what is an eSIM?
An eSIM stands for “Embedded Subscriber Identity Module” that is embedded inside your device. It is a digital SIM that allows you to use a Vi number without using a physical SIM.
Benefits of eSIM
- Use eSIM on your eligible device and balance your work and personal lives better! Get instant activation and switch between your Vi numbers seamlessly.
- No hassle of handling a physical sim, inserting it in the physical sim slot and worrying about the wear and tear of the physical sim.
- eSIM is downloadable and is eco-friendly generating less carbon footprint
- Connect your smart watch with a Vi Postpaid connection and use it independent of the phone
- eSIM offers improved protection for your mobile number. Also, unlike physical SIM cards, it cannot get misplaced or stolen
- eSIM now allows you to store multiple operator profiles on a device simultaneously, and switch between them remotely, though only one can be used at a time in Android.(For Apple 13 onwards, 2 eSIMs can be used simultaneously)
who is eligible for eSIM?
User should have an eSIM supported handset (For list of devices supported refer FAQs).
Vi Postpaid customers from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, Maharashtra and Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar & Jharkhand, UP (East), UP(West) and Rest of Bengal.
Vi Prepaid customers from Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chennai, Tamilnadu, Haryana, Karnataka, UPW, Bihar & Jharkhand, Rest of Bengal and Rajasthan.
how can you activate eSIM?
Once you have initiated the process of converting your physical SIM to an eSIM, please ensure that you complete all the steps.
- Apart from having an eSIM compatible device, it is mandatory to have your email ID updated in your account as we’ll be sharing information regarding your eSIM profile
- Do not click on the ‘delete’ option in the eSIM settings as it will remove the eSIM from your phone and you won’t be able to make calls, access mobile data, etc.
- Upon eSIM request completion, Incoming and Outgoing SMS services (including OTPs) will be barred for 24 hours after eSIM activation as per Government regulations. iMessage and Face Time will be barred for iOS handsets for 24 hours after eSIM activation.
- After switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM, activate your new eSIM profile, remove the physical SIM and restart your device.
- Do not share QR Code with anyone, it may lead to unauthorized access to your mobile number.
- If your eSIM-activated device is lost, please visit your nearest Vi Store for assistance.
- In case you wish to get a new Vi eSIM connection, please visit your nearest Vi Store
Note: The eSIM should be configured in the device within the next 4 hours post initiating request. In absence of eSIM profile configuration, request will be auto cancelled. During this period, physical SIM will continue to work.
01
Step 1:
To start the process, SMS eSIM< space >registered email id to199
If your email id is valid, you will receive an confirmation SMS. You would need to reply with "ESIMY" to confirm the eSIM change request within 15 mins of receiving the message.
If your email id is Invalid, you will receive a SMS from 199, asking you to re-initiate the process with the correct email id, and will also guide you on how to update the email id
For detailed activation steps, watch youtube video by clicking https://youtu.be/rE5GN_Pa0Tc
02
Step 2:
Post your confirmation SMS, you will receive another SMS from 199 with details regarding an auto-generated call that you will receive within 30 minutes asking for your consent.
After providing your consent on the call, you will receive a final SMS regarding the QR Code which you would have received on your registered email id
This is a unique QR code applicable for one time use on a single device only and is valid for 7 days.
Important info : In case you haven't received the QR Code, please check spam/junk folder or search for sender id "esim@vodafoneidea.com".
03
Step 3
How to access the QR code
Please make sure you are connected to a stable WiFi / Hotspot / Mobile Data.
Click on "Settings" > Select "Network & Internet" > Click on "Mobile Network" > Click on "Download a SIM instead" > Click on "Next"
Scan QR code received on mail.
Your eSIM will be activated within 30 minutes after successfully scanning the QR code
Please note: Upgrade from physical Vi SIM to eSIM is free of cost.
If you encounter any difficulty scanning the QR code, chat with our eSIM experts by clicking https://wa.me/message/3EQEPQDMYVKTA1. Our experts are available all 7 days of the week from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (IST) midnight. Alternatively, you can email us at customercare@vodafoneidea.com
How to access the QR code
Please make sure you are connected to a stable WiFi / Hotspot / Mobile Data.
Click on "Settings" > Select "Network & Internet" > Click on “Next” (Download your SIM)
Scan QR code received on mail.
Your eSIM will be activated within 30 minutes after successfully scanning the QR code
Please note: Upgrade from physical Vi SIM to eSIM is free of cost.
If you encounter any difficulty scanning the QR code, chat with our eSIM experts by clicking https://wa.me/message/3EQEPQDMYVKTA1. Our experts are available all 7 days of the week from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (IST) midnight. Alternatively, you can email us at customercare@vodafoneidea.com
How to access the QR code
Please make sure you are connected to a stable WiFi / Hotspot / Mobile Data.
Go to "Settings" > Select "Connections" >Click on "SIM Card Manager" > Click on "Add Mobile Plan" > Click on "Add Using QR Code”
Scan QR code received on email.
Your eSIM will be activated within 30 minutes after successfully scanning the QR code
Please note: Upgrade from physical Vi SIM to eSIM is free of cost.
If you encounter any difficulty scanning the QR code, chat with our eSIM experts by clicking https://wa.me/message/3EQEPQDMYVKTA1. Our experts are available all 7 days of the week from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (IST) midnight. Alternatively, you can email us at customercare@vodafoneidea.com
How to access the QR code
Please make sure you are connected to a stable WiFi / Hotspot / Mobile Data.
Go to "Settings" > Select "Mobile Data" > Click on "Add Data Plan"
Scan QR code received on mail.
Your eSIM will be activated within 30 minutes after successfully scanning the QR code
Please note: Upgrade from physical Vi SIM to eSIM is free of cost.
If you encounter any difficulty scanning the QR code, chat with our eSIM experts by clicking https://wa.me/message/3EQEPQDMYVKTA1. Our experts are available all 7 days of the week from 7:00 am to 12:00 am (IST) midnight. Alternatively, you can email us at customercare@vodafoneidea.com
How to access the QR code menu
Please make sure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Go to "Settings" > Select "Network & Internet" > Click on "SIM card & mobile network" > Click on "Add" in front of the eSIM option.
Now Scan QR code received on mail.
Follow the prompts on the phone.
eSIM Help & Support
Please Select Your Watch:
Vi enables you to share your Vi max postpaid plan on your mobile with an eligible Apple Watch (GPS + cellular). That means you can use your Apple Watch to make and receive calls and use data on your Vi network – all this even when you’re away from your phone!
who is eligible?
Vi postpaid customer from Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra and Goa, UP (East),Kolkata, Rest of Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, UP(West), Haryana, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chennai and Tamil Nadu.
Customer should have Apple Watch Series 3 or later (GPS + cellular) and iPhone 6s or later model. Refer to FAQ for more information.
steps to activate your number on your Apple Watch Cellular
01
step 1:
Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Start the pairing process of the Apple Watch and iPhone.
Submit to proceed
02
step 2:
Sign in with your Apple ID and password to continue
Tap on “Create a Passcode” to create a 4 digits passcode on your Apple Watch.
Tap “Setup Mobile Data” to share your Postpaid number and plan with Apple Watch
03
step 3:
Enter your Vi postpaid number and self-care password. (Note - If not registered then tap on register to login to register your phone number)
Tap Confirm once login is successful
Please wait at least 15 minutes while your Vi post paid number and plan gets shared with Apple Watch.
04
step 4:
Please wait while your Apple Watch syncs completely with your iPhone.
FAQs on Apple Watch eSIM
You will need
- An active Vi mobile postpaid connection/number and plan with 4G service.
- Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) Series 3 or later, running WatchOS version 6.2 or later
- iPhone 6s or later, running iOS version 13.4 or later. See below for the list of supported iPhone models
iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
iPhone X
iPhone SE
iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
Pairing of Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) is presently available only with Vi mobile postpaid connection.
Yes, Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) will need to be paired with primary iPhone device and activated by Vi in order to use cellular services. It is an extended facility to existing iPhone users. There are no activation charges.
No. Your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) will share the same Vi postpaid number (MSISDN) as your existing primary iPhone device.
No, the MSISDN and connection will be same as that of primary device.
No, Apple Watch Cellular can be used free of charge with any Vi max postpaid plan of primary device.
No, there will be no separate bill for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular). You will be billed for usage of cellular services on Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) in your existing Vi postpaid bill.
Yes. Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) can be used in national roaming.
No, International roaming is not available for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) even though your Vi mobile postpaid number and plan may support international roaming. However, you will continue to be connected via Bluetooth when your Apple Watch is in proximity of your iPhone or connected to Wi-Fi.
No. Only one Apple Watch Cellular Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) can be paired and used with any one number at a time.
Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) can only be used on one number at any given time. You can change the pairing to another Vi mobile postpaid number in order to use the Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) with another Vi mobile number.
You will need to un-pair the existing Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) and call 199 for deactivation of eSIM service. Post this you can activate the second/new Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular).
Yes. Your company's authorized signatory will need to send an approval email, post which you can connect your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) to your Vi mobile postpaid number.
An eSIM is a SIM card that is embedded inside the Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular). This integrated SIM chip cannot and need not be removed from a device.
Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) with eSIM can work on cellular 5G networks once it is paired with iphone and activated with Vi. With the Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular), you can stay connected even when you leave your phone behind.
Usage done on your Apple Watch Cellular Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) will be charged as per the bill plan active on your Vi mobile postpaid number.
No, once pairing of Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) is completed, and the Apple Watch is connected to cellular network, the Apple Watch can be used independently as an extension of the primary iPhone device to use cellular services with same -terms and conditions as available for primary iPhone device. There is no need for proximity between primary device and Apple Watch. However for connection via blue tooth, proximity is required.
On the Apple Watch control panel you will see green dots at the top left corner. This is an indication that you are connected to cellular network. The green dots will only appear if your iPhone is not within the Bluetooth range with your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular).
You will need to pair your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) again to your new iPhone. Your new iPhone will also need to be running on the iOS 13.4 or later version to be compatible with Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular).
You will need to un-pair your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) from your iPhone. You will also be required to call 199 to deactivate the eSIM service.
There are no charges for deactivating or un-pairing the Apple watch.
Vi supports following models of Apple Watch purchased from anywhere.
- Apple Watch Series 3 (Cellular)
Model A1889 (38 mm)
Model A1891 (42 mm)
- Apple Watch Series 4 (Cellular)
Model A2007 (40 mm)
Model A2008 (44 mm)
- Apple Watch Series 5 (Cellular)
Model A2156 (40 mm)
Model A2157 (44 mm)
Model A2094 (40 mm)
Model A2095 (44 mm)
- Apple Watch Series 6 (Cellular)
Model A2375 (40mm)
Model A2376 (44mm)
Learn more about Apple Watch at www.apple.com/in/watch
Visit www.apple.com/in/support/watch for additional support.
We are working on introducing eSIM service for Idea Postpaid mobile users. We shall update you once this service is available.
Cellular services on the Apple Watch will also get barred in the above mentioned scenarios.
The Services on the watch continue to work, For safety we suggest that you get the services barred by calling 199
The Services on the watch continue to work, For safety we suggest that you get the services barred by calling 199
Yes. You can use your Apple Watch even if your phone is switched off.
Vi enables you to share your Vi max postpaid plan on your mobile with an eligible Samsung Gear Watch (GPS + cellular). That means you can use your Samsung Gear Watch to make and receive calls and use data on your Vi network – all this even when you’re away from your phone!
who is eligible?
Vi postpaid customer from Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and UP (East).
Customer should have Samsung Smartwatch Series 4 LTE or above (GPS + cellular) and An Android phone (refer to FAQ for more information)
steps to activate your number on your Samsung Gear Watch Cellular
01
step 1:
Download Galaxy Wearable from Play Store.
Tap on the Galaxy Wearable icon in your Phone.
Click on Start
Pick your device (Galaxy Wearable)
Review your Terms and conditions
02
step 2:
Agree for permissions for your watch to access your phone
Choose SIM for your mobile service
To set up mobile network click on next
Accept Terms and Condition by clicking Confirm
Click Done to finish.
03
step 3:
Accept Terms and Condition by clicking Confirm
Click Done to finish.
FAQs on Samsung Gear Watch eSIM
To use Samsung Watch, you would need;
- An active Vi mobile postpaid connection/number and plan with 4G SIM.
- Samsung Gear watch 4 LTE or above
- Compatible Android Phone
- Android version 5.0 or above
- Minimum 1.5 GB RAM
Handset on Android version 5.0 or above with a 1.5 GB RAM are compatible to pair Samsung Watch.
Samsung Watch can be used free of charge with any of the Vi mobile postpaid plan
Yes. Samsung Watch can be used while roaming anywhere within India, however, it will not work in international roaming.
No. Samsung Watch will have an electronic SIM (eSIM) which will be used with your existing number.
Yes. To use Samsung Watch with your existing Vi number, all you need is-
- Vi mobile postpaid number
- A compatible handset with
- Android version 5.0 or above
- Minimum 1.5 GB RAM
An eSIM is an electronic SIM that is embedded inside the Samsung Watch. This integrated SIM chip cannot be removed from a device.
Samsung Watch works on 4G network. With the Samsung Watch you can stay connected even when you leave your phone behind. You can;
- Make & receive calls,
- Send & receive sms (if logged into Samsung members account)
- Use apps that require internet connection e.g. Stream music
Once paired and activated successfully, the Samsung Watch can be used independently. It does not require the Samsung Mobile to be connected always.
No. There are no subscription charges for using Samsung Watch.
Usage done on your Samsung Watch will be charged as per the bill plan active on your Vi postpaid mobile number. There are no additional changes for using calls/data on your Samsung Watch.
Look out for the 4G / VoLTE signals at the top on your Samsung Watch control panel. Also at the bottom it will reflect "Connected remotely - Vi. This indicates that you are connected to cellular. The green dots will only appear if your Samsung Mobile is not within the Bluetooth range with your Samsung Watch.
If you change your phone, you need to pair your Samsung Watch again to your new Smartphone.
No. You can pair only 1 Samsung watch with your new Smartphone.
There are no charges for deactivating or un-pairing the Samsung watch.
You will need to call 199 to deactivate the eSIM service on Samsung watch.
