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™ postpaid number without using a physical SIM.
who is eligible for eSIM?
Vi™ mobile postpaid customers from Mumbai, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, UP East, Kerala, Kolkata, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa.
User should have an eSIM supported handset (For list of devices supported refer FAQs).
how can you activate eSIM?
01
Step 1:
To start the process, SMS eSIM< space >registered email id to199
If your email id is valid, you will receive a confirmation SMS. You would need to reply with "ESIMY" to confirm the eSIM change request.
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, will also guide you on how to update the email id
02
Step 2:
Post your confirmation SMS, you will receive another SMS from 199 asking you to provide a consent over a call
After providing your consent on the call, you will receive a final SMS regarding the QR Code which you will receive on your registered email id
03
Step 3
How to access the QR code menu
Please make sure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or 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
Follow the prompts on the phone.
How to access the QR code menu
Please make sure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
Click on "Settings" > Select "Network & Internet" > Click on “Next” (Download your Sim)
Scan QR code received on mail
Follow the prompts on the phone.
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 "Connections" >Click on "SIM Card Manager" > Click on "Add Mobile Plan" > Click on "Add Using QR Code”
Scan QR code received on email
Follow the prompts on the phone.
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 "Mobile Data" > Click on "Add Data Plan"
Now "Scan QR code" received on mail.
Follow the prompts on the phone.
eSIM Help & Support
Vi™ enables you to share your Vi™ 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, Maharashtra & Goa, Delhi, Gujarat and Punjab.
Customer should have Apple Watch Series 3 or later (GPS + cellular) and iPhone 6s or later model. Refer to FAQ for more information.
To check your eligibility sms “CHKESIM” to 199
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™ 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 4G and 3G 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.