What Xiaomi phones support eSIM: full list and instructions

The eSIM technology is rapidly gaining popularity in Russia and CIS countries, offering users freedom from physical plastic cards. For owners of Xiaomi devices, the issue of compatibility is especially acute, since the company produces a huge number of models with different regional hardware. If you plan to switch to a digital SIM card or just want to use the second number without a tray, you need to know exactly what your gadget is capable of.

Unlike Apple or Google, which are implementing eSIMs massively across all their devices, Xiaomi’s policy is more selective, with support not only depending on the smartphone model but also on the region of release (Global, China, EEA). It often happens that the global version of the flagship has a feature, and the Chinese version is software blocked, which is why it is important to understand the nuances of labeling and specifications before buying or trying to customize.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which Redmi, POCO and Mi (now Xiaomi) models have an integrated eUICC chip. You will learn how to independently check for support on your device, how to activate the operator profile correctly and what to do if the function does not work. We will also touch on the topic of Dual SIM and the features of working two numbers simultaneously.

The Principle and Benefits of eSIM in the Xiaomi Ecosystem

Embedded SIM is a built-in chip that is remotely programmed. You don't have to look for a paper clip to extract the tray or worry that the plastic card will be lost. In Xiaomi smartphones, this technology allows you to store multiple carrier profiles, although you can usually only actively use one or two in conjunction with a physical card. This is ideal for travelers and those who appreciate minimalism.

One of the great advantages is that you can switch between fares instantly, and imagine you're flying to another country, you don't have to search for a phone, you just have to scan. QR-localization. MIUI And the new HyperOS shell provides a user-friendly interface to manage these profiles, so you can call them Work, Home or Travel, and you can choose which number to use for calls and which to use for mobile Internet.

⚠️ Note: Having an eSIM slot in the technical documentation does not guarantee that it is activated software for your region.In some cases, you need to flash or change the region in the settings, which may lead to the loss of warranty.

The security of virtual cards is also higher: If the phone is lost or stolen, an attacker will not be able to extract the SIM card to access the confirmation codes from the SMS. The operator can remotely block the profile, and you, once you find the device, immediately restore communication. For corporate users, this opens up the possibility of centralized management of employee rates.

πŸ“Š What is your main smartphone Xiaomi?
Flagship (Xiaomi/Number series)
Middle class (Redmi Note)
Budgetary (Redmi/POCO C/M)
I have an iPhone or a Samsung.

Full list of Xiaomi models with eSIM support

Xiaomi has started to introduce eSIM support in its flagship devices since the Xiaomi 12 series.However, as mentioned earlier, the key factor is the region. Global (Global) and European (EEA) versions most often have an active module. Chinese (CN) versions may have a physical chip, but software is limited to only physical SIM cards until the flashing time.

Below is a current list of devices that officially support the technology. Note that in the budget segment (Redmi and POCO), this feature is extremely rare and so far it is represented by single models or not at all.

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Series 14: Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra (only) Global/EEA version).
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 13 Series: Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Lite, Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 12 Series: Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12 Lite, Xiaomi 12T, Xiaomi 12T Pro.
  • πŸ“± Folding devices: Xiaomi Mix Fold 2, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (in global versions).

Owners of the popular Redmi Note series should not count on the built-in eSIM. Engineers reserve this feature for devices with a price tag above average, where competition with the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S requires the presence of all modern communication standards. The situation may change in 2026-2027 In the years when technology will become cheaper to implement.

Model of the deviceRegion of versionSupport for eSIMMaximum profiles
Xiaomi 14 / 14 ProGlobal / EEAβœ… Yes.2 active
Xiaomi 13 LiteGlobalβœ… Yes.1 active
Xiaomi 12T ProGlobalβœ… Yes.1 active
Redmi Note 13 Pro+Global❌ No.-
POCO F5 ProGlobal❌ No.-
Why is there no eSIM in the Chinese version?
In China, physical SIM cards dominate, and the legislation for a long time did not require eSIM support. Therefore, Xiaomi often saves on the eUICC chip in versions for the domestic market of China, even in flagships.

How to check for eSIM on your smartphone

Before running to the salon for communication QR-It makes sense to make sure you have the right hardware, sometimes software failures or specific settings hide the activation menu. IMEI-If your phone has two codes, IMEI (for two SIM cards), but a physical tray is only one, this is a good sign, but not a guarantee.

Diagnose it through the engineering menu or standard settings. Type *#06# into the dial box. The screen will show SIM card information Β«EIDΒ» (Embedded Identity Document, next to one of the slots, means there's a (hardware) for the eSIM. EID indicates that the module is not installed or blocked.

You can also check for the feature through the system menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS. It usually looks like this: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Status. Scroll down. If there is support, you will see the option "Add a tariff plan" or a separate section in the SIM card settings.

β˜‘οΈ Checking for eSIM support

Done: 0 / 4

Step-by-step instructions for activating eSIM

The process of activating the virtual SIM card on Xiaomi smartphones is standardized and takes no more than 5 minutes. You will need a stable connection to Wi-Fi, as the operator profile weighs several megabytes and downloads from the network. Make sure that the battery is charged at least 30% so that the phone does not turn off at a critical time of data recording.

Get it. QR-It could be a paper sheet from the cabin, an email, or a code in the personal account on the operator's website. QR-If the screen has a protective glass with anti-reflective coating, the camera may not read the image from the screen of another device.

Next, perform the following actions:

  1. Open Settings and go to the SIM Cards and Mobile Networks section.
  2. Click on the Add cellular plan button.
  3. Allow access to the camera and point the lens at QR-Alternatively, select β€œEnter the activation code manually” if QR-code is not readable.
  4. Wait for the profile to load. Once the installation is successful, the system will suggest setting your preferences: which number to use by default for voice calls and mobile Internet.

⚠️ Attention: When scanning QR-Keep your phone still at a distance. 10-15 Too close or far away will cause focusing error and resetting the process.

Once activated, remember to rename the SIM card for convenience. Names like "MTS eSIM" or "Tele2 Work" will help you not get confused in the future, especially if you use the Dual SIM feature. It is also recommended to set a pin code to protect your profile from unauthorized access1, unless the operator did it automatically.

πŸ’‘

Keep a backup copy. QR-If you drop your phone before the factory settings, you can't restore the eSIM without that data, you have to go to the carrier's salon.

Dual SIM Setup and Profile Management

One of the most useful features in implementing eSIM on Android is the ability to store multiple profiles. You can add up to 5-8 different numbers from different carriers, but only two will remain active at the same time (for example, one physical card + one eSIM, or two eSIMs, if the device allows), which makes the smartphone a powerful tool for separating personal and work lives.

Profile management is done in the same SIM card and mobile network menu. Here you can see a list of all the numbers added. The switch next to each profile allows you to instantly activate or deactivate it. This is convenient when you need to temporarily turn off your work number on weekends or switch to a local operator during your vacation without changing your physical card.

It's important to set up the usage scenarios correctly. From the settings menu, you can choose:

  • πŸ“ž Calls: Always use the primary SIM card, ask each time you call, or assign a specific SIM card to specific contacts.
  • 🌐 Internet: Choose which SIM card to send data traffic through, and switch between them you can quickly swipe in the notification curtain.
  • πŸ’¬ SMS: Set up which number will send messages by default.

It is worth noting that when activating Dual SIM mode using eSIM, power consumption can increase slightly, since the modem works with two networks simultaneously. However, modern Snapdragon and Dimensity processors used by Xiaomi effectively cope with this task, minimizing the impact on autonomy.

πŸ’‘

You can store up to 8 eSIM profiles, but only use 2 lines at a time (a combination of Physical + eSIM or Dual eSIM depending on the model).

Possible problems and ways to solve them

Despite the technology's proven provenness, users may encounter difficulties connecting, and the most common problem is the "failure to add a tariff plan" error, often due to poor internet connection during profile download. Make sure you're connected to stable Wi-Fi, rather than using another SIM card's mobile internet, which can block the configuration file from downloading.

Another common situation is that the phone sees the eSIM but does not register on the network. In this case, it is worth checking the access point settings (APN). Operators usually send them automatically, but sometimes a manual registration is required. Go to SIM settings β†’ Access Point Name (APN) and select or create a new point corresponding to your operator (options are easy to find on the operator's website).

If nothing works, try resetting your network settings, which will not delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will return all network, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings to factory values.

Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks and Bluetooth β†’ Reset Settings

After restarting the device, try adding a profile again. In rare cases, the problem may be on the side of the carrier, who has not yet updated the database. IMEI-codes or issued defective QR-In such a situation, contacting the technical support of the service provider is the only right solution.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to unlock eSIM on models where it is hardware-free by installing third-party patches or modified firmware.This can lead to a complete model failure and inability to catch the network even with a physical SIM card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer an existing number to eSIM to Xiaomi?
Yes, it's possible. You need to ask your carrier to replace your physical SIM with an eSIM, and you'll get a new one. QR-code, scanning which, your old number will move to a virtual format, and the plastic card will stop working.
Does eSIM work in Xiaomi, bought in China?
Most of the time, it doesn't, or it works with limitations. Chinese versions often lack eSIM software support. Even if the chip is physically present, it won't be on the settings menu. Activation may require a Global ROM, which is difficult and risky for the average user.
Does eSIM slow down the speed of the Internet?
No, eSIM technology doesn't affect data rate; speed depends only on your carrier's (4G/5G) network coverage and tower load, and in some cases, eSIM even works more stable, as it eliminates bad physical card contact in the tray.
What happens to the eSIM if I reset my phone to factory settings?
When you completely reset your eSIM profiles are deleted along with all the data. QR-That's why it's important to keep backup activation codes in a safe place.