If you have an iPhone XR, XS, iPhone XS Max , or later, you have eSIM capability. This means there is only one physical SIM and the second SIM card is an eSIM (i.e., built-in).
Having an eSIM on the iPhone 12 is even better because it will support the upcoming 5G.
What exactly is eSIM?
The basic idea behind eSIM on the iPhone is that the SIM card is built into the phone, so it takes up less space and is easier to migrate to another carrier. Another advantage is that you can store more than one eSIM on your iPhone. So if you have three separate numbers, you can essentially create a triple SIM. However, the lack of a physical SIM card also means you can't just swap SIM cards. If your phone breaks, for example, there's a chance that the device you replace it with won't support eSIM.
The first thing you need to do is check if your mobile carrier offers eSIM services. While the service is readily available for almost all major carriers in the UK and US, it still doesn't have full coverage in other countries.
How to set up eSIM on iPhone?
This method only works if you have an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later. If you're using eSIM setup on your iPhone 12, you can also use it to browse on 5G if it's available in your area. Note that the basic steps for setting up eSIM on your iPhone are the same for all carriers. To complete the setup, you'll need a secondary phone with a physical SIM card and a valid email address.
The eSIM will be activated within 2 hours of completing the process. Also, SMS services will be blocked for 24 hours after you switch to eSIM.
- Send an SMS with the text “eSIM ” to your mobile carrier's customer service number.
- You will then receive an SMS asking you to confirm whether you want to continue.
- After consenting via SMS, you will receive a phone call for final confirmation.
- Once this is done, you will receive a QR code to your registered email.
- Go to iPhone Settings > Cellular Data > Add Data Planand scan the QR code you received. Once the plan is added, you can follow the instructions on your phone's screen to tag your SIM card and you're good to go.
You'll now see two cellular networks in Control Center. You can choose which number to use for calls and texts. There's also an option to turn on cellular data switching, which allows your iPhone to use cellular data from both lines, depending on coverage and availability.
