What Is EID Number? Aadhaar Enrollment ID and eSIM EID Explained
Table of Contents
Phone set-up screen as well as Aadhaar acknowledgment slip can use EID term despite referring to entirely different identifiers.
If you wonder what is EID number, it depends on the context – the eSIM EID is a unique identifier of the hardware eUICC in eSIM-enabled device while Aadhaar EID is an identification of an enrolment record.
Aadhaar EID is separate from the 12-digit Aadhaar number in the same way as the eSIM EID differs from IMEI and ICCID.
This article provides information about two definitions of EID, its format, locations where you can see it, differences from other identifiers, and application of EID in Aadhaar and eSIM.
EID as an eSIM Identifier: The 32-Digit Identifier
In terms of the eSIM technologies, EID is the identifier of 32 digits that relates to the hardware of eUICC. GSMA technical documentation names it eUICC Identifier; Apple and Google consumer support websites use Embedded Identity Document as the expanded name for this identifier.
The identifier is used to distinguish one eUICC from another when an operator configures or administers an eSIM profile because EID does not belong to the mobile plan but to eUICC and, therefore, switching the eSIM profile would not normally lead to a change of the EID.
Note: The flow of activation depends on the operator and the device, and in some cases the EID is obtained automatically, in other cases, it might be asked for.
EID in Aadhaar: The Enrollment ID Issued at Registration
To those who wonder what is EID in aadhaar enrollment, EID refers to Enrolment ID. According to UIDAI, the complete definition of EID is that EID is a 28-digit reference which comprises the 14-digit enrollment number and the 14-digit date-and-time stamp available in the acknowledgement slip.
Concerning what is EID number in aadhaar card, the main point to consider is that EID is an enrollment ID and not the 12-digit Aadhaar ID created after enrollment. UIDAI uses the enrollment data for purposes like verifying Aadhaar enrollment status and accessing e-Aadhaar when relevant. A lost EID can be obtained using UIDAI's Retrieve UID/EID facility.
EID vs IMEI vs ICCID: Key Differences at a Glance
|
Identifier |
Meaning |
Length |
Identifies |
Profile Change |
|
eSIM EID |
eUICC Identifier / Embedded Identity Document |
32 digits |
eUICC hardware |
Normally unchanged |
|
Aadhaar EID |
Enrolment ID |
28 digits in full |
Aadhaar enrolment record |
Not profile-related |
|
IMEI |
International Mobile Equipment Identity |
15 digits |
Mobile equipment |
Normally unchanged |
|
ICCID |
Integrated Circuit Card Identifier |
Varies |
SIM/eSIM card or profile identifier |
New SIM/profile may differ |
IMEI and EID therefore serve different purposes. A handset may have an IMEI without eSIM capability, while an eSIM-capable device has an EID associated with its eUICC.
How to Find Your EID Number: iPhone, Android and Airtel
The location of an eSIM EID depends on the device and operating system. Menu names may vary, particularly across Android manufacturers.
On iPhone
Apple lists the EID under Settings > General > About. On supported models, it appears with other device identifiers such as IMEI and ICCID.
On Android
On Google Pixel devices, the published path is Settings > About phone > SIM status > EID. Other Android manufacturers may place EID elsewhere in the About phone or status-information menus.
For Airtel eSIM Users
Airtel’s published eSIM upgrade flow asks for the 32-digit EID after the relevant device is selected. The EID is obtained from the compatible handset; the researched Airtel material does not establish that it is displayed through a My Account > eSIM menu.
Note: Operator and device instructions may change. Current official support guidance is relevant when an eSIM conversion is being initiated.
Can You Use eSIM Without an EID Number?
An eSIM-capable device has an EID associated with its eUICC. Google Pixel documentation states that a phone needs an EID to use an eSIM. Manual entry, however, is not required in every activation flow because some provisioning methods exchange device information automatically. If an EID is not visible where expected, the device manufacturer’s compatibility information may clarify whether the model supports eSIM.
Conclusion
The practical takeaway is to identify which EID a particular process is requesting. A person researching what is EID number for eSIM setup is looking for the 32-digit identifier tied to eUICC hardware. The phrase what is EID in aadhaar enrollment refers instead to UIDAI’s enrolment reference, while what is EID number in aadhaar card often reflects confusion between that reference and the final 12-digit Aadhaar number. Once that distinction is clear, IMEI and ICCID are also easier to separate from EID. Device settings, the Aadhaar acknowledgement slip and the relevant official support channel provide the clearest reference for confirming the identifier required in a particular situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my EID number?
For an eSIM, the EID is generally available in device information. Apple lists it under Settings > General > About, while Google Pixel lists it under About phone > SIM status. For Aadhaar, EID appears on the enrolment acknowledgement slip and may also be retrieved through UIDAI’s official Retrieve UID/EID service.
Where can I find my EID number?
An eSIM EID may appear in the phone’s About or SIM-status information and, on some devices, on the original packaging. The Aadhaar EID is associated with the acknowledgement slip issued after enrolment. The precise location of an eSIM EID varies by device maker and operating-system version.
Are IMEI and EID the same?
No. IMEI identifies mobile equipment, while the eSIM EID identifies the eUICC associated with eSIM functionality. Apple documents IMEI as a 15-digit identifier and EID as a 32-digit identifier. A handset may therefore have an IMEI even when that model does not support eSIM.
How do I find my 32-digit Airtel EID number?
For an Airtel eSIM request, the 32-digit EID is obtained from the compatible device. On iPhone, it appears under Settings > General > About. On supported Android phones, it is generally found in About phone or SIM-status information. Airtel’s published upgrade flow asks for the EID during the eSIM process.
Can I use eSIM without an EID number?
An eSIM-capable device has an EID associated with its eUICC. The user may not always need to enter it manually because activation methods differ by operator and device. If no EID appears where expected, the handset’s eSIM compatibility and manufacturer documentation may need to be checked.
What is the difference between EID in eSIM and EID in Aadhaar?
An eSIM EID is a 32-digit identifier associated with eUICC hardware. Aadhaar EID is an enrolment reference formed from a 14-digit enrolment number and its 14-digit date-and-time stamp. They belong to separate systems and are used for different purposes.
Disclaimer : The information in this blog is for general purposes only and may change without notice. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should seek professional guidance and make decisions at their own discretion. IIFL Finance is not liable for any reliance on this content. Read more
