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.
You can also change settings such as Cellular Plan Label, Wi-Fi Calling (if available from your carrier), Calls on Other Devices, or SIM PIN. The label appears in Phone, Messages, and Contacts.
Choose the default line for cellular data—tap Cellular Data, then tap a line. To use either line depending on coverage and availability, turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching.
You may incur roaming charges if Data Roaming is on and you’re outside the country or region covered by the carrier’s network.
Choose the default line for voice calls—tap Default Voice Line, then tap a line.
When using Dual SIM, note the following:
Wi-Fi Calling must be turned on for a line to enable that line to receive calls while the other line is in use for a call. If you receive a call on one line while the other is in use for a call, and no Wi-Fi connection is available, iPhone uses the cellular data of the line that is in use for the call to receive the other line’s call. Charges may apply. The line that is in use for the call must be permitted for data use in your Cellular Data settings (either as the default line, or as the non-default line with Allow Cellular Data Switching turned on) to receive the other line’s call.
If you don’t turn on Wi-Fi Calling for a line, any incoming phone calls on that line (including calls from emergency services) go directly to voicemail (if available from your carrier) when the other line is in use; you won’t receive missed call notifications.
If you set up conditional call forwarding (if available from your carrier) from one line to another when a line is busy or not in service, the calls don’t go to voicemail; contact your carrier for setup information.
If you make a phone call from another device, such as your Mac, by relaying it through your iPhone with Dual SIM, the call is made using your default voice line.
If you start an SMS/MMS Messages conversation using one line, you can’t switch the conversation to your other line; you need to delete the conversation and start a new conversation using the other line. Also, you may incur additional charges if you send SMS/MMS attachments on the line that’s not selected for cellular data.
Instant Hotspot and Personal Hotspot use the line selected for cellular data.
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.
What are the cons of Dual SIM iPhone? ›
Disadvantages of Dual Physical SIM:
- The Dual Physical SIM configuration requires two physical SIM cards. This can be inconvenient if you lose or damage a SIM card.
- The Dual Physical SIM configuration may not be compatible with all carriers or in all countries.
Battery life – Using two SIM cards simultaneously can consume more battery power than using a single SIM. The additional network connections and constant signal searching may lead to increased power consumption, requiring more frequent charging.
What happens if you have 2 SIM card in your iPhone? ›
Both your phone numbers can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls and send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS. Your iPhone can use one cellular data network at a time.
How to receive messages in Dual SIM iPhone? ›
Apple iPhone - Dual SIM with an eSIM - Switch SMS / MMS Number
- Open the. Messages app. .
- Tap the. Compose icon. .
- Enter your contact's name.
- Tap the current mobile number (e.g., Primary). This option is only available when Dual SIM is active.
- Tap the mobile number you want to use (e.g., Primary, Secondary, etc.).
Using both SIMs will draw more power from the battery since the phone would need to listen and occasionally communicate with the network even when not in active use. Two networks (or same network twice) would use twice the power.
Why would someone use a Dual SIM? ›
Dual SIM models allow you to use two SIM cards in one device. This is handy if you have separate phone numbers for work and home or if you would like to use a local number while keeping your original number active when in a foreign country. What type of SIM cards tray does my device have?
Can I switch off one SIM in a Dual SIM iPhone? ›
Switching off a SIM card is straightforward. You just go to your phone settings, select SIM management (or SIM settings) and then you can select which of the two SIM cards you want to turn off. To turn it back on, go back to the settings and turn the SIM on.
When should I use dual SIM? ›
It's cheap and easy, letting you stay connected without expensive charges while you're abroad. Balancing work and personal life: A dual SIM is a handy option for busy professionals who want to keep work and personal calls separate. Simply use one SIM for work and the other for personal stuff.
Does dual SIM slow down the phone? ›
It's likely that with a dual-SIM physical phone (that is, with 2 x physical SIMs) - the phone will use more processing power managing both SIMs compared to one, which may appear as slow down, particularly if the processor used in the phone is older.
Yes and no. It depends on the sim card carriers being used and the networks they're attached to. Say you have a Fido and Rogers sims installed. They are both running on the same network, so you'd be occupying 2 channels on that cellnet.
How to choose which SIM to use on an iPhone? ›
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.
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.
Why do I have two eSIMs on my iPhone? ›
You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting. You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings.
Are Dual SIM iPhones legit? ›
Due to government regulations, iPhones manufactured in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau are the only models that let you use two physical nano-SIMs. According to Apple, here are the iPhone models manufactured in these countries that allow such usage: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Does the iPhone 14 Pro support Dual SIM? ›
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.
Why does my iPhone have a primary and secondary line? ›
Use Secondary for cellular data only: Your Primary line will be used for voice, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime, while your Secondary line will be used only for non-iMessage and non-FaceTime data.
Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time? ›
Most recent iPhone models, Google Pixel phones, and several Android devices from various manufacturers offer this capability. Once you have a compatible device, you can set up your eSIM through your carrier or by scanning a QR code, while inserting your physical SIM card as usual.
> Cellular, then make sure you have at least two lines (below SIMs). To add a line, see 