Skip to content
simsimsim

How to Use eSIM — Managing Profiles on iPhone and Android

After installing and activating eSIM, you need to learn how to use it: switching lines, sharing hotspot, saving data in roaming, renewing your plan. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Last updated: 2026-05-31

After your eSIM is installed and activated, you need to learn how to use it. Modern iPhones and Androids support Dual SIM — two lines simultaneously (physical SIM + eSIM, or two eSIMs on iPhone 14+ US). This means you can keep your home number active for calls and SMS, while using travel eSIM for data abroad. This guide covers switching lines, sharing hotspot, saving data in roaming, and what to do when your plan ends.

Dual SIM mode — how it works

In Dual SIM mode on an eSIM-compatible phone there are two lines:

  • Line 1 — typically physical SIM or first eSIM
  • Line 2 — typically second eSIM (or physical SIM in combo)

Each line can have different roles:

  • Cellular Data (internet): only one line at a time. Typically travel eSIM during trip.
  • Default voice line: which line is used when you dial a number. Typically home SIM.
  • Default SMS line: which line sends SMS. Typically home SIM (so recipients see your usual number).

Typical setup during travel: - Home physical SIM — for calls and SMS to your usual number. - Travel eSIM — for internet (maps, messengers, Uber).

How to switch lines on iPhone

Change data line:

  1. Open Settings → Cellular.
  2. Tap Cellular Data at top.
  3. Select the line for internet.

Change voice line:

  1. Open Contacts, find the contact.
  2. When calling, iPhone asks which line to use (if no default).
  3. To set default: Settings → Cellular → Default Line → choose.

Quick switch via Control Center: Swipe down from top right → tap Cellular icon → select data line. Works on iOS 17+.

How to switch lines on Android (Pixel, Samsung)

Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → select line → toggles “Use SIM” and “Mobile data”.

Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → select line for data, calls, SMS.

Quick switch via Quick Settings (Samsung One UI): Swipe down → SIM manager tile → choose active data line.

How to share internet via hotspot

Simsimsim travel eSIMs include hotspot for free on all plans. You can share internet with:

  • Laptop / MacBook
  • iPad / tablet
  • Up to 10 devices simultaneously (on recent iPhones and Androids)

iPhone: 1. Settings → Personal Hotspot. 2. Enable Allow Others to Join. 3. Note the Wi-Fi Password (shown on this screen). 4. On the other device, connect to Wi-Fi named “iPhone Username” with that password.

Pixel / Samsung Galaxy: 1. Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering. 2. Enable Wi-Fi hotspot. 3. Set network name and password. 4. Connect from another device.

Tip: Enable hotspot only when needed — drains battery 2-3x faster.

How to save data in roaming

Travel eSIM plans vary — from 1 GB to unlimited. If you have a limited plan and worry about overage — several ways to save:

  • Disable background app refresh (Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Off).
  • Disable autoplay videos in YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X (in each app’s settings).
  • Enable Low Data Mode on eSIM line: Settings → Cellular → select eSIM → Data Options → Low Data Mode.
  • Download offline maps in Google Maps / Maps.me before traveling.
  • Use hotel / cafe Wi-Fi for heavy tasks (streaming, video calls, app updates).
  • Disable iCloud Backup on cellular (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup → disable “Use Cellular Data”).

Check data balance: - iPhone: Settings → Cellular → bottom shows usage counter. Reset via “Reset Statistics” at start of trip. - Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → select eSIM → “Usage”.

What to do when eSIM plan ends

Travel eSIM plans have a specific duration (7 days, 30 days) and/or quota (1 GB, 10 GB). When they end:

  • Duration ends (7/30 days): eSIM profile stops working, no internet. No charges — just stops serving.
  • Quota ends (e.g., used all 10 GB): on Daily Unlimited — speed drops to 384 Kbps (sufficient for messengers). On regular GB plans — data fully off.

What to do:

  1. Buy a new plan for the same country/region. Same or different size/duration.
  2. Get new QR code by email.
  3. Install new profile next to old one (old can be deleted).
  4. Activate new profile — switch data line to it.

With Simsimsim renewal is simple: open the country, pick a new plan, pay, new QR arrives in a minute.

FAQ

Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time? Yes, Dual SIM mode. Modern eSIM-compatible phones (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, Galaxy S20+) support this. One line is physical SIM, the other is eSIM, both active for calls/SMS, but only one for data.

How many eSIMs can be active simultaneously on iPhone? Stores 8+ profiles, two lines active simultaneously (Dual SIM mode). On iPhone 14+ US edition (eSIM-only) — both lines are eSIM, no physical SIM tray.

Can I use one eSIM on multiple phones? No. eSIM profile is bound to one device. To transfer to another phone — see eSIM Transfer.

What to do if eSIM stops working mid-trip? 1. Restart phone. 2. Toggle Airplane Mode. 3. Check data balance and plan duration. 4. If plan ended — buy a new one. 5. If plan still active — contact carrier support.

Can I make voice calls via travel eSIM? Depends on the plan. Most travel eSIMs are data-only (no voice calls, no SMS). Call via WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime — these work over data. Your home number works via physical SIM for regular calls.

How to check if eSIM is active? Top-left corner of iPhone (or top-right on Android) shows network indicators for both lines. If eSIM shows “5G”, “LTE”, “4G” — active. If “No Service” — not connected.

Can I use eSIM without internet? Voice calls and SMS — yes (if your plan supports them). Data — no, by definition. But eSIM activation requires internet once.

Can I rename an eSIM line? Yes. Settings → Cellular → select profile → Line Label (iOS). Use clear names: “USA”, “Belarus”, “Work”.

What if I lose a phone with active eSIM? 1. Remotely lock via Find My iPhone / Find My Device. 2. Contact eSIM carrier — most can suspend the profile. 3. eSIM can’t be physically “pulled out” like SIM — thief can’t insert into another phone without password and lock bypass.

Can I use eSIM in multiple countries? Depends on plan. Travel eSIM from one carrier typically covers a specific country or region. Regional eSIMs (Europe, Asia) — multiple countries in one trip. Global eSIMs — dozens of countries.

Related guides

Buy eSIM — pick a country →