eSIM or embedded SIM card on the phone enables you to add access to telco data network without a physical SIM card. This is a great feature for international travellers. You can add data plans to your phone for a small fee. There are no physical SIMs to pick up and swap around. All you need is a Wi-Fi network, shop online, and configure the new profile into your phone.
This is great for iPhones, Pixels and most Samsung phones. eSIM is available out of the box. Not so much if you are using Xiaomi phones like me.
My Poco X3 NFC does not have eSIM hardware, probably as a cost-cutting measure. Android 10 and above supports eSIM 1. I am on Android 14, so all I need is the hardware, a special SIM card, confusingly also called eSIM. There are some suppliers, 5ber, esim.me. I got 5ber because it is cheaper and there were more people recommending it.
After installing the 5ber SIM card, you can test for compatibility by type *#06# on the phone dialer to show the phone’s IMEI and if eSIM compatible, EID number. Start up the 5ber app, you should be able to see the screen prompting to add profile.
While connected to Wi-Fi, set the 5ber SIM to be the default for network data. Purchase the desired eSIM profile (plan) and upload via scanning the QR code or uploading to the app the QR code picture.
When you are in country, turn the desire eSIM profile to use. You may have multiple profiles loaded, turn on one to use.
All pictures are property of 5ber
1 https://source.android.com/docs/core/connect/esim-overview
Edit: 24 Nov
On my stock Poco M3 with Android 10, the shortcode *#06# shows my 5ber SIM card from Poco X3 was recognized. Unfortunately, the 5Ber app was unable to identify the SIM properly. I think this is a MIUI issue.