Think about this. You’re holding a phone that has two numbers at once. One is your regular SIM card, the little chip you slide into your phone.
The other is an eSIM, a digital version that lives inside your phone without needing plastic. Pretty cool, right?
I’ve been using both eSIM and a physical SIM together for a while. At first, it felt a bit tricky, but once I set it up, I realized it’s simple and actually very useful.
Whether you want one number for work and one for personal calls, or you’re planning a trip abroad, using dual SIM with eSIM makes life easier. Let me walk you through it like a friend sitting beside you.
What is an eSIM and How is it Different from a SIM Card?
A SIM card is the small chip most of us know. You put it in your phone, and it connects you to your mobile network.
An eSIM is almost the same, but it’s built into your phone. No need to pop it out or keep it safe. It’s digital, so you just download the details from your carrier.
The best part is you can have both working at the same time—your physical SIM and your eSIM. That’s where dual SIM phones come in.
You might be wondering why I would use an eSIM with a dual SIM phone?
Yes, you might be thinking the same thing because I asked myself the same question before trying it. Then I realized the benefits are huge:
You can use one number for family and another for work.
You can keep your US SIM active while adding a travel eSIM abroad.
You can switch between carriers without hunting for tiny SIM cards.
You can even save money by choosing a cheaper eSIM plan for data while keeping your main number for calls.
It’s like carrying two wallets in one pocket but never feeling the extra weight.
How Dual SIM with eSIM Works
A dual SIM phone has two lines: one from a physical SIM and one from an eSIM. Some phones even allow two eSIMs with no physical SIM.
When both are active, your phone lets you pick which one you use for calls, texts, and data. For example, I keep my physical SIM for regular calls and my eSIM for cheaper internet plans.
The phone handles this smoothly. You’ll see both network bars on the top of your screen.
Learn how to set up eSIM on your dual SIM phone. Complete these steps. Oh, and one more thing. I was scared of this part at first, but it’s easier than ordering food online. Here’s how I set mine up:
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Ask your carrier for an eSIM. They’ll give you a QR code or activation details.
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Go to your phone’s settings.
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On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
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On Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.): Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM.
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Scan the QR code or enter the details.
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Name the eSIM line (I named mine “Travel” so I don’t forget).
That’s it. Within minutes, your eSIM is ready.
Using Both Numbers at the Same Time
Once you set up both, your phone lets you manage them. Here’s what I usually do:
I pick my physical SIM for calls and texts from my family.
I set my eSIM for data because it’s cheaper.
If I’m traveling, I keep my US SIM active for important texts, and my eSIM handles local data.
The phone even asks before every call which number you want to use. It feels like magic, but it’s just smart tech.
Switching Between eSIM and SIM Card
Sometimes you may want to switch between eSIM and SIM card. Maybe one network has poor coverage, or you want to save data.
In settings, you can toggle them on or off. It’s like flipping a light switch. When I travel, I often turn off my US SIM to avoid roaming charges and just keep my eSIM active.
Best Dual SIM Phones with eSIM Support
It’s worth remembering that not all phones have eSIM, so it’s smart to check before buying. Some of the best dual SIM phones with eSIM support include:
iPhone models from XS and newer
Google Pixel phones
Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
Motorola Razr and some Oppo/OnePlus models
These phones let you mix and match eSIM and SIM cards with no fuss.
Managing Work and Personal Numbers
This is my favorite part. Having two numbers on one phone saves me from carrying two devices. I keep my work line on eSIM and my personal line on a SIM card.
When the workday ends, I just turn off the eSIM line in settings. My phone feels lighter, and so does my mind.
eSIM for International Travel with Dual SIM
If you travel a lot, this will change your life. Instead of buying SIM cards at airports, you can download an eSIM plan before you even leave home.
For example, I kept my US SIM in the phone but added a travel eSIM in Europe. My US number still worked for calls and texts, while the eSIM gave me cheap local data. No stress, no long lines, and no tiny SIM trays to open.
eSIM Roaming with Dual SIM Phones
Some carriers allow roaming on eSIM. This means you don’t even need to switch networks; your eSIM works while abroad.
But be careful—roaming costs can be high. I usually pick a travel eSIM plan instead. It’s cheaper and works just as well.
Keep Your Home SIM and Add an eSIM for Travel
This trick has saved me many times. When I went to the UK, I kept my US SIM active so I could still receive texts from my bank. At the same time, I added a UK travel eSIM for local data.
This way, I never missed important messages, and I didn’t pay crazy roaming fees.
Finally
So, that’s how to use eSIM with dual SIM phones. It’s simple, useful, and makes life easier whether you’re balancing work and personal calls or traveling around the world. Thanks for reading, and I hope this helped you feel more confident about using both.