Vodafone Idea launches eSIM services for compatible devices in select Indian cities

Vodafone Idea Ltd has announced the availability of eSIM for Vodafone postpaid customers using eSIM compatible Apple devices including iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max & iPhone Xr. The service is currently available in select circles Mumbai, Delhi, and Gujarat.

The service is also expected to be available on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Fold soon, says Vodafone Idea.

Vodafone says that its postpaid customers using eSIM enabled handsets will no longer be required to put in a physical SIM card to access the network. eSIM comes in the form of an integrated SIM chip which will be compliant with all the supported mobile network operators. The consumer will be able to carry out normal calling, SMS, data access, and more without having to change physical SIM cards manually.

Speaking about the eSIM technology, Avneesh Khosla, Director – Marketing, Vodafone Idea, said, “Vodafone Idea is excited to introduce eSIM technology for our postpaid customers which enables them to enjoy the benefits of convenience and flexibility of having more than one sim even on single sim device. We, therefore, believe that eSIM will provide an enhanced experience to our customers as it will enable them to do a lot more with their device.”

Vodafone has shared guidelines on how to procure an eSim 

Existing Customer

• Send an SMS  to 199 by typing “eSIM email id” (If no email id is registered with your mobile number, send SMS “email email id” to  199. Post-registration you can reinitiate the eSIM process).
• If your email is valid, you will receive SMS from 199. You need to  reply back with ESIMY to confirm eSIM request
• Post your confirmation SMS, you will receive another SMS from 199 asking to provide consent over a call
• After providing your consent on the call, an email with a QR code will be sent to the registered email id.
• Scan the QR Code:

Apple device: Ensure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

• Go to "Settings" > Select "Mobile Data" > Click on "Add Data Plan"
• Now "Scan QR code" received on mail.
• Follow the prompts on the phone.

New Customer

• Visit nearest Vodafone store with  proof of identity and photograph to get new Vodafone eSIM connection
• It is better to carry the handset along so that 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.