The iPhone’s capabilities extend beyond its remarkable design and intuitive user interface; it also allows for the use of multiple SIM cards, a feature that can be particularly useful for those who wish to separate their work and personal lives, or who simply desire the convenience of multiple numbers on a single device. This is made possible through the innovative eSIM technology approved by Apple.
This guide will take you on a journey through the process of setting up dual SIM cards on your iPhone, enabling you to utilize multiple iPhone dual SIM cards with Apple’s iOS operating system across its range of phones.
Why Opt for Dual SIM on Your iPhone?
Utilizing two or more numbers on a single phone is beneficial for those who wish to compartmentalize their personal and professional calls. The digital SIM platform, eSIM, allows you to add additional cellular or data plans without the need for a second physical SIM card, which is particularly useful given that Apple iPhones have been equipped with a single SIM card slot since their inception.
Compatibility with iPhones
Here’s the list of iPhones that support eSIM technology, excluding models purchased in China:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
Dual SIM support is possible on these iPhones using either two active eSIMs, or a nano-SIM and an eSIM. This is particularly true for the latest iPhone models like iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 mini. On older models like the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, dual SIM can be used with a nano-SIM and an eSIM.
The Power of iPhone eSIM
Once set up, the ability to use dual or multiple SIMs with your iPhone opens up numerous possibilities. For instance, you can add local data plans when traveling outside your home country, helping you to avoid hefty roaming charges. It also allows you to use separate SIMs for voice and data plans, helping you to save on data usage when creating mobile hotspots for your laptop, tablet, or other devices.
To use 5G data connections with Dual SIM cards on older iPhone 12 models, you’ll need Apple’s iOS 14.5 operating system or later versions installed. With dual SIMs and iOS 13, your phone can use one cellular data network at a time, but iPhone users can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls, as well as send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS from both.
Setting Up eSIM
To enable dual SIM support on your iPhone, you’ll need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later model, with iOS 12.1 or later. You also need to be signed up with a cellular network carrier that supports eSIM technology. If you’re unsure whether your network supports eSIM, a quick call to its support line or a search on its website should provide the information you need.
Points to Note about iPhone Dual SIM
If your iPhone isn’t unlocked, both of your cellular network plans must be from the same provider, which can be an issue if you’re traveling to countries with different cellular providers. However, if your iPhone is unlocked, you can use two different carriers on the same device. According to Apple, if a “CDMA carrier provides your first SIM, your second SIM won’t support CDMA”. For further clarification, it’s best to discuss this with your network provider, or if you’re using a business iPhone, contact your administration team.
How to Setup eSIM on Your iPhone
Although you can store more than one eSIM on your iPhone, you can only use one at a time, requiring you to switch between them. This can be done by going to your Settings app, selecting either Cellular or Mobile Data, and choosing the plan you wish to use. To facilitate easy switching between dual SIM iPhone plans, consider labeling your plans. To change the name of each plan, go to Settings, select either Cellular or Mobile Data, tap the telephone number of the plan you want to rename, and select Cellular Plan Label to type in your desired reference.
Setting Up Default SIM Card
If you’d like to set one SIM to take preference over the other when you call or send messages to someone not listed in your Contacts app, Apple allows you to choose which cellular plans to use for FaceTime and iMessage. You can also enable Allow Cellular Data Switching, which allows you to use cellular data from both your SIM cards.
When managing dual SIM cards, your iPhone will automatically use the same number that you used last time to call a specific contact. If you haven’t yet called a person in your contacts list, your iPhone will use the default number you have set up. If you’d prefer to choose which plan to use when contacting specific contacts on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Select the person from the Contacts app on your iPhone.
- Select the “Preferred Cellular Plan” option.
- Select the SIM number you’d like to use for this contact.
Using Dual SIM for Specific Calls
If you’d like to manually select the SIM you use for a specific call, follow these steps:
- Select the contact or type in the phone number you’d like to call.
- Tap the phone number near the top of the screen.
- Select the SIM number or label you have set up to use that cellular network.
If the contact is already in your iPhone Favorites address book:
- Select the person you’d like to contact and press the Info button.
- Select the current phone number and tap your other SIM number.
Using Dual SIMs for Messaging
Dual SIMs on iPhone can also be used to send and receive iMessage, SMS, and MMS messages. You can choose the number to use before or after you start a conversation. To do this, open the Messages app and:
- Tap the new button in the top right-hand corner of your screen.
- Enter the name of the contact you’d like to message.
- Select the current phone number and then tap the SIM number you’d like to use. To switch SIM numbers during a conversation, tap the number you’re using near the top of the screen and choose the alternative SIM number.
Monitoring the Status of Dual SIM on Your iPhone
When using dual SIM on your iPhone, Apple makes it easy to see the status and signal strengths of your two carriers by entering the Control Center on your iPhone. For further assistance, you might consider contacting Apple directly via its engineers through the Genius Bar in Apple stores or using the Apple support website.
Tim M. Hill helped bring Digital-Overload from a weekly newsletter to a full-fledged news site by creating a new website and branding. He continues to assist in keeping the site responsive and well organized for the readers. As a writer to Digital-Overload, Tim mainly covers mobile news and gadgets.
