How to Use Dual Sims on an iPhone

Last Updated: May 17, 2020

Using Dual Sims allows you to have two cellular plans on one phone. This is useful if you are traveling, or if you want to have a personal and business phone number on the same device. When using dual SIMs, your primary number is controlled by the nano-SIM on your phone. The secondary number is an eSIM, which is stored digitally on your iPhone. To use dual SIMs, you'll need an iPhone X or later running at least iOS 12.1, as well as a wireless carrier that supports eSIMs. This wikiHow teaches you how to set up and use dual SIMs on your iPhone.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Setting Up a Second eSIM

1
Purchase a second eSIM plan from your carrier. This can be done over the phone, or with your carrier's mobile app.
- Not all carriers support eSIMs.
2
Set up your second plan. The way you set up a second plan is different depending on your carrier. Your carrier may require you to use their app to set up a second plan, they may assign you a plan. They may also send you a QR code that you can scan to set up your second plan. Use the following steps to set up your second plan.
- Using Your Carrier's App:
  - Download your carrier's app from the App Store.
  - Use the app to set up your second plan (contact your wireless carrier for more details).
- Using A QR Code:
  - Open the Settings app.
  - Tap Cellular.
  - Tap Add Cellular Plan
  - Use your camera to scan the QR code.
  - Tap Add Cellular Plan.
- Installing an Assigned Cellular Plan (iOS 13 +)
  - Tap the notification that says "Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed."
  - Open the Settings app.
  - Tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
  - Tap Continue.
Advertisement
3
Tap Primary. This is the first cellular number for the first plan you have activated. This allows you to pick a label for your primary number.
4
Tap a label. This is the label you will use for your primary number. You can use one of the pre-made labels, such as "Primary", or "Personal" or you can type your own label below "Custom Label."
5
Tap Done. This takes you back to the previous screen.
6
Tap Secondary. This is the secondary number you just activated. This allows you to select a label for your secondary number.
7
Tap a label. This is the label that will be used for your secondary number. You can tap "Secondary", "Business", "Travel", "Cellular data" or type our own label below "Custom Label."
8
Tap Done. This takes you back to the previous screen.
9
Tap Continue. After you have selected a label for both lines, tap Continue to proceed.
10
Select a default line and tap Done. Tap the radio button next to the line you want to use as your default line. The other line will still be available for calls and text messages. Tap Done when you are ready to continue. You should now see two signal bars for both lines.
- Alternatively, you can select one line to be a data-only line.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Selecting a Number to Call From

1
Open the Phone app
. It's has a green icon with an image that resembles a white phone.
2
Tap the Keypad tab. It has an icon with 9 circles. It's at the bottom of the screen. This opens the dial pad.
3
Dial your number. Use the dial pad to enter the number you want to call, but don't send the call just yet.
4
Tap your phone number label. It's in the grey bar at the top of the screen.
5
Tap the number label you want to place the call from. Both lines are listed at the bottom of the screen. Tap the line you want to use.
6
Tap the phone icon. It's the green button below the dial pad. This places your call with the number you selected.

Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Selecting a Number to Text From

1
Open Messages
. It's the app that has a green icon with a white speech bubble. This is the app you send text messages from.
2
Tap the compose icon
. It's the blue icon that resembles a pencil and paper in the upper-right corner.
- You can only select a number to send a text from when sending a new text message. You cannot select a number on an existing text message conversation.
3
Type a number or contact name. Enter the number you want to text or the name of the contact you want to text next to "To:".
4
Tap your phone number label. It's below the "To:" line. This displays both your phone numbers.^{[1]
X
Research source}
5
Tap the number label you want to send a text from. Both numbers are listed at the bottom of the screen.
6
Compose your message. Tap the "Text Message" box and use the keyboard to type the message you want to send.
7
Tap the Send icon. It's the icon that has a green icon with an arrow pointing up next to the "Text Message" box. This sends the text message.

Advertisement