How to Use Dual SIM with an eSIM
Want to keep your regular phone number active while using a travel eSIM for data? That's exactly what dual SIM is for. When you use dual SIM with eSIM, your phone runs two lines at once: one for your usual calls and texts, and one for affordable mobile data abroad.
This guide explains how dual SIM works with an eSIM, what you need before you start and how to set it up step by step on iPhone and Android, including which settings to check so you only use data where you intend to. New to eSIM? You can first see how eSIM installation works.
What Is Dual SIM and How Does It Work with an eSIM?
How does dual SIM work with eSIM? Dual SIM means your phone can hold two active phone lines at the same time. With an eSIM, one of those lines is digital, so you can keep your physical SIM for your home number and use an eSIM for mobile data, or run two eSIMs side by side on supported phones. You then choose which line handles calls, texts and mobile data.
Physical SIM + eSIM
Using a physical SIM and eSIM at the same time is the most common setup for travelers. Your home SIM card stays in the SIM tray, and your travel eSIM is added digitally. If you're not sure how the two compare, see our guide to the eSIM and physical SIM card.
eSIM + eSIM
Some newer phones can run two eSIMs at the same time, with no physical SIM involved. This is how dual SIM works on eSIM-only models, such as iPhone Air and iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US.
How Calls, Texts, and Mobile Data Work with Dual SIM
Both lines can make and receive calls and texts, but mobile data comes from only one line at a time, the one you choose. On most phones, when you're on a call on one line, the other line is temporarily unavailable, unless you use Wi-Fi Calling or a data-switching option.
Can You Use an eSIM and a Physical SIM at the Same Time?
Yes. If your phone supports dual SIM, you can use eSIM and physical SIM together, and both lines stay active. In other words, you can use eSIM and SIM at the same time without swapping cards: your primary SIM receives calls and SMS while your eSIM handles mobile data. You decide which line is the default for calls, which one sends messages and which one provides internet.
Why Use Dual SIM with an eSIM?
Keep Your Primary Phone Number Active
Friends, family, banks and apps that send verification codes can still reach you on your usual number, even while you're abroad.
Use Your eSIM for Mobile Data
A travel eSIM gives you local or regional data at travel-friendly prices, so you can use maps, messaging apps and ride-hailing without relying on Wi-Fi.
Receive Calls and SMS on Your Primary SIM
With your primary SIM left on for calls and texts, you won't miss important calls or one-time passwords sent by SMS.
Separate Personal and Work Lines
Dual SIM isn't just for travel. Many people keep a personal and a work number on one phone and choose which line to use for each call or message.
Avoid Using Mobile Data on Your Home SIM While Traveling
By setting your eSIM as the data line and turning off data roaming on your home SIM, you keep your home line from using mobile data abroad.
What You Need Before Using Dual SIM with an eSIM
Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM and Dual SIM
Dial *#06#. On most phones, if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. Some Android phones support eSIM without showing an EID here, so if nothing appears, check your model in our list of eSIM-compatible devices. Most eSIM-capable phones also support dual SIM.
Make Sure Your Phone Is Carrier-Unlocked
A phone locked to one carrier may not accept an eSIM from another provider. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and check that Carrier Lock shows "No SIM restrictions". On Android, ask the carrier you bought the phone from.
Install Your eSIM Before Setting Up Dual SIM
Install your eSIM first, ideally at home on stable Wi-Fi before your trip. If you run into problems during installation, see our guide on what to do when your eSIM is not activating.
💡 Tip: With Enjoy eSIM, you can install your eSIM before you fly and keep your home number active, so you're connected on both lines the moment you land.
How to Use Dual SIM with an eSIM on iPhone
For a dual SIM eSIM iPhone setup, you need iPhone XS, iPhone XR or later. Menu names can differ slightly by iOS version and region (Cellular or Mobile Data).
1. Add and Turn On Your eSIM
Install your eSIM with the QR code or the manual details from your order. Then go to Settings > Cellular, tap the new line and make sure Turn On This Line is enabled.
2. Label Your SIMs
Tap each line in Settings > Cellular, then tap Cellular Plan Label and choose a label such as "Primary" and "Travel". Clear labels make every next step easier.
3. Choose Your Default Line for Calls and Messages
Go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line and choose your primary line, so calls and SMS continue to use your usual number.
4. Choose Your eSIM for Cellular Data
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select your travel eSIM.
5. Turn On Data Roaming for Your Travel eSIM
In Settings > Cellular, tap your travel eSIM and turn on Data Roaming. For your primary line, make sure Data Roaming is off.
6. Check Allow Cellular Data Switching
On the Cellular Data screen, you'll see Allow Cellular Data Switching. When it's on, your iPhone can use your primary line's data during calls on that line. While traveling, keep it off so all data stays on your eSIM. Keep in mind that with this setting off, calls to your eSIM line may go to voicemail while you're on a call on your primary line, unless Wi-Fi Calling is available.
How to Use Dual SIM with an eSIM on Android
For a dual SIM eSIM Android setup, menu names vary by brand and Android version. The paths below are for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
1. Add and Enable Your eSIM
Install your eSIM, then open Settings > Connections > SIM manager on Samsung or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs on Pixel and make sure the new eSIM is turned on.
2. Label Your SIMs
In the same menu, tap each SIM to give it a clear name, such as "Primary" and "Travel". On many Galaxy phones, you can also pick a different icon for each line.
3. Choose Your Primary SIM for Calls and SMS
In SIM manager on Samsung, or under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Calls preference and SMS preference on Pixel, set your primary SIM for calls and text messages.
4. Choose Your eSIM for Mobile Data
In the same menu, set your travel eSIM for mobile data.
5. Turn On Data Roaming for Your Travel eSIM
Open your eSIM's network settings (Settings > Connections > Mobile networks on Samsung, or tap the eSIM under SIMs on Pixel) and turn on Roaming. Keep roaming off for your primary SIM.
6. Check Your Default SIM Settings
Look for automatic data switching: Auto data switching on Samsung, or the automatic mobile data switching option under SIMs on newer Pixel phones (its exact name can vary by Android version). Turn it off while traveling so your phone doesn't switch mobile data to your primary SIM.
How to Use Your Primary SIM for Calls and eSIM for Data
This eSIM dual SIM setup is the one most travelers want. In short:
- Calls and SMS: primary SIM
- Mobile data: travel eSIM
- Data roaming: on for the eSIM, off for the primary SIM
- Data switching: off
With these settings, you can still receive calls and texts on your usual number while your eSIM handles all mobile data.
How to Keep Your Primary Number Active While Using an eSIM
Leave your primary SIM turned on, but don't use it for mobile data. Your number stays reachable for calls and SMS, and verification codes keep arriving. Incoming calls and texts abroad may still be charged depending on your home carrier's roaming terms, so check them before you travel.
For calls and messages over the internet, apps like WhatsApp work on your eSIM data connection. Your home carrier may also offer Wi-Fi Calling, which lets you use your usual number over an internet connection, but support abroad depends on the carrier, so check before you rely on it.
🌍 Planning your next trip? See available eSIM destinations →
How to Switch Between Your SIM and eSIM
How to Switch Mobile Data Between SIMs
On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and pick a line. On Android, change the SIM for mobile data in SIM manager or under SIMs. You can also use the mobile data shortcut in the quick settings panel on many Android phones.
How to Change the Default Line for Calls
On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line. On Android, change the SIM for calls in SIM manager or under SIMs. Some phones can also ask you which line to use before every call.
How to Turn a SIM Line On or Off
On iPhone, tap the line in Settings > Cellular and toggle Turn On This Line. On Samsung, use the switch next to each SIM in SIM manager. On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select the SIM and toggle Use SIM. Turning a line off doesn't delete it.
Can You Use Two eSIMs at the Same Time?
Yes, on supported phones. iPhone 13 and later models can have two eSIMs active at once, and Google Pixel 7 and later can do the same if your carrier allows it. Some newer Samsung Galaxy models also support two active eSIMs. Most phones can store more eSIMs than they can use at the same time, so you can keep extra plans installed and switch between them.
Common Dual SIM and eSIM Mistakes to Avoid
Selecting the Wrong SIM for Mobile Data
If your primary SIM is still set as the data line, your phone will use it for internet instead of your eSIM. Always double-check the mobile data line after installing a new eSIM.
Leaving Data Roaming On for Your Primary SIM
Data roaming should only be on for your travel eSIM. Leaving it on for your primary SIM allows that line to use mobile data abroad.
Turning Off Your Primary SIM When You Need Calls or SMS
If you turn off your primary line completely, you won't receive calls or SMS, including one-time passwords from your bank. Keep it on, just not for data.
Enabling Cellular Data Switching by Accident
Automatic data switching can move your mobile data to your primary SIM without you noticing. Check that it's turned off while you travel.
Assuming Your Primary SIM Cannot Incur Roaming Charges
Even with data roaming off, your home carrier may charge for incoming calls or SMS abroad. Check your carrier's roaming terms before you leave.
Which Phones Support Dual SIM with an eSIM?
Most recent smartphones support dual SIM with an eSIM, including iPhone XS, iPhone XR and later, most recent Google Pixel models, many Samsung Galaxy S and Z series phones and some Galaxy A series models. Some models are eSIM-only and use two eSIMs for dual SIM: iPhone Air worldwide, iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US, and the iPhone 17 lineup in several other countries, including Canada, Japan, Mexico and the UAE. Support can depend on the model and region, so check our list of eSIM-compatible devices before you buy a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. On a dual SIM phone, both lines stay active. You can use your physical SIM for calls and SMS and your eSIM for mobile data.
Can I use two eSIMs at the same time?
Yes, on supported phones such as iPhone 13 and later, Google Pixel 7 and later and some newer Samsung Galaxy models.
Can I keep my primary SIM active while using an eSIM?
Yes. Keep your primary SIM turned on for calls and SMS, and set your eSIM as the line for mobile data.
Can I receive calls and SMS while using eSIM data?
Yes. As long as your primary SIM is turned on, you can receive calls and SMS on it while your eSIM provides mobile data.
Which SIM should I use for mobile data?
While traveling, use your travel eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming only for that line.
Should I turn off my primary SIM while traveling?
Not if you want to receive calls and SMS. Keep it on, turn off its data roaming and set your eSIM for mobile data.
Will I be charged roaming fees if my primary SIM stays active?
Mobile data won't be used on your primary SIM if data roaming is off and your eSIM is the data line. Your home carrier may still charge for incoming calls or SMS abroad, so check its roaming terms.
Can I switch between my SIM and eSIM anytime?
Yes. You can change which line is used for calls, SMS and mobile data at any time in your phone's settings.
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