Modern mobile technologies are rapidly evolving to offer users more convenient solutions for communication and Internet access. One such solution is eSIM (embedded SIM), which allows you to activate a SIM card without using a physical plastic medium. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often wonder whether their equipment is compatible with this standard, since support for the feature depends not only on the MIUI or HyperOS shell, but also on the hardware.
The presence of the built-in eSIM chip opens up new possibilities for the user, such as instant switching between carriers, saving space inside the device to increase the battery or other components, as well as increased reliability due to the absence of a mechanical tray subject to oxidation. However, not all smartphones of the Chinese giant are equipped with the necessary module, and in different regions of sale the same models may have different configurations.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which models of the brand’s smartphones have built-in support for virtual SIM cards, how to independently check the presence of the module in the system settings and what to do if the option is not displayed, and will also consider the nuances of regional versions of firmware and possible restrictions imposed by carriers.
eSIM technology and its advantages in Xiaomi smartphones
eSIM is a reprogrammable chip that is embedded in the smartphone motherboard at the manufacturing stage. Unlike traditional SIM cards, it can be written remotely, allowing you to change your tariff plans or carriers without visiting the cabin and without having to search for a tool to extract the tray. This is especially true for the Xiaomi ecosystem, as many of the company’s flagship models strive for maximum tightness and compactness of the internal layout.
Using a virtual profile allows you to implement the Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDSDS) function in a more efficient format. The user can simultaneously use one physical nano-sim and one or more eSIM profiles, switching between them programmatically, this eliminates the need to carry multiple phones or constantly rearrange plastic cards, which is especially convenient for those who often travel or use the separation of numbers for work and personal purposes.
⚠️ Note: Having a SIM tray in a smartphone does not guarantee eSIM support. In some models, the tray is designed solely for installing one or two physical cards, and the eSIM module may not be hardware-enabled.
It is important to understand that support for the technology depends on the specific region for which the device is released. Global versions of Xiaomi smartphones are more often equipped with the necessary module, while the Chinese versions (CN), even with global firmware, may not have the appropriate equipment on board, due to the differences in the requirements of the telecommunications markets of different countries.
Full list of Xiaomi smartphones with eSIM support
The list of devices that support virtual SIM cards is constantly expanding, mainly in the flagship lines and models of the upper middle segment, and the following is a list of the most popular series and models in which the company's engineers implemented support for the standard.
It is worth noting that in some cases support can be added software through updates, but most often it is a hardware feature. Therefore, when buying a used device or model of previous years of release, you should be especially careful. Leaders in the implementation of new products are the Xiaomi 13 series, Xiaomi 14 and their Pro/Ultra modifications.
Separately, it is worth mentioning foldable devices of the brand, such as Xiaomi MIX Fold, where saving internal space is critical, and support is claimed for a number of models of the Xiaomi 12T series and some versions of the POCO F5, but the situation is most confusing due to the large number of revisions.
| Series of devices | Supported models | Region of version | Number of profiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Series | 14, 14 Pro, 14 Ultra | Global / EU | 1 eSIM + 1 Nano-SIM |
| Xiaomi 13 Series | 13, 13 Pro, 13 Lite | Global / EU | 1 eSIM + 1 Nano-SIM |
| Xiaomi 12T Series | 12T, 12T Pro | Global | 1 eSIM + 1 Nano-SIM |
| POCO F5 | POCO F5 | Global | 1 eSIM + 1 Nano-SIM |
| Xiaomi MIX Fold | 2, 3 | Global / CN | 1 eSIM + 1 Nano-SIM |
Crucially, Lite-indicated models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite) often have eSIM support, while their predecessors in the same series may not have it.
How to check the presence of the eSIM module in the smartphone settings
If you already own a Xiaomi smartphone and want to know if your device has the right chip, you don’t have to disassemble the phone or look for technical documentation. The easiest and most reliable way is to check for the appropriate options in the operating system settings menu. The interface of MIUI and HyperOS is fairly unified, so the search is performed using a similar algorithm.
To start, you need to go to the settings section for wireless connections. The path may vary slightly depending on the Android version and shell, but the logic remains the same. If the virtual SIM card control point is missing, chances are that the hardware is not provided by the manufacturer for this particular revision of the device.
☑️ Checking for eSIM support
Follow the instructions below to perform the check:
- 📱 Open the Settings menu on the home screen or in the notification curtain.
- 📡 Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or simply the Mobile Network).
- ➕ Find a button or menu item Add a tariff plan or Add eSIM.
- 📷 If the scanner interface opens QR-codes or activation data input, which means the module is present and ready to go.
In some cases, even with a hardware module, the option can be hidden software if the phone has a SIM card of a particular operator or a specific country in the settings of the region. Try changing the region to "India", "Singapore" or "Germany" and restart the device to see if the cherished menu item appears.
Features of regional versions and firmware
One of the main difficulties in buying Xiaomi smartphones is the existence of many regional versions. Devices designed for the domestic market of China (CN Version), often do not support eSIM, even if their global counterparts (Global Version) have this feature.
When you flash a Chinese smartphone to a global version of the software (Global ROM), software support may appear, but the hardware base will remain the same. At best, you will not see the settings menu, at worst, there may be errors in the operation of the radio module. So when buying a device in the secondary market or in imported stores, always check the origin of the gadget.
⚠️ Note: Buying a smartphone with Chinese firmware (CN ROM) In the hope of globalizing and getting eSIM, it's a lottery, and in 90 percent of the cases, there's no flagship in Chinese versions of the eSIM hardware.
European versions (EU) are almost always equipped with the eSIM module in the flagship lines. versions for Russia and CIS (EAC) also often have this feature, but here it is worth paying attention: in some batches of smartphones shipped at certain periods, the module may not be installed due to logistical or certification features.
Can I software enable eSIM on an unsupported device?
Instructions for activation and configuration of eSIM
The process of activating a virtual SIM card on Xiaomi devices is as simple as possible and takes only a few minutes. QR-You can do this in the phone room, through the operator's personal application, or in the Internet.
Make sure your smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, as a stable Internet connection is required to load the profile, and it is also recommended to upgrade to the latest available version to eliminate software errors in the communication module.
Step-by-step algorithm of actions:
- 📲 Open the Settings -> SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- ➕ Click Add a tariff plan (or + Add eSIM).
- 📸 Put the camera on QR-code provided by the operator or enter the activation code manually.
- ⚙️ Follow the on-screen instructions, assign a name to your profile (such as “Work” or “Travel”), and select your preferences for calls and the internet.
💡
Save it. PUK-eSIM activation code and code in a secure location (e.g. password manager) in case of a phone reset or loss QR-This data may be needed to restore access, although re-activation often requires contact with the operator.
Once a SIM profile is successfully uploaded, you can manage it in the same way you would a physical SIM: prioritize mobile internet, set the minute cost for different profiles, and set up Do Not Disturb modes.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the technology’s fine-tuning, users may face a number of difficulties when using eSIM on Xiaomi smartphones. QR-A message that says "eSIM is not supported" even if the model is officially declared compatible, may be caused by a lock on the part of the operator or malfunctioning of the software.
Another common situation is the inability to work two SIM cards simultaneously in 5G mode. When using one physical SIM and one eSIM, the second slot often only works in 4G/LTE or even 3G/2G mode, while the main slot holds 5G. This is a technical limitation of most modern modems, not a defect of the smartphone.
- 🔄 Network Reset: If the profile is not activated, try going to Settings -> Connection and sharing -> Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth, which will clear the cache of network settings.
- 📶 Change of preferred network type: Temporarily switch network mode from 5G on 4G/LTE When you activate the profile, then return it back.
- 🏢 Contacting the operator: Make sure your carrier supports eSIM technology and that your plan allows the use of a virtual card.Some old rates require replacement.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your network settings to factory settings, all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairing passwords will be deleted. Make sure you remember passwords from important networks before performing this operation.
💡
Most of the problems with activation of eSIM on Xiaomi are solved by updating the firmware to the current version or changing the region of the device in the settings.
Comparison of eSIM and physical SIM card: which one to choose?
The choice between a traditional plastic card and a virtual profile often depends on the user’s lifestyle. A physical SIM card gives a sense of control: it can be quickly moved to another phone if the smartphone is dead or broke, and this is especially true in travel or emergency situations where there is no Internet at hand to download the eSIM profile.
On the other hand, eSIM offers an unprecedented level of convenience for those who value minimalism.The lack of a tray increases the moisture protection of the case, which for Xiaomi flagships with an IP68 rating is an important factor in durability.In addition, the ability to store up to 5-8 profiles at a time (although only one or two can be active) allows you to have separate numbers for different countries or purposes without wearing an organizer with cards.
In the context of security, eSIM also benefits: stealing or copying information from a soldered chip is much harder for an attacker than extracting a plastic card from a phone that is turned off. However, if you change devices often, the physical card is still a more versatile solution.