Can I Use an eSIM and a Regular SIM at the Same Time?
A Small Introduction
While smartphones continue to evolve, so has the way we stay connected. The day of physical SIM cards being your only route to mobile networks is behind us. Many modern devices now offer eSIM technology, which is a digital alternative that does not require a removable SIM card.
For those who have just upgraded their phones or want to use an eSIM for traveling or work, a question is often asked: Is it possible to simultaneously use an eSIM and a regular SIM? Yes, you can-if your phone supports dual SIM functionality and is of a relatively modern model.
That means you can use both an eSIM and a physical SIM together, so you remain always connected on two mobile plans at the same time. This is advantageous if you want to keep your main number active and then use another plan for data, travel, or work. We will show you below how it works, which phones support this feature, and how to set everything up.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that is built into your device. It does not have to be placed in or taken out of your device like a physical SIM card; it simply needs to be turned on by downloading a mobile plan onto your phone.
But once activated, the eSIM works just like any other SIM: it connects your device to a mobile network, allowing you to call, text, and use mobile data. The big difference is that everything is managed digitally via your phone's settings.
Switching to other plans is easier and faster because eSIMs do not have physical cards. This can take a few minutes, sometimes without even needing to visit a store or wait for delivery. Many phones also allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles, making it easy to switch between them when needed.
SIM vs. eSIM: What is the Difference?
Physical SIM cards and eSIMs serve the same purpose, but they work in different ways.
A physical SIM is a removable card that you insert into your phone. It has been the standard for many years and is still widely used. If you want to change carriers, you usually need a new SIM card.
An eSIM is built into your phone and activated digitally. Instead of swapping cards, you download a plan directly to your device. This makes it easier to switch carriers, add temporary plans, or manage multiple numbers.
The biggest difference is flexibility. Physical SIMs require manual handling, while eSIMs allow you to manage everything through software. Many users find that combining both gives them the most convenience.
Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible?
Not all phones support eSIM, but most modern smartphones do. If you have recently bought a device, there is a good chance that it is eSIM-compatible.
Latest eSIM-compatible iPhones
All the recent iPhones also support eSIM and Dual SIM, including:
· The iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max
· iPhone 14 Series
· iPhone 13 series
In some markets, newer iPhones are eSIM-only, meaning it no longer comes with a physical SIM tray.
Latest eSIM-capable Android Phones
Many major Android flagships also offer eSIM support, including:
· The Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra
· Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5
· Google Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro
· Google Pixel 7 series
Support may vary depending on the region and carrier, so it's always a good idea to check your phone's specifications or settings.
If your phone supports both eSIM and Dual SIM, then you should be able to use an eSIM and a regular SIM together.
Dual SIM: What It Is and How It Works
Dual SIM technology refers to the ability of a phone to use two mobile plans simultaneously. This usually means one physical SIM and one eSIM working together.
Most Dual SIM phones rely on Dual SIM Dual Standby, whereby both SIMs are kept active. You can get calls and messages on both numbers; however, only one of the SIMs is used for data at a time.
There are many uses for Dual SIM. One number can be reserved for personal use, the other for work, or one is used as a call SIM, and the other as a data SIM. Among tourists, Dual SIM allows them to keep their home number active and simultaneously use a local or international data plan on an eSIM.
How to Use a Regular SIM and eSIM at the Same Time
Now, let's see how you could use the regular SIM and eSIM together when traveling. Imagine you are from Canada and will be traveling to Germany. If your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked, you can buy an eSIM for Germany in advance and connect to local data while traveling.
Follow these steps in order to use a regular SIM and an eSIM all at once.
1. Label Your Plans
First of all, you'll want to label your plans. After downloading and installing an eSIM, go to your phone settings to name each line. We recommend choosing labels that would immediately tell you what each plan is assigned to, such as Canada SIM and Germany eSIM.
Here's how to do it on iOS:
· Go to your phone settings.
· Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data.
· Tap your eSIM plan-likely to be your "Secondary" line. Enter your custom label and save.
And how to do it on Android:
· Go to your phone Settings.
· Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
· Tap SIM Card.
· Tap your eSIM plan.
· Enter a custom label and save.
2. Turn On Your eSIM Line
When you land in Germany, you can turn on your eSIM line to connect to a supported network.
Here's how to do it on iOS:
· Go to your phone Settings.
· Tap Cellular or Mobile.
· Tap your eSIM line.
· Toggle on Turn On This Line.
· Toggle on Data Roaming.
· Tap Network Selection and select a supported network (you can find a list of networks in the eSIM's Additional Information section).
And on Android:
· Go to your phone Settings.
· Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
· Tap Mobile Network.
· Turn on your eSIM.
· Turn on Mobile Data.
· Turn on Data Roaming.
· Select a supported network (you can find a list of networks in the eSIM's Additional Information section).
3. Set Your Default Voice Line
Next, you'll need to set your default voice line. You'll use this line to send and receive calls and text messages. If your Germany eSIM is data-only, you'll want to use your Canada SIM for voice and text.
Here's how to enable it on iOS:
· Go to your phone Settings.
· Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
· Tap Default Voice Line.
· Select your SIM line.
And how to enable it on Android:
· Go to your phone Settings.
· Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
· Tap SIM Card.
· Tap Calls and select your SIM line.
· Tap Texts and select your SIM line.
4. Set Your Cellular Data Line
Only one line at a time can use cellular data. While you're in Germany, that will be your Germany eSIM line.
Here's how to set it up on iOS:
· Go to your phone Settings.
· Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
· Tap Cellular Data.
· Select your eSIM line.
And how to set it up on Android:
· Go to your phone Settings.
· Network & Internet or Connections.
· Tap SIM Card.
· Tap Data Service Network.
· Select your eSIM line. 
How to Switch Between an eSIM and a Regular SIM
Returned home from your trip? Now you can switch back to using your regular SIM for calls, texts, and data. Go to your device's settings and select your home line for cellular data.
If you plan on returning to Germany, you may want to temporarily disable your eSIM line rather than delete it. That way, you can top it up when you return to Europe rather than re-install another eSIM.
Here's how to do it on iOS:
- Go to your device's Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile.
- Select your eSIM line.
- Switch it off.
And how to do it on Android:
- Go to your phone Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap Mobile Network.
- Turn off your eSIM.
FAQ’s
What is the point of a dual SIM phone?
Having dual SIM technology is a great way to add a local data plan when you travel. You can also keep personal and work lines separate or use one plan to talk and text and another to access data.
What are the disadvantages of a dual SIM phone?
Your phone can use more battery when operating two SIMs. Understanding dual SIMs can also be a learning curve, but it's simple once the basics are covered.
What is eSIM bonding?
eSIM bonding is not an official term. If someone says "eSIM bonding," they likely mean a scenario where you combine multiple SIMs (physical and eSIMs) to form one faster, more reliable connection. While this type of bonding isn't possible, you can use dual SIM, and your iPhone will use one cellular data network at a time.
Which iPhone has Dual SIM?
You can have a Dual SIM with:
· One physical SIM and one eSIM: on iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14, and later.
· Two eSIMs: on iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 13, and later.
Conclusion
Yes, you can use an eSIM and a regular SIM together in most modern smartphones. This setup with Dual SIM capability on your device gives you better flexibility and control in ways to stay connected.
Whether it be traveling, having to handle a lot of numbers, or simply seeking a more convenient way to use mobile plans, combining an eSIM with a physical SIM turns out to be a handy and increasingly common solution. As more devices support eSIM every year, Dual SIM connectivity is fast becoming the new normal.
