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How to configure Android eSIM Profiles in Hexnode UEM?

TL;DR

The Deploy eSIM action in Hexnode UEM allows administrators to remotely provision eSIM profiles on compatible Android 15 and later devices enrolled through Android Enterprise. The device must support eSIM functionality and meet the required carrier and provisioning requirements.

Administrators can provide a carrier-issued activation code, choose whether to activate the eSIM profile after installation, and deploy profiles either manually or in bulk using a CSV file. The deployment status can be monitored from the device’s eSIM Profiles section and Action History in Hexnode UEM.

What does Deploy eSIM do?

For organizations managing mobile devices remotely, providing cellular connectivity can otherwise require physical SIM cards, device-level setup, or user-assisted carrier activation.

Deploy eSIM allows administrators to provision a carrier-provided eSIM profile remotely through Hexnode UEM. This can simplify scenarios such as:

  • onboarding remote or distributed employees,
  • provisioning cellular connectivity on newly issued devices,
  • deploying carrier or roaming plans,
  • transitioning devices between carrier plans, and
  • provisioning connectivity during device replacement or refresh cycles.

The eSIM profile is downloaded to the managed device using the activation code supplied by the carrier. Depending on the device and activation configuration, the profile can also be activated as part of the deployment.

Prerequisites and Support Requirements

Before deploying an eSIM profile, ensure the following requirements are met:

Requirement Details
Device enrollment The device must be enrolled in Hexnode UEM using Android Enterprise management mode.
Android version The device must be running Android 15 or later.
eSIM support The device must support eSIM functionality.
Hexnode For Work The Hexnode For Work app must be installed on the device to complete the eSIM profile installation.
Activation code A valid eSIM activation code must be obtained from the carrier or eSIM service provider.

Step-by-Step Guide: Performing the Deploy eSIM Action

The Deploy eSIM action allows administrators to deploy eSIM profiles to individual or multiple Android devices through the Hexnode UEM console. Follow the steps below to perform the deployment action.

Deploy an eSIM profile on an individual Android device

  1. Go to Manage > Endpoints.
  2. Select the required Android device.
  3. Click Actions > Network.
  4. Select Deploy eSIM. The Deploy eSIM window appears.
  5. Under eSIM Profiles, enter the following details:
    • Name: Enter a name to identify the eSIM profile.
    • Activation code: Enter the activation code provided by the carrier or eSIM service provider.
    • Activate: When enabled, automatically activates the eSIM profile after it is installed on the device.
  6. To deploy additional eSIM profiles to the same device, click + Add more and enter the required details.
  7. Click Deploy.

Deploy eSIM profiles in bulk on Android devices

  1. Go to Manage > Endpoints.
  2. Select the required Android devices.
  3. Click Actions > Network.
  4. Click Deploy eSIM. The Deploy eSIM window appears.
  5. Under Choose platform, select Android.
  6. Under Add eSIM details, choose one of the following options:
    • Upload CSV to deploy eSIM profiles using a CSV file.
    • Add manually to enter eSIM profile details directly into the Hexnode UEM console.

Upload eSIM profiles using a CSV file

  1. Select Upload CSV.
  2. Click Download sample template to download a CSV template containing the Device name, Profile Name, Activation Code, and Activate fields required to configure eSIM profiles for bulk deployment.
  3. Under Select CSV file, click Upload and select the CSV file containing the eSIM profile details.
  4. Click Deploy.
Note:

If the CSV contains invalid or conflicting records, such as missing required values, invalid field values, or duplicate/conflicting entries for a device, the upload fails and the following error message is displayed: File upload failed. Invalid or conflicting records detected.

Add eSIM profiles manually

  1. Select Add manually.
  2. The selected Android devices are automatically listed under eSIM Profiles.
  3. For each device, enter the following details:
    • Device Name: Displays the name of the selected device.
    • Name: Enter a name for the eSIM profile.
    • Activation Code: Enter the activation code provided by the carrier or eSIM service provider.
    • Activate: When enabled, automatically activates the eSIM profile after it is setup on the device.
  4. To add another eSIM profile to a device, click + Add more. A new entry with the Name, Activation Code, and Activate fields is added.
  5. Enter the required details and click Deploy.

Complete eSIM installation on the device

After the Deploy eSIM action is initiated, the Hexnode For Work app displays an eSIM Setup prompt on the device. The user must select SET UP ESIM to complete the eSIM profile installation. Once installed, the eSIM profile is added to the device and its status is updated to Installed in Hexnode UEM.

Installing an eSIM does not automatically remove or replace an existing physical SIM or eSIM profile. When the new eSIM is activated, it becomes an additional cellular subscription on the device and can be used according to the device’s SIM configuration for mobile data, calls, and text messages. If the device has no available eSIM slot for another active profile, activation of the new eSIM will fail. In such cases, an existing active eSIM may need to be deactivated before the new profile can be activated.

Verify the eSIM deployment

After clicking Deploy:

  1. Open the required device and go to Device Details.
  2. Under eSIM profiles, check the deployed eSIM profile and its current status.
  3. Open Action History and locate the corresponding Deploy eSIM action to view its execution status and details.

View eSIM profiles

After an eSIM profile is deployed, administrators can view its details from the device’s Device Details page.

The eSIM Profiles section displays details of the eSIM profiles configured on the device, including:

  • Name: The name assigned to the eSIM profile for identification.
  • Activation Code: The activation code used to provision the eSIM profile on the device.
  • Carrier: The mobile network operator associated with the eSIM profile. This information is displayed only for active profiles.
  • Status: Indicates the current state of the eSIM profile, such as Installed, Pending, or Failed.
Status Description
Installed The eSIM profile has been successfully installed on the device.
Pending The eSIM profile has been deployed, but installation has not yet been completed on the device.
Failed The eSIM profile could not be installed on the device.

Troubleshooting

eSIM installation fails

Description: The eSIM profile fails to install on the Android device when the Deploy eSIM action is initiated.

Cause:

  • The activation code is incorrect, expired, or invalid.
  • The eSIM profile is already installed on the device.

Solution:

  • Verify that the activation code is correct and valid.
  • Check whether the eSIM profile is already installed on the device. Open the device’s Device Details page and check the eSIM profile section for the profile and its status. You can also check the device’s Action History for corresponding Deploy eSIM action and its execution status.

The eSIM profile remains in Pending status

Description: The eSIM profile remains in Pending status.

Cause:

The eSIM profile has been deployed, but the installation has not yet been completed on the device.

Solution:

Open the Hexnode For Work app on the device and select SET UP ESIM from the eSIM Setup to complete the eSIM profile installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the user need to interact with the Android device to install an eSIM?

Yes. After the Deploy eSIM action is initiated, the Hexnode For Work app displays an Install eSIM prompt. The user must select INSTALL to complete the eSIM installation.

Which Android versions support eSIM management in Hexnode UEM?

eSIM management is supported on Android 15 and later devices that support eSIM functionality.

Where can I check the eSIM profile status?

The status of an eSIM profile is displayed in the eSIM Profiles section of the Device Details page. The available statuses include Installed, Pending, and Failed.

Device Actions