When Apple releases new iPhones, we pay attention to flashy upgrades like new cameras, face ID technology, and longer battery lives. But one of the most exciting features is one that didn’t get as much publicity—dual-sim compatibility.
Starting with 2018 and the release of the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, iPhones have been able to use both physical and eSIM. This has continued up to iPhone generation 14, the latest version.
What does iPhone dual sim actually mean, though? Why is this an important concept? We’ll explain in the following guide.
What Does Dual Sim Mean?
Dual sim means a phone is capable of having two different numbers on the same device. You can make calls, send texts, and even connect to the internet on either line. In the case of Apple phones, you have the option of using both a physical SIM card and an eSIM.
Why is Dual SIM Important?
Dual sim gives you more flexibility. It’s great for people who have a business line and a personal line, but who don’t want to carry two phones. If you sometimes travel internationally, you can also use dual SIM to add local plans to your phone without paying substantial international roaming charges.
If you travel between areas where different carriers may have better signals, you can also switch between the best available coverage options in your area.
How Does the iPhone Dual SIM Work?
In the past, dual SIM devices usually held two or more physical SIM cards. For the iPhone, you can use one physical SIM and then multiple eSIMs.
However, keep in mind that you can only use one eSIM at a time. The phone must be unlocked for this feature to work, though.
Note: There are iPhone models designed for China, Hong Kong, and Macau that do hold two physical SIM cards.
Which iPhones Support Dual SIM Cards?
Since 2018, all iPhones have supported dual sim:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 13
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 14
What is Dual SIM Standby?
You can use both a physical SIM card and one eSIM simultaneously. This is called Dual SIM Standby. Calls and text will come into both lines and can be sent out to both lines without reconfiguring settings.
However, you don’t use data on both lines at the same time. You select which one you want to use at any given time.
What is eSIM?
eSIM technology allows you to connect to cellular networks without needing a physical SIM card. First, you need to check if the network is eSIM compatible.
In the US, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all support eSIM. They may have different steps for setting up service, though.
Follow these steps for T-Mobile:
- Download the T-Mobile eSIM app.
- The app will check if your phone is compatible.
- Set up a plan.
- Start using it.
Follow these steps for AT&T:
- Go to your AT&T account overview.
- Go to My Devices.
- Choose Manage for the device that needs eSIM.
- Scroll to Options and Settings.
- Confirm your selection.
- Follow the prompts.
For Verizon:
- Go to your Verizon account.
- Choose which line you want to activate on the “Activate a Device on an Existing Line” page.
- Choose which eSIM you’d like to activate.
Configuring a Dual SIM iPhone
Apple makes it easy to set up your dual SIM iPhone. It does take a little getting used to, though.
Once your second plan is activated, you’ll want to label your plans. You have options like Personal, Business, Primary Secondary, and Travel.
You can then choose which default number you’ll use for making calls and receiving messages. It’s also possible to set up one line for just cellular data use and another for calls and messages. Take time to explore the settings to see what works best for you.
Can I Use a Dual SIM if My Phone is Locked?
You can use a dual SIM if your phone is locked, but you will not have as much flexibility. For example, if you use Verizon, you could have two Verizon numbers.
You could also use a mobile virtual network operator like TracFone or Straight Talk Wireless as a physical SIM with a Verizon eSIM. In either case, you’ll only be allowed to use Verizon’s, or whatever other network you use.
After your carrier unlocks your phone, you’ll be able to use eSIM. What’s great is that you don’t need a new, physical SIM card, so you can be up and running in no time.
You Can’t Use eSIM in China
As of now, China telecom carriers do not support eSIM technology—that’s why there is a physical dual SIM phone available in the country. However, you can use eSIM with these Hong Kong carriers:
What’s the Future of eSIM Technology?
Once you’ve started using eSIM, it’s hard to imagine going back to needing a physical SIM card. It’s undeniably handy, especially for traveling.
Also, you can easily hold multiple SIMs at the same time. Once you arrive in a different country, you just activate the line, and you’re good to go.
The major networks, however, are wary of the technology. It makes it too easy to switch carriers, which is why they’ve limited it to only unlocked phones.
That rule will probably not change anytime soon. Overall, you can expect more networks supporting eSIM to emerge. They will probably only allow locked eSIM that they restrict to one carrier, though.
Do Dual SIM iPhones Support 5G?
Apple’s phones have started supporting 5G technology, starting with the release of the iPhone 12 back in 2020. The iPhone 12 and more recent versions allow you to connect and operate using 5G, and you can also use dual SIM while you do so.
This is an exciting innovation that was not possible with earlier versions of the iPhone. It’s one of the reasons why you may want to seriously consider upgrading your device if you have an earlier model, but like what dual SIM technology and 5G have to offer.
The Bottom Line: iPhone Dual SIM
The iPhone Dual SIM feature allows you to unlock the potential of your phone in a way that was not possible with earlier versions of the device.
If your iPhone came out in 2018 or more recently, and it’s unlocked, then you can utilize this exciting new tech. Head over to the app store and download an eSIM app from a wireless provider now!
To learn more about iPhone features, head over to the Buyback Boss Blog. In this article, we cover the basics of finding the best unlocked phones. If all this talk about 5G is intriguing, here’s the ultimate guide to 5G. For all things iPhone, Apple, and technology-related, Buyback Boss has you covered!
