Does the Sony Xperia 1 Vi support eSIM?
Sony Xperia 1 Vi eSIM compatibility
Yes, the Sony Xperia 1 Vi supports eSIM. All global variants of the Xperia 1 Vi (model number XQ-EC72) include eSIM functionality alongside a physical nano-SIM slot. This applies to models sold in Europe, Asia, and other international markets where Sony distributes the device.
Dual SIM capabilities
The Sony Xperia 1 Vi operates as a dual-SIM phone, letting you use one physical nano-SIM card and one eSIM simultaneously. This configuration means you can keep your home number active on the physical SIM while adding a travel eSIM for data when you're abroad. The device does not support dual eSIM—you're limited to one eSIM profile active at a time alongside the physical card.
Note that certain carrier-locked versions or regional variants may have eSIM disabled by the network operator. If you purchased your Xperia 1 Vi through a specific carrier, verify with them that eSIM functionality is enabled on your device before attempting activation.
How to set up an eSIM on the Sony Xperia 1 Vi
Xperia 1 Vi eSIM activation steps
Setting up an eSIM on your Sony Xperia 1 Vi takes about one minute once you have your QR code from your eSIM provider. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi before you start the installation process.
- Open Settings on your Xperia 1 Vi.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Select SIMs or Mobile network.
- Tap Add mobile plan or the + icon.
- Choose Scan QR code when prompted.
- Point your camera at the QR code provided by your eSIM provider and wait for it to scan automatically.
- Tap Add or Download to confirm the installation.
- Wait 30–60 seconds while the eSIM profile downloads and activates.
- Label your new line with a name like "Travel" or "Data" to distinguish it from your primary SIM.
- Choose which SIM to use for mobile data, calls, and messages in the SIM settings menu.
Set up an eSIM in Settings
If your QR code arrives via email or as an image file, you can enter the activation details manually. In the SIM settings, select Enter details manually instead of scanning, then type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as provided. This method works identically to QR scanning but requires careful data entry.
Using a travel eSIM on the Sony Xperia 1 Vi
A travel eSIM turns your Sony Xperia 1 Vi into a practical tool for international trips. Instead of paying roaming fees to your home carrier or hunting for a physical SIM card at the airport, you can install a regional or country-specific eSIM before you board your flight. Once you land, your phone connects to local networks automatically and you have data immediately.
Purchase your travel eSIM a day or two before departure—you'll receive the QR code by email within minutes. Complete the activation while you're still at home on Wi-Fi, but don't enable the travel eSIM line for data yet. When you arrive at your destination, go into Settings, switch mobile data to your travel eSIM line, and turn on data roaming for that line only. Your physical SIM stays in place for calls and text messages from your home number, including two-factor authentication codes.
You can browse eSIM plans for over 200 countries and regions, with options ranging from short trips to month-long data packages. The Sony Xperia 1 Vi holds multiple eSIM profiles in storage, so you can keep a frequently used travel eSIM installed and simply reactivate it on your next trip to that region.
Tips & troubleshooting
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line
The most common issue after Xperia 1 Vi eSIM activation is forgetting to enable data roaming for the travel line. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select your eSIM, and toggle Roaming on. Data roaming must be enabled because your travel eSIM connects to networks that Android considers "roaming" even though you're on a local plan. Keep roaming off for your home SIM to avoid surprise charges.
Fix an eSIM that won't activate
If the QR code won't scan, clean your camera lens and ensure the code is displayed at full brightness on another screen—avoid scanning from a printed page if possible. Poor lighting or a reflective screen can prevent recognition. If scanning repeatedly fails, use the manual entry method described earlier or request a fresh QR code from your provider.
When your eSIM installs but shows no signal, restart your Xperia 1 Vi and wait up to five minutes for the network registration to complete. Verify that airplane mode is off and that you've selected the correct SIM for mobile data in your network settings. If you're still stuck, eSIM setup help can walk you through device-specific diagnostics.
Remember that you can only have one eSIM active at a time on the Sony Xperia 1 Vi, alongside your physical SIM. If you need to switch between eSIM profiles, disable the current one in SIM settings before activating another. You can also check another device's eSIM compatibility if you're comparing phones or planning an upgrade.


