Yes, you can! Dual SIM technology makes it possible for you to use an eSIM and a regular SIM at the same time. You can download an eSIM plan from Airalo and instantly connect to a local network when you travel — all without removing your SIM card. Want to maintain two separate lines (e.g., one for work and one for home)? You can do that too! Using an eSIM and SIM together is an easy and convenient way to stay connected wherever you are.
In this article, we'll cover the ins and outs of using an eSIM and regular SIM at the same time, including:
- What is an eSIM?
- SIM vs. eSIM: What's the difference?
- Is your phone eSIM-compatible?
- Dual SIM: What it is and how it works
- How to use an eSIM and a regular SIM at the same time
- How to switch between an eSIM and a regular SIM
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a reprogrammable chip that's built into your phone's hardware (the "e" in eSIM stands for "embedded"). It serves the same function as a physical SIM by identifying you as a mobile subscriber and connecting you to a carrier's network. And it does it all digitally.
You can think of an eSIM as a digital SIM. To get online, you can download an eSIM data plan, install it on your device, and connect to a mobile network. There's no need to contact your carrier, purchase a new physical SIM, or juggle multiple SIM cards.
Most devices will allow you to download more than one eSIM plan. You can store these as different eSIM lines on your phone. This is especially useful for travel or when you want to maintain two phone lines (e.g., for work and home).
SIM vs. eSIM: What's the Difference?
With eSIMs, you get the connection without the hassle — an eSIM is embedded in your device, so you don't need to fumble around with a physical SIM card to connect to a mobile network.
Here are some other ways eSIMs are different from physical SIM cards:
- eSIMs are carrier-independent. You don't need a contract with a mobile provider to download and use an eSIM.
- You can't lose or steal an eSIM. It's difficult to lose or steal something that's embedded in your device! Unless your phone goes missing, your eSIM will stay right where it belongs.
- It's difficult to damage an eSIM. You don't need to physically handle an eSIM, making it much more difficult to damage. Be careful with your device, and your eSIM should stay safe.
- eSIMs are more sustainable. Physical SIMs take a significant toll on the environment. eSIMs are much smaller and don't require packaging and delivery like a physical SIM card.
Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible?
Most flagship devices manufactured since 2018 support eSIM technology. However, whether your specific device is eSIM-compatible depends on your mobile provider and where you purchased your phone. You can reference our list of devices that support eSIMs or check with your carrier if you aren't sure.
To use an eSIM from Airalo, you must also have a carrier-unlocked phone. If you purchased your phone outright and aren't tied to a contract with a mobile provider, it's likely unlocked. Again, you can double-check with your carrier to be sure.
Dual SIM: What it Is and How it Works
Most devices today are also equipped with Dual SIM technology. A Dual SIM phone can house multiple SIMs and/or eSIMs at once. This allows you to use a regular SIM and an eSIM at the same time and connect to two networks simultaneously.
With a Dual SIM device, you can:
- Add a local data plan when you travel.
- Keep personal and work lines separate.
- Use one plan to talk and text and another to access data.
How to Use a Regular SIM and eSIM at the Same Time
Let's explore how you can use a regular SIM and eSIM together when you travel. Suppose you live in Canada and are planning a trip to Germany. If your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked, you can purchase an eSIM for Germany and connect to local data while you're away.
Follow these steps to use a regular SIM and eSIM at the same time.
1. Label Your Plans
First, you'll want to label your plans. Once you've downloaded and installed an eSIM, go to your phone's settings to name each line. We recommend picking labels that will help you easily identify each plan (e.g., Canada SIM and Germany eSIM).
Here's how to do it on iOS:
- Go to your phone Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap your eSIM plan (usually your "Secondary" line).
- Enter a 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.
These labels will come in handy when choosing a line for voice and text, a line for data, and assigning a number to your contacts. If you change your mind, don't worry — you can edit these anytime.
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.
When you're in Germany again, you can follow the same steps. All you need to do is turn the line back on and purchase a top-up. You'll be connected to a local mobile network in no time!
You're all set to use an eSIM alongside your regular SIM the next time you travel. Browse the Airalo store to access eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
