“The dual-SIM iPhone functionality works using eSIM technology and can be turned on by scanning a QR code”
iPhones, post-2018, as well as, a bunch of Android flagships and smartwatches come with eSIM support. This adds dual-SIM functionality to smartphones that only have space for a single physical SIM. The eSIM or embedded SIM creates a secondary profile for calls, SMSes, and cellular data. While it works just like a regular SIM, the setup process of eSIM is a bit different. If you are wondering how to set up Airtel eSIM on iPhone and smartwatch, here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Table of Contents
How to setup Airtel eSIM on iPhones and Android mobile phones
To start with, you need to send an SMS with your email ID to 121 in the format ‘eSIM<SPACE>email’.
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.
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.
How to scan QR code for Airtel eSIM activation
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To scan the QR code, open the Settings app on your iPhone and Android mobile phones, and head to the Mobile Data option.
Here, tap on the Data Plan option and scan the QR code. remember, the code can be scanned only once.
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.
Next, you have to choose which number (the physical SIM or the eSIM) you want to use for calls and data.
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.
Once this transfer is over, you will see the secondary eSIM profile in your Mobile Data settings.
That’s all you have to do to set up Airtel eSIM for dual-SIM functionality on iPhones.
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List of smartphones with eSIM support
iPhones
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2020)
Android mobile phones
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S22+
Samsung Galaxy S22
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 2
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Motorola Razr
FAQs
What is an eSIM?
eSIM is nothing but a digital SIM that is embedded in a mobile device, including your handset or watch, for connectivity. Since it’s pre-installed, you don’t need a physical SIM card to use the wireless services. This saves space and allows users to seamlessly switch to a new mobile operator without going through the hassle of getting a new sim card. Airtel was among the first telecom operators to launch eSIM for smartphones and smartwatches.
Also, it should be noted that the SIM profile on your physical Airtel SIM card will be removed and it cannot be used on any other handset. In the Dialler app, you will see an option to change the number to call from (between primary, secondary, and others). You can add more than one eSIM profile on the same device, meaning you can set up one profile for work, another for travelling abroad and the like, in addition to the one on your physical SIM.
Once the setup process is complete, the eSIM activation takes nearly 2 hours to process. That said, if you have a physical Airtel SIM card, you can continue using airtel services during the activation period.
Although you can activate an eSIM once you reach your destination, it's advisable to download and set it up beforehand to avoid any connectivity issues upon arrival.
Although you can activate an eSIM once you reach your destination, it's advisable to download and set it up beforehand to avoid any connectivity issues upon arrival.
You can check this by contacting your carrier or by visiting their website. Once confirmed, open “Settings app” on your old iPhone and navigate to the Cellular section. Look for the option to transfer the eSIM to another device, and follow the prompts to initiate the transfer.
To activate your eSIM, you need a wireless carrier which provides you an eSIM profile as well as an eSIM data plan. To download your eSIM profile on your Android device, you may receive an “activation code” from an eSIM carrier. The activation code is in fact a download link.
Go to Airtel Thanks App > Upgrade to eSIM > A pop will come eSIM detected transfer eSIM to new device > Ignore that pop-up > Select eSIM for this device and request again for the same > Setup the eSIM and Problem will get resolved. This will only work after your sms service will be activated.
In case you don't receive the QR code while converting your prepaid physical sim to eSIM or eSIM to eSIM, follow the below steps: SMS NESIM to 52212 (if you're a prepaid number user in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana)
2. Can I use my eSIM overseas? Yes, you can, but only if your eSIM has coverage in the country that you are in. It really is no different from how you would be able to use a physical SIM card overseas, provided the plan associated with your SIM card allows you to connect to an overseas network.
Subscribing to and activating an Airtel international roaming pack keeps the Airtel SIM alive. This will let you receive OTPs while you are abroad. Find a plan that covers SMS messages for the amount of time you want to be able to get OTPs.
Here are the steps: From your new smartphone, send an SMS with the text: eSIM <> registered email ID and send the message to the number 121. In case you have a proper working email ID, you will receive an SMS back from the same number. This confirms that the eSIM transfer process has been initiated.
Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Add using QR code. Google Pixel: Settings > Network undefined Mobile Network > Add Carrier > Scan QR code.
You can get an Airtel eSIM online by shopping for prepaid eSIM data packages, and making sure the data will run over the awesome, high-quality Airtel network. Here at aloSIM, you can browse our travel eSIM packages and select 'Network' to see exactly which networks on which this eSIM is allowed to roam.
From your new smartphone, send an SMS with the text: eSIM <> registered email ID and send the message to the number 121. In case you have a proper working email ID, you will receive an SMS back from the same number. This confirms that the eSIM transfer process has been initiated.
In case you don't receive the QR code while converting your prepaid physical sim to eSIM or eSIM to eSIM, follow the below steps: SMS NESIM to 52212 (if you're a prepaid number user in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana)
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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