Yes, you can use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time. Almost every phone that supports eSIM is also a dual SIM phone, which means it can hold two active lines at once. For travelers, that is the whole trick: your usual SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts, while a travel eSIM gives you cheap local data.
This guide explains how dual SIM works, which phones support it, and exactly how to set up both lines before a trip, on iPhone and Android.
In this guide:
- How dual SIM works
- Which phones support an eSIM and a physical SIM together?
- Popular dual SIM setups
- How to set it up on iPhone
- How to set it up on Android
- After your trip
- FAQs
How Dual SIM Works
A dual SIM phone can keep two mobile lines switched on together. The lines can be a physical SIM card plus an eSIM, or two eSIMs on newer models. Each line works like a separate phone plan, with its own network, its own number (if the plan has one), and its own data allowance.
There are a few rules worth knowing:
- Only one line uses mobile data at a time. You choose which one in settings. When you travel, that should be your eSIM.
- Both lines can receive calls and texts. As long as your home line is switched on, people can still reach you on your usual number.
- One call at a time. On most phones, while you are on a call on one line, the other line can't take calls. Missed calls may show as unreachable.
An eSIM is simply a SIM that is built into your phone and installed by scanning a QR code, so there is nothing to swap. If you are new to eSIMs, here is how they work.
Which Phones Support an eSIM and a Physical SIM Together?
Most flagship and mid-range phones released since 2018 can do it. A few common examples:
| Brand | Physical SIM + eSIM | Two eSIMs active at once |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone XS, XR, SE (2nd gen) and later | iPhone 13 and later |
| Samsung Galaxy | Galaxy S20, Z Fold and Z Flip series and later (model and region dependent) | Selected newer models |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 and later | Pixel 7 and later |
Two things can stop it from working, even on a supported model. The phone must be carrier-unlocked, and some regional versions skip eSIM entirely (for example, iPhones sold in mainland China). Recent iPhone models sold in the US have no SIM tray at all, so they use two eSIMs instead.
The quickest test is to dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. For model-by-model details, see our full list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Popular Dual SIM Setups
| Situation | Line 1 (physical SIM) | Line 2 (eSIM) |
|---|---|---|
| Traveling abroad | Home number for calls and SMS, data roaming off | Travel eSIM for all mobile data |
| Work and personal | Personal number | Work number |
| Living abroad for a while | Home number kept for bank codes | Local plan for data and calls |
For a trip, the first setup is the one you want. You keep getting calls and verification texts on your usual number, but every megabyte goes through the eSIM at local prices.
How to Use an eSIM and a Physical SIM on iPhone
Install your travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi first. Our eSIM installation guide walks through it. Then set up the two lines:
- Label your lines. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service), tap each line, and give it a clear name like "Home" and "Travel".
- Turn on the travel line. Tap the eSIM line and switch on Turn On This Line. Then switch on Data Roaming for this line. Most travel eSIMs need it.
- Choose the data line. Tap Cellular Data and select "Travel". Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so your iPhone never falls back to your home line for data.
- Choose the voice line. Tap Default Voice Line and select "Home", so calls and texts keep using your usual number.
- Protect your home line. Tap "Home" and make sure Data Roaming is off.
How to Use an eSIM and a Physical SIM on Android
Menu names differ slightly between brands. On Samsung, look under Settings > Connections > SIM manager. On Google Pixel, it is Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Rename each SIM so you can tell them apart at a glance.
- Switch on the eSIM and turn on Roaming for it.
- Under Preferred SIM (Samsung) or Mobile data (Pixel), pick the eSIM for data.
- Pick your physical SIM for calls and texts.
- Turn off roaming on the physical SIM. On Samsung, also turn off Auto data switch if you see it.
Good to know: Even with data roaming off, your home carrier may still charge for calls you answer and texts you send abroad. If you don't need your number on the trip, switch the home line off completely. Our guide on avoiding roaming charges has more tips.
After Your Trip
When you get home, go back to your settings and choose your home line for mobile data again. egoViet eSIMs can't be topped up, so once your plan expires you can delete the travel eSIM to keep things tidy. Here is when to turn an eSIM off and when to delete it. For your next trip, simply install a new eSIM for the new destination.
Don't worry about storage, either. Most phones can hold several eSIMs installed, even if only one or two can be active at a time. See how many eSIMs your phone can store.
Ready for Your Next Trip?
Using an eSIM next to your regular SIM is the easiest way to stay reachable on your own number while paying local prices for data. Find a plan for your destination in the egoViet eSIM store, install it before you fly, and switch it on when you land. Wondering how to make calls without a local number? Read how eSIMs and phone numbers work.
FAQs: Using an eSIM and a Physical SIM Together
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM and is carrier-unlocked. Both lines stay active, so you can use the eSIM for data and the physical SIM for calls and texts on your usual number.
Can both SIMs use mobile data at once?
No. Only one line can provide mobile data at a time. You choose which one in your phone's settings, and you can switch whenever you like.
Will I still receive calls on my home number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes, as long as your home line is switched on. Your home carrier may charge roaming fees for calls and texts abroad, so check its rates before you travel.
Does dual SIM drain the battery faster?
A little. Keeping two lines connected to networks uses slightly more power. If battery life matters on a long day out, switch off the line you don't need.