eSIM Management (Android)

Use the SOTI MobiControl eSIM management capabilities to define a policy that streamlines SIM card provisioning across a large number of devices.

Before you begin

To assign eSIM policies, you must use Android devices that support eSIM.

About this task

Create a policy that streamlines SIM card provisioning across a large number of devices. eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a programmable SIM chip built into a device. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs can be updated over-the-air (OTA) with new carrier profiles. They support multiple profiles, allowing users to switch networks without physically swapping cards.

eSIM management involves overseeing the lifecycle of eSIM profiles, including:

  • Fleet Management: Remotely manage connectivity for thousands of devices (for example, smart phones, logistics trackers)

  • Provisioning: Remotely installing carrier profiles on devices

  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces logistics and support costs tied to physical SIM distribution

  • Activation/Deactivation: Enabling or disabling profiles as needed

  • Subscription Management: Handling data plans, roaming, and network preferences

  • Security & Compliance: Ensuring encrypted communication and regulatory adherence

  • Inventory Tracking: Monitoring profiles installed on devices

  • Security & Durability: eSIMs are soldered into devices, making them tamper-resistant and ideal for harsh environments

Procedure

To create an eSIM policy
  1. Log in to the SOTI MobiControl web console as administrator.
  2. From the main menu, select Policies.
    Select Policies from the main menu
  3. In the Policies screen, select eSIM.
    In the Policies screen, select eSIM
  4. If this is the first time you are creating an eSIM policy, select Add Policy.
    In the eSIM policy screen, select Add Policy to add a new eSIM policy

    If there are existing eSIM policies, select the New eSIM Policy icon.

    Select New Esim Policy to add a new eSIM policy
  5. Enter a name (mandatory) and a description (optional). Leave the Activate eSIMs upon Installation toggle enabled (default) to install the eSIM and activate it so that the device connects to the cellular network.
    Note: If you disable Activate eSIMs upon Installation, the eSIM installs, but the device does not connect to the cellular network.
    Enter a Name and Description
  6. Select Next

To add individual eSIMs to the eSIM policy

Procedure

  1. In the eSIM Policy screen, select the Add icon.
Select the + icon to add eSIMs
  1. In the Add eSIMs screen, enter the intended IMEI and the activation code (mandatory) for the eSIM.
Enter the eSIM information in the Add eSIMs panel.
Note: The Intended IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) field is optional. If the eSIM must be applied to a specific device, enter the intended device's IMEI value. Leave this field blank to let SOTI MobiControl determine which device to assign the eSIM to.
  1. Select Add.
  2. Repeat steps seven through nine to add additional eSIMs.

To bulk add eSIMs to the eSIM policy

Procedure

  1. To facilitate the entry of a large numbers of eSIMs, select the Import icon. Importing enables you to rapidly bulk upload a large number of eSIMs from a file in *.csv format.
  2. Select Browse and locate the *.csv file containing the eSIM activation codes, and optionally the intended IMEIs.
    Adding eSIMs in bulk
    Note: The *.csv file contains two fields, the activation code (mandatory), and the Intended IMEI (optional). If you have a specific device the eSIM activation code must be applied to, include the IMEI value for the device in the Intended IMEI field for that row. Leave this field blank to let SOTI MobiControl determine which device to assign the eSIM to.
  3. Select Import. The eSIM Policy page displays the imported eSIMs.
  4. You can now either select Save to save the eSIM policy and assign it later, or select Save and Assign to save the eSIM policy and assign it to devices.
    Save and Assign the new eSOM policy
  5. In the Assign eSIMs screen, select the devices to assign the eSIM policy to.
  6. Select Assign to complete the assignment.
    Note: eSIMs are installed on selected devices during check-in.
    Note: eSIMs are not removed from devices when they no longer match the eSIM policy assignment. To remove eSIMs from a device, you must edit the eSIM policy.