Vi SIM activation: How to activate Vi SIM via SMS, phone call, and more

Got a new Vi SIM? Check here the step-by-step guide to activate it

• By Ramneek Singh -
Published On: June 30, 2023

Got a new Vi SIM, learn how to activate it using the step-by-step guide below. Activating the new SIM, whether it is Vodafone Idea, Airtel or Jio, is essential for making calls, sending messages, and connecting to the internet. Vi offers several easy methods to activate SIMs from the comfort of their homes. These methods include activating Vi SIM by giving a phone call, sending an SMS, or even visiting the official website.

How to activate a new Vi SIM

Read on to find out how you can activate a new Vi SIM.

by SMS

Vi prepaid and postpaid connections both can be activated by sending an SMS. Here's how.

• First, open the 'Messages' app on your mobile phone
• Then create a new SMS and type in SIMEX <19 or 20 digit SIM card number> and send it to 55199. The SIM card number can be found on the back of your SIM card package
  
• Shortly, you'll receive an SMS from 55199 with last 6 digits of SIM card number missing
• Send the missing 6 digits back to 55199 within the next two hours
• Once done, the SIM will be activated in about 20 minutes
• Depending on the plan you've opted for, you can start using Vi's services

via phone call

A Vi SIM can be activated by giving a phone call to a specific number and providing details as instructed.

• Open the Phone app on your mobile phone and dial 59059
  
• Once the call connects, follow the instructions in order to provide your identification details
• They may ask you for the last couple of digits of your Aadhar card for verification purposes
• Once verified, wait for the next 24 hours to get your Vi SIM activated

Visiting Vi store

A Vi store is the go-to place for any queries, issues, or requests. Simply walk into any nearby Vi store and get your SIM activated with the help of executives over there. Here's the procedure on how you can go about it.

• If you're wondering where to find a Vi store in your area, head over to Vi's store locator page and search for a nearby store using a pin code.
• Next, go to the store during its working hours with your Aadhaar card
• Ask the store executives to activate your Vi SIM
• They'll follow their own procedures while verifying your Aadhaar details and soon after you'll have your SIM activated
• You may be asked to recharge with a minimum plan of 28 days validity

How to activate VI eSIM

iPhones, several high-end Android phones, and wearables come with the functionality of eSIMs in which the user doesn't require a physical SIM to use an operator's services such as voice calling and internet surfing. However, this facility is available only on Vi postpaid mobile numbers. If you are looking to use Vi eSIM on your device, here is how to activate Vi eSIM:

on Android

• Firstly, open the SMS app on your phone
• Now send an SMS to 199 with eSIM<space>registered email ID
• After a couple of minutes, you'll receive an SMS confirmation to which you have to reply with 'ESIMY' to confirm your eSIM request
• After that, you'll receive another SMS from 199 to give your final consent over a call
• Once the call has been made, you will receive a new SMS to convey that the QR code to enable eSIM has been sent over to your registered email ID
• Next, go to the 'Network & Internet' settings on your Android phone and under 'Mobile network' option select 'Download a SIM instead' or a similar option
• Now scan the QR code received on your email and follow the instructions to successfully activate your Vi eSIM

on iPhone

• Firstly, open the Messages app on your iPhone
• Now send an SMS to 199 with eSIM<space>registered email ID
• After a couple of minutes, you'll receive an SMS confirmation to which you have to reply with 'ESIMY' to confirm your eSIM request
• After that, you'll receive another SMS from 199 to give your final consent over a call
• Once the call has been made, you will receive an SMS to convey that the QR code to enable eSIM has been sent over to your registered email ID
• Next, go to 'Settings' app and select 'Mobile Data' option
• From here tap on 'Add Data Plan'
• Now scan the QR Code received on your email and follow the prompts accordingly to convert your normal Vi SIM to an eSIM

How to activate a previously deactivated Vi SIM?

A SIM gets deactivated when it remains unused for a long duration, say 8 to 12 months. In that case, if you want to re-enable the SIM you can call Vi's customer care number 199 and ask them to guide you for the same. You can also go to a nearby Vi store along with valid ID proofs to enable it.

FAQs

How long does it take to activate a Vi SIM?

It can take anywhere between 20 minutes to 3 hours to activate a new Vi SIM, provided there's no discrepancy in your application.

How much time it will take to activate Vi SIM after porting?

It generally takes 2 to 4 hours for a Vi SIM to get activated after porting.

What are the charges to activate a new Vi connection?

The SIM activation process is absolutely free of cost be it a prepaid or postpaid connection. You're only charged for the recharge plans in order to utilise telecom services such as voice calling, sending & receiving SMSes and using mobile data for various internet-based applications.

How can I know my SIM is active?

Once your SIM is activated, you may receive an SMS to notify you about the same. Another way to know your SIM's activation state is by calling or sending SMSes to your knowns.

How to buy a new connection Vi SIM?

Both prepaid and postpaid Vi connections can be purchased and activated through Vi's official website itself. Here's how.

• Firstly, go to Vi's postpaid or prepaid connection page on its website.
• Next, choose a plan you would like to opt for as the base starting plan for your new SIM
• Fill up the form on the next screen by filling in details such as delivery pin code, existing mobile number, and address
• Once done, tap the 'get OTP to complete order' button and enter the OTP received
• After that, you'll be informed when the SIM card will be delivered to your doorstep
• When the SIM is received, either follow the above-mentioned steps to activate it or ask the delivery agent to guide you on the same