Airtel eSIM Review: Pros, Cons, and Real-World Performance

So is Airtel’s eSIM offering actually any good? As a growing number of people switch to eSIM to gain more flexibility and convenience, we wanted to see if Airtel really is the best in the game.

In this article, I want to take a candid look at the activation process, the network performance, compatibility, and how user-friendly Airtel’s eSIM is.

Our aim is for you to be able to determine if Airtel eSIM is the best option for your digital lifestyle.

What Is Airtel eSIM?

Bharti Airtel (known simply as Airtel) is a major telecommunications provider in India and a dominant player in world telecommunications.

Service-wise, Airtel stays ahead by offering one of the best networks, continuing to innovate digitally, and rolling out 5G across its operations in 18 countries.

Airtel has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to mobile-first innovations and, as more users look for digital ease, the company moved quickly to adapt to eSIM technology.

An eSIM (or embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that comes already built into your phone. Instead of using a physical SIM card, you can simply activate a mobile plan using your eSIM. Airtel’s eSIM service works with most devices including the iPhone (XS and newer), Samsung Galaxy devices (S20 and newer), and Google Pixel.

Airtel SIM Plans

Airtel provides eSIM plans for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers, at no additional cost for eSIM activation.

Below is a simple and concise table that details all of the eSIM-compatible prepaid and postpaid packages with Airtel at the moment, according to official sources:

If you want your Airtel SIM card to work with international roaming, you need to subscribe to Airtel's international roaming service plan. 

According to the official recommendation, the best international roaming plan for Airtel prepaid users is:

For Airtel postpaid users, the best international roaming plan is:

Airtel eSIM Plan Overview:

Data Types: Packages available only with data and SMS or that include voice calls and SMS (international roaming plans are not available with data-only).

Data Allowance: Prepaid plans range from 1-1.5GB per day. Roaming plans range from 1-10GB. Postpaid plans have only large data plans, offering between 50-320GB a month. For the official roaming plans, it’s all unlimited data with little in the way of flexibility.

By comparison, other eSIM brands like iRoamly provide different national and regional packages for different destinations, without being tied to a SIM card and offering more variety in choices.

Plan Flexibility and Duration: Prepaid SIM card plans last 24–84 days, and all postpaid plans are monthly. There are no short-term plans.

How to Purchase & Activate Airtel eSIM

1. Eligibility & Preparation

• Must already have an Airtel number (prepaid/postpaid).

• Have a compatible device and active Airtel account.

• Roaming users must confirm if their plan includes their destination.

2. Ordering an eSIM

• Send SMS: eSIM <registered email> to 121.

• Reply with “1” within 60 seconds to confirm.

• You’ll get a confirmation SMS and an email containing the eSIM QR code.

3. Activation Steps

On iPhone / Android:

• Go to Settings > Cellular Data/Mobile Data > Add eSIM.

• Scan the QR code sent via email.

• Follow the on‑screen instructions and, if necessary, select your eSIM as your primary/default.

• Remove the physical SIM card (if necessary), restart for confirmation.

• Time frame: Activation typically completes within ~2 hours.

• If there’s a delay: Text “NOSIM” to 121 to keep your current SIM from being disconnected.

You can also test device compatibility by dialing *#06# on your phone. It should bring up a number called the EID.

The eSIM can be procured at any Airtel service center and the customer service professionals at the store will help you set it up.

Our Reviews

After testing Airtel’s eSIM service across multiple regions and devices, here’s our verdict:

What We Loved

• Airtel Thanks App’s simple UI: it was easy to navigate to manage plans, usage, and swap eSIM profiles.

• Blocking Spam Calls:Airtel’s new AI technology to block robocalls actually reduces them, even when abroad.

• Greater security: With their embedded SIMs, these devices have non-removable, password-protected SIMs, making them difficult to take advantage of should their devices be stolen.

• Smoother Setup: The QR-code-based onboarding was under-equipped under 10 minutes on both iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.

• Having two profiles on one device: You can save multiple eSIM plans (both national and international) and switch between them quickly.

• Better for travelers: Combine with unlimited international roaming plans covering 189 countries in one subscription.

What Could Be Better

• Re-provisioning is a Pain: If for some reason your phone is lost or reset, getting the eSIM set up again is quite a hassle.

• Customer Service Wait Times: It can take a long time for customer service to respond to any eSIM-specific issues. Airtel could improve this.

• Limited Number of Devices:The eSIM can only be used on one device. You can’t use it across multiple devices (e.g., phone + tablet).

• App-based only: eSIM profiles must be managed in the Airtel Thanks app, there’s no physical backup.

• Roaming check essential: You must check international roaming compatibility and enable it before travel.

• Limited purchase options: To buy an Airtel eSIM, you first need to purchase a physical SIM card and register it, then upgrade the physical SIM to an eSIM. Additionally, eSIMs cannot be purchased online; you must visit a physical store in person for verification before making the purchase.

Overall Rating:

If you’re a frequent traveler, dual-SIM user, or just want to ditch the plastic, Airtel’s eSIM service is a great step forward—especially with its enhanced roaming and security features. 

That said, for those needing short-term global data without a local plan commitment, services like iRoamly can be a handy alternative, especially when you want quick access to data in over 100 countries.

FAQs

1. How long does activation take?

Typically within two hours after scanning the QR code.

2. Can I switch back to my physical SIM later?

Yes—manage via settings. But do not factory reset or delete the profile unless it’s transferred.

3. Cost difference between eSIM & physical SIM?

Plans and rates remain the same; only delivery and activation differ.

Conclusion

Airtel’s eSIM portal for 2025 brings speed, security, and global flexibility—especially valuable for frequent travelers.

Its QR-based activation and remote management simplify connectivity, while AI-based spam protection and unlimited roaming across 189 countries make it competitive. 

Downsides like non-transferability in case of device loss and dependence on app-based provisioning exist, but for tech-savvy users, Airtel’s eSIM is a powerful modern option.