Virtual SIM-The eSIM is rapidly gaining popularity, offering users the convenience of switching between operators without physically replacing the chip. Xiaomi, as one of the leaders of the smartphone market, is actively implementing this technology in its devices – but not all models support eSIM. In this article, we’ll break down which Xiaomi phones work with eSIM, how to check your model’s compatibility, and what pitfalls you can expect when setting up.
Xiaomi’s peculiarity is that eSIM support is not only hardware-based, but also regional-based. For example, global ROMs often lack this feature, while Chinese ROMs or carrier-specific versions may support it, and we analyzed official data, user reviews and technical specifications to create a current list for 2026, taking into account the specifics of the Russian and CIS markets.
Official list of Xiaomi phones with eSIM support
To date, Xiaomi has confirmed eSIM support only for a limited number of flagship and premium models. It is important to understand that even within a single line (for example, Xiaomi 13), support may differ depending on the modification.
- 📱 Xiaomi 13 Pro (all versions, including the X-ray) 2201122G global-market)
- 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra (Chinese version only) 23117PN4BC s MIUI 14+)
- 📱 Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro (Global and Chinese versions, starting with the MIUI 15)
- 📱 Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 (Chinese version, manual activation required)
- 📱 POCO F5 Pro (European version, 2304FPCDAG)
- 📱 Redmi Note 12 Turbo (Chinese firmware only, 23036RA0BC)
Note: Xiaomi 12T Pro, Xiaomi 11T Pro and older lineups do not support eSIM at the software level, despite the presence of hardware module in some versions, and there is no support in the budget Redmi and POCO series (except for the specified POCO F5 Pro).
How to check if your Xiaomi eSIM supports
Even if your model is on the list above, you need to make sure that the firmware of the device allows you to work with virtual SIM. Here are 3 reliable ways to check:
- Through phone settings: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. If there is an item Add mobile fare or Download SIM-Profile – Your device supports eSIM.
- By model number: type in ##4636## (engineering menu), then go to the Phone Information tab. The Phone should have eSIM: Supported line in the Phone Block.
- Through IMEI: Check your device's IMEI on IMEI.info. The specifications should include eSIM: Yes.
⚠️ Note: Some firmware may have hidden the eSIM menu item, in which case you can change the region to India or Germany, which sometimes activates hidden features.
☑️ Preparation for activation of eSIM
Step-by-step instructions for setting up eSIM on Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s eSIM activation process is different from traditional physical installation SIM-We have developed a universal guideline that is suitable for most supported models:
- Get it. QR-code or activation code from your operator. eSIM is officially supported in Russia: 🏢 MTS (tariffs "Ultra" and "Smart") 🏢 Beeline (Tariffs "It's Simple" and "No Limit") 🏢 Tele2 (Tariff "My Conversation") 🏢 MegaFon (only for corporate clients)
Open eSIM settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add a mobile fare.
Scan it. QR-code or enter the activation code manually. QR-The code is not read, try using a third-party scanning app (e.g, QR & Barcode Scanner).
Confirm the profile installation. The device will request permission to download the eSIM profile – agree and wait until the process is completed (may take up to 5 minutes).
Activate the tariff. Once you set the profile, reboot the phone. SIM-The card will appear in the list of available.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and MIX Fold 3 with Chinese firmware before activating eSIM, you must disable the region check through the engineering menu (##4636## → Phone information 1 → choose LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM Auto in the Set Preferred Network Type section).
What to do if the eSIM is not activated?
Limitations and problems of eSIM on Xiaomi
Despite the convenience, the eSIM technology on Xiaomi devices has a number of limitations that are important to know in advance:
| Problem. | Explanation | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No support for Dual eSIM | Most models can only use 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM. | Use a hybrid slot or second phone |
| The "Not Supported" Error | Appears on the global firmware of some models | Refuse to Chinese or European version of MIUI |
| Impossible to remove eSIM | Some operators block the deletion of the profile | Reset network settings or contact the operator |
| No 5G on eSIM | The Redmi Note 12 Turbo eSIM only works in the 4G-mode | Use a physical SIM for 5G or update your firmware |
Another important nuance is that when you reset your phone to factory settings, all the eSIM profiles you have installed will be deleted, and you can only restore them by re-activating them through the operator, and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) can block eSIM work, requiring a physical SIM to confirm transactions.
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Before traveling abroad, check if your local operator supports eSIM for tourists. In Turkey and the UAE, for example, many providers only issue physical SIMs, despite the eSIM support in the phone.
Comparison of eSIM and physical SIM on Xiaomi: which is better?
The choice between virtual and physical SIM depends on your tasks, and we compared the key parameters for Xiaomi devices:
- ⚡ Connection speed: eSIM is activated by 5-10 minutes, physical SIM requires a visit to the salon.
- 🔄 Flexibility: With eSIM, you can switch between operators quickly (ideal for travel).
- 📶 Stability of communication: physical SIM less likely to lose network in roaming (especially on Xiaomi 13 Pro).
- 🔒 Security: eSIM is harder to clone, but if a phone is stolen, an attacker will have access to everything SIM-profile.
- 💰 Cost: eSIM is often cheaper in roaming (for example, Airalo or Holafly fares).
When to choose an eSIM:
- 🌍 You often travel and buy locally. SIM-map.
- 📱 Use two numbers (working number) + personal).
- 🚀 Want to test the rates of different operators quickly.
When is the best time to stay on a physical SIM:
- 🏠 You live in a region with poor coverage. 4G/5G.
- 🔧 You can often check your phone (eSIM can fly).
- 💳 You use banking services that are linked to SIM.
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On Xiaomi 14 Pro, eSIM supports VoLTE and ViLTE (video calls), while on POCO F5 Pro, these features are disabled for virtual cards.
How to Reflash Xiaomi for eSIM Support (For Advanced Users)
If your model is hardware-enabled for eSIM, but the feature is blocked by firmware, you can try activating it manually, which is only suitable for power users and can lead to a loss of warranty!
Unlocking will require:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
- Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
- Switch modified firmware with eSIM support (e.g. xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience).
- Activate eSIM via the Engineering Menu (#4636###).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 13 Ultra and MIX Fold 3 may be missing support after firmware 5G SA (net-wire 5G). Some operators (for example, MegaFon) block eSIM activation on unofficial firmware.
To simplify the process, you can use ready-made activation scripts such as eSIM Enabler for Xiaomi (available on XDA Developers). However, before any manipulations, be sure to backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
Xiaomi’s eSIM Alternatives: What to Do If Your Model Doesn’t Support You
If your Xiaomi smartphone isn’t on the supported device list, consider the following options:
- 📶 ESIM Adapters: Devices like the Airalo eSIM Adapter or Nomad eSIM allow virtualization SIM on any phone via Bluetooth. The cost is from 2000 to 5000 rubles.
- 🔄 Hybrid SIM-Cards: Some operators (e.g. MTS) offer physical SIM Remote number change (essentially, eSIM emulation).
- 📱 The second phone: budget models like Redmi A2+ (physical SIM) It can be used as a "modem" for the main device.
- 🌐 Viber/WhatsApp Virtual Numbers: Services like Dingtone or TextNow provide temporary numbers for calls.
Local physical SIMs with unlimited Internet (for example, Turkcell in Turkey or AIS in Thailand) are the best solution for travel. The cost of such cards rarely exceeds 300-500 rubles for 7-30 days of unlimited traffic.