eSIM-compatible Xiaomi devices
eSIM technology allows Xiaomi smartphones to activate cellular connectivity without a physical SIM card. Instead, eSIM-capable Xiaomi devices like the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G have an embedded SIM chip built into the phone. To set up an eSIM, access the eSIM menu in Settings and scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download a cellular plan profile. This configures the eSIM to connect to the carrier’s network. eSIM uses the same cellular radios and antennas as a regular SIM card. So calling, texting, and mobile data work like dual SIM phones. A key advantage of eSIM is the ability to quickly switch carrier profiles without swapping SIM cards. Xiaomi Dual SIM Dual Standby phones can have an active eSIM profile and a nano-SIM connected simultaneously. As eSIM does not require a removable card, Xiaomi can make devices slimmer by removing the SIM card slot while retaining dual SIM capability through the embedded chip.
No, converting your physical SIM card directly into an eSIM on a Xiaomi device is impossible. eSIM relies on a different embedded chip inside the phone. However, Xiaomi phones that are eSIM-capable, like the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra, support activating both an eSIM cellular plan profile and using a regular nano-SIM card simultaneously. So you can use eSIM for one line and your current physical SIM for another. But there is no way to convert or transfer your existing SIM card’s data or phone number to be used with the eSIM functionality on a Xiaomi phone. You must sign up for a separate cellular plan and QR code to set up the eSIM.
Yes, many Xiaomi phones that are eSIM-capable also support using dual SIM functionality. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro and 12 Pro with eSIM can have both an eSIM cellular plan and a regular nano-SIM card activated simultaneously. This is enabled through Dual SIM Dual Standby technology used in the Xiaomi devices, allowing two SIM profiles to be active simultaneously. So, the eSIM would act as one SIM profile, while the physical nano-SIM acts as a second profile. Both SIMs could be used independently for cellular data, calls, and texts without preventing the other SIM from simultaneously connecting to its mobile network. This provides added flexibility to use eSIM for one line and a standard SIM card for your other number if desired.
Many modern dual SIM smartphones, like the recent iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models, allow an active eSIM profile and a physical nano-SIM card to work simultaneously. This is enabled through Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology that lets both SIMs remain connected simultaneously to their networks for independent calling, texting, and data use. For example, an eSIM line could be used for personal use, while a regular SIM on the same device is used for business needs. Both would function together without preventing the other from receiving service. So, eSIM provides flexibility to add a second line or alternate carrier access to a phone without removing its existing physical SIM card in supported devices.
