Since its inception in 1995, Bharti Airtel has been at the forefront of India’s telecommunication sector. After decades of constant competition and improvement in its network infrastructure, Airtel has significantly enhanced its telecom capabilities. The introduction of the eSIM service is an improvement in Airtel’s product portfolio, and many existing Airtel users are willing to convert Airtel SIM to eSIM. In this blog, we will help you understand the Airtel eSIM activation process.
What is an Airtel eSIM?
Before we figure out how to activate Airtel eSIM, it is important to have a basic understanding of eSIM technology. Airtel eSIM is a digital version of Airtel’s physical SIM cards and has certain advantages over physical SIMs. It is directly attached to the device’s internal components, and you can initiate Airtel eSIM activation on any supported smartphone to enjoy seamless connectivity. You cannot remove an Airtel eSIM from your device like a physical SIM.
Pros and Cons of eSIM
Although eSIMs are better than physical SIM cards in certain aspects, they are not perfect. Before we discuss how to get eSIM Airtel services, lets talk about the advantages and disadvantages of Airtel eSIM as compared to the good old physical SIM cards. These pros and cons are not exclusive to Airtel eSIM but are applicable to all eSIMs in general.
Advantages of Airtel eSIM
Quick Activation: Unlike physical SIM cards that must be acquired from a retailer or the telecom operator before activating for usage, the Airtel eSIM activation process doesn’t involve visiting physical stores. It can be completed within a few hours.
Better Security Measures: Physical SIM cards are prone to data theft and cloning, whereas eSIMs are software-encrypted and can not be easily cloned.
Seamless Network Switching: You can use an eSIM can to register multiple phone numbers. This enables seamless network switching without changing SIM cards.
Freedom From Harm Or Loss Of Physical SIM: Physical SIM cards are small and easy to misplace when removed from the device and are also prone to theft and damage. Being embedded in the device, eSIM cards eliminate the risk of physical loss and theft.
Disadvantages of Airtel eSIM
Limited Support: Presently, eSIM service is available only for high-end smartphones. Most mid-range and affordable smartphones do not support eSIM activation yet.
Device Dependability: eSIM cards are directly embedded into the mobile phone and can not be removed. Thus, any form of physical damage to the phone renders the phone number unusable. A physical SIM can be quickly removed from a damaged phone and used in another device but this is not possible in the case of eSIMs.
How to activate eSIM from Airtel?
After reading about the advantages of eSIM over a physical SIM, you must be wondering how to convert Airtel SIM to eSIM to enjoy seamless connectivity. Airtel has made its eSIM activation process quick and simple for the convenience of its customers. You can effortlessly set up and configure your Airtel eSIM within a few hours. Check out the simple steps for Airtel eSIM activation that both Android and iPhone users can follow.
For Android Users:
- Open the ‘Messages’ app on your Android device.
- Draft a new SMS with the following text- “eSIM<>YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS”.
- Send the SMS to the Airtel eSIM activation number- 121.
- Reply to the confirmation SMS with ‘1’.
- After successful confirmation, you will get a QR Code for Airtel eSIM activation on your verified email address.
- Scan the QR Code to finish your Airtel eSIM activation.
For iPhone Users:
- Open the ‘iMessage’ app from your iPhone home screen.
- Send an SMS to the Airtel eSIM activation number, 121 in the given format: eSIM<> YOUR EMAIL.
- Reply to the confirmation message with ‘1’. You will receive the Airtel eSIM activation QR Code on your registered email address.
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
- Select ‘Mobile Data’.
- Click on ‘Add Data Plan’.
- Select the QR Activation option and scan the Airtel eSIM activation QR sent to your email.
- Click on the ‘Label eSIM’ option and follow the on-screen steps to successfully convert Airtel SIM to eSIM.
- Follow the steps given below if you are facing any problems with Airtel eSIM Activation :
- Open the ‘Messages’ app on your device.
- Compose a new text message.
- Type ‘NESIM’ in the message body for a prepaid number. Type ‘NOSIM’ for a postpaid number.
Send the SMS to the troubleshooting helpline number given in the table below.
| Details | Phone Numbers |
| For prepaid numbers in Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh | 52212 |
| Prepaid numbers in other states | 51619 |
| For postpaid number | 121 |
How to Activate Your Airtel eSIM
Now that we know how to get Airtel eSIM manually, let’s discuss an alternate method of doing the same. Airtel eSIM activation can be initiated via the Airtel Thanks app by following the steps listed below:
- Open the ‘Airtel Thanks’ app on your device.
- Log in using your Airtel number.
- Click on the ‘Upgrade to eSIM’ icon.
- Select your device.
- Enter the EID of your selected device.
- Enter the OTP received on your Airtel number for verification.
- Configure your eSIM settings based on the instructions received from your smartphone’s brand to download and activate the eSIM profile.
- Power off your smartphone and eject the physical SIM card.
- Boot up your device.
Your Airtel eSIM activation is complete.
How to Configure Airtel eSIM On My Apple iPhone?
Contrary to eSIM activation on Android devices, iOS requires its users to follow an additional configuration procedure before completing the eSIM activation. Follow the simple steps listed below to configure your Airtel eSIM on your iPhone :
- Turn on mobile data on your iPhone or connect to a WiFi network.
- Swipe down on your home screen to open the Notification Panel.
- Tap on the ‘Finish Setting Up Mobile Service Notification’ from Airtel.
- Click on ‘Continue’.
- Follow the steps as displayed on your screen.
Airtel eSIM exists electronically on your device’s motherboard, and you can not remove it physically. Being an enhancement to physical SIM cards, eSIM offers various added advantages like better security, quick activation, and seamless connectivity. However, eSIMs lag behind physical SIM cards in terms of freedom of SIM swapping. In this blog, we learned how to convert Airtel SIM to eSIM by following simple steps. Moreover, we talked about the details of the Airtel eSIM activation process to quickly set up and enjoy eSIM services on both Android and iPhones. Activating Airtel eSIM is a quick and simple process and it can be completed effortlessly from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much time to activate Airtel eSIM?
Ans. Normally, Airtel eSIM activation takes up to two hours.
Q2. What happens to physical SIM after eSIM Airtel?
Ans. After Airtel eSIM activation, your physical SIM card gets deactivated and can no longer be used.
Q3. Is Airtel eSIM better than physical SIM?
Ans. Yes, Airtel eSIM is better than a physical SIM in terms of security, ease of activation, carrier switching, and protection against theft and physical damage.
Q4. What will happen if I delete an eSIM?
Ans. If you delete your eSIM, your phone number and eSIM data are removed from your smartphone. You cannot connect to a network or use incoming, outgoing, or data services after eSIM deletion.
Q5. What is EID?
Ans. EID stands for Embedded Identity Document. It is a 32-digit unique number for each eSIM chip. EID is present in phones that support eSIM. A few common examples of phones with EID are Google Pixel 7, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Nothing Phone 2, and iPhone 14.
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