Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL Users Rush Towards eSIM: Here’s How to Activate It
Switching from a physical SIM card to an eSIM may sound complicated, but in reality it’s turning into one of the simplest ways to future-proof your smartphone. With top Indian telecom players—Jio, Airtel, Vi and even BSNL—jumping fully into the eSIM bandwagon, users are curious: how exactly do you activate it, and what changes once you do?
Take the case of Anjali Mehta, a Delhi-based IT professional who travels abroad almost every quarter. “Carrying multiple SIM cards was always a headache,” she told us. “With eSIM, I just scan a QR code and I’m good to go. It feels like shifting from cash to UPI all over again.”
Her story is one of many, showing why telecom companies are pushing this feature hard in 2025.
What Exactly Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter?
Unlike the traditional SIM that you physically insert into your phone, an eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in the device itself. No tray, no card, no fear of losing it. You simply download your operator’s profile and start using the service.
The benefits are plenty:
- Switch operators without visiting a store.
- Keep multiple profiles on one device.
- Enjoy faster activation, especially for international roaming.
For telecom companies, it also means lower distribution costs and better security. For users, it’s about freedom and convenience.
How to Activate eSIM on Jio
Jio makes the process fairly straightforward:
- First, ensure your device supports eSIM (latest iPhones, Google Pixel and many Samsung models do).
- Send an SMS: type GETESIM <email id> to 199.
- You’ll receive a QR code on your registered email.
- Go to your phone’s settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan.
- Scan the QR code and your eSIM is live.
Jio claims the activation usually takes under two hours, though some users report instant access.
Airtel eSIM: Simple Yet Secure
Airtel has a very similar process, but with a little extra security:
- SMS eSIM <email id> to 121.
- You’ll get a confirmation SMS, to which you must reply with “1”.
- Within minutes, Airtel will mail you the QR code.
- Scan and activate directly in your phone’s settings.
Many Airtel users note that once activated, the eSIM provides smoother VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling. Airtel also highlights that users can switch devices easily by requesting a fresh QR.
Vi (Vodafone-Idea) eSIM: Step by Step
Vi has been slower to adopt eSIM compared to Jio and Airtel, but the process is now active in most metros:
- Send eSIM <email id> to 199.
- Wait for the verification call or SMS.
- Receive the QR code on your email.
- Add the plan by scanning the QR code from your device.
The only hitch: Vi still restricts eSIM activation to postpaid users in some circles, though expansion is expected.
BSNL Joins the Race
The surprise entry is BSNL. Known more for traditional services, it now allows eSIM on select smartphones:
- Walk into the nearest BSNL customer care center.
- Provide your valid ID and request an eSIM.
- BSNL issues a QR code which you scan on your device.
While the process isn’t fully digital yet, BSNL customers—especially in rural regions—see this as a sign the PSU operator is trying to modernize.
Why the Sudden Push for eSIM in India?
The big picture is clear: India is heading towards 5G adoption on a mass scale. With eSIMs, telecom companies can cut logistics costs, users can switch faster, and devices can shrink in size since no SIM tray is needed.
Analyst Rohit Kumar explains: “By 2027, we expect over 50% of smartphones in India to ship without SIM slots. The eSIM is not just a convenience; it’s going to be the standard.”
User Concerns and Reality Check
Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some fear what happens if they lose the QR code or switch phones frequently. Others worry about network glitches.
The good news is that all major operators now provide re-issuance of QR codes either via email or customer support. And once the eSIM is active, it works just like a physical SIM—same data speeds, same calling quality, just without the card.
Future Outlook
The writing is on the wall: India is moving towards a cardless future. In the next two years, low-budget smartphones may also start supporting eSIM, removing the current “premium device” barrier.
For users, the change means lighter wallets—no more hunting for lost SIM trays or carrying multiple SIM cards while traveling. For operators, it means faster onboarding and fewer customer complaints.
As Anjali summed it up while sipping her coffee, “The first time I scanned that QR code, I felt like I’d stepped into the future. It’s one less thing to worry about.”