How to Remove & Add eSIM on Android (Pixel, OPPO, Xiaomi & Vivo)
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Overview
This guide covers how to remove an existing eSIM and add a new one on OPPO, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Google Pixel / Stock Android devices. While each brand uses its own UI skin, the eSIM setup process follows a similar pattern across all of them. The exact menu label may vary slightly between models and software versions, but the steps below will get you there.
If your customer is on a Samsung Galaxy device, refer to the separate Samsung Galaxy S24 / S25 eSIM guide in this KB. For iPhone, refer to the How to Remove & Add eSIM (iPhone) article.
Before You Start
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network before starting. eSIM activation requires internet access throughout.
- Confirm the device is carrier-unlocked. Carrier-locked devices may block eSIM activation from other providers.
- Check that the device supports eSIM — not all OPPO, Xiaomi, or Vivo models do. Newer flagship and mid-range models (2022 onwards) generally support it. If Add eSIM is not visible in settings, the device either does not support eSIM or requires a software update.
- Have the QR code or activation code from the carrier ready. For CommsMobile eSIM swaps, this is issued via the Comms Portal → Services → Advanced → SIM Swap → E-SIM.
Step 1 — Remove Existing eSIM (if applicable)
Navigate to your eSIM settings using the path for your device brand below, select the existing eSIM profile, and choose Delete or Remove eSIM. Restart the device before proceeding.
| Brand | UI | Path to eSIM Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel (Stock Android) | Android 13+ | Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → select eSIM → Delete |
| OPPO | ColorOS | Settings → Mobile Network → eSIM |
| Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO | MIUI / HyperOS | Settings → SIM Cards & Mobile Networks → eSIM |
| Vivo | FuntouchOS | Settings → Mobile Network → SIM & Network → eSIM |
Step 2 — Add the New eSIM
- Go to your eSIM settings using the path for your brand from the table above.
- Tap Add SIM or Add eSIM (may also appear as Download SIM or Add mobile plan).
- Choose your activation method:
- Scan QR code — Point the camera at the QR code provided by the carrier. This is the most common method.
- Enter manually — Use this if the QR code was sent to the same device. Enter the activation code exactly as provided.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to download the eSIM profile. Stay on Wi-Fi and keep the screen open until the process completes.
Step 3 — Set the New eSIM as Active
- Once installed, go back to your SIM or eSIM settings and confirm the new profile is showing as Active.
- Set the new eSIM as the preferred line for Mobile Data, Calls, and SMS.
- If a physical SIM is also installed, confirm which line handles which function to avoid conflicts.
- Restart the device and test a call and mobile data connection.
Common Issues — General Android
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Add eSIM option not visible | Update the device software. If the option still does not appear, the device model may not support eSIM or may be carrier-locked |
| QR code scan fails | Ensure good lighting and a steady hand. Alternatively, use the manual activation code option |
| eSIM download stalls or fails | Switch to a different Wi-Fi network and retry. If the QR code was already scanned once, it cannot be reused — contact Comms Channel support to reissue the eSIM |
| eSIM active but no service | Confirm the eSIM is set as the active line for Mobile Data in SIM settings. Check the Activity tab in the Comms Portal to confirm the SIM swap order reached Complete |
| No service after restart | Toggle Airplane Mode ON → wait 30 seconds → OFF, then restart the device |
Key Notes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Menu label variations | The eSIM option may appear as Add SIM, Add eSIM, Download SIM, or Add mobile plan depending on brand and software version |
| QR code is one-time use | Once scanned, the code cannot be reused. If activation fails, contact Comms Channel support to reissue |
| Not all models support eSIM | OPPO Lite models and some budget Xiaomi / Vivo variants do not support eSIM — always verify the specific model before attempting setup |
| Carrier-locked devices | Devices purchased through a carrier may block third-party eSIM activation. The customer will need to contact the original carrier to unlock |
| For CommsMobile eSIM swaps | Initiate via Comms Portal → Services → Advanced → SIM Swap → E-SIM and monitor in the Activity tab |
🎥 Watch the demo video below
[Video placeholder — embed Vimeo demo here once recorded]
