Using Dual SIM on your iPhone

Want to have two lines on the same mobile device? All you need to do is set up and use Dual SIM on your iPhone®. 

How you set it up depends on your iPhone model, whether your phone supports eSIM, and in some cases, your location (eSIM isn’t available in certain countries or regions). Confused? Asurion Experts can help. Check out our simple guide on how to use Dual SIM on your iPhone. 

Why would I want Dual SIM on my iPhone? 

Consider using Dual SIM on your iPhone when you want to: 

• Use one phone number for work and another for personal calls and texts
• Add a local data plan when traveling to another region or country 
• Set up a separate voice and data plan 
• Avoid having two separate phones 

What’s SIM?

The SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) stores data in your mobile phone and connects your iPhone to a mobile network. You either have a physical SIM card or if you have a newer iPhone, you likely use eSIM, (embedded Subcriber Identity Module), which stores information and connects your device to your network digitally using built-in technology.

You can use Dual SIM with a physical SIM (if your device has a SIM card tray) and an eSIM or, if your device supports eSIM, you can set up two active eSIMs. 

Which iPhone models have Dual SIM? 

You can set up Dual SIM using an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later with iOS 12 or later. You’ll also need:

• A wireless carrier that supports eSIM
• A Wi-Fi connection for earlier models. No Wi-Fi connection is needed with iPhone 14 and later. 
• An updated operating system. 

How to set up Dual SIM on iPhone

If your iPhone has a SIM card installed, you can convert it to an eSIM and add a second eSIM, or you can keep the physical SIM card and add an eSIM for your second line. For detailed steps, check out our guide on how to activate eSIM. 

How to use dual SIM

Once you’ve set it up, you may be wondering, “how does Dual SIM work on iPhone?” Here are things you can do once your second plan is activated: 

Choose a name for each line

Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans and click on a label (Business, Personal, Primary, etc.) for each plan. You can also type in a Custom Label.  

Pick your default number

Open Settings > Cellular and select which number you want to use when you call or send a message to someone who isn’t saved in your Contacts app (or they call or text you). 

Switch between numbers 

You can switch phone numbers before or during a call. Before a call:

1. Tap Info, then tap the current phone number. 
2. Tap your other number. 

 During a conversation:

1. Tap the number you’re using, near the top of the screen.
2. Select the number you want to use instead. 

Change your cellular data number

One line at a time can use cellular data. Here’s how to change which one is doing so:

1. Open Settings. 
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data. 
3. Tap Cellular Data. 
4. Tap the number you want to use cellular data.  

Tips for using Dual SIM on your iPhone 

Here are some expert tips for getting the most out of Dual SIM: 

• Conserve your battery. Using two SIM cards can quickly drain your iPhone battery. Turn off the SIM you’re not actively using, or if possible, turn on Airplane Mode. 
• Monitor data usage. With Dual SIM, you may be using more data. Open Settings > Cellular to check which number is using data and consider setting limits. You can also turn on Wi-Fi when it’s available to reduce cellular data usage. 
• Travel efficiently. When visiting another country, enable a local data plan on your second SIM to avoid expensive roaming fees. Your main number can still receive calls and texts. 
• Manage contacts. Use iCloud to sync contacts across both lines so all your contacts are available no matter which number you use. 

Does your phone say “No SIM?” Check out our guide on how to fix an Invalid SIM message on your iPhone.