The iPhone 15 supports up to eight different eSIM, which means you can use up to eight numbers at the same time
The iPhone 15 uses a digital eSIM in lieu of a physical SIM card slot, so you might be wondering if you can use more than one SIM at a time. Obviously, it can't use any SIM cards, but the iPhone 15 supports up to eight eSIMs at once, which means you can use up to eight numbers on one phone. Although you can't use all eight at once. Let us explain.
What you need to know about eSIM on an iPhone
It's not uncommon these days for the best phones to not have physical SIM cards at all and instead use digital eSIM. Thankfully, eSIM is much more convenient since you don't need to worry about moving your SIM card around or going to a store for a new one. Plus, physical SIM would limit you to only the number of slots your phone had, which was usually only two.
With eSIM, you can head into your iPhone's settings page and configure up to eight for different countries or different phone numbers when you're traveling. This feature is available not only on iPhone 15 but also on any iPhone from the iPhone XS and upwards. All you have to do to activate eSIM is to go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. You'll use a QR code provided by your carrier to help you add the eSIM to your phone. If you want, you can enter the details manually if the code isn't working.
You can keep adding as many as you want, and you even can rename each plan from the same settings page and assign them a name or label. However, you can only use two of them at once. There will also be a primary SIM and a secondary SIM available for selection in your settings.
We hope that answers your question. If you need additional support, you can try contacting your carrier for assistance. You also can check out Apple Support, which has a page dedicated to this issue.
If you settled on buying an iPhone, though, consider some of the best iPhone 15 cases to protect your phone. It's almost as essential as an eSIM itself since you don't want your new phone getting damaged.
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iPhone 15
This next-gen smartphone from Apple runs on the powerful A16 Bionic chip. With 5G readiness, a sleek aluminum frame, improved cameras, and IP68 resistance, the iPhone 15 promises to be a game-changer in the world of smartphones.
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iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 15 Plus is a great base model smartphone from Apple. It features a bright 6.7-inch display up to 2000 nits and a 48 MP main camera.
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The iPhone 15 Pro delivers upgraded performance with the Apple A17 Pro chip, plus a new camera system with enhanced stabilization and other improvements. It's also one of the first iPhones with a USB-C port.
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces an all-new, customizable Action button, a titanium chassis with round edges, and a USB Type-C port. It exclusively offers up to 5x optical zoom, too, so it's slightly better than the regular iPhone 15 Pro model.
FAQs
All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.
Is the iPhone 15 Dual SIM capable? ›
To use Dual SIM, you need iOS 12.1 or later, two nano-SIM cards, and one of these iPhone models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max. iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max.
How to setup Dual SIM on iPhone 15? ›
Set up Dual SIM
- Go to Settings > Cellular, then make sure you have at least two lines (below SIMs). ...
- Turn on two lines—tap a line, then tap Turn On this Line. ...
- Choose the default line for cellular data—tap Cellular Data, then tap a line. ...
- Choose the default line for voice calls—tap Default Voice Line, then tap a line.
An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.
Is the iPhone 15 worth it? ›
Is The iPhone 15 Worth It? Yes, the iPhone 15 is worth it, although we reckon it depends on what phone you're upgrading from. Still rocking an iPhone XR or an 11 with a cracked screen and a blurry camera? You're going to find levelling up to the iPhone 15 a revelation.
How do I activate 2 SIMs on my iPhone? ›
Set up Dual SIM
Go to Settings > Cellular, then make sure you have at least two lines (below SIMs). To add a line, see Set up cellular service on iPhone. Turn on two lines—tap a line, then tap Turn On this Line.
Which iPhones support Dual SIM? ›
You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs. Find out how to activate a mobile plan on an eSIM.
What is the difference between SIM and eSIM? ›
An eSIM is a digital version of the physical SIM card—identifying your device virtually to provide network connection. It's programmable remotely via software and is built into newer smartphones, meaning you wouldn't have to go purchase a new SIM card if you wanted to swap phones or wireless carriers.
Why is my Dual SIM not working on iPhone? ›
Check your plans
Your iPhone must be unlocked or both mobile plans must be from the same network provider. Both plans must be set up and ready to use. Your network provider or network providers must support Dual SIM with eSIM.
How to convert SIM to eSIM? ›
Can I upgrade my physical SIM to eSIM? Activation of eSIM from self-care process through SMS is very easy and can be done at your convenience from home anytime. Type GETESIM<32-digit EID><15-digit IMEI> and send it to 199 from the Jio number you wish to activate eSIM on.
To use Dual SIM, you need iOS 12.1 or later, two nano-SIM cards and one of these iPhone models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Does iPhone 15 have SIM slot? ›
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus use eSIM technology and are not compatible with physical SIM cards.
Can I use both eSIM and physical SIM for the same number? ›
Each SIM Card whether it is a eSIM or the physical SIM Card can only have one mobile number for each SIM Card. The eSIM will have a different mobile number, and so would the physical SIM Card. Using the eSIM or physical SIM Card on a smartphone can only be done with the same device (Two mobiles number with one phone).
Which iPhone can have 2 SIM cards? ›
You can set up Dual SIM with the following:
- One physical SIM and one eSIM; available on iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and iPhone 14 and later (purchased outside the U.S.)
- Two eSIMs; iPhone 13, iPhone SE (3rd generation), and later.
1. Find "Use QR Code"
- Press Settings.
- Press Mobile Service.
- Press Add eSIM.
- Press Use QR Code.
- Place the QR code you've received inside the phone camera frame to scan the code.
You can use a nano-SIM card from a network provider. iPhone 13 models and later support Dual eSIM. Damage to the SIM tray or the device caused by a modified SIM card isn't covered by Apple's hardware warranty.
