How to Set Up and Manage a Dual eSIM: Two eSIMs on One Phone

Yes, you can have two eSIMs on one phone. A dual eSIM setup lets you keep two lines on the same device, for example your home number and a travel eSIM. Most recent phones can store several eSIMs, but only two lines can be on at the same time, and only one of them can use mobile data. This guide shows you how dual eSIM works, how to add a second eSIM on iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, and how to manage both lines day to day, including when you travel.

What is dual eSIM and how does it work?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Dual eSIM means your phone runs two eSIM lines side by side. On many phones you can also mix one eSIM with a physical SIM card. The idea is the same: two lines, one phone. If you're new to the idea of two lines on one phone, our guide on what dual SIM is explains the basics.

Here's how it works in practice:

• Stored vs. active: you can download more eSIMs than you can use at once. Apple says an iPhone can hold eight or more eSIMs, but two lines are active at a time.
• Calls and texts on both lines: with both lines on, each number can make and receive calls and texts. You pick a default line, and you can switch line for a single call or message.
• Data on one line: only one line uses mobile data at a time. You choose which one.

So the common question "can I receive calls on one eSIM while using data on the other?" has a simple answer: yes. Your home line can ring while your travel eSIM handles the internet.

Can you have two eSIMs on one phone?

It depends on your phone. Here's what the makers say on their own support pages:

• iPhone: Dual SIM works on iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later. iPhone 13 and later models can run two eSIMs at the same time (Apple: Use Dual SIM on iPhone).
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3a and later can use a physical SIM plus an eSIM. Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and later can use two eSIM profiles at once, if your carrier allows it (Google: Use dual SIMs with your Pixel phone).
• Samsung Galaxy: Samsung says only one eSIM can be active at a time on most Galaxy devices, usually next to a physical SIM (Samsung: eSIM and SIM card on a Galaxy phone). Some newer models can run two eSIMs. Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager: if you can switch on two eSIMs there, your phone supports it.

Not sure if your phone supports eSIM at all? Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, it does.

What you need before you start

• An unlocked phone, or one locked to the carrier of both lines. A carrier-locked phone may refuse an eSIM from another provider.
• The latest software update for your phone.
• A Wi-Fi connection while you download the eSIM.
• The QR code or activation details from your carrier or eSIM provider.

How to set up a second eSIM on your phone

Your first line stays as it is. You only add the second one. The exact screens depend on your phone and software version.

iPhone

1. Open Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Service or Mobile Data in some regions, like the UK).
2. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on some versions) and scan the QR code. You can also scan it with the Camera app, or tap Enter Details Manually.
3. When asked, give each line a label, like "Home" and "Travel". You can change it later in Settings > Cellular, by tapping the number, then Cellular Plan Label.
4. Choose your default number for calls and texts, and the line for cellular data.

Google Pixel

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Tap Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM, and follow the steps. Usually you scan the QR code from your provider.
3. Under Your primary SIMs, choose the SIM for Calls, Texts and Mobile data.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM (or Add mobile plan on older software) and scan the QR code.
3. Use the switch next to each SIM to turn it on or off.
4. Tap Primary SIM to choose the default for calls, texts and mobile data.

Need more detail on the install itself? See our step-by-step guide on how to install an eSIM. If the new line won't connect, try these fixes for an eSIM that's not activating.

How to manage two eSIMs day to day

Once both lines are on, a few settings decide which line does what.

Choose your default line for calls and texts

Your default line is used when you call or text someone who isn't in your contacts. On iPhone, you choose it under Set your default number when you add the line. You can also set a preferred line for each contact. On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and tap Calls or Texts. You can also pick Ask every time. On Samsung, use Primary SIM in SIM manager, or tap the SIM option in the Phone or Messages app to switch for one call or chat.

Pick the line for mobile data

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, then tap the line you want.
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Mobile data.
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Mobile data.

Decide on data switching

Phones can switch data to the other line in some cases. On iPhone, Allow Cellular Data Switching lets your voice-only line use data during a call. Apple also says you need it on to receive calls on your other line while you're on a call on a line that isn't your data line. On Pixel 8a and later, the setting is called Automatic data switching (Data during calls on Pixel 8 and earlier). On a trip, think twice: switching can let your home line use data abroad. Read more about Allow Cellular Data Switching.

Turn a line off without deleting it

You don't have to delete an eSIM you're not using. On iPhone, tap the line in Settings > Cellular and switch off Turn On This Line. On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network, tap the SIM and switch off Use this SIM. On Samsung, use the switch in SIM manager. If you do want an old eSIM gone for good, here's how to delete an eSIM on iPhone. Only delete it if you're sure, as you usually can't reinstall the same eSIM.

Keep iMessage, FaceTime and WhatsApp on your usual number

On iPhone, you can choose which number iMessage and FaceTime use, so they stay on your home number even when another line handles data. WhatsApp keeps your account number as long as you don't register it again with the new one.

How to use a travel eSIM next to your home line

This is the most common reason to set up a second eSIM. Your home line stays on for calls, texts and security codes, while a travel eSIM gives you mobile data at local or regional rates. Here's the setup:

1. Install the travel eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly. Label it "Travel".
2. When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.
3. Turn on data roaming on the travel eSIM if your provider asks you to. On iPhone, tap the line in Settings > Cellular, then Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming (Apple: Data roaming options). On Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, pick the SIM, then Roaming. On Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming.
4. Turn off data roaming on your home line, in the same menu, so it can't use data abroad.
5. Turn off data switching if you don't want your home line to step in for data.
6. Check your home carrier's rates for calls and texts abroad. They still apply when your home line rings. Use Wi-Fi calling or apps to save money.

On iPhone with iOS 26, you may also see a Turn On Travel eSIM prompt when you arrive. You can choose Travel eSIM Only or Travel eSIM and Current eSIM. If you keep both, the travel eSIM is used for data. Depending on the country, your iPhone can switch back to your home line when you return (Apple: Use eSIM while traveling internationally). More tips in our guide to the correct roaming settings for an eSIM.

Planning a trip? A data-only travel eSIM is the simplest second line: your home number stays on your phone, and the travel eSIM only handles data. Pick your region below.

Data-only plans for Europe, the USA and Asia · Europe · USA · Asia · Other countries: find your destination

Why use dual eSIM?

• Travel: keep your number reachable while a travel eSIM handles data, instead of paying roaming rates for data or swapping SIM cards.
• Work and personal: keep a work number and a personal number on one phone, with separate bills.
• Better deals: stay with a carrier that's good at home and use a different provider for trips abroad.
• Backup: if one network has no signal or a line stops working, you can switch to the other.

Need a second phone number for Europe?

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. If you want a European number people can call and text, the Bouygues Telecom plans come with a French +33 number, calls and SMS in Europe, and data. You can run it next to your home line as described above. More in our guide to a Europe eSIM with a phone number.

Common dual eSIM problems

• Missed calls on your other line: while you're on a call, calls to your other number can go to voicemail. Apple says you won't get a missed-call notification from your secondary number, and suggests call forwarding.
• "No Service" on the second line: on iPhone, check that the line is turned on, that Wi-Fi Calling is on if your carrier supports it, and that Allow Cellular Data Switching is on.
• No data abroad: make sure the travel eSIM is your data line and data roaming is on for it.

FAQs

Can I receive calls on one eSIM while browsing data on the other?

Yes. With both lines on, your call line can ring while the other line handles mobile data. On iPhone, turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching if you want calls on a line that isn't your data line to keep working during a call.

Can I use one line from my carrier and another line for a travel eSIM?

Yes, on a phone that supports dual SIM. Keep your carrier line for calls and texts, make the travel eSIM your data line, and turn off data roaming on your carrier line.

What's the best way to set up a second eSIM on my phone?

Install it on Wi-Fi, give each line a clear label, choose your default line for calls and texts, then pick the line for mobile data. For travel, do this at home before you leave.

Can both eSIMs be active at the same time?

Yes, on supported phones: iPhone 13 and later, and Pixel 7 and later if your carrier allows it. Most Samsung Galaxy phones run one eSIM next to a physical SIM. Even with two active lines, only one uses mobile data at a time.

How many eSIMs can I store on my phone?

More than you can use at once. Apple says an iPhone can hold eight or more eSIMs. Google and Samsung don't publish a fixed number. You can switch between stored eSIMs, but only two lines are on at a time.

Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

Yes, if your phone has a SIM tray and supports dual SIM. iPhone XS and later with a SIM tray, Pixel 3a and later, and many Galaxy phones can run one physical SIM and one eSIM.

Can I use the same eSIM on two phones?

No. An eSIM line works on one phone at a time. To move it, you transfer it, and the line stops working on the old phone. See how to transfer an eSIM between Android and iPhone.

Can I switch my default line later?

Yes. Change it anytime in your phone's SIM settings: Settings > Cellular on iPhone, SIMs on Pixel and SIM manager on Samsung.