Apple iPhone - Dual SIM with an eSIM - View Digital SIM (eSIM) IMEI (2024)

FAQs

How do I activate eSIM on my iPhone Dual SIM? ›

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to use a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM.

Find the Settings app icon and tap it. You'll now see a "General" option, tap on it. Next, tap on "About" If your Apple iPhone supports eSIM, when scrolling down you'll find a "Digital SIM" section where your IMEI can be seen.

What is the difference between and eSIM and Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS)? An eSIM is a digital version of the physical SIM card – identifying your device virtually to provide network connection. Dual SIM, Dual Standby (DSDS) allows customers to have two active lines from the same or different carrier on one device.

All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs.

While SIM cards can contain phone numbers, eSIMs do not come with phone numbers. But don't worry, because you don't need an eSIM phone number in order to call or text while using an eSIM for data.

Currently, eSIM is supported by limited premium phones which are not affordable to everyone. Average users can't use an eSIM without burning a small hole in their pockets. If one does switch to eSIM, there will be limited phone options.

An Esim requires the usage and verification of the IMEI and they are not the same thing, but rather, are dependant on one another. Esims are also dependent on other factors. An EID is the number generally associated with your Esim. Various carriers have different methods for activation of esims.

Because it has one physical SIIM slot and one internal eSIM. Each has its own IMEI. Your iPhone 14 actually HAS Dual SIM. So that's why you can see two IMEI numbers.

Why do I have 2 IMEI numbers? ›

Important: Only one IMEI will appear if one SIM is being used in the device even if the phone is dual SIM. If you have a dual SIM device and are using two SIM cards, there will be two IMEI numbers shown as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.

eSIM offers many benefits while you travel abroad. It's more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.

You can find out if your iPhone is locked by going to Settings > General > About. If "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock, your iPhone is unlocked.

To activate your eSIM after you set up your iPhone, contact your carrier to get a QR code. Then, follow these steps: Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the Cellular Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.

Android users only: To activate an eSIM-enabled Android on an existing line, you must speak to a Customer Service representative (don't use Chat). Prepaid eSIM devices: Learn how to activate devices on Verizon prepaid. Note: Connecting a device to the Verizon network for the first time takes up to 15 minutes.

FAQ How to switch from eSIM to physical SIM. Can I switch from eSIM to physical SIM? Yes, you can switch back from eSIM to physical SIM in seconds, in fact you can even use both of SIMs at the same time, your primary card for calls and message, and the eSIM for internet.

No, you cannot install the same eSIM on multiple devices. Your eSIM can only be installed on one device, and most eSIMs can be installed only once.

NB : Please note that some devices are equipped with an eSIM, but you will not be able to use it, whether your device is locked or unlocked, as this eSIM feature can be restricted for some markets/countries. In this case, we advise you to contact the device manufacturer for more information.

Can you call and text with eSIM? ›

Both your phone numbers can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls and send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS.

All your information stored on the SIM card, such as your phone number, text messages, and phone contacts, will move over to the new phone. But if you want to change to a different mobile network, you'll have to get a new SIM card.

* iPhone 14 models that are eSIM only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

Extra costs and limited compatibility. Another problem with eSIMs is the extra cost. Most carriers only offer free eSIMs on more expensive plans, leaving many other customers with extra charges for switching from a plastic SIM card to an embedded SIM.

Disadvantages of using an eSIM

You will need to retrieve and download your eSIM profile from the cloud, which is considerably more time-consuming to do. It also takes longer than it would take to transfer into a new handset when you upgrade.

No, the eSIM itself does not drain the battery of your mobile device. It consumes the same as a SIM card when using cellular data.

eSIMs can't be physically damaged or lost, unlike a regular SIM card. There is much less risk of damaging cards and weakening your signal quality as well unless your phone is the one that gets damaged!

Does having an eSIM card improve my data security? Yes, there are significant security benefits. An eSIM card cannot be stolen without stealing the phone, whereas removable SIM cards are sometimes stolen, and used in port out scams.

An eSIM makes it much easier to switch mobile networks. Instead of needing to order a new SIM, waiting for it to arrive, then inserting it into your phone, you can switch to a different network with a phone call or online. You also won't need to go hunting for a SIM 'ejector tool' to remove the old SIM from your phone.

Is IMEI the same as SIM? No, IMEI is not the same things as a sim card but it is tied to the device. Each device has a SIM and an IMEI. The SIM is associated with the network, whereas the IMEI is associated with the device.

Does eSIM have its own IMEI? ›

The cellular plans are labeled Primary and Secondary by default. You can change your cellular plan names through your iPhone's Settings. Under ESIM, the IMEI number of your eSIM is displayed.

If the phone supports eSIM, there will be two IMEI numbers listed - one for a Physical SIM and one for a Digital SIM. If you have an Android phone, such as a Samsung Galaxy, in most cases you can simply dial *#06# and your IMEI information should appear.

Yes, you can track your phone using the IMEI number for free. Whether it's an itel, TECNO, Infinix, iPhone, Samsung, or any other smartphone, tracking your phone is easy with the IMEI number.

An IMEI is a hardware identifier. No two cell phones can possibly have the same IMEI. Just like 2 cars can never have the same vehicle identification number, or two residents of the US can have the same social security number or the same driver's license number.

The quickest and most effective way to find IMEI numbers on your dual SIM phone is to type the sequence *#06# on the dial pad of your mobile phone. As soon as you have typed this sequence, both IMEI numbers, IMEI 1 and IMEI 2, will be displayed on your mobile phone screen.

dual SIM device which means both SIM cards can be connected to the network at the same time means your device has two IMEI numbers, two SIM device which means only one SIM card can be connected to the network at a time means your device has only one IMEI number.

The most convenient way to find the IMEI number is to dial *#06# on your phone. This method works with both iPhone and Android and any other phone.

In fact, it's two smartphones in one. This means Active SIM cards can work separately from each other, so you're available at all times on both SIM cards. If you're using the internet on SIM card A, you can still receive a call on SIM card B. You can also easily turn off one of the 2 SIM cards.

Setting “Dual SIM Always on” allows a call on one SIM to interrupt a call on the other SIM.

Dual SIM phones aren't locked to a specific network, so you have the freedom to sign up to any mobile network you prefer. This also means you're free to use a global eSIM or local SIM when you travel abroad. A major drawcard of using a dual-SIM phone is being able to use different phone plans.

Why should I switch to eSIM? ›

And the technology has security benefits: If your phone is stolen, thieves can't remove an eSIM to hijack your phone number and commit identity theft, as they could with a physical SIM card. Most important, the experience of using eSIM data plans for travel has greatly improved.

Jailbreaking or rooting means removing software restrictions that are intentionally put in place by the device manufacturer. This process, basically, opens a door of a locked-down electronic device to install software other than what the manufacturer has made available for that device.

An IMEI number can be used to determine the device make and model, and whether the device is locked or unlocked. If a device has been lost or stolen, the IMEI can also be used to block it from being used on most carrier networks, including T-Mobile's.

You can unlock your Android phone even if you've forgotten the passcode, but you'll usually need to factory reset the phone. You can unlock most Android phones by performing a factory recovery or using the Find My Device website.

Check your plans

Your iPhone must be unlocked, or both cellular plans must be from the same carrier. Both plans must be set up and ready to use. Your carrier or carriers must support Dual SIM with eSIM. If a CDMA carrier provides your first SIM, your second SIM won't support CDMA.

Go to Settings > Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then choose the phone number with a physical SIM. Tap Convert to eSIM, then follow the onscreen instructions.

All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs.

No, you cannot install the same eSIM on multiple devices. Your eSIM can only be installed on one device, and most eSIMs can be installed only once.

If you have a Samsung, Google, Huawei, or other Android device, the number of eSIMs you can install and have active at one time varies. Most allow for five to seven eSIMs, with one active at a time.

What happens to my physical SIM after eSIM? ›

Yes, you can still use your SIM card after installing the eSIM, in fact you can even use both cards simultaneously, your primary card for calls and message, and the eSIM for Internet.

To download your eSIM profile, you may receive an “activation code” and a QR code from an eSIM carrier. The activation code is in fact a download link. It is often in the format of a QR code that you will scan with the camera of your phone or tablet to install and activate your eSIM profile on your device.

Turn Airplane Mode on and off. Go to Settings > Cellular and check if the number you're trying to activate is shown. If it is, turn off the line and then turn it back on again. Restart your device or devices.

A mobile phone has one IMEI number per SIM slot, so if you have a dual SIM phone, it will have two IMEI numbers: IMEI 1 for the first SIM slot and IMEI 2 for the second SIM slot. The IMEI number is a 15-digit code that is always unique which means a dual SIM cell phone has two unique IMEI numbers.