If you're traveling and want to forget about roaming, the Xiaomi eSIM can be your best ally: a digital SIM that is installed by scanning a QR code, without waiting for physical cards or going to a store. But beware, here's the unvarnished truth: not all Xiaomi phones have eSIM. It depends on the specific model and, very importantly, on the region where your device was sold. In this guide, we'll tell you which Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones actually support it, how to check it in two minutes, and how to activate it step-by-step in MIUI or HyperOS.
In summary: eSIM on Xiaomi only works on recent high-end models (numbered series and some Ultra/Pro) sold in global or European versions; most Redmi and POCO phones do not have it. Check in Settings or by dialing *#06# before buying anything, install the profile calmly via Wi-Fi, and activate data only when you land at your destination.
Which Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones support eSIM
Let's start with the important stuff to avoid unpleasant surprises. eSIM compatibility in the Xiaomi family is not universal: it is concentrated in the most recent high-end models and also varies by market. Generally speaking, Xiaomi's numbered series (Xiaomi 12, 13, 14 and later) and some Ultra and Pro models usually include eSIM in their global versions. In contrast, many Redmi and POCO phones do not include it and rely exclusively on two physical nano-SIM slots.
The regional factor is decisive: the same model reference may have eSIM in its European or global version and lack it in the version sold in China, India, or other markets. This is why two people with "the same Xiaomi" can have different experiences. The honest conclusion is clear: never assume your Xiaomi has eSIM just because of the model name. The only reliable way is to check it yourself in the settings, as we explain below. If you want to understand why it's worth it compared to traditional operator roaming, you can read our eSIM vs roaming comparison; and if your model doesn't have it after all, we explain what alternatives you have below.
| Xiaomi Model | eSIM? |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12 / 13 / 14 (global version) | Normally yes |
| Recent Xiaomi Ultra / Pro (global) | Frequently yes |
| Redmi Note (most ranges) | Usually no |
| POCO (most models) | Usually no |
| Any model China / India version | Often no |
Golden rule: the model name guides, but only Settings dictates. Always check compatibility on your own device before buying an eSIM.
How to check if your Xiaomi has eSIM
Before spending a single euro, take two minutes to confirm that your device supports eSIM. There are several simple and complementary ways to clear up any doubts with complete certainty:
- From Settings: Go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks. If you see an option like "Add eSIM", "Download SIM," or "Use eSIM," your Xiaomi is compatible. If only physical slots appear, it most likely does not have it.
- With the EID code: Open the phone app and dial *#06#. If your device displays, in addition to the IMEI, a long number labeled EID, that indicates it has an integrated eSIM chip. If no EID appears, it almost certainly does not support it.
- Consult the official specifications: Search for your exact model and region on the Xiaomi website and check the connectivity/SIM section.
With these three methods, you'll clear up any doubts without any margin for error. Remember that the result depends on your specific unit, so trust what you see on your own phone. If you want to understand the technology in more detail before deciding, also consult our guide on what a virtual eSIM is and how it works, regardless of the manufacturer.
How to install eSIM on your Xiaomi step by step
Once compatibility is confirmed, installing the eSIM is a one-minute task. The process is almost identical in MIUI and HyperOS, Xiaomi's new overlay, as both share the same menu logic. You'll need the QR code sent by your provider (at PuraSim, you receive it by email right after purchase) and an active internet connection, via Wi-Fi or data, to download the profile.
- Connect your Xiaomi to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks.
- Tap Add eSIM (it may appear as "Download a new SIM").
- Choose to scan the QR code and point your camera at your eSIM's QR code.
- Confirm the profile download and wait a few seconds for it to install.
- Assign a label to the line (e.g., "Travel") to distinguish it from your primary SIM.
And that's it: your eSIM is now installed and coexisting with your physical card. A practical tip: install the profile before leaving home, with a good connection, and save data activation for when you reach your destination. This way, you avoid airport rush. If you want to see the process explained generally, valid for any compatible mobile, also consult our complete eSIM installation guide.
How to activate data upon arriving at your destination
Having the eSIM installed doesn't mean it's consuming data: you decide when it's turned on. It's recommended to activate the data line right upon landing, so your travel plan starts counting when you truly need it and not before. The process is very straightforward from your Xiaomi's SIM panel.
- Go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks and select the travel eSIM.
- Toggle on the eSIM line and mark it as the SIM for mobile data.
- Make sure data roaming is activated on that eSIM (this is normal and necessary, as you are connecting to a foreign network with a local plan).
- If it doesn't connect automatically, check that the APN is correctly configured; your provider will give you the correct details.
Within seconds, you should see the local operator's coverage and have internet access. A very useful trick: leave your physical SIM active only for calls and SMS and use the eSIM exclusively for data. This way, you remain reachable on your usual number while browsing with a local rate. And yes, with PuraSim's eSIM, you can share data via hotspot with your laptop or tablet at no extra cost.
Myths about eSIM on Xiaomi (what almost no one tells you)
So far, the basics. But there are details that only come to light when you're already at the airport with your phone in hand, so let's get to the ones that really matter.
Myth 1: "If my Xiaomi has eSIM, I can have both lines with data at the same time." Not exactly. Most Xiaomi phones with eSIM work in DSDS (dual SIM, dual standby) mode: both lines can be active to receive calls, but only one transmits mobile data at any given moment. If you switch the data line to the eSIM, the physical one remains on standby for calls and SMS. Very few models, some recent Ultra ones, offer real DSDA with simultaneous data on both.
Myth 2: "My model appears with eSIM on the Xiaomi website, so mine definitely has it." This is where most people are disappointed when they reach their destination. Xiaomi sells externally identical versions with different internal radios depending on the market: the Indian unit or one you buy from import stores might have the same commercial name as the global or European version and not have the eSIM chip soldered, or have it but locked by the ROM of the operator that sold it. If you bought the device outside the European Union or second-hand without a clear invoice, checking with *#06# becomes essential, not optional.
Myth 3: "Activating data roaming on the eSIM is dangerous, I'll be charged extra." This is the most common confusion and also the easiest to clarify: that "data roaming" switch that Xiaomi asks for on the travel eSIM has nothing to do with your expensive Spanish operator's roaming. It's the technical mechanism by which your local eSIM connects to a foreign network; without activating it, the travel data line won't even start. Activate it without fear on that specific line: that's what makes it work.
What almost no one tells you: If your Xiaomi is a model you bought with a contract, customized by a Spanish operator, the eSIM menu sometimes appears somewhat hidden even if the hardware perfectly supports it. Before giving up, use the Settings search bar (the magnifying glass icon, at the very top) and directly type "eSIM": many MIUI and HyperOS layers index the option even if it doesn't jump out within the SIM cards menu.
And here's the advice we're really betting on, not the one that pushes you most to buy: when NOT to get a travel eSIM. If you fly within the European Union with a Spanish plan that includes EU roaming at no additional cost - most current plans include it - your own line already covers you in destinations like France, Italy, or Portugal: don't spend on an eSIM data plan for Spain or any other if your home plan already covers the trip. Save your purchase for when the cost really escalates: leaving the EU, typically heading to the United States, where out-of-agreement roaming can be disproportionate, or a route that combines several European countries, where a broad European coverage eSIM does compensate compared to activating your operator's roaming country by country.
Common problems and how to solve them
Although the process usually goes smoothly, small hitches sometimes arise. The good news is that almost all of them have a quick solution. These are the most common failures with an eSIM on Xiaomi and how to resolve them without stress:
- QR not scanning: Clean it well, increase the brightness of the screen where you're displaying it, or enter the code manually if your provider gives it to you.
- No coverage after activation: Restart your phone, activate and deactivate airplane mode, and confirm that data roaming is enabled on the eSIM.
- Slow or intermittent internet: Manually select the local operator's network from Settings > Mobile networks > Network operators.
- "Cannot add eSIM": Verify that you have a Wi-Fi connection and that the profile has not already been installed on another device (each QR is usually single-use).
- eSIM disappeared after a reset: A factory reset erases installed eSIM profiles; you'll need to reinstall it.
If something isn't working, don't improvise by deleting the eSIM: many QRs can only be installed once. Before deleting anything, contact your provider's support.
At PuraSim, you have 24/7 support in Spanish to help you if you get stuck, whatever the time and wherever you are.
What to do if your Xiaomi is not compatible
Have you checked and your Xiaomi does not have eSIM? No problem, you have perfectly valid alternatives for staying connected while traveling without paying for roaming. The lack of eSIM does not condemn you to abusive operator rates abroad, far from it.
- Use another compatible device: If you have a second mobile, tablet, or travel router with eSIM, you can activate the plan there and share data via hotspot with your Xiaomi.
- Physical travel SIM: Some providers offer physical cards as an alternative to eSIM for devices without digital support.
- Local plan upon arrival: Buying a local SIM at your destination is still an option, although it involves waiting in line and, sometimes, passport registration.
- Consider your next mobile with eSIM: If you travel often, having it on your next device will save you a lot of headaches.
Whatever your situation, the important thing is that a Xiaomi without eSIM is not an insurmountable problem. If you're debating between a physical travel SIM and an eSIM, take a look at our comparison international chip vs. eSIM, and choose your eSIM as soon as you know how you'll connect.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Xiaomi phones have eSIM?
No. eSIM is concentrated in recent high-end models (such as the Xiaomi 12, 13, and 14 series in their global version), while many Redmi and POCO phones do not include it. Additionally, the regional version of the same model may or may not have it. Always check your specific unit in Settings or by dialing *#06# to see if the EID appears.
How can I be sure if my Xiaomi supports eSIM?
The most reliable way is to go to Settings > SIM cards and mobile networks and look for the "Add eSIM" option. You can also dial *#06# in the phone app: if an EID number appears next to the IMEI, your device has an eSIM chip.
Can I use both the eSIM and my physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. Compatible Xiaomi phones allow dual SIM functionality, so you can keep your physical SIM for calls and SMS and use the travel eSIM only for data. This is the ideal configuration to remain reachable on your number while browsing with a local rate.
Does PuraSim's eSIM work on my Xiaomi?
It works on any eSIM-compatible Xiaomi. With PuraSim, you get coverage in 218 destinations, plans starting from $0.85, 1-minute QR installation, hotspot included, and 24/7 Spanish support. Just make sure your model supports eSIM first.
Do I lose the eSIM if I reset my phone?
Yes. A factory reset deletes installed eSIM profiles. If you're going to reset your Xiaomi, you'll need to reinstall the eSIM afterwards; keep in mind that many QR codes are single-use, so check with your provider first.
Do I need internet to install the eSIM?
Yes, you need a Wi-Fi or data connection to download the eSIM profile. That's why it's advisable to install it before traveling, with a good connection at home, and save data activation for when you arrive at your destination.
Conclusion
In summary: not all Xiaomi phones have eSIM, so the first step is always to check it on your own device (Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks, or by dialing *#06# to see the EID). If your model is compatible, installing it is as simple as scanning a QR code and activating data upon arrival at your destination; and if it's not, you have alternatives like another device with a hotspot or a physical SIM. With PuraSim's eSIM, you travel connected in 218 destinations, starting from $0.85, with QR installation in 1 minute, hotspot included, no roaming, and 24/7 Spanish support. Choose your eSIM and start traveling connected. For specific questions about your model, also consult Xiaomi's official support.
