How to use dual eSIM on iPhone while traveling abroad?

Traveling abroad no longer means paying hefty roaming charges or messing up with tiny physical SIM cards. Thanks to dual eSIM technology in modern iPhones, you can stay connected easily and affordably. By using two eSIMs at once, you can tap into a local data plan for cheap internet while keeping your primary phone number active for calls and texts from home.

This guide covers everything you need to master dual eSIMs for your next international trip.

What is dual eSIM, and why is it a game-changer for travelers?

Dual eSIM is a major leap in mobile connectivity, letting a single iPhone manage two cellular plans without any physical SIM cards. The technology is built right into your phone’s hardware, offering incredible flexibility. For international travelers, this feature completely changes the game. It cuts out the need to find a local SIM card vendor when you arrive, giving you instant connectivity and the ability to maintain two active lines simultaneously. You can use a low-cost travel eSIM for data while remaining reachable on your home number, combining convenience with substantial savings.

Understanding the basics of using two eSIMs on one iPhone

Using two eSIMs means you have two active cellular plans on one iPhone. While your phone can store multiple eSIM profiles (often eight or more), it can only have two active at the same time, depending on the model.

This setup lets you operate two separate phone numbers, each configurable for calls, texts, and data. You can set one line as your primary for voice calls and the other as your secondary for data, all managed directly in your iPhone’s settings.

The primary benefits: Cheap local data and keeping your home number active

The two biggest wins for using dual eSIM while traveling are cost and accessibility. First, by buying a travel eSIM for your destination, you get access to local data rates, which are almost always far cheaper than your home carrier's international roaming plans. You can browse maps, post on social media, and stream video without worrying about a shocking phone bill when you get home. On the other hand, dual eSIM lets you keep your home number active for incoming calls and texts. This is important for two-factor authentication codes from your bank, staying in touch with family, and being reachable for emergencies, all while your data is handled by the affordable travel plan.

Which iPhone models support dual eSIM functionality?

Support for dual SIM, including eSIM, started with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. However, there’s a key difference for true dual eSIM capability. While those earlier models support one physical SIM and one eSIM, the iPhone 13 series and all newer models are the first to let you use two active eSIMs at the same time. If you have an iPhone 13, 14, 15, or a related Pro model, you can run two plans entirely on eSIMs with no physical card needed. It's smart to confirm your specific model’s features before you finalize your travel plans.

How should you prepare your iPhone before traveling?

A little preparation ensures a smooth connectivity experience abroad. Before you pack your bags, a few simple steps will ensure your travel eSIM is ready to go the moment you land. This means checking your device's compatibility, picking the right data plan for your trip, and deciding how to manage your primary line while you're away. Sorting this out beforehand saves you from last-minute stress and technical headaches.

Step 1: Confirming your iPhone is unlocked and eSIM compatible

You must ensure your iPhone is carrier-unlocked. An unlocked phone isn't tied to a specific provider, meaning it will accept an eSIM from any carrier in the world. If your phone is locked, it will reject a travel eSIM, making it useless. You can check by contacting your carrier or by going to `Settings > General > About`. If you see "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock, you're good to go. Also, double-check that your iPhone model (XS or newer) supports eSIMs.

Step 2: Choosing and purchasing a travel eSIM for your destination

Once you've confirmed you have a compatible, unlocked iPhone, it's time to pick and buy a travel eSIM. Amigo eSIM offers a huge variety of plans for specific countries and regions. It's a great idea to purchase your eSIM before you depart. This lets you install the eSIM profile at home over a stable Wi-Fi connection, so it’s ready to activate as soon as you arrive. When picking a plan, think about how much data you'll need, how long the plan is valid, and whether it covers multiple countries if you're visiting more than one place.

Step 3: Deciding whether to keep your primary line active for calls and texts

Before you leave, decide how you'll handle your home cellular plan. You have two main options. The first, and most popular, is to keep your home line active to receive calls and texts so you don't miss important messages or verification codes. If you do this, you must be careful to turn off data roaming for that line to avoid charges. The second option is to completely deactivate your home line in your iPhone's settings. This guarantees you won't face any roaming fees, but it also means you'll be unreachable on your primary number until you turn it back on.

What is the step-by-step process for installing a travel eSIM?

Installing a travel eSIM on your iPhone is a quick and simple digital process. Unlike dealing with physical SIMs, the entire setup is handled right in your phone’s settings.

Amigo eSIM makes it incredibly easy by offering installation methods like scanning a QR code, getting your new plan ready to go in minutes.

Adding your new eSIM using a QR code or manual details

The easiest way to install an eSIM is with a QR code.

To get started, you can simply scan the QR code with your camera, if you have two devices.

Or (this works for most of the iPhones) by tapping and holding the QR code that you received to your email, you will see the “Add eSIM” option on the pop-up menu.

Another option is to go to `Settings > Cellular` (or `Mobile Service`) and tap `Add eSIM`. Your iPhone will then prompt you to `Use QR Code`. Just point your camera at the code, and the phone will automatically install the plan. If you don't have a QR code, you can also select `Enter Details Manually` and type in the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided by your carrier.

Labeling your cellular plans for easy identification (e.g., 'Home' vs. 'Travel')

After the eSIM is installed, your iPhone will ask you to label your cellular plans. This is a critical step for avoiding confusion. You can use default labels like 'Primary' or 'Secondary,' but for travel, it’s best to create custom labels. We recommend you label your plans as 'Home' and 'Travel' - or even put the name of the country or regions you are visiting. This clear distinction makes it easy to see which line you're adjusting when setting preferences for data and calls, helping prevent costly mistakes.

Activating your travel eSIM upon arrival at your destination

Although you can install your eSIM at home, you should only activate it upon arrival at your destination. A travel plan's validity period usually starts when it first connects to a local network. Once you land, go to `Settings > Cellular`, tap on your 'Travel' eSIM, and toggle `Turn On This Line`. Your iPhone will connect to a local partner network, and your data plan will be live. At this time, you should also check that `Data Roaming` is turned on for your travel eSIM but remains off for your 'Home' line.

How can you configure your iPhone's settings for dual eSIM use?

Once your travel eSIM is installed and activated, the final step is to configure your iPhone’s settings so each line works the way you want. This means telling your phone which eSIM to use for data, which to use for calls, and how to handle services like iMessage. Getting these preferences right is the key to maximizing the benefits of dual eSIM and avoiding accidental roaming charges.

Setting the travel eSIM as your primary line for cellular data

To avoid expensive data roaming fees on your home plan, you must set your new travel eSIM as the source for all mobile data.

Go to `Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data`. In this menu, you'll see your labeled plans, such as 'Home' and 'Travel'. Simply select your 'Travel' plan. From now on, your iPhone will use your travel eSIM's data allowance for all internet activity, leaving your home plan's data untouched.

Assigning a default line for calls, iMessage, and FaceTime

Your iPhone also lets you pick a default line for outgoing calls and messages.

In the `Cellular` settings, you can choose a `Default Voice Line` either your 'Travel' line if it has a number or your 'Home' line. More importantly, while iMessage and FaceTime are tied to your phone number, they work over data. This means you can continue to use iMessage and FaceTime with your home number without incurring roaming charges, since the data connection is being handled by your affordable travel plan.

Using the 'Allow Cellular Data Switching' feature for optimal connectivity

In `Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data`, you'll find an advanced feature called `Allow Cellular Data Switching`. When turned on, it lets your iPhone automatically use data from your secondary line if the primary one has poor coverage. While this sounds helpful, it should be used with extreme caution while traveling. If your 'Travel' eSIM loses its signal, your iPhone could automatically switch to your 'Home' plan for data, triggering expensive roaming charges. For most travelers, it’s much safer to keep this feature turned off.

What are the best strategies for managing your dual eSIMs abroad?

Managing your dual eSIMs effectively comes down to choosing a strategy that fits your needs and budget. Whether you need to be fully reachable on your home number or want to avoid any possibility of roaming fees, your iPhone's settings give you the flexibility to make it happen. These common scenarios will help you make the most of this technology, especially on multi-country trips.

Scenario 1: Using both lines to receive home calls while using travel data

This is the most popular strategy. To set it up, keep both your 'Home' and 'Travel' lines on. Designate the 'Travel' eSIM for all Cellular Data and, most importantly, navigate to your 'Home' line’s settings and make sure `Data Roaming` is switched off. This setup lets you use cheap local data from your travel plan while your home number stays active to receive calls and SMS messages, like bank verification codes. Just be aware that answering calls on your home number might still incur voice roaming fees from your carrier.

Scenario 2: Using only the travel eSIM to avoid all roaming fees

If you want to eliminate any chance of roaming charges, the safest bet is to use only the travel eSIM. To do this, go to `Settings > Cellular`, tap your 'Home' plan, and toggle the `Turn On This Line` switch to the off position. This completely deactivates your home line, ensuring no voice, text, or data roaming charges can occur. Your iPhone will then run solely on the 'Travel' eSIM. Even with your home line off, iMessage and FaceTime can often still work with your home number as long as you have a data connection through your travel plan.

How to store and switch between multiple eSIMs for multi-country trips

An iPhone's ability to store multiple eSIMs is a huge plus for multi-country trips. You can purchase and install eSIMs for all your destinations before you even leave home. Your phone lists all stored plans in the `Cellular` settings. While only two can be active at once on newer models, the others stay dormant and ready. As you cross a border, just go into your settings, turn off the eSIM for the country you’re leaving, and turn on the one for your new destination. This gives you instant connectivity without having to hunt for Wi-Fi or buy a new plan on the fly.

What are the common pitfalls and how can you avoid them?

While dual eSIM technology is a powerful tool, a few common mistakes can lead to unexpected charges or connection problems. Knowing what to watch out for is key to a stress-free travel experience. From accidental data usage to regional hardware limits, a little preparation helps you avoid trouble.

Preventing accidental roaming charges on your home plan

The single biggest risk of using dual eSIMs abroad is accidentally racking up data roaming charges on your home plan.

The fix is simple but non-negotiable: Go to `Settings > Cellular`, select your home plan, and make sure the `Data Roaming` toggle is switched OFF.

For extra safety, also turn off the `Allow Cellular Data Switching` feature. This prevents your iPhone from automatically using your home data if your travel eSIM signal gets weak. Double-checking these two settings can save you from a massive bill.

Understanding regional limitations (e.g., China mainland)

It's important to know that eSIM support isn't universal, and iPhone hardware can vary by region. For example, iPhones sold in mainland China do not support eSIM technology at all; instead, they come with two physical SIM slots. If you bought your iPhone there, you won't be able to use a travel eSIM. Some countries or carriers may also have their own restrictions. Always check your specific device's compatibility and the eSIM policies for your destination before you travel.

Using Low Data Mode to conserve your travel data plan

Travel eSIMs often come with a fixed data cap, and running out can be a real hassle. To make your data last longer, enable Low Data Mode for your travel eSIM. You can find this feature in the cellular plan's specific settings. It helps reduce data consumption by pausing automatic updates, background app activity, and lowering video streaming quality. Activating Low Data Mode helps you stretch your data plan through your entire trip, ensuring you have connectivity for essentials like maps and messaging.