Vi (formerly known as Vodafone Idea) allows postpaid subscribers to switch to an embedded SIM called eSIM. Activating your Vi eSIM requires you to follow specific steps. With the help of eSIM, you can connect to the Vi network without requiring a physical SIM card in your phone. You can also access dual-SIM networks on your phone by activating the eSIM service. It is, however, essential to note that Vi is currently offering eSIM support on a limited set of devices, including Apple iPhone models and Samsung Galaxy phones. Vi also provides esim for its postpaid users in a handful of markets.
Your phone needs to have eSIM support to enable the new experience. In this article, we’re detailing the steps you need to take to activate your Vi eSIM. The list of compatible devices includes the iPhone XS and later models as well as the iPhone SE (2020), Motorola Razr, Google Pixel 3A and later models, and the recent Samsung Galaxy flagships, namely the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.
Ensure your phone is running the latest software to enable eSIM support.
How to activate your Vi eSIM
Before beginning with the steps for activating Vi eSIM, it is worth pointing out that the operator is offering eSIM support for its postpaid users in Mumbai, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, UP East, Kerala, Kolkata, Chennai, and Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Goa. This means that you can only activate Vi eSIM if you are in one of these regions. Once you have the compatible device and are in an eligible region, you can begin the Vi eSIM activation process by sending an SMS “eSIM <space> registered email ID to 199.
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS message if your email ID is valid. You must reply to that message with “ESIMY” to confirm the eSIM request. Vi will also send you an SMS to re-initiate the process with the correct email ID if it finds the original one invalid. After the confirmation SMS message, you will get another letter from 199 asking you to provide your consent for the activation over a phone call. Once you consent to the call, you will receive a final SMS message informing you about the QR code you will get on your registered email ID to add the eSIM to your phone. Now, you must add eSIM to your phone by scanning the QR code. Below are the steps you can follow based on your phone. In all cases, make sure that your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
