Ditch the Physical SIM: A Detailed Guide to Activating Jio eSIM on iPhone, Samsung, Google, & Motorola
Jio, India’s leading telecom operator, has made a significant leap forward by embracing the convenience of eSIM, or Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM is a virtual chip embedded within your phone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card and the hassle of swapping it out. With eSIM, you can switch between different mobile plans or operators easily, making it a game-changer for frequent travelers or those who want flexible mobile options. If you’re looking to activate a Jio eSIM, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide tailored to your specific phone.
How to activate Jio eSIM on iPhone models
Jio eSIM functionality is currently available on the following iPhone models: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. To utilize this feature, ensure your device is running iOS 12.1 or later.
Here’s how to activate your Jio eSIM on your iPhone:
Find Your EID and IMEI: Navigate to Settings > General > About on your iPhone. You will find both EID (Electronic Identification Number) and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) listed. Take note of both these numbers.
Initiate the Activation Process: Send an SMS message to 199 from your iPhone with an active Jio SIM. The message should read: GETESIM followed by your EID and IMEI number, separated by spaces. For instance, the SMS would look like this: GETESIM 1234567890ABCDEF 123456789012345.
Receive Your eSIM Details: You will receive an SMS containing a 19-digit eSIM number and your eSIM profile configuration details. You might also receive a notification prompting you to configure the profile on your phone. If no notification appears, don’t worry just yet.
Request a SIM Change: Send an SMS to 199, this time with the message: SIMCHG followed by your 19-digit eSIM number.
Await Activation: After approximately two hours, you will receive an update on the eSIM processing status. To confirm, SMS ‘1’ to 183.
Verification Call: You should then receive an automated call requesting the 19-digit eSIM number.
Confirmation SMS: Once the automated call is complete, you’ll get an SMS confirming the successful activation of Jio services on your eSIM.
Physical SIM Deactivation: Your existing physical SIM will be automatically deactivated. Now, it’s time to configure your eSIM profile.
Configure Your eSIM: If you received a notification to configure the profile, tap on it and select "Install data plan".
Install Data Plan: On the next screen, tap on "Continue".
Alternative Configuration: If you didn’t receive a notification, navigate to Settings and you should see the option "Jio Data Plan Ready to be Installed". Tap on it.
- Final Confirmation: On the next screen, tap "Continue".
Extra Tip: If you don’t see the "Jio Data Plan Ready to be Installed" option, navigate to Mobile Data and tap on "Add Data Plan". You should see a Jio option there – tap on it. A pop-up will display the "Add Data Plan" option; click it and then "Continue". Your Jio eSIM should now be activated.
How to activate Jio eSIM on Samsung phones
Samsung devices supporting Jio eSIM functionality include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra.
Here’s how to activate your Jio eSIM on your Samsung phone:
Find Your EID and IMEI: Go to Settings > About phone. You’ll find your IMEI number here. Tap "Status information" to view your EID.
Start Activation: Send an SMS to 199 from your Samsung phone with an active Jio SIM. The message should be: GETESIM followed by your EID and IMEI number, separated by spaces.
Receive eSIM Details and Activation Code: Along with the 19-digit eSIM number and eSIM profile configuration details, you’ll receive a 32-digit activation code via SMS. Keep this code handy.
Follow Steps 3 to 7 as mentioned in the iPhone guide above.
Configure Your eSIM: Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.
Add Mobile Plan: Tap on "Add mobile plan" under eSIMs and then tap "Scan carrier QR code".
Enter Activation Code: On the next screen, choose "Enter code instead". Input the following code: LPA:1$smdprd.jio.com$Activationcode, replacing the "Activationcode" with the 32-digit code you received via SMS, after the symbol ‘$’.
- Connect and Activate: Tap on "Connect". Let the process complete, and your Jio eSIM should be activated.
How to activate Jio eSIM on Google phones
Currently, only Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, and Pixel 4a support Jio eSIM functionality in India.
Here’s how to activate your Jio eSIM on your Google phone:
Find Your EID and IMEI: Go to Settings > About phone. You’ll find your IMEI number. Tap on "SIM status" to get your EID.
Follow Steps 2 to 4 as mentioned in the iPhone guide above.
Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network and tap on "Download a SIM instead".
Continue Installation: On the next screen, tap "Next". On the "Scan QR code from network" screen, tap "Need help". Select "Enter it manually" in the next screen.
Enter the Activation Code: Enter the activation code in this format: LPA:1$smdprd.jio.com$Activationcode. Replace "Activationcode" with the 32-digit code you received via SMS, after the symbol ‘$’. Tap "Continue".
Activate and Complete: On the following screen, tap "Activate". Wait for the process to finish.
- Final Step: Tap "Done", and your Jio eSIM should be successfully activated.
How to activate Jio eSIM on Motorola phones
Currently, only the Motorola Razr (2019) and Motorola Razr 5G are compatible with Jio eSIM.
Here’s how to activate your Jio eSIM on your Motorola phone:
Find Your EID and IMEI: Navigate to Settings > About phone. You will find your IMEI number here. Tap "SIM status" to find your EID.
Follow steps 2 to 3 explained in the iPhone guide above.
For Motorola Razr 5G Users: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network. Tap "Next".
For Motorola Razr (2019) Users: After selecting "Mobile network", tap on "Advanced" > "Select Carrier" > "Add Carrier" and tap "Next".
Enter Activation Code Manually: On the "Scan QR code from network" screen, tap "Need help". In the next screen, select "Enter it manually".
Input the Activation Code: Enter the activation code in this manner: LPA:1$smdprd.jio.com$Activationcode. Remember to replace "Activationcode" with the 32-digit code you received in the SMS, after the symbol ‘$’. Tap "Continue".
Activate and Finish: On the next screen, tap "Activate". Wait for the process to complete.
- Final Confirmation: Tap "Done", and your Jio eSIM will be activated.
The Benefits of eSIM
eSIM offers numerous advantages over traditional SIM cards, making it a more convenient and future-proof choice:
Space Saving: Eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot, allowing for more internal space in your device.
Dual SIM Convenience: Allows for two phone numbers or plans on a single device, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.
Easy Switching: Switch between different mobile plans or operators remotely without any physical card manipulation.
Travel Friendliness: No need to buy a SIM card in a new country, simply download a local eSIM plan for seamless connectivity.
- Future of Mobile Technology: eSIM technology is rapidly gaining traction, paving the way for a more streamlined and versatile mobile experience.
The Future of eSIM with Jio:
Jio’s adoption of eSIM technology is a clear sign of their commitment to innovation and user experience. As the technology evolves, we can expect even more exciting eSIM applications from Jio, including potential features like:
Seamless eSIM Activation: Automated activation processes, making eSIM setup even faster and smoother.
Improved eSIM Management: User-friendly tools for managing eSIM profiles, data plans, and other settings directly on your device.
- Personalized eSIM Experiences: Targeted offers and services tailored to individual user preferences and needs based on eSIM usage data.
In Conclusion:
Activating your Jio eSIM is a straightforward process, tailored to your specific phone. With its ease of use, space-saving capabilities, and exciting future potential, eSIM technology is poised to revolutionize how we interact with our mobile devices. Embrace the convenience of eSIM and take advantage of Jio’s cutting-edge offerings to unlock a more streamlined and empowered mobile experience.
