{"id":3843,"date":"2025-09-27T07:05:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T07:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/?p=3843"},"modified":"2025-09-27T07:05:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T07:05:39","slug":"step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Step-by-Step Guide: How to Convert Your Airtel SIM to eSIM in India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Here\u2019s the clean, up-to-date way to move your Airtel number to an eSIM (India). Pick <strong>either<\/strong> the Airtel Thanks app flow (recommended) or the classic SMS flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#0_Quick_prep\" >0) Quick prep<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#1_Method_A_%E2%80%94_Airtel_Thanks_app_recommended\" >1) Method A \u2014 Airtel Thanks app (recommended)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#2_Method_B_%E2%80%94_SMS_QR-code_email_route\" >2) Method B \u2014 SMS (QR-code email route)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#3_Configure_on_your_phone_after_your_request_is_approved\" >3) Configure on your phone (after your request is approved)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#Important_notes_read_this\" >Important notes (read this)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#If_something_goes_wrong\" >If something goes wrong<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#%F0%9F%93%B1_Android_Dual_SIM_eSIM_most_common_in_2024%E2%80%9325\" >\ud83d\udcf1 Android Dual SIM + eSIM (most common in 2024\u201325)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#%E2%9C%85_Whats_possible\" >\u2705 What\u2019s possible:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-how-to-convert-your-airtel-sim-to-esim-in-india\/#%F0%9F%94%91_Differences_from_iPhone\" >\ud83d\udd11 Differences from iPhone:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"0_Quick_prep\"><\/span>0) Quick prep<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check your phone supports eSIM:<\/strong> on the device, dial <code>*#06#<\/code> and look for an <strong>EID<\/strong> (or find EID in Settings \u203a About). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have reliable Wi-Fi\/data and your <strong>Airtel number handy<\/strong>. (If your email isn\u2019t registered with Airtel, update it via 121 or at a store.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Method_A_%E2%80%94_Airtel_Thanks_app_recommended\"><\/span>1) Method A \u2014 Airtel Thanks app (recommended)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Install\/open <strong>Airtel Thanks<\/strong> and log in with the number you\u2019re upgrading.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home \u203a <strong>Shortcuts<\/strong> \u203a <strong>Upgrade to eSIM<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose <strong>This device<\/strong> (or <strong>Another device<\/strong>) and <strong>enter your 32-digit EID<\/strong> when asked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verify the <strong>OTP<\/strong>, then complete the short <strong>confirmation call<\/strong> from Airtel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After Airtel processes it (about ~2 hours), <strong>download\/configure<\/strong> the eSIM from your phone\u2019s settings (steps below). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Method_B_%E2%80%94_SMS_QR-code_email_route\"><\/span>2) Method B \u2014 SMS (QR-code email route)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From your Airtel phone, SMS:<br><code>eSIM&lt;your registered email><\/code> to <strong>121<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When 121 replies, <strong>reply with \u201c1\u201d within 60 seconds<\/strong> to confirm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll get a <strong>confirmation call<\/strong> and then a <strong>QR code is emailed<\/strong> to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the target phone, go to eSIM settings and <strong>scan that QR<\/strong> to install; activation typically completes in ~2 hours. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/blog\/postpaid\/how-to-activate-esim-convert-airtel-sim-to-esim\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Configure_on_your_phone_after_your_request_is_approved\"><\/span>3) Configure on your phone (after your request is approved)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>iPhone:<\/strong> Settings \u203a <strong>Mobile\/Cellular Data<\/strong> \u203a <strong>Add eSIM<\/strong> (or tap <em>Finish Setting Up Mobile Service<\/em>) and follow prompts \/ scan QR. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Google Pixel \/ Motorola:<\/strong> Settings \u203a <strong>Network &amp; Internet<\/strong> \u203a <strong>+<\/strong> (next to Mobile network) \u203a <strong>Download a SIM<\/strong> and follow prompts (or scan QR). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Samsung:<\/strong> Settings \u203a <strong>Connections<\/strong> \u203a <strong>SIM Manager<\/strong> \u203a <strong>Add eSIM<\/strong> and proceed (or scan QR). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_notes_read_this\"><\/span>Important notes (read this)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SMS (including OTPs) is barred for 24 hours<\/strong> after the SIM change completes\u2014plan banking\/UPI logins accordingly. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t delete the eSIM profile after install, and <strong>restart<\/strong> the phone once the eSIM is active. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the SMS\/QR route, <strong>your physical SIM generally stays active<\/strong> until the eSIM profile is downloaded\/activated. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/blog\/postpaid\/how-to-activate-esim-convert-airtel-sim-to-esim\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_something_goes_wrong\"><\/span>If something goes wrong<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Airtel lists circle-specific fallback SMS codes (e.g., <strong>NESIM<\/strong> for prepaid or <strong>NOSIM<\/strong> for postpaid) and other tips on its site; see their eSIM help\/blog guidance. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/blog\/postpaid\/how-to-activate-esim-convert-airtel-sim-to-esim\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For issues while abroad: Airtel eSIM help line <strong>+91 99100 99100<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtel.in\/esim\">Airtel<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you tell me your phone model (iPhone\/Pixel\/Samsung\/etc.) and whether your number is prepaid or postpaid, I can tailor the exact screens and any circle-specific tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an <strong>iPhone 17 (single physical SIM + eSIM support)<\/strong>, here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1 physical nano-SIM<\/strong> slot (for a regular SIM card).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1 eSIM<\/strong> capability, which can store multiple eSIM profiles, but only <strong>one eSIM can be active at a time<\/strong> (some models support dual active eSIMs, but with your description \u2014 1 SIM slot + eSIM \u2014 it\u2019s typically one at a time).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 So in total, you can keep <strong>2 SIMs active simultaneously<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1 physical SIM<\/strong> + <strong>1 eSIM<\/strong> (both active at the same time).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can store <strong>multiple eSIM profiles<\/strong> (5\u20138 depending on region\/carrier support), but you must switch between them. Only <strong>one eSIM profile can be active<\/strong> alongside the physical SIM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd11 In short: <strong>Maximum 2 active SIMs at once<\/strong> (Dual SIM: 1 nano-SIM + 1 eSIM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you want me to also check if Apple has expanded iPhone 17 support for <strong>dual active eSIMs<\/strong> (no physical SIM at all), since in the U.S. some models are already eSIM-only?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, exactly \ud83d\udc4d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On an iPhone like the one you described (1 physical SIM + eSIM support):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can <strong>add multiple eSIM profiles<\/strong> to your phone (usually 5\u20138 depending on region and carrier).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>But at any given time, the phone will allow <strong>only 2 lines to be active simultaneously<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1 nano-SIM (physical)<\/strong> + <strong>1 eSIM<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OR (if Apple allows on your model) <strong>2 eSIMs active together<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The other eSIM profiles stay saved on your phone, and you can <strong>turn them on\/off or switch between them in Settings<\/strong> without needing to scan QR codes again.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So yes \u2014 you can keep many numbers loaded on the device, but only <strong>two active at once<\/strong>, and you can toggle the rest whenever you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On <strong>Android phones<\/strong>, the situation is a bit more flexible but it depends on the brand and model. Here\u2019s the general rule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%B1_Android_Dual_SIM_eSIM_most_common_in_2024%E2%80%9325\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcf1 Android Dual SIM + eSIM (most common in 2024\u201325)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many Android flagships (Samsung Galaxy S series, Pixel, etc.) have:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2 physical SIM slots<\/strong> (sometimes hybrid with microSD).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>eSIM support<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 In those models, you can usually keep <strong>2 SIMs active at the same time<\/strong> (dual standby). Some newer ones support <strong>3 active (2 eSIM + 1 physical)<\/strong> but it varies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%9C%85_Whats_possible\"><\/span>\u2705 What\u2019s possible:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Multiple eSIM profiles stored<\/strong> (5\u201310 depending on brand).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only <strong>one or two eSIMs can be active at once<\/strong> (brand dependent).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can <strong>switch between stored eSIMs in settings<\/strong> (same as iPhone).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some phones (like <strong>Pixel 8\/9<\/strong> and <strong>Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra<\/strong>) support <strong>Dual Active eSIMs<\/strong> \u2192 meaning you don\u2019t need a physical SIM at all and can run 2 eSIMs together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%94%91_Differences_from_iPhone\"><\/span>\ud83d\udd11 Differences from iPhone:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>iPhone<\/strong>: Only 2 active lines at once (1 physical + 1 eSIM, or 2 eSIMs in newer US-only models).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Android<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Entry\/mid phones \u2192 usually <strong>2 active SIMs total<\/strong> (either 2 physical, or 1 physical + 1 eSIM).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-end phones \u2192 some allow <strong>3 active lines<\/strong> (rare, e.g., dual eSIM + physical).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Much wider variation depending on manufacturer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a1 Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra<\/strong> \u2192 can run <strong>2 active eSIMs OR 1 physical + 1 eSIM<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Google Pixel 9<\/strong> \u2192 supports <strong>2 active eSIMs simultaneously<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mid-range Xiaomi\/OnePlus<\/strong> \u2192 usually only <strong>dual SIM active (physical + eSIM or 2 physical)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s the clean, up-to-date way to move your Airtel number to an eSIM (India). Pick either the Airtel Thanks app&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3843","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3843"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3843\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3844,"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3843\/revisions\/3844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3843"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3843"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gurukulgalaxy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3843"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}