Xiaomi eSIM Not Activating on UK Networks
Xiaomi eSIM Not Activating on UK Networks – Fix
If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device won't activate an eSIM on a UK network—whether activation fails after scanning the QR code, the eSIM option is missing, or there's no signal after activation—this guide explains the most common causes and how to fix them.
If eSIM isn't activating, first check your device supports eSIM—not all Xiaomi models do, and imported Chinese models often lack support. If the option is missing, try changing the region to United Kingdom (Settings → Additional settings → Region) and restarting—this may help on some devices. If activation fails, contact your carrier to confirm eSIM is correctly provisioned on your account. If you're affected by a known HyperOS build with eSIM issues and a newer update is available, install it.
🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table
| What you see | What it usually means | Go To |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM option missing entirely | Device doesn't support eSIM or imported model | Section 1 |
| eSIM option visible but activation fails | Carrier provisioning or software bug | Section 2 |
| eSIM activates but no signal | Network registration or IMS issue | Section 3 |
| eSIM stopped working after HyperOS update | Known software bug | Section 4 |
Section 1 – Check Device Compatibility and Region
If you can't find the eSIM menu in Settings, your device may not support eSIM, or the feature may be hidden due to region settings. If you're still having issues, see our Xiaomi eSIM Option Missing – UK Fix guide.
Check these first:
- Check your model supports eSIM – eSIM is available on global versions of Xiaomi 12T Pro, Xiaomi 13/14/15 series, 13T/14T series, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (some regions). Some Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G variants may support eSIM depending on region and model. Current UK and global compatibility information indicates that POCO X7 models generally don't offer eSIM support. If you're unsure, check Settings → About phone → Model number and search online for "[model] eSIM support".
- Check if your device is a Chinese import – Many Xiaomi devices intended for the Chinese market don't support eSIM, even when global variants of the same model do. If your model number ends with "CN" or the software version mentions "China", eSIM is likely unavailable.
- Try changing the region – On some global HyperOS builds, changing the region to United Kingdom and restarting the phone may make the eSIM option appear. This doesn't work on all models.
Section 2 – Activation Fails (QR Code or Carrier Provisioning)
If the eSIM option is available but activation fails when scanning the QR code, the issue is usually carrier provisioning or a software bug.
Try these in order:
- Check your carrier supports eSIM on Xiaomi – EE, O2, and Vodafone support eSIM on compatible Xiaomi devices in the UK. Some MVNOs have different compatibility—contact your carrier to confirm.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection – eSIM activation requires an active internet connection (WiFi is recommended). If you're abroad, note that some eSIM apps require internet to function, which can be a problem when activating overseas.
- Check if your phone is SIM-locked – If the phone is carrier locked, it may only accept eSIM profiles from that carrier until it is unlocked. Test with a physical SIM from another carrier—if it shows "SIM not valid" or asks for an unlock code, your device is locked.
- Scan the QR code correctly – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan QR code. If the camera won't scan, select Enter activation code manually and type the code provided by your carrier.
- Contact your carrier – Ask them to confirm eSIM is correctly provisioned on your account and send a fresh eSIM profile or QR code.
Section 3 – eSIM Activates but No Signal
If the eSIM profile installs successfully but shows "No Service" or "Emergency Calls Only", the issue is usually network registration or IMS failure.Try these in order:
- Toggle Airplane mode – ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. This forces the phone to re-register on the network.
- Set the eSIM as default for data – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Default for mobile data → Select your eSIM.
- Manual network selection – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [eSIM carrier] → Network operators → Turn off "Choose automatically" → Search → Select your carrier manually.
- Check IMS registration – If your device supports the Phone Information menu, dial
*#*#4636#*#*→ Phone information → look for "IMS registered". If false, the phone isn't registered for voice services. This menu is not available on all devices. If IMS isn't registered, see our Xiaomi IMS Not Registered – UK Fix guide. - Disable and re-enable the eSIM – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → eSIM → toggle OFF → wait 1 minute → toggle ON. This often forces the phone to attempt registration again.
- Reset network settings – Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth (last resort – removes saved Wi-Fi passwords).
Section 4 – Known HyperOS eSIM Issues
Xiaomi has acknowledged reports of eSIM activation issues on some HyperOS builds. If the problem started after an update, this is likely the cause. For more HyperOS-related issues, see our Xiaomi HyperOS Network Problems – UK Fix guide.
Known issues reported by users:
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra on HyperOS `OS3.0.3.0.WOAEUXM` – Some users reported eSIM activation and mobile data failures. A later build (`OS3.0.4.0.WOAEUXM`) may address this.
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G on HyperOS `3.0.3.0.WOOEUXM` – Users have reported eSIM no longer working and EID showing as disabled after the update. A later build may address this.
What to do:
- Check your HyperOS version – Settings → About phone → HyperOS version.
- Check for system updates – Settings → About phone → System update. If your version is known to have eSIM issues, install any available updates.
- If no update is available – Contact Xiaomi support or your carrier. A factory reset is unlikely to resolve a confirmed system-level bug.
Why eSIM May Not Activate on Xiaomi
- Device doesn't support eSIM – Not all Xiaomi models include eSIM hardware. Global variants of flagships do; Chinese imports often don't.
- Carrier provisioning – Your carrier may not have correctly provisioned eSIM on your account.
- Region settings – The eSIM option can be hidden in some regions. Setting to UK may help on some devices.
- SIM lock – Carrier-locked devices may not accept eSIM profiles from other networks.
- Known HyperOS bug – Some builds have confirmed eSIM activation issues, particularly on Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G.
- Corrupted eSIM profile – If the profile didn't download correctly, you'll need to delete it and re-download from your carrier if your carrier allows reissuing the profile.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- Don't factory reset your phone – This is rarely needed for eSIM issues and won't fix hardware, firmware, or carrier provisioning problems.
- Don't assume your device supports eSIM – Check your model first. Many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices do not support eSIM.
- Don't delete the eSIM profile without saving the activation code – If you need to reinstall, you'll need the original QR code or activation string.
Quick Questions
Does my Xiaomi support eSIM?
eSIM is available on global versions of Xiaomi 12T Pro, Xiaomi 13/14/15 series, 13T/14T series, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (some regions). Some Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G variants may support eSIM depending on region and model. Current UK and global compatibility information indicates that POCO X7 models generally don't offer eSIM support. Chinese imports often don't support eSIM.
Which UK carriers support eSIM on Xiaomi?
EE, O2, and Vodafone support eSIM on compatible Xiaomi devices. Some MVNOs may have different compatibility—contact your carrier to confirm.
What if my eSIM option is missing?
Try changing your region to United Kingdom (Settings → Additional settings → Region) and restarting. This may help on some devices. If that doesn't help, your device may not support eSIM or may be an imported Chinese model.
Can a HyperOS update break eSIM?
Xiaomi has acknowledged reports of eSIM activation bugs on some builds, particularly on Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. Check for newer updates.
Will resetting network settings fix eSIM?
It can help with registration issues after activation, but it won't fix hardware, firmware, or carrier provisioning problems.
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