Vodafone launches eSIM for compatible smartphones: How to get it

The eSIM service is available in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat for now and can be used on smartphones that support eSIM functionality.

An eSIM is an integrated SIM chip that comes in your smartphone, if it is compatible, and is compliant with all the supported mobile network operators. (Pixabay)

Vodafone has announced the availability of eSIM support for postpaid customers. All Vodafone customers using Apple smartphones like the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR can avail this facility for now.

Vodafone has said that the facility will be rolled out to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and the Samsung Galaxy Fold soon.

Postpaid customers in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat can get the eSIM for their smartphones now, more cities will be added to the list soon.

What's an eSIM?

An eSIM is an integrated SIM chip that comes in your smartphone, if it is compatible, and is compliant with all the supported mobile network operators. If a user chooses to activate the eSIM, he/she will no longer need to use a physical SIM to get network on the device. Users will be able to carry out normal calls, send messages, use the Internet on the device, etc without having to change SIM cards manually.

How to get eSIM on your phone

If you are an existing customer you need to send an SMS to 199. Type in eSIM<space>email ID. If you do not have an email ID registered with your mobile number you need to type - email<space>email id to 199. Once your email ID is registered you can just send the first SMS and start the process.

If your email is valid, you will receive an SMS from 199. You need to reply with ESIMY to confirm eSIM request.

Post your confirmation SMS, you will receive another SMS from 199 asking you to provide consent over a call.

After providing consent on the call, an email with a QR code will be sent to the registered email id. Now you need to scan the QR Code.

Please make sure that the phone is connected to WiFi or mobile data. Next,

- Go to "Settings"

- Select "Mobile Data"

- Click on "Add Data Plan"

- Now scan QR code you have received on mail and follow the prompts on the phone.

For new customers, you need to visit your nearest Vodafone store with proof of identity and a photograph to get anew Vodafone eSIM connection. Carry your handset along as well so that the QR code generated during the activation process can be scanned immediately

The QR code sent through email will only be useful for a single scan and the eSIM will be successfully activated within 2 hours post scanning the code.