Xiaomi eSIM: what models work and how to connect

The question of which devices support Xiaomi eSIM is becoming increasingly relevant for users who want to switch to digital devices. SIM-Embedded technology. SIM It allows you to abandon the physical tray for the card, freeing up the interior space of the smartphone for a more capacious battery or an improved cooling system. However, not all devices of the Chinese giant are equipped with the necessary module, and the list of compatible models requires careful study before buying.

As you go into the details, it’s important to understand that technical capability and operator software support are different things. Even if your device is theoretically ready to work with a digital profile, in some regions (for example, in Russia or CIS countries), the functionality may be limited to firmware. Global ROMs usually have wider compatibility than Chinese counterparts, which should be considered when choosing a gadget.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which series and models have received support for the technology, how to check the compatibility of your device and what to do if the option is not activated, you will get comprehensive information about the nuances of the configuration and possible problems that users face when switching to digital communication.

List of Xiaomi smartphones with support for eSIM

Xiaomi is now implementing Embedded SIM support primarily in its flagship models and upper-middle-segment devices, led by the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 series, as well as their Pro and Ultra versions, and it is in these smartphones that the company’s engineers have bet on abandoning physical slots in favor of digital solutions in some regional versions.

It is worth noting that support for the technology often depends on the specific modification of the smartphone, for example, the version for the Chinese market may differ from the global one.

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 14 Series (all models: standard, Pro, Ultra) – flagships with full support.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 13 Series (especially Global) – Mass adoption of the technology.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 12T Pro is one of the first sub-brand models with this option.
  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G β€” A rare example of support in the middle segment.
  • πŸ“± Foldable devices (Mix Fold) – foldable smartphones often come with eSIMs.

Owners of older models such as the Xiaomi 12 or Mi 11, do not expect to see this feature through a software update, alas, it is not necessary. Hardware implementation of the antenna module requires the physical presence of a chip on the board, which was absent in previous generations of devices.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi Note
POCO
Mido/Note 10 and older
Another brand

How to check for eSIM in your Xiaomi

Before contacting the communications operator for QR-If you have a code, you need to make sure that your device does have a built-in module, and the most reliable way is to check the settings in the smartphone menu. If the option is hidden or absent, this can mean both the absence of hardware and the software restriction of regional firmware.

For diagnosis, perform the following actions:

  • πŸ” Open your device settings and go to About Phone.
  • πŸ” Find the Status item. SIM-maps or settings SIM-map.
  • πŸ” Look for a switch Add a tariff plan or button with QR-code.

If you don't see these options, try entering a special code in the call menu. Dial *#06# and press the call button. In the technical data list that appears, look for the EID (Embedded Identity Document) string, and this 32-digit number is a complete confirmation that the eSIM module is physically present in your device.

πŸ’‘

If the code EID It is displayed, but the settings menu is empty, perhaps your current one. SIM-The card blocks the options. Try to extract the physical. SIM-card and restart the phone to check.

It's also worth checking the firmware version. In some cases, operators block the feature at the software level for certain regions. If you bought a device designed for the Chinese market and reflashed it on the Global ROM, the feature may not work correctly, in which case you may need to change the region in settings (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Region) to the countries in the European Union where the technology is most developed.

Instructions for connecting and activating profile

The process of activating the digital profile on Xiaomi smartphones is standardized and takes only a few minutes. The main requirement is a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network, since downloading the operator profile requires data transfer. QR-code from your mobile operator (usually it comes in your personal account or by email).

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Click the Add Plan button (Add Plan).
  3. Allow access to the camera if the system requests it.
  4. Put the camera on QR-code provided by the operator.
  5. Confirm the addition of a profile and wait for the download to be completed.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before activation

Done: 0 / 5

Once you have successfully downloaded, you will be asked to name a new profile (e.g., "Worker" or "Travel") and select your data usage preferences. You can assign an eSIM to your primary call, and use a physical card only for the Internet, or vice versa. The flexibility of settings allows you to create complex use cases, which is especially convenient for travelers.

What to do if the camera is not reading QR-code?
If the automatic scan doesn't work, select the option "Input data manually." You will need Activation Codes and confirmations, which usually come with the help of the user. QR-You can enter them carefully, by observing the register of characters.

Comparison of physical SIM and eSIM: Characteristics table

Many users are still questioning whether to switch to digital. To make an informed decision, you need to compare the technological features of both formats. eSIM offers a level of security and convenience that is not available for plastic cards, but also has its own limitations, which you should be aware of.

CharacteristicsPhysical SIMeSIM (Embedded)
SecurityIt can be extracted by theft.Unable to be removed, blocked remotely
Number of profiles1 or 2 (depending on the tray)Up to 5-8 profiles at the same time
Connection speedRequires delivery or visit to the officeInstant activation through QR-code
ReliabilityContacts are oxidized, the map breaksWelded into a board, protected from moisture

As you can see from the table, the main advantage is that you can store multiple profiles. You can upload different countries' fares before you travel and switch between them in one click without fear of losing a tiny plastic card at the airport. However, if you change devices often, it can take longer to transfer your profile to a new phone than just reshuffling plastic.

πŸ’‘

eSIM is ideal for travel and business users who need to separate work and personal contacts on one device without losing a second slot.

Compatibility issues and regional constraints

Despite the global nature of the technology, users face a number of limitations, with regional locks being the most common cause of problems, and smartphones sold in China may have a hardware-disabled eSIM module or software-locked functionality that is not activated even on global firmware.

Also, not all telecom operators support this technology. QR-codes for Xiaomi may be limited.Before buying a tariff, be sure to check with the operator's support if they support the standard GSMA Remote SIM Provisioning for your specific device.

⚠️ Note: When flashing the smartphone from the Chinese version to the global (Global) ROM) There is a risk of loss of warranty and disruption of the module NFC or eSIM if the versions of regional identifiers do not match.

It is also important to note that some virtual operators (MVNO) They may not be able to generate technical QR-In such cases, you have to contact the operator's office with a passport to issue a digital card, which partially negates the convenience of remote connection.

Frequent questions and troubleshooting

Even with a compatible device, users may experience activation errors, most often due to an unstable Internet or expired Internet. QR-Activation codes often have a limited lifetime (e.g. 24 hours), and if you haven’t used them, you’ll have to ask for a new one from the operator.

Another common problem is profile conflict: If you are trying to activate eSIM, and there is already a physical card with the same number or tariff plan in the slot, the system will give an error, in which case you must first deactivate the old profile.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the eSIM profile from your phone settings if you plan to just temporarily disable it. QR-You can't code from the operator. Use the Disable function).

If activation freezes at the "Download profile" stage, try changing DNS-server in Wi-Fi settings on 8.8.8.8 or use another network's mobile internet for initial setup. Sometimes providers block ports necessary to communicate with eSIM activation servers.

πŸ’‘

In case of persistent activation error, completely delete the profile (if it is a test run) and request a new one from the operator. QR-code, reporting a technical problem.

Can I transfer the eSIM from another phone to Xiaomi?
Direct transfer (like a contact book) is not possible for security reasons. QR-The old profile on the previous phone will be deactivated automatically after the new one is activated.
Will the eSIM work if the phone is broken or not turned on?
No. Because the chip is built into the board, it requires a working operating system to retrieve the profile or transfer it, and if the phone doesn't turn on, you can only restore access to the number by getting a new eSIM from the operator on another device.
Does eSIM affect the speed of the Internet?
Technically, eSIM is even faster and more stable than a physical card, because it eliminates contact oxidation and mechanical damage (4G/5G) and the operator's coverage, not the type SIM-map.