Microsoft Surface and eSIM
Surface models with built-in LTE or 5G take an eSIM, and because they run Windows the menu sits somewhere different from a phone. The two Surface Duo models are Android devices that take both an eSIM and a physical SIM.
| Model | eSIM | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro 9 (5G) | Yes | 2022 | 5G / LTE models only |
| Surface Pro 7+ (LTE) | Yes | 2021 | 5G / LTE models only |
| Surface Pro X | Yes | 2019 | — |
| Surface Go 3 (LTE) | Yes | 2021 | 5G / LTE models only |
| Surface Duo 2 | Yes | 2021 | — |
| Surface Duo | Yes | 2020 | — |
How to check on the phone
- On Windows, open Settings → Network & internet → Cellular
- If there is no Cellular section at all, your unit is the Wi-Fi model with no modem
- On Surface Duo use the Android route: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
Things to know
- Wi-Fi and LTE/5G Surfaces look identical and differ only by model code — check the spec of your unit before buying a plan.
- Some eSIM providers ship a phone app only — on Windows you may have to install from a QR code or type the activation details in by hand.
eSIM on a Windows Surface
Microsoft lists the Surface devices that can use eSIM as the Surface Pro X, Surface Pro (5th Gen) with LTE Advanced, Surface Pro 7+ with LTE Advanced, Surface Pro 8 with LTE Advanced, Surface Pro 9 with 5G, Surface Pro 10 with 5G for Business, Surface Pro (11th Edition) with 5G, Surface Pro 5G for Business (12th Edition), Surface Laptop 5G for Business and Surface Go 3 with LTE Advanced. If you are not sure whether yours is an LTE or 5G model, open the Surface app → Device information and read the Surface model value.
Installing a travel eSIM on Windows
- 1Check for a Cellular pageGo to Start → Settings → Network & internet. A Cellular page means the device has a modem; no Cellular page means a Wi-Fi model that cannot use eSIM.
- 2Open eSIM profilesGo to Settings → Network & internet → Cellular → eSIM profiles, and under Add an eSIM profile from your mobile operator select Add profile.
- 3Enter the activation codeChoose Let me enter an activation code I have from my mobile operator → Next, then scan the QR code with the camera or type the code. If a confirmation code box appears and the shop gave you one, enter it, then select Download.
- 4Make the eSIM the data lineOn the Cellular page, under Use this SIM for cellular data, select eSIM. Then in eSIM profiles choose the profile, select Use and confirm the charges prompt.
Windows settings to check before you travel
Microsoft's Cellular settings page describes three options that matter when travelling. All sit under Settings → Network & internet → Cellular.
- Data roaming options: Microsoft says this decides whether cellular data stays on outside your operator's network. If the travel plan roams, allow roaming on that eSIM, and pick Don't roam on your home SIM to avoid roaming charges.
- Metered connection: Microsoft says cellular connections are set as metered by default. Leave it that way so some apps use less data.
- Let Windows keep me connected: when on, Windows joins cellular data by itself whenever there is no Wi-Fi or Ethernet. To control usage yourself, turn it off and select Connect when needed.
Surface Duo and common problems
Surface Duo and Duo 2 are Android devices: use Settings → Network & internet → SIMs, and *#06# shows the EID. We could not find a Microsoft eSIM help page for the Duo to verify today, so this is the general Android route only.
| Problem | Usual cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No Cellular page | Wi-Fi-only model | Use your phone's hotspot instead |
| The shop's app is phone-only | The app supports iOS and Android only | Use the QR code or activation code from the email |
| Downloaded but no data | SIM1 is still the data line | Select eSIM under Use this SIM for cellular data |
FAQ
Is my Surface an LTE model?+
Open the Surface app → Device information and read Surface model, as Microsoft suggests, or check whether Settings has a Cellular page.
Can I use the same eSIM QR code on my phone and my Surface?+
No. Most eSIM profiles install once on one device. For data on both, buy two plans or share your phone's hotspot.
Can I dial *#06# on Windows to see the EID?+
No, that code is for phones. On a Surface, look in Settings → Network & internet → Cellular.
Do I need the Mobile Plans app?+
Not for an eSIM you bought from a shop. Microsoft uses Mobile Plans for signing up with participating operators; a QR code you already have goes in through Add profile under eSIM profiles.
Sources
- Use an eSIM to get a cellular data connection on your Windows PC — Microsoft, October 10, 2026
- Set up the LTE or 5G connection on your Surface — Microsoft, October 10, 2026
- Cellular settings in Windows — Microsoft, October 10, 2026