Want to get rid of the physical SIM card? If your smartphone supports eSIM, both Jio and Airtel allow existing customers to move their mobile number from a physical SIM to a digital eSIM.

The process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few important things to get right — especially your 32-digit EID, registered email address, OTP verification and the final eSIM installation.

In this guide, we explain Jio and Airtel eSIM activation in 2026, including the latest activation steps, what you need before starting, how long it takes and what to do if something goes wrong.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built directly into a compatible smartphone.

Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, your mobile operator’s SIM profile is downloaded and installed electronically on the phone.

The major advantages include:

• No physical SIM card required
• Easier switching between compatible devices
• Useful for dual-SIM configurations
• No SIM tray required for the eSIM line
• Convenient when travelling
• Reduced risk of physically damaging or losing the SIM card

However, eSIM does not mean a different mobile plan. When you convert an existing number, the mobile number and applicable plan remain associated with that number.

For example, Jio states that an existing plan and its benefits transfer when a physical Jio SIM is upgraded to eSIM.

Before You Activate eSIM: Check These Things

Before starting the conversion, keep the following ready.

1. An eSIM-compatible phone

Your smartphone must support eSIM.

Compatibility varies by model and region, so don’t assume that every phone with a particular model name supports eSIM.

Jio provides a device compatibility checker on its eSIM website.

2. Your 32-digit EID

The EID is a unique 32-digit identifier associated with the eSIM hardware in your smartphone.

On many phones, you can find it by dialing:

*#06#

You can also find it in the phone’s settings.

For example, on an iPhone:

Settings → General → About → EID

Airtel also confirms that the EID is a 32-digit device-specific code.

3. Active mobile connection

Keep your existing SIM active during the conversion process.

You may need to receive OTPs and verification calls before the eSIM is activated.

4. Wi-Fi or mobile data

Once the eSIM profile is ready, the phone needs an internet connection to download and install it.

5. Registered email ID

For Jio, your registered email address is important because the eSIM profile or QR-code information can be delivered through email.

Jio eSIM Activation 2026

Jio currently provides an online self-service process through the MyJio app.

Step 1: Open MyJio

Open the MyJio app using the Jio number that you want to convert.

Search for:

“Switch to eSIM”

Select the eSIM option.

Jio’s current instructions say that the process starts by verifying your email ID and entering the EID of the target device.

Step 2: Verify your email

Enter or confirm your registered email address.

Jio sends a verification code to the email address.

Enter the OTP to continue.

Step 3: Enter the EID

Enter the 32-digit EID of the phone where you want to activate the Jio eSIM.

Double-check every digit before submitting.

An incorrect EID can result in the eSIM being associated with the wrong device.

Step 4: Verify your Jio number

You will receive an OTP on your Jio mobile number.

Enter the OTP to authenticate the request.

Step 5: Wait for the cooling period

Jio currently states that a 2-hour cooling period applies after the request is submitted.

After this period, Jio sends an automated verification call.

The official Jio number currently shown for this verification is:

+91 2235072222

Answer the call and follow the IVR instructions to confirm the request.

Step 6: Install the Jio eSIM

After successful verification, you will receive the eSIM profile notification or QR-code information.

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or another data connection.

Install the eSIM profile by following the instructions displayed by your smartphone.

Jio notes that the actual installation process varies according to the device.

Missed the Jio verification call?

Jio says you can request an IVR callback by sending:

RECALL

to 199.

For international roaming, Jio provides a different recall SMS number.

Jio eSIM Activation Through SMS

Jio also publishes an SMS-based route.

From the Jio number you want to convert, send:

GETESIM <32-digit EID> <15-digit IMEI>

to:

199

Jio then provides further instructions, including the SIM-change process and subsequent consent/verification.

For most users, however, the MyJio app route is easier to follow because the required information is presented on screen.

Airtel eSIM Activation 2026

Airtel currently directs users to initiate the conversion through the Airtel App.

Step 1: Open the Airtel App

Log in to the Airtel App using the number you want to upgrade.

Go to:

Home → Shortcuts → Upgrade to eSIM

Airtel’s current instructions provide an option to choose whether the eSIM is being installed on this device or another device.

Step 2: Select the device

Choose:

This device

if you are installing the eSIM on the phone you are currently using.

Choose:

Another device

if you are transferring the service to another compatible phone.

Step 3: Enter the EID

Enter the 32-digit EID of the target phone.

Check the number carefully before continuing.

Step 4: Verify the OTP

Airtel sends an OTP to your registered Airtel mobile number.

Enter the OTP to continue the eSIM request.

Step 5: Complete verification call

Airtel says that users receive a verification call after submitting the eSIM request.

Complete the verification as instructed.

Step 6: Install the eSIM profile

Connect the target smartphone to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Go to the phone’s SIM/mobile-network settings and select the option to add an eSIM.

The exact menu varies between iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo and other smartphones.

Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

Airtel specifically warns users not to delete the eSIM profile from the device during the process because deleting it can stop calls and mobile data.

Jio vs Airtel eSIM Activation 2026

Important: Activation procedures can vary by device and operator updates. Always follow the instructions displayed by the operator during your request.

How to Find Your EID

The easiest method on many phones is:

Dial *#06#

Your phone may display:

• IMEI
• IMEI 2
• EID
• Other device identifiers

Look specifically for the EID.

On an iPhone:

Settings → General → About → EID

Airtel confirms this method in its current eSIM FAQ.

What Happens to Your Physical SIM?

When the conversion is completed, your physical SIM is no longer required for that mobile number.

Jio’s current documentation explains that the existing physical SIM is deactivated once the number is activated on the eSIM.

Airtel similarly advises users to activate the new eSIM profile before removing the physical SIM and restarting the device.

Do not throw away the physical SIM until you have confirmed that the eSIM is working.

How Long Does eSIM Activation Take?

The exact timing can vary.

Jio

Jio currently specifies a 2-hour cooling period after the request is submitted, followed by automated verification.

Airtel

Airtel’s current app-based instructions say the verification call is received after the request is submitted, while its eSIM guidance also notes that SMS services remain barred for 24 hours after the eSIM request.

Because operator procedures can change, don’t schedule an important OTP-dependent transaction immediately after converting your SIM.

Important: SMS and OTP Restrictions

This is one of the most important things to remember.

Airtel states that incoming and outgoing SMS remain barred for 24 hours after the eSIM request, including OTPs.

That means you should avoid starting the conversion immediately before:

• Online banking
• UPI registration
• Credit/debit-card verification
• Important account recovery
• Travel bookings requiring SMS OTP
• Other services that depend on your mobile number

Plan the conversion when you have some flexibility.

What If the eSIM Does Not Work?

Don’t immediately delete the eSIM profile.

First check:

Check 1: Is the eSIM enabled?

Go to your phone’s SIM/mobile-network settings and confirm that the new eSIM line is switched on.

Check 2: Is mobile data working?

Connect to Wi-Fi and allow the phone to complete any pending eSIM installation.

Check 3: Restart the phone

A simple restart can allow the network profile to register correctly.

Check 4: Check network selection

Make sure the correct operator is selected and that airplane mode is switched off.

Check 5: Don’t delete the profile

This is particularly important.

Airtel explicitly warns against deleting the eSIM profile.

Jio also states that if a Jio eSIM profile has been deleted and the device no longer gets network service, the customer may need to visit a Jio Store with valid identification and the device.

What If You Lose Your eSIM Phone?

An eSIM is convenient, but losing the phone creates a different problem because the mobile profile is stored digitally on the device.

If your phone is lost:

1. Block/suspend the mobile service as quickly as possible.
2. Contact your operator.
3. Follow the operator’s SIM replacement process.
4. Never share your EID, OTP or account verification information with strangers.

Airtel specifically advises users with a lost eSIM device to visit an Airtel Store for assistance.

Is eSIM Better Than a Physical SIM?

For many users, eSIM is simply more convenient, particularly if they regularly use dual-SIM phones or travel internationally.

But there is one practical consideration.

With a physical SIM, you can usually move the SIM card to another compatible phone immediately.

With an eSIM, moving your number to another device requires the operator’s transfer/reissue process and device support.

So before converting, ask yourself:

Do I frequently change phones or swap SIM cards between devices?

If yes, understand your operator’s eSIM transfer process first.

Jio vs Airtel: Which eSIM Should You Use?

There isn’t a separate “eSIM plan” that you need to purchase simply because you are switching from a physical SIM.

Your choice should instead depend on factors such as:

• Your existing mobile plan
• Network coverage in your area
• 5G availability
• Data requirements
• Roaming requirements
• Dual-SIM needs
• Smartphone compatibility
• How frequently you change phones

The eSIM is primarily a SIM technology change, not a replacement for your existing mobile tariff.

Rechargers.in Quick Checklist

Before pressing the final confirmation button, make sure you have:

☑ eSIM-compatible smartphone
☑ Active Jio/Airtel number
☑ 32-digit EID
☑ Registered email where required
☑ Access to OTP
☑ Wi-Fi or mobile data
☑ Enough time for verification
☑ Backup communication if SMS is temporarily unavailable

And most importantly:

Never share your OTP or eSIM verification information with another person.

Final Verdict

Moving from a physical SIM to an eSIM is much easier in 2026 than it was a few years ago.

For Jio, the current MyJio process involves email verification, EID entry, mobile OTP verification, a 2-hour cooling period and an automated IVR confirmation before the eSIM profile can be installed.

For Airtel, the current process is primarily handled through the Airtel App, followed by EID entry, OTP verification, a confirmation call and installation of the eSIM profile on the compatible device.

The biggest advice from Rechargers.in is simple:

Don’t delete your existing SIM or eSIM until the new eSIM is successfully installed and your calls, mobile data and messaging are working.

For the latest operator-specific instructions, always check the official Jio or Airtel eSIM page before beginning the conversion.

Official resources:

Jio eSIM activation and conversion · Jio eSIM: Buy, Activate & Convert Physical SIM to eSIM Online

Airtel eSIM activation guide – eSIM Card – How to Get & Activate eSIM in India | Airtel