On a compatible dual-SIM phone, you can use a travel eSIM for mobile data while keeping your home line for calls and texts. Set the data line deliberately and check your home carrier's roaming terms: turning off home-line data roaming does not make its calls or SMS free.
Your home line may be a physical SIM or an eSIM. The combinations a phone can run at the same time depend on its exact model and region. Start with the compatibility checker and confirm the device is carrier-unlocked.
Decide whether your home line needs to stay on
| Your need | What to check |
|---|---|
| Receive bank codes or calls on your home number | Keep a working home line available and confirm roaming support and charges with its carrier |
| Use maps and internet messaging only | You may be able to turn the home line off; prepare account recovery before losing access to SMS |
| Call local telephone numbers regularly | Check a voice-enabled plan or a calling service; a data-only allowance does not include ordinary calls |
Read what data-only eSIMs include before deciding which line to use for each task. Keeping your existing number and routing internet traffic through a travel plan are separate choices.
Set up the travel line before departure
- Check every destination on the itinerary and the plan's activation rule.
- Install using a dependable internet connection, following your order's instructions.
- Label the profiles clearly, such as Home and Travel.
- If the plan allows advance installation, leave the travel line off until you need it.
- Save access to your order details and support information.
Installation and the start of validity are not always the same event. Follow our installation and activation timeline, with the specific order's rule taking priority.
Select mobile data on iPhone
Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Cellular Data and select the travel line. Review Allow Cellular Data Switching and leave it off if you want to prevent automatic switching to the other line for data. Review the default voice line separately.
Apple explains the available line combinations and data switching in Using Dual SIM with an eSIM. Follow the prompts for your iOS version; a travel setup screen does not replace checking your carrier's tariff.
Select mobile data on Android
On Pixel, open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs and review your preferred SIM for data, calls and texts. Check Automatic data switching where available. Google notes that call behavior and data preferences can vary by device; use its dual-SIM instructions for your model.
On Samsung, look for Connections → SIM manager and review the preferred SIMs. Menu names and options vary by model, carrier and software version; follow the instructions supplied with your order if your screen differs.
Check both lines after landing
- Enable the travel line and choose it for mobile data.
- Enable roaming on that travel line if the plan's instructions require it.
- Keep data roaming off on the home line if you do not intend to use its roaming data.
- Check the displayed data line, then load a small webpage away from Wi-Fi.
- Check that automatic data switching has not been enabled unexpectedly.
Wi-Fi calling remains a service from your home carrier. Its availability and billing rules vary; it is not automatically free because a travel eSIM provides internet. Confirm international use with the carrier before relying on it.
If the travel eSIM does not connect
Check the plan's destination coverage, validity, remaining data, selected data line and roaming setting. Use the troubleshooting guide for the symptom you see. Do not delete the profile as a first step: reinstalling or transferring a travel eSIM may not be supported.
Choose a destination plan or check the app's free trial if you are an eligible new user. The app shows trial availability, data and validity before claiming.