Can I use two eSIMs at the same time on iPhone?

Yes. iPhone 13 and later models support two active eSIMs, while older models allow one eSIM plus one physical SIM.

Can I receive calls on both lines simultaneously?

Not at the same time, but both lines remain reachable. If you're on one call, the other will go to voicemail.

Does switching lines affect my data connection?

No. You can assign one line for calls and another for mobile data. The two operate independently.

Can I set different ringtones for each SIM?

Yes. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone and choose a unique tone for each line.

Will switching between SIM and eSIM affect iMessage or FaceTime?

No. You can choose which line to use for iMessage and FaceTime under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.

How to Change Between eSIM and SIM for Calls on iPhone

What you need to know

iPhones from iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018) onward support Dual SIM, allowing one physicaslss SIM and one eSIM. Newer models like the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 also support Dual eSIM, meaning two eSIMs can be active at once.

You can change which line is used for calls in Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line or directly from the Phone app. You can assign a preferred line per contact and have one line for calls and another for data. iPhone supports Dual SIM Dual Standby, meaning both lines can receive calls and texts, but only one data plan is active at a time.

It works best on iOS 15 and later, especially for Dual eSIM functionality.

What is Dual SIM on iPhone?

Apple introduced Dual SIM capability with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. It allows you to have two mobile plans on a single device - perfect for managing work and personal numbers, using local data plans when travelling, or keeping business communication separate.

There are two types of Dual SIM setups on iPhone:

Physical SIM + eSIM: common on iPhones XS through iPhone 12.
Dual eSIM: available on iPhone 13 and later, allowing two digital lines without needing a SIM tray.

All Dual SIM iPhones use Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), which lets both numbers stay reachable for calls and texts while one line handles mobile data.

Supported iPhone models:

iPhone XS / XS Max / XR - Physical + eSIM (iOS 12.1 or later)
iPhone 11 / 12 Series - Physical + eSIM (iOS 13 or later)
iPhone 13 / 14 / 15 Series - Dual eSIM or Physical + eSIM (iOS 15 or later)
iPhone 14 (US Models) - eSIM only (no SIM tray, iOS 16 or later)

Dual SIM is especially useful for business owners, frequent travellers, or professionals who need separate numbers for work and personal use without carrying two phones.

How to Check Which Line You’re Using

Before switching, make sure you know which line is currently active for calls.

To view your lines:

Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular).
You’ll see both plans listed, e.g. “Primary” and “Secondary.”
Tap a plan to view details like network, status, and whether it’s set for voice, data, or both.

To rename your lines:

Open Settings > Mobile Data > Your Line > Mobile Plan Label.
Rename your lines to something clear like “Work” and “Personal.”
This helps when switching lines or assigning contacts.

To check your active line for calls:

Open the Phone app and tap the keypad.
The active line appears at the top of the screen.
You can tap it to switch between your eSIM and physical SIM before making a call.

How to Change Between eSIM and SIM for Calls on iPhone

Option 1: Change your default line

Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line.
Select either your physical SIM or eSIM as the default for all outgoing calls.
Your iPhone will use this line for all new calls unless you choose another. If you’ve set a preferred line for specific contacts, those will override the default.

Option 2: Choose a line when calling a contact

Open the Phone or Contacts app.
Select a contact and tap the “i” info button.
Choose Preferred Line and select Primary or Secondary.
Alternatively, when dialling a number, tap the line label at the top of the screen to switch lines before placing the call.

iPhones automatically remember which line you last used with a contact and will use it by default next time.

Option 3: Using Dual eSIM on iPhone 13 and newer

iPhone 13 and later models can have two eSIMs active simultaneously. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM to install another plan. You can still set your default voice line as above. Both eSIMs remain active for calls and texts, making switching nearly seamless.

Option 4: Manage data and call lines separately

You can assign one line for calls and another for mobile data. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Line. Choose which plan handles data traffic. For example, you can use your gosimless virtual number for business calls while keeping your data connection on a personal plan or local eSIM when travelling.

Incoming Calls: How Dual Standby Works

Dual SIM Dual Standby allows both lines to receive calls and texts - but only one can handle an active call at a time.

If you’re on a call on Line A, incoming calls on Line B go to voicemail (unless Wi-Fi calling is enabled and supported by your carrier). Both lines remain active for text messages and call notifications.

You can enable Wi-Fi Calling for both lines via Settings > Mobile Data > Wi-Fi Calling to maintain availability when one network drops.

Top Tips for Entrepreneurs Using Dual SIM

Using two lines on your iPhone can completely transform how you handle business and personal communication. Here are some smart ways to make the most of it:

Use one line for work and another for personal calls to stay organised.
Label your lines (e.g., “Business” and “Personal”) for quick identification.
Assign work contacts to your business line and personal contacts to your private line.
Set different ringtones so you instantly recognise which line is ringing.
Add working hours - use iPhone’s Focus mode or Do Not Disturb to silence business calls outside your chosen hours.
Take advantage of Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE to ensure consistent call quality.
Pair your setup with a gosimless virtual UK number to handle WhatsApp Business, client communication, or travel calls - no SIM swapping required.

With this setup, entrepreneurs can maintain professionalism, protect privacy, and strike a healthier balance between work and personal life.

Troubleshooting: When You Can’t Switch Lines

If you can’t switch between eSIM and SIM, try these quick fixes:

Check activation: Ensure both lines show as “On” under Settings > Mobile Data.
Carrier compatibility: Confirm your carrier supports Dual SIM and Dual Standby.
Restart your iPhone: This often resolves temporary connection issues.
Update iOS: Dual eSIM requires iOS 15 or later.
Reset network settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Signal issues: If one line loses signal, you can still manually select networks in Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection.

Managing Work and Personal Calls with gosimless

At gosimless, we make managing multiple numbers effortless. By pairing a virtual UK number with your iPhone’s Dual SIM setup, you can:

Verify WhatsApp Business without needing a second phone.
Separate work and personal communications.
Switch lines easily without removing SIM cards.
Manage everything digitally from one platform.

This setup is perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote professionals who want to look professional while staying mobile and efficient.

Get your business eSIM from gosimless

gosimless offers flexible UK business eSIM plans with O2 and Vodafone networks that make it easy to run work and personal numbers on one device, with no physical SIM swaps, no credit checks, no contracts, and the freedom to cancel anytime. You can activate quickly online and manage everything digitally, with Vodafone Unlimited including EU roaming plus roaming in 29 international destinations.

Plan	Price	UK minutes	UK texts	EU roaming data	International roaming data
O2 20GB	£14.50/month	Unlimited	Unlimited	Up to 20GB	None
O2 50GB	£16.50/month	Unlimited	Unlimited	Up to 35GB	None
O2 Unlimited	£19.50/month	Unlimited	Unlimited	Up to 35GB	None
Vodafone 24GB	£19.50/month	Unlimited	Unlimited	None	None
Vodafone Unlimited	£24.50/month	Unlimited	Unlimited	Up to 25GB	Up to 25GB (29 destinations)

Staying Connected with eSIM and SIM on iPhone

Changing between eSIM and SIM for calls on iPhone is simple once you know where to look. You can set a default line, assign contacts to specific numbers, and even use different lines for calls and data.

With Dual SIM Dual Standby, both lines stay active for messages and calls - and when you add a gosimless virtual number, managing business and personal calls becomes seamless and professional.