If you have an iPhone XR, XS, iPhone XS Max or later, you have the eSIM settings that come with it. This means that there is only one physical SIM card slot and the second SIM card is an eSIM (Embedded SIM).
Having an eSIM on iPhone 12 is even better as the lineup brings 5G to the mix. With a few caveats about dual SIM functionality, you can set up and use eSIM on iPhone 12 with 5G speeds (if 5G is available in your region).
What is an eSIM?
The basic idea behind an eSIM on iPhone is that the SIM card is built into the phone, which takes up less space and is easier to migrate to another carrier. Another advantage is that you can store multiple eSIMs on your iPhone. So if you have three separate numbers, you can practically make it a triple SIM iPhone. However, no physical SIM card also means that you can't just swap out SIM cards on the fly. If you brick your phone and need to change it, your replacement phone may not support eSIM.
Also Read: What Is eSIM? How It Will Make Our Lives Easier?
Support carriers for eSIM
The first thing to do is to check if your carrier provides eSIM services. While the service is readily available for almost all major carriers in the UK and US, it is still not at full capacity in India. You can apply for an eSIM in India if you are using an Airtel, Vi or Reliance Jio number. However, getting an eSIM is easiest if you have an Airtel number.
For Vodafone Idea (Vi) users, the service is available to postpaid customers in certain states only. You can check if you are eligible for a Vi eSIM from here. If you are a Reliance Jio user, you will need to go to a nearby Jio or Reliance Digital store with proof of ID and photo to get an eSIM. If you have another operator, you are less likely to get the service.
How to configure eSIM on iPhone?
This method is only valid if you have an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later. If you are using an eSIM setup on iPhone 12 series, you can also use it to browse 5G if available in your area. Note that the basic steps for setting up an eSIM on iPhone remain the same for all operators. You will need a Secondary phone with a physical SIM card and a Valid Email Address to complete the setup.
Before continuing: Your eSIM will be activated within 2 hours of completing the process. In addition, SMS services will be blocked for 24 hours after switching to eSIM.
- Send an SMS saying "eSIM "To your operator customer service number.
- If this is a registered email id, you will receive a SMS it would require you to confirm if you want to continue.
- After accepting by SMS, you will receive a phone call for final confirmation.
Once done, you will receive a QR code on your registered email id.
Example eSIM activation email.Now is the time to get eSIM on iPhone. Go to iPhone Settings> Mobile data> Add data plan and scan the QR code you received. Once the plan is added, you can follow the instructions on your phone screen to label your SIM card, and you are good to go.
You will now see two mobile networks in the control center. You can choose which number to use for calls and SMS. There is also an option to enable mobile data switching, which allows your iPhone to use mobile data from both lines, depending on coverage and availability.
5G Dual SIM on iPhone 12
IPhone 12 series owners will need to turn off dual SIM to use 5G. To do this, go to your iPhone Settings> Mobile data / Cellular and choose the line you want to deactivate. Once you deactivate a phone line, you can use 5G on the one that is always on.
The publication How to configure dual SIM with an eSIM on iPhone? first appeared on Fossbytes.
