Can I have two eSIMs active at the same time?
Yes. Modern iPhones (XS and later) and most flagship Androids let you store many eSIM profiles and have two active at once — typically your home line plus a travel eSIM. Calls and texts route through whichever line you choose as default, while data can be set to use the cheaper travel eSIM automatically.
Yes. Modern iPhones (XS and later) and most flagship Androids let you store many eSIM profiles and have two active at once — typically your home line plus a travel eSIM. Calls and texts route through whichever line you choose as default, while data can be set to use the cheaper travel eSIM automatically.
Dual-SIM with eSIMs
- iPhone XS → 14: one physical SIM + one active eSIM, or in some markets two active eSIMs.
- iPhone 15+ (US models): eSIM-only; up to 8 stored, 2 active.
- iPhone 16: eSIM-only in the US; dual physical + eSIM in most other regions.
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ / S21+ / S22+ / S23+ / S24+ / Z Fold / Z Flip: physical SIM + eSIM, both active.
- Google Pixel 3 → 9: physical SIM + eSIM. Pixel 7+ supports multiple active eSIMs.
How to set it up
In Settings → Mobile Data (iOS) or Settings → Connections → SIM manager (Android) you can:
- Set your home line as the default for calls and texts.
- Set the travel eSIM as the default for mobile data.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line so it never accidentally connects abroad.
- Turn on data roaming on the travel eSIM — confusingly, A.R.I.A Mobile eSIMs use roaming agreements, so this must be enabled.
This is the configuration most travellers want: keep your number, take all calls and texts, but route all data through the cheap travel plan.
People also ask
- What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM, you scan a QR code or tap a link and a mobile plan is downloaded onto a secure chip inside the device. It takes about a minute and works alongside your normal SIM, so you can keep your home number while using a travel data plan abroad.
- How does an eSIM work?
When you buy an eSIM you receive a QR code or activation link. Your phone reads it, downloads a mobile profile onto its built-in eSIM chip, and connects to the local network the carrier has roaming agreements with. From that point it behaves exactly like a physical SIM — except you can install several profiles and switch between them in Settings.
- Is my phone eSIM compatible?
Almost every flagship phone released since late 2018 supports eSIM. That includes all iPhones from XS onward, Google Pixel 3 and later, and Samsung Galaxy S20-and-newer plus the Z Fold and Z Flip ranges. The other requirement is that the phone is unlocked to other networks — most UK contract phones are unlocked by default since 2021.
- Do I keep my UK number when I use a travel eSIM?
Yes. A travel eSIM is added alongside your existing line, not in place of it. Your UK SIM (physical or eSIM) stays active for calls, texts and WhatsApp on your normal number. The travel eSIM is used only for mobile data — so it costs you nothing extra to receive a text from your bank or take a call from home.