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One of advanced Apple features lately is their support of two SIMs at once. The iPhone XS model and XR version started this.
To date, Apple phones with dual SIM occupy an extensive niche in the global mobile gadgets market. Many choose an iPhone with two physical cards as this is the most successful solution, rather than carrying two phones simultaneously.
But how to perform switching SIM cards between iPhones, and are there more convenient ways to make calls or chat online via several smart cards? Read on to find out more.
Related: “How to Switch Phone Carriers without Changing SIM Card?“
Switching SIM cards on iPhones — What should be considered
Using a second SIM chip is possible in all latest Apple mobile gadgets. However, only phones for Macau, Hong Kong, and Chinese telecom markets have a dual slot for installing a standard nano module. Updated dual SIM feature is implemented in following iPhone models: XR model, XS Max device, 11 model, 11 Pro version, 11 Pro Max model, and some others.
Here are some reasons why one can use two smart cards for iOS smartphones:
- One number goes for business, and the other for personal needs.
- While traveling abroad, the tariff plan of the local operator is used.
- One tariff plan goes for calls and the other for data.
Both phone numbers provide making as well as receiving voice, FaceTime cellular calls, sending and receiving SMS, and MMS messages. However, using two cellular networks for data transmission on iOS mobiles simultaneously is impossible.
How do I know does my iPhone support dual SIM?
Open your cellular device passport, study description of the model about putting SIM card in iPhone with an additional item “DUAL SIM”.
The operation of two cellular modules goes under the Dual SIMs Standby system alternately. At the same time, you can make and receive calls, exchange messages from both cellular cards, and chat with friends online – only using one chip.
Ways to switch cards in Dual SIM iPhones
Both chips are in standby mode when Apple devices operate under the Dual Sim Dual Standby technology. Integration of plastic modules is carried out this way:
1. Insert a particular paper clip or needle into a hole of a card slot and press with a little effort. Since the tray moves out of its space a little, delete it;
2. Install one plastic card in the upper part of the tray and the second one in the lower part. Pay special attention to the location of the oblique slice on the cellular chip. Remember that the correct installation is possible only in one case, namely when the contact pad of the identification module is oriented up (for the front card) or down (for rear sims);
3. Insert the tray into the slot until it stops. This can be done only in one position;
4. At this point, procedure is completed, and cards start switching on and configuring.
How to switch from one SIM card to another
But, how to switch SIM cards iPhone make calls or access data? Before making a call, select a suitable phone number. If you are contacting someone from favorites, follow given steps:
- Click the “Info” button;
- Pick the current phone number;
- Choose the second cellular profile.
In case you want to send iMessage, SMS, and MMS, switch phone numbers. Here’s how to use this function:
- Head to “Messages”;
- Tap on the “New” line in the upper part of a mobile screen;
- Enter the name of the contact;
- Pick the current mobile number;
- Choose a phone number you wish to use.
What happens if you switch sim cards in iPhones and do not choose a particular number? The thing is that you do not need to choose a number from which you will call the contact every time. This is triggered automatically and your iPhone uses the number you called this contact last time. If you haven’t reached a particular contact yet, your Apple gadget uses the default number.
Why eSIM?
Even though a phone with two physical chips is in great demand these days, not everything is good in this type of device. There are some disadvantages or limitations that cause inconvenience to iOS users with dual SIMs.
For example, customers may not always be able to use both physical chips at the same time. This is a disadvantage for those who want to use both numbers if necessary. Also, you cannot use valid mobile data of two smart cards simultaneously. What should I do then, you may ask? Choose the option of switching sim cards between iPhones with electronic mobile chips!
An embedded digital module for calls and data (eSIM) is a modern technology that has come to replace physical smart chips. Apple made the very first steps in this direction. And so, all latest iOS gadgets support operations of electronic modules. Many iPhone owners want to use several eSIMs on their gadgets at once.
Customers can use eSIMs together with physical chips. Modern gadgets with Dual-SIM operation can switch between the SIM card data line and eSIM to reach the best possible connection worldwide. Also, eSIM owners in iPhones can create and store several profiles. There are no restrictions on keeping information about tariff plans for one mobile phone. And you won’t need to switch from one card to another constantly.
Electronic SIM card — Main Benefits
Electronic modules are gaining popularity worldwide. Look at essential advantages of changing sim cards in iPhones, when a user prefer electronic solutions:
- Electronic modules cannot be physically damaged or lost;
- They can be used together with a plastic memory chip;
- ESIMs can hold several cellular profiles;
- An eSIM is almost impossible to hack;
- An embedded module is pretty easy to discover as network providers can monitor eSIM over the air.
