Can I use an eSIM with a regular SIM at the same time?

Yes, you can use an eSIM and a regular SIM at the SIM time with the dual SIM device.

The latest mobiles have the features of using a physical SIM card and a digital SIM. With an eSIM, you can stay connected through the local network during travel. You can maintain the two separate lines simultaneously. But how could it be possible? 

This article is a guide on how to use an eSIM and a regular SIM simultaneously. Let's get into the details to enjoy the premium connection. 

Understanding eSIM and Physical SIM

Before we go step by step, it’s valuable to understand the eSIM and physical SIM.

Embedded SIM is a digital technology that is integrated into compatible devices. It digitally stores the user's information and allows access to multiple networks at a time. eSIM is worth using for international travellers to stay connected 24/7.

A regular SIM card or Subscriber Identity Module is a removable physical chip. It connects your device with the local network and allows communication. Compared to eSIM vs physical SIM, an eSIM is more valuable for accessing an affordable and effective cellular network. 

What is a dual SIM device?

Most of the latest devices in the market are equipped with dual SIM functionality. You can use more than two physical or eSIMs in the same device. The devices have the feature to use one eSIM and a SIM card. It allows to use of two active phone numbers on the same mobile.

Some features of dual SIM devices include.

• Allow the use of a local data plan during foreign travel. 
• You can use one line to access the data connection and another for making calls and texts. 
• You can keep the work and personal lines separate without having two devices. 

Tips to Consider to Use eSIM and Physical SIM

Verify your device's eSIM support

Verify your dual SIM phone eSIM compatibility. You can check it from your device settings or Google to confirm your device's eSIM support. 

Set up a digital SIM

Select the reliable eSIM provider to get a flexible cellular network. If you are specifically looking for a USA eSIM, Phonico is the ideal solution. The provider offers flexible short and long-term eSIM data plans. You can also enjoy unlimited talk and texts without roaming or a strict contract. 

Insert Your Regular SIM

Insert the physical SIM card in your device to access the connection. 

Select the default line

Go to settings and select the separate lines for making calls, texts, and data. You can easily switch between the lines.

How to use a regular SIM and an eSIM at the same time?

You can use the eSIM and a regular SIM at the same time with a dual SIM device. To enjoy the hassle-free connection, you have to go through the following phone settings. 

1. Label your plans 

You should label the SIM card to make a clear difference between the lines.

For iOS devices

• Open your mobile phone Settings app.
• Click on the Cellular and Mobile Data option. 
• In this section, tap the eSIM plan. 
• Now, enter the name and press the save button. 

For Android devices

• Open the Settings app.
• Click on the Network & Internet or Connections. 
• Choose a SIM card and tap your eSIM plans. 
• Enter the name and save it. 

2. Activate the SIM line

When you land in your destination country, you can active the eSIM line. Here are the steps to follow to set up an eSIM line. 

For iOS devices

• Open the Settings and move to Cellular or Mobile Data.
• Click on your eSIM line and toggle to enable it. 
• Turn on the Data Roaming. 
• Now, click on the Network Selection and choose the supported network. 

For Android devices

• Go to the Settings app.
• Find the Network & Internet or Connection. 
• Enable your eSIM line and turn on Mobile Data and Roaming. 
• Then, select the supported network to access data. 

3. Set Your Default Voice Line

Now set the line for calls and messages. If your eSIM is data only, you can use the SIM card for calls and texts. 

For iOS devices

• Open your device Settings, move to Cellular or Mobile Data.
• Tap Default Voice Line and confirm the SIM line for calls and texts. 

For Android devices

• Open the phone's Settings.
• Click on Network & Internet or Connections.
• Move to the SIM Card and confirm the SIM line for calls and messages. 

4. Set Your Cellular Data Line

For iOS devices

• Go to Settings and Cellular or Mobile Data.
• Click Cellular Data and choose eSIM line.

For Android devices

• Open Settings, move to Network & Internet or Connections.
• Click SIM Card and Data Service Network. 
• Confirm your eSIM line. 

How to switch between an eSIM and a regular SIM?

If you are back from the trip, you can switch to the regular SIM card. If the cellular plan has expired, you can delete the eSIM from your iPhone or Android device. 

For iOS devices

• Open the Settings app and move to the Cellular or Mobile. 
• Choose the eSIM line and switch it off. 

For Android devices

• Go to the Android Settings and scroll to Connection.
• Click on the Mobile Network and disable the eSIM.  

Conclusion

You can use eSIM with the regular SIM card in the same device. It allows you to handle more than one number on a single device. You can set each line for calls, texts, and data to enjoy the flexible signal strength. 

To make a clear difference, you can label the lines and switch between them. With the dual SIM device, you can get a seamless connection to stay connected worldwide.

FAQs

Can I use both SIMs for calls at the same time?

No, you can’t activate both SIMs at the same time for calls in the dual SIM device.

Does dual SIM drain the battery faster?

Yes, a dual-SIM device drains more battery because the device manages the two active connections.

Will dual SIM work internationally?

Yes, dual SIM works internationally. You can make calls and texts from the physical SIM and access data from eSIM.