Virtual sim (e-sim) is a cloud-based technology that enables users to use a mobile number without inserting a real sim card into their phone. They can connect to a virtual network using their service provider and can access all the features of a real sim card. Till now, only Airtel and Reliance Jio has started this service in India. This service has mainly started for iPhones where are unable to insert more than one sim card in their phone. They can use more than one sim at a time on their phones. Google has also started it in their pixel devices.
Devices compatible for e-SIM
Now, very few devices are compatible with e-sim but we hope that it increases in the future because it is a very helpful technology.
Apple
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
Pixel 2, 2XL
Pixel 3, 3XL
Pixel 3A, 3A XL
NUU MOBILE X5(ANDROID)
How To Setup e-sim in Airtel
1. To start with, you need to send an SMS with your email ID to 121 in the format ‘eSIM<SPACE>email’.
2. After this, you will receive a confirmation SMS and a call confirming that you sent a request to convert your physical SIM to an eSIM.
3. This will be followed by an email that contains a QR code. This QR code needs to be scanned using the iPhone on which you want to set up the digital SIM.
4. To scan the QR code, open the Settings app on your iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR and head to the Mobile Data option.
5. Here, tap on the Data Plan option and scan the QR code. remember, the code can be scanned only once.
6. Now, you will be prompted to add the Airtel data plan on the eSIM. Just tap on Add Data Plan at the bottom of the screen to do the same. You will be able to set this profile as primary or secondary.
7. Next, you have to choose which number (the physical SIM or the e-SIM) you want to use for calls and data.
8. There will be a small period when your number will become inactive while it transfers from a physical SIM to a digital SIM. During this period, which lasts a few minutes, you will not be able to make calls, send SMSes, or access mobile data on the iPhone unit.
9. Once this transfer is over, you will see the secondary eSIM profile in your Mobile Data settings.
These settings are also similar to Google Pixel and other phones.
How To Setup e-sim in Jio
1. Unlike Airtel, Jio does not have a provision to turn the physical SIM into a digital SIM. Instead, they will have to go to a Jio Store or a Reliance Digital outlet.
2. Make sure you have updated the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR unit to iOS 12.1 software or Pixel or any phone that supports e-Sim. Jio representatives at the retail outlet will ask for the handset’s IMEI number (found by keying in *#06# in the keypad).
3. Next, fill the Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) and the details will be used to create a QR code.
4. Scan the QR code by tapping on the Data Plan option under Mobile Data in Settings.
On the screen that appears next, hit the Add Data Plan button and set the new Jio eSIM profile on your iPhone or Android as primary or secondary.
5. The next step will require you to set primary and secondary numbers for data and calls.
6. After this, your Jio SIM will not be operable for a few minutes as the data from the physical SIM is ported to the eSIM profile. After that, the secondary SIM would appear as an eSIM profile on your phone
So, in this manner, you can set up a virtual sim in Airtel and Jio. This technology is very beneficial for iPhones and other phones as well. There won’t be many issues in this cloud technology and this sim can also work without cellular data because some people think that it is on the cloud so we can’t use it offline. But you can use this sim offline as well.
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