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Airtel/Jio eSIM Not Activating on iPhone 16 & Android – 2025 Working Method

Activating an eSIM should be a quick, seamless process—but for many Airtel and Jio users in 2025, the experience is anything but smooth. Whether you’re switching from a physical SIM, upgrading to an iPhone 16, or setting up eSIM on a new Android flagship, activation failures remain one of the most common network issues today.

This guide brings together the latest working solutions for 2025, based on common user reports, carrier policies, and device updates. It is written in simple, practical language to help you troubleshoot your Airtel or Jio eSIM activation without the frustration of long support calls.

Why Airtel/Jio eSIM Fails to Activate in 2025

Several factors cause an eSIM to refuse activation, especially on the newest devices.

1. Server Delays From Airtel/Jio

Both providers sometimes experience temporary provisioning delays—especially during peak hours or nationwide device launches.

2. Incorrect QR Code or Profile

If the QR code has expired, was used before, or belongs to a different device, activation will fail immediately.

3. Software Bugs on iPhone 16 & Android 2024–2025 Models

Early firmware versions may struggle to verify eSIM profiles, especially after a transfer from an older phone.

4. Active Physical SIM on the Same Number

Airtel and Jio deactivate the physical SIM only after successful eSIM provisioning. This conflict can cause temporary activation failures.

5. Wrong APN or Disabled Mobile Data

If mobile data is switched off or APN auto-detection fails, the profile may stay stuck on “Activating…” or “No Service.”

2025 Working Method to Fix Airtel/Jio eSIM Not Activating

Below are the latest, most reliable steps that users have confirmed work across iPhone 16, iOS 18, and modern Android devices including Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Vivo, and Oppo.

1. Remove the Pending/Failed eSIM Profile

iPhone 16:

• Go to Settings → Mobile Service

• Select the failed eSIM

• Tap Delete eSIM

• Restart your device

Android:

• Open Settings → Network & SIM

• Choose the eSIM

• Tap Delete / Erase Profile

• Restart your device

This wipes the corrupted profile so the new one installs cleanly.

2. Request a Fresh QR Code (2025 Version)

Airtel and Jio generate time-bound QR codes. If it’s older than 10–30 minutes, it may already be invalid.

Airtel SMS:

Send:

ESIM <your email> to 121

Jio:

Use MyJio App → eSIM → Setup

Or visit a Jio Store if migrating from an old device.

Always scan the new QR code immediately.

3. Ensure the Old SIM/Device Is Properly Deregistered

Airtel:

The physical SIM becomes inactive only after successful provisioning. If it remains active, call 121 and request manual deactivation before retrying.

Jio:

Jio sometimes keeps the old eSIM profile active. In MyJio, check Devices → Active Profiles and remove the old one if needed.

4. Turn On Mobile Data (Mandatory for eSIM Activation)

Even if you are on Wi-Fi, Airtel and Jio require mobile data during verification.

Make sure:

• Mobile Data is ON

• VoLTE is ON

• Airplane Mode is OFF

• Restart before scanning the QR code

5. Update to the Latest iOS/Android Patch

iPhone 16 and 2024–2025 Android models have received firmware fixes for eSIM issues.

iPhone 16:

Settings → General → Software Update

Android:

Settings → About Device → Software Update

6. Activate Using Mobile Data Only

Many users confirm that activation completes faster when Wi-Fi is OFF and only mobile data is used.

Steps:

• Turn OFF Wi-Fi

• Turn ON mobile data

• Restart

• Scan QR code again

7. Reset Network Settings

iPhone 16:

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Android:

Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.

After resetting, restart and attempt activation again.

Advanced Methods for Persistent Errors

A. Carrier Refresh via Customer Support

Ask Airtel or Jio support to “refresh provisioning” or “resync eSIM profile.” This resolves backend mismatches instantly.

B. Activate Using Another Device (Android)

Some Android users solve it by installing the eSIM on a second phone and transferring it back. This forces a fresh profile generation.

C. Manual Activation at Airtel/Jio Store

If the number has a lock, KYC mismatch, or corrupted backend profile, a store technician must manually provision the eSIM.

Signs Your eSIM Has Successfully Activated

You should see:

• Signal bars appear

• Carrier name (Airtel/Jio) visible

• Mobile data working

• VoLTE enabled

If you see “No Service,” wait 2–10 minutes for the profile to sync.

How to Prevent Future eSIM Issues

• Save your PUK and eSIM details

• Avoid frequent device switching

• Keep software updated

• Ensure email/KYC details with the carrier are correct


Related Content 

• How to Convert Physical SIM to eSIM on iPhone 16

• Jio eSIM Not Working After Software Update

• Airtel Network Problems Today

• How to Transfer eSIM From Old iPhone to New iPhone

• Best Jio & Airtel Prepaid Plans for 2025

• Android eSIM vs iPhone eSIM – What’s Different?

Final Thoughts

Airtel and Jio eSIM activation issues can be frustrating, but with the 2025 working methods in this guide, most users can resolve the problem without waiting for support. Whether it’s deleting the old profile, refreshing provisioning, or performing a network reset, these steps cover nearly all activation failures.

Parting Shot

If this guide helped you, share it with someone struggling with eSIM issues. You can also bookmark it for future reference. For personalized troubleshooting for your phone model, feel free to ask in the comments.



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