How to obtain the eSIM EID (Embedded Identification Document) from a device with DO (Device Owner) active?

danielbeninca
Level 1.6: Donut

Hello,

We are looking to implement the functionality to provision eSIM profiles on devices with Android 15+. However, we encountered a telecom provider that requires the EID of the devices before providing us with the eSIM activation code.

In this initial stage, we are simply trying to obtain the EIDs of all devices so that we can send them to the telecom provider and receive the eSIM activation code in return. To obtain the EID, we are using the following approach:

 

`euiccManager.createForCardId(slot).eid`

 

However, we are encountering this issue as noted here:

*Must have carrier privileges on subscription to read EID for cardId=0 [java.lang.SecurityException: Must have carrier privileges on subscription to read EID for cardId=0]*

 

The same issue occurs with `euiccManager.eid`.

According to the documentation mentioned above, Android 15 introduced the possibility of managing eSIM profiles without requiring carrier privileges. However, it seems that the same should also apply to obtaining the EID.

I noticed a similar situation reported here that has been unanswered since September 2024.

Is there any other way to retrieve the EID, or is there any plan to include EID in the bypass for managed corporate devices (which have Device Owner active)?

Looking forward to any insights on this. Thanks in advance!

12 REPLIES 12

Lizzie
Google Community Manager
Google Community Manager

Thanks for your follow-up here, @danielbeninca. Quick question, do you have access to the Android Enterprise Partner Portal?

 



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Yes, I do.

Lizzie
Google Community Manager
Google Community Manager

Thanks @danielbeninca. I've just sent you a direct message via your community inbox (the little envelope in the top right corner of the community page). 

 

Thanks,

Lizzie



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danielbeninca
Level 1.6: Donut

Just like in Android 15, where MDM solutions were given the ability to activate eSIM on devices, could you let us know if there will be a possibility to retrieve the EID at some point as well? Some telecom operators require this information to provide us with the eSIM activation code.

I’d like to inform you that it no longer requires a response, as the information provided earlier has already clarified the situation.

Thanks again for your support!

Michel
Level 2.3: Gingerbread

Hi @danielbeninca , @Lizzie ,

 

I don't have a lot of experience with this, since our providers here are still living in the stone age and won't connect to MDM solutions for rolling out eSims. 

 

But I do know that Knox Mobile enrollment is able to export the EID in bulk from all registered devices with eSim. But you need Samsung devices for that. Not sure if Android zero touch has it, but you can try by clicking export device details (if you are using this portal). 

 

In other cases, you can see it manually via the phones settings. But if its for many devices, I suggest getting in contact with your device reseller to see if the OEM partner is able to provide those details for you. In most cases the OEM is able to provide some information. 

 

Hello @Michel ,

Thank you for your response. I had already checked the documentation looking for an alternative through the Samsung Knox API (and I double-checked it again after reading your response), but I couldn’t find a way to retrieve the EID. If you happen to have an example or a reference that you could share with us, it would be much appreciated. This might be a good alternative for us as well.

We could also consider asking the device supplier to obtain the EID for us and send it to the telecom provider so they can provide the eSIM activation codes. However, I believe we’ll face another challenge: since we are dealing with large-scale activation, it will be difficult to match the eSIM profile activation codes to the correct devices, as we are still unable to retrieve the EID through an MDM/EMM solution due to the requirement for "carrier privileges."

We’re still waiting for a solution to this issue.

Thank you.

Michel
Level 2.3: Gingerbread

I was sure it was there, but just performed an export and its indeed missing for Android devices. But it shows for Apple devices when exporting from Knox Manage. Strange thing. 

 

i'm sorry, really hoped to give you a solution. 

 

When getting the list from your supplier, you have to make sure that the list contains IMEI en EID combined, that way you should be able to match them. 

 

As a service to our customers, we provide assistance with E-SIM activation by scanning the QR code for them before shipping the device. The customer has access to a carrier portal where that can be generated. That works for our customers very well. 

 

 

Alex_Muc
Level 2.2: Froyo

@Michel 

I asked Samsung in January if they will add the EID retrospectively. We were not the first customer to ask, but I have not yet received a proper answer.


With WorkspaceONE, we can also report the EID of Apple devices without any problems. For Android, the reporting of SIM cards still needs to be improved. I am curious to see if the EID can then also be reported there.

 

Otherwise, the EID is often (Samsung & Pixel devices) printed as a barcode on the device boxes.

I see. Regarding the EID being combined with the IMEI, for now, I’m not considering going that route because, from what I understand, an EID isn’t necessarily linked to an IMEI (physical SIM), especially since we may have devices that only support eSIM without a physical SIM, meaning there wouldn’t be an IMEI. At least that’s what I’ve understood so far. Please correct me if I’m wrong about this.

Michel
Level 2.3: Gingerbread

eSIM also has an IMEI number.  IMEI is used as a unique identifier such as a MAC address on network cards so i'm almost sure smartphones without physical sim have an IMEI as well. 

 

See this article: https://www.getnomad.app/blog/imei-vs-iccid-vs-eid

 

But keep in mind, i'm on unknown territories here haha, I have to rely on articles such as the link. 

 

@Lizzie , this might be an interesting topic for a blog. eSIM management, and all things related to eSIM. Its new for a lot of people. 

 

 

Lizzie
Google Community Manager
Google Community Manager

Hello @danielbeninca,

 

Thanks for your message here. Sorry for the delay. 

 

I just wanted to come back to you to let you know I am looking into your ask here. Once I have more information I'll let you know. 

 

Thank you,

Lizzie

 

(@jasonbayton@jeremy@Michel in case you know more around this)

 



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