If your carriers don't support Wi-Fi calling, you have Allow Cellular Data turned off, or you don't have Wi-Fi Calling turned on, all your incoming calls go to voicemail when you're on a call.
Quickly change which SIM or eSIM to call from
By default, your iPhone uses the same number you used the last time you called this contact. And when you call a new number, your iPhone uses your voice line by default.
But you can change your number on the go!
- Change phone numbers on the fly before you call by clicking on the "Main" button at the top of your dialer
- Select the SIM or eSIM line you want to use select the line on eSIM and Dual Sim ipHones
You can also specify a specific string for people in your contacts app
- Click on a contact
- Click the Change button
- Select your preferred line
- Click on the number you want to use with this contact
Quickly change your cell phone plan
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Tap Cellular Data
- Click on the number you want to use cellular data
- Switch to cellular data to automatically switch cellular data lines when you're on a call
Read also: eSIM for Acer Swift 7: How to Connect and Set Up Internet
When you enable cellular data switching and receive a voice call to your voice number, that number automatically switches to voice and data usage. This way you use both voice and data during a call.
If you turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching when you are using a voice number that is not your assigned cellular number, cellular data will not work while you are on that call.
Option 1: Scan the QR code from your carrier
If you get an additional plan from your current carrier or another carrier (if you have an unlocked iPhone), they should provide you with a QR code in person upon receipt or via email that you can scan to easily set up plans.
An example of what an ATT eSIM activation card might look like.
Once you receive the QR code, open the Settings app, tap Cellular, then Add Data Plan. Next, scan the QR code and that's it. You may be asked to enter a verification code that your provider would give you, so use this to complete the process if you need to.
Change which SIM or eSIM iMessage or FaceTime uses
In iOS 13+, users can use any phone number for iMessage and FaceTime.
With iOS 12 versions, you can only use one phone number for iMessage and FaceTime. You need to set the default line to use iMessage and FaceTime.
For iOS 13+
Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and turn on iMessage for both of your phone numbers.
Both Messages and FaceTime are “sticky,” meaning they remember the last number you texted or called from.
You can use iMessage or SMS/MMS to send messages to any phone number and switch phone numbers before sending iMessage or SMS/MMS
How to switch numbers in messages
- Open messages
- Click the New button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Enter your contact's name
- Click on the current phone number or its label (primary, secondary, service, etc.)
- If the previous topic is open, tap to open the contact card, tap Edit, and select Preferred Line.
- Select the number you want to use
For iOS 12
- Go to Settings > Messages or Settings > FaceTime
- Click iMessage & FaceTime Line
- Select the phone number you want to use
You can also change numbers in messages or FaceTime by pressing the blue phone line button in a new message or FaceTime session.
Requirements for activating secondary lines
Setup can be quite confusing since digital eSIM is a completely new thing for the iPhone. First, obviously, you need an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR with dual-SIM support. Next, you need to install iOS 12.1 or later, which includes eSIM support on the above-mentioned devices.
You'll also need an unlocked iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR to use plans from two different carriers at the same time, otherwise you'll have to use the same carrier—the one you already have a plan with.
In the US, only ATT and Verizon Wireless currently support using an eSIM on your iPhone, T-Mobile will add support very soon. Sprint also indicated that they will support eSIM, but did not give a timetable. However, if you just need wireless internet for traveling out of the country, GigSky and Truphone support data-only eSIM.
Another very important thing worth mentioning is that if you use Sprint or Verizon Wireless, a CDMA provider, as your first activated line, your second SIM card will not support another CDMA account, according to Apple. This means you need to use a GSM-based data plan as a secondary plan if your iPhone is unlocked. If you bought your iPhone from Apple or Verizon directly, it will be unlocked, and in most cases it is the same for Sprint.
Need more than one eSIM?
If you travel a lot for business or pleasure and often have to switch between plans and carriers, you may want to store more than one eSIM on your iPhone. However, you can only use one at a time.
And remember that each eSIM requires its own unique data plan.
How to switch between eSIMs?
- Tap Settings > Cellular > Cellular
- Select the plan you want to use now
- Click Enable this line
Manual data entry
If necessary, you can manually enter your pricing plan information. To manually enter your plan information, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Click "Add Cellular Plan".
- Select the "Enter Information Manually" option at the bottom of the iPhone screen.
You can store multiple eSIM cards on your iPhone, but you can only use them one at a time. To switch between eSIM cards, go to Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, select your data plan, and tap Turn on this number.
The following sections describe further iPhone settings in more detail.
Instant HotSpot not working after installing eSIM?
Some users have found that after switching to eSIM on their iPhones, they are unable to access the Instant Hotspot service. Instant Hotspot simply doesn't show up on connected Apple devices.
Interestingly, users with active data plans associated with their eSIM account can set up personal hotspot, but instant hotspot fails.
There are several ways to solve this problem.
First, use a physical SIM card. When connecting a physical SIM card, Instant Hotspot works without problems. Some users overcome this by keeping a random prepaid SIM from another carrier in the SIM slot as a workaround.
Other users have successfully been able to use the Instant Hotspot feature by simply signing out of their Apple ID on all devices and then signing in again. Try it and see if it works for you.
What advantages have I found so far?
1. eSIM card - almost like a real one. There are no restrictions on functionality compared to a “physical” card: I receive SMS, messages from banks, calls without restrictions to both numbers.
It even turns out futuristic: there is no SIM card, but it is there. I’m generally silent about the fact that you can carry one iPhone instead of two.
Any of the cards can be turned off directly in Settings; no reboot is required.
Remember that once your eSIM is activated, your regular card will no longer work. You also cannot transfer the eSIM to another smartphone yourself. You need to go to the salon, get a new “plate,” register to disconnect the eSIM, then connect it again and receive a new QR code.
2. iOS gives wide access to SIM card settings. Separate signal strength bars, complete network settings menus for each SIM card, a button to select the active number before making a call - everything you need is there.
Apple's principle of deciding for the user is not involved here at all, and rightly so. The access point and MMS settings (remember these) were registered on the eSIM automatically.
You can separately select which SIM card you use for mobile Internet, and which SIM card you use to make calls and send SMS. Also, separate traffic consumption statistics are saved for each card. In general, everything is in perfect order here.
Can I use eSim on phones with data plans?
Since iPhones purchased through data plans are usually locked to a carrier, you can only use an eSIM on a locked phone from the same carrier.
However, some carriers (like Verizon) no longer lock their SIM cards, so it's possible that you could have an eSIM from another carrier on a Verizon iPhone that's still on a payment plan.
The best solution is to call your mobile carrier and ask them about eSIM support before you start getting an eSIM plan from another carrier.
What is eSIM - technology features
The usual classic SIM - Subscriber Identification Module - is a subscriber identification module, made in the form of a small piece of plastic with a microcircuit to which a number is attached. It has its own microprocessor, non-volatile memory, encryption module and even a random number generator. You can see for yourself that it is a rather technically complex device.
The new eSIM is not an electronic or virtual SIM card, as many people think. This is not true! The letter “e” does not mean “electronic”, but “embedded” - that is, built-in SIM. The same built-in chip as NFC, GPS, GLONASS modules. And yes, it cannot be removed from the device.
eSIM module dimensions
To be honest, I never thought about the size of this or that built-in chip, but for clarity it’s definitely worth talking about. The eSIM module has dimensions of only 5x6 mm. The familiar nanoSIM has dimensions of 12.3x8.8 mm, and the old full-size SIM card has dimensions of 86x54 mm. Thanks to such miniature size and fairly low power consumption, it was possible to integrate it into a telephone set.
Which phones support eSIM
At the time of writing, this technology is still relatively new and therefore these chips are installed only on fairly expensive, flagship models. But everything is changing and in a year or two they may start putting them on everything!
eSIM support is available on the following phones:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR;
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max;
- iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, Pro Max;
- iPhone SE 20;
- Google Pixel 2,3,4,5;
- Samsung Galaxy Fold (LTE model), Fold 2;
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra;
- Galaxy Z Flip;
- Motorola RAZR, RAZR 5G;
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro, P40 Pro+, Mate XS;
- Microsoft Surface Duo.
Not only smartphones have an eSIM module. A number of smartwatches also have support:
- Apple Watch 3;
- Apple Watch 4;
- Apple Watch 5;
- Huawei Watch 2 Pro (4G);
- Samsung Galaxy Gear S3;
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2;
- Amazfit Verge 2 (Nexo);
- Amazfit Nexo Marvel Edition;
- Amazfit Smart Watch 2.
Main advantages of the technology
In addition to the main advantage - the size of the eSIM module, there are a number of other advantages that are key! Here they are:
- Improved reliability;
- Increased security;
- Possibility of connecting several numbers to one module at once (up to 5 numbers so far);
- Easy to connect numbers Online via the Internet without the need to visit telecom operator offices;
- There will be one less technological hole in the phone body.
A few words about the shortcomings. eSIM also has disadvantages. Firstly, if you are going to sell a smartphone, then simply removing the SIM card from the old device and inserting it into the new one will not work. It will be necessary to untie the phone numbers that have been picked up from him. In addition, the QR code also has its limitations - it can be read up to 100 times. Well, the main inhibitory factor is the low interest of telecom operators, and in Russia there are also obstacles from the state.
Skype
Skype also allows you to use 2 numbers. One is a SIM card, the second is Skype. The latter is configured using codes of different countries and regions. You can answer either of the two.
The main thing is to set up a Skype and iPhone account. The downside is that you have to pay for a subscription (for 3 months or a year).
NeeCoo Magic Card
The Chinese company NeeCoo offers a solution in the form of a device called Magic Card. It looks like a thick credit card. In fact, this is a portable GSM module designed for a second SIM card - nanoSIM or microSIM.
@youla.ru
In this case, you can connect it to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Through the device you will get:
- take a photo of the 2nd SIM card;
- call;
- send SMS.
Catches Magic Card at a distance of 10 m.
Important point! For the device to work, you need to download MoreCard.
How to Set Up Your Cellular Plans for Collaboration
When you set up the second row, you need to choose which row will be your default. You will also be able to choose how each line will be used. The default number you choose will be the one that iMessage and FaceTime use automatically. Here's how your options break down (assuming you've selected Primary for your first row label and Secondary for your second row label):
- Use Primary as your default line: Your Primary line will be the default line for voice, SMS, iMessage, FaceTime and data. Your Secondary Line will be available for voice and SMS only.
- Use Secondary as your default line: Your Secondary line will be the default line for voice, SMS, iMessage, FaceTime and data. Your main line will be available for voice and SMS only.
- Use Secondary for cellular data only: Your primary line will be used for voice, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime, and the second line will be used for non-iMessage and non-FaceTime data only.
Read: How to deal with slow browsing issue on Apple iPhone 7 [Troubleshooting Guide]
Swytch
One option is to install the Swytch app. In this case, there is no need to use additional devices. Both numbers will be accessible from one smartphone.
The control panel is simple. It's easy to use both numbers. The service costs about £5 per month.
Important! It is not available in Russia. Calls in the UK will cost 3 pence per minute, for SMS you will have to pay 4 rubles. Incoming calls and messages are free. International ones are also inexpensive - 3 pence per minute.
Swytch is not an option for the Russian Federation, but if you are traveling abroad, it will do!
Option 2: Use your carrier's app to get a plan
In some cases, you can buy an additional plan directly from your carrier's app on your iPhone. For the major US carriers, that's just my Verizon right now. Although ATT supports eSIM, you cannot yet add a plan from the myATT app. The T-Mobile app will let you set up prepaid plans very soon, but there's no word yet on whether My Sprint Mobile will eventually work.
However, other carriers like GigSky and Truphone that offer prepaid travel plans will also work. Each app will be different, so you'll need to figure out how to buy an additional plan with it. During this process you will be able to set it up directly in the eSIM.
You won't be able to use the Sprint or Verizon app to purchase an additional line if you're already on a CDMA network with your current plan. If you use ATT or T-Mobile as your first activated line, you will be able to set up a CDMA version as a secondary plan using the Sprint or Verizon app, or you can set up another GSM-based line with ATT or the T-Mobile app.
Going through the process through the GigSky app.
