premium (TV and mobile) subscription worth Rs999, available with REDX 1101 plan; wherein 1 month = 30 days.
  • This subscription works simultaneously on 2 devices and allows you to create up to 5 profiles.  

 It is a complimentary 6 month Eazydiner Prime subscription worth Rs 2190; wherein 1 month = 30 days. Get upto 50% discount at Premium restaurants & bars with this subscription and more!

It is a complimentary 1 year subscription; wherein you can avail a flat discount of Rs 450 on one way flight tickets and Rs 700 on round trip flights every month. 

  • It is a complimentary 7 days International Roaming pack worth Rs2999
  • It is available for free only once every year.

 

You can log on to Vi App and go to claim benefits. You will be able to activate International Roaming benefit if it is available with your plan. Select the start date and activate.

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Seems like you have entered an inactive number This Vi number is currently suspended This Vi number is currently in safe custody This Vi number is currently suspended due to SIM lost This Vi number is currently suspended. Please pay bill to activate the number Something went wrong. Please try after some time It seems that you are an enterprise customer. Proceed to business sign-in Please enter valid 10 digit number This looks like a non Vi number! Port to Vi You have exhausted maximum attempts to enter OTP. Please try after some time

OTP verification

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