Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB eSIM: compatibility and setup

Publication date: September 5, 2026.

Quick answer

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB can support eSIM when it is the regional and operator configuration with eSIM in the second SIM position. Xiaomi’s official global support article for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G says the eSIM is on SIM 2. Xiaomi’s regional specifications also list either nano-SIM + nano-SIM or nano-SIM + eSIM, with market-dependent features. The 256GB storage label alone therefore does not guarantee eSIM support.

The practical answer for this exact device name is: check the phone before buying a travel eSIM. If Settings contains eSIM management or Add mobile plan, or the phone shows an EID, the installed version is prepared for eSIM. If there is only a physical dual-SIM tray and no EID or eSIM menu, treat the phone as incompatible, even if another Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB from another country supports eSIM.

What Xiaomi’s specifications tell you

Xiaomi’s official pages identify the family as Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G. They list 256GB and 512GB storage, and 8GB or 12GB RAM depending on market and configuration. This page keeps the requested name exactly as Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB; it does not merge it with the 512GB version or invent a RAM variant.

Xiaomi’s current global support guidance for this model points to Settings > Mobile networks and identifies eSIM as SIM 2. A current regional specification says “nano SIM + nano SIM or nano SIM + eSIM.” Together, these official manufacturer pages support a conditional answer: the family has eSIM-capable versions, but the exact 256GB handset must be verified.

Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB support eSIM?

It supports eSIM only if your regional version includes the embedded-SIM function. The “256GB” part describes storage; it does not identify the market, firmware, modem configuration or SIM tray. Two phones with the same storage label can therefore require different answers. An eSIM-capable phone normally shows an EID and lets you add a mobile plan in its network settings.

Do not infer eSIM support from 5G, NFC, dual-SIM wording or any other feature. Two SIM positions can mean two physical nano-SIM cards, or one physical card plus an embedded SIM. The hardware, software and service must all match:

1. Hardware: the phone must contain an eSIM component and have an EID.
2. Software: the installed system must expose eSIM controls and allow a plan to be added.
3. Service: the carrier or travel plan must support eSIM activation in your destination.

Regional, seller and operator differences

Use the actual handset, its exact model information and the specification for its sales market as your primary checks. Xiaomi’s pages show why: a region may list nano-SIM + eSIM while another uses nano-SIM + nano-SIM.

Before payment, ask the seller to confirm:

• the phone’s region of sale and exact model identifier;
• whether this unit has an EID;
• whether Settings shows eSIM or Add mobile plan;
• whether the phone is factory-unlocked;
• whether it has official regional software and normal update support.

Imported, refurbished and “dual SIM” stock needs extra care. “Dual SIM” can mean two physical cards and say nothing about eSIM. A screenshot from another phone is not evidence for your handset.

Before you buy: compatibility checklist

Use this checklist while you can still inspect the phone, or request the answers from the seller:

• [ ] The box or listing identifies Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB and the correct market.
• [ ] The phone shows an EID in device or SIM information.
• [ ] Mobile-network settings contain eSIM, Use eSIM, Manage eSIM or Add mobile plan.
• [ ] The seller confirms eSIM on SIM 2 for this unit, where that is the documented arrangement.
• [ ] The device is not operator-locked or enterprise-managed.
• [ ] Android and the Xiaomi system interface are up to date.
• [ ] Wi-Fi is available for initial profile download.
• [ ] The plan covers every country or region on your route.
• [ ] Data volume, validity, activation point and refund conditions fit the trip.
• [ ] You know which line will handle regular calls and which will handle mobile data.

How to check EID and eSIM settings

Menu names vary by region, language and system update, but these checks are more reliable than a marketplace search.

Check the mobile-network menu

1. Open Settings.
2. Open Mobile networks, SIM cards and mobile networks or the closest equivalent.
3. Look for eSIM, Use eSIM, Manage eSIM, Add mobile plan or Add eSIM.
4. Open the option without confirming an installation if you are only checking.
5. Check whether the phone identifies the embedded profile as SIM 2 or offers a QR scanner.

If an eSIM management screen opens, that is a good sign. If the phone shows only physical SIM cards, do not assume a future update will add missing hardware.

Find the EID

Search Settings for EID. Depending on the build, it may be under About phone, Status, SIM status or detailed device information. The EID is a long number different from the IMEI. Keep it private because it identifies the phone’s embedded-SIM component.

If an EID appears but the menu is unclear, install official updates, restart and search again for “eSIM” and “mobile plan.” If the option is still absent, ask Xiaomi or the seller to confirm the regional software. An EID supports hardware compatibility, but activation still depends on software and service.

After checking, Check your device before continuing to a travel eSIM purchase. This is necessary even when a regional Xiaomi page lists eSIM because your storage variant, market and firmware may differ.

How to install and activate an eSIM

Install only after the phone passes the compatibility check and you have a valid eSIM profile or QR code. Use reliable Wi-Fi and keep the QR code private. If it is on the same phone, use a second screen, Gallery or a manual code when supported.

1. Prepare the phone and plan

Charge the phone, connect to Wi-Fi and install any official system update. Confirm the destination, data volume, validity and activation conditions. Keep your regular physical SIM in place unless the instructions say otherwise.

2. Open eSIM management

Go to Settings, then Mobile networks or SIM cards and mobile networks. Choose Use eSIM, Manage eSIM, Add mobile plan or the equivalent menu. If there is no eSIM option, stop: the phone may be a physical-dual-SIM configuration.

3. Add the mobile plan

Choose the QR-code scanner and scan the code supplied with the selected plan. If available, scan a saved image from Gallery or enter the activation code manually. Follow the on-screen prompts until the profile downloads.

4. Confirm the profile

Give the profile a clear name such as “Travel.” Read which SIM position it uses. Xiaomi’s general eSIM instructions warn that activating eSIM can disable the physical SIM 2 option, so check the actual phone’s behavior before confirming dual-line use.

5. Select the data line

Choose the travel eSIM for mobile data. Keep your regular SIM for calls and messages only if its roaming conditions are acceptable. Disable automatic data switching when that option is available, so the primary SIM cannot be selected unexpectedly.

6. Enable roaming only where required

Some travel plans require data roaming on the travel eSIM because it uses a partner network abroad. Enable it only on that profile and only when the plan instructions require it. If the plan says roaming should remain off, follow that condition.

7. Test the connection

Turn Wi-Fi off, check that the travel profile is the data line and open a light webpage or messaging app. The connection may take a few minutes. If you install before departure, keep the profile disabled when the plan’s conditions say validity begins on first connection. The selected plan determines that start condition.

For a model-specific Android walkthrough, see Android eSIM installation instructions. The iOS eSIM installation instructions are for helping someone with an Apple device; they do not change the Xiaomi menu path.

Using eSIM for mobile internet during a trip

The simplest scenario is to prepare the profile before departure, then enable it after landing. Open SIM settings, enable the travel profile, select it for mobile data and turn off data for the everyday SIM if you want to avoid accidental roaming charges. Keep Wi-Fi on during activation when possible.

For a short trip, maps, ride-hailing, translation, tickets and messages usually use less data than video calls, photo backup or streaming. Choose by usage, route and validity, not by the phone’s 256GB storage: internal storage does not enlarge the plan’s data allowance.

For a multi-country route, check every border crossing: a country plan may stop applying after you leave that country, while a regional plan may be more suitable under its own conditions. Kaspersky eSIM Store helps you choose a destination, review a plan, arrange the eSIM and complete activation; it does not provide the cellular network or guarantee signal in a particular place.

Many travel eSIMs are data-only. Keep the normal SIM for your number if needed, review its roaming setting and use messaging or calling apps over mobile data. Monitor the eSIM counter and limit background backups and updates when data is limited.

Common problems and what to check

The eSIM option is missing

Search Settings for “EID,” “eSIM” and “mobile plan.” Confirm the model identifier and region. No EID plus no eSIM menu usually indicates the nano-SIM + nano-SIM version. Do not buy a profile until the exact unit is confirmed.

The QR code will not scan

Increase the code’s screen brightness, clean the camera lens and hold it steady. Use Gallery or a manual code if offered. Confirm that the code belongs to this plan and has not been used.

The profile is installed but there is no data

Make the travel profile the data line, check that it is enabled and confirm that the plan covers the country. Enable roaming for that profile only when required. Restart and allow a few minutes for registration. Use only the plan’s APN values.

Data is using the wrong SIM

Set the travel eSIM as the data line and disable automatic switching. Check roaming on the physical SIM and recheck the preferred line after crossing a border.

Calls or SMS do not work

That may be expected: a data-only travel eSIM does not provide a regular number. Keep the everyday SIM for calls and SMS if its roaming conditions suit you, or use apps over mobile data. Contact support if the plan expressly includes voice or SMS.

The phone is locked

An operator-locked device can reject a travel profile even with an EID. Ask the original operator or seller about unlocking. On a company phone, an administrator may control installation.

FAQ

Is eSIM guaranteed on every Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB?

No. Xiaomi documents eSIM-capable versions of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, but also lists physical dual-SIM alternatives. Check the EID and eSIM menu on the actual phone.

Does 256GB mean that the phone has eSIM?

No. Storage and eSIM hardware are separate. The 256GB label does not identify the region, firmware or SIM arrangement.

Can eSIM and a physical SIM work together?

On an eSIM-capable configuration, eSIM can occupy SIM 2, but simultaneous use depends on the regional hardware and software. Xiaomi warns that activating eSIM can disable the physical SIM 2 option. Check the phone’s SIM manager.

Does the travel eSIM replace my phone number?

Usually no. It is intended for mobile internet, while the regular SIM keeps the usual number. Calls and SMS are included only when the selected plan explicitly says so.

What if I am unsure about my version?

Record the model identifier, check for an EID and open the eSIM manager. Ask Xiaomi or the seller about the market configuration. If uncertainty remains, do not pay for the travel profile yet.

Final device check before your trip

Before selecting an eSIM for a journey, confirm that your Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 256GB shows an EID; open Mobile networks and verify the eSIM/Add mobile plan option; confirm that the phone is not operator-locked; connect to Wi-Fi; and check that the plan covers every destination. If the menu is absent, treat the unit as incompatible until the exact seller or manufacturer confirmation says otherwise.

Once compatibility is clear, use Kaspersky eSIM Store as the app or website for choosing, arranging and activating an eSIM with a mobile-data plan for your overseas trip. Review data volume, validity, activation point and roaming instructions. Install before departure when the plan allows it, or activate after arrival, then select the travel eSIM for mobile data and test it with Wi-Fi off. This final check helps prevent paying for a profile that your regional version cannot use.

Plan availability, validity, activation conditions and supported destinations can change. Verify current conditions for the selected service and device before purchase.