Recommended Free Tools
You can keep two phone numbers active on one iPhone by adding a second cellular plan, assigning each line a label, and choosing which line handles calls, messages, and cellular data. First check that your iPhone and carrier support the SIM setup you want; the exact options depend on the iPhone model, region, carrier, and whether the phone is unlocked.
Check whether your iPhone and carrier support two numbers
Apple supports Dual SIM with eSIM on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later models, but physical-SIM support and eSIM availability vary by model and country or region. iPhone 13 models and later can use two eSIMs. Supported earlier models can combine a physical nano-SIM with an eSIM.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Two eSIMs: You need an iPhone 13 model or later and two plans that the relevant carriers support for eSIM.
- Physical SIM plus eSIM: A compatible earlier iPhone may use a nano-SIM alongside an eSIM.
- Two different carriers: The iPhone must be unlocked. To check, open Settings > General > About and look for No SIM Restrictions next to Carrier Lock. Alternatively, Apple says both plans can be from the same carrier.
Confirm eSIM and Dual SIM support with your carrier before choosing a plan. If the iPhone is managed through work, your organization may need to approve changes to its cellular plans.
Add and label the second cellular plan
Ask the carrier that provides the second number how to activate its plan. Depending on carrier support, activation may use the carrier’s app, carrier activation, Quick Transfer, or a QR code; not every method is available for every plan or iPhone.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Follow the carrier’s activation instructions to add the second plan to your iPhone.
- When prompted, label each line—for example, Personal and Business, or Home and Travel.
- After activation, open Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions) and check that both lines appear and are turned on.
The labels make it easier to tell which number you are selecting for calls, messages, and data.
Choose which number to use for calls, messages, and data
During setup, iPhone asks you to choose a default number for calls and messages to people who are not in your Contacts, and to choose a separate line for cellular data. You can manage these choices later in Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data; names may vary slightly by iOS version or region.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
- Default voice line: This is the number iPhone uses by default for calls and messages to contacts without a previously used line.
- Cellular data: Choose which plan supplies mobile data. iPhone uses one cellular data network at a time.
- Allow Cellular Data Switching: Turn this on if you want iPhone to be able to use data from either plan, depending on settings and availability. It does not make both networks carry data simultaneously.
iPhone can remember which line you last used to contact someone and use it again. To choose a line for a particular person, open that person’s contact record and set a preferred cellular plan.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What happens when both lines are in use
With both plans active, each number can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls and send and receive iMessage, SMS, and MMS, subject to carrier and plan support. Having two reachable numbers does not mean the iPhone uses two cellular data networks at once.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Calls to the other number while you are on a call
Whether an incoming call on the other line can reach you while you are on a call depends on carrier support and settings. Apple says Wi-Fi Calling on the other number can allow you to answer that line while on a call. If the carrier does not support Wi-Fi Calling, or it is not enabled, the call on the other line may go to voicemail. When a call uses a line other than the one selected for data, Allow Cellular Data Switching may be needed for calls on that other line. Check with your carrier if calls do not behave as expected.
Use a travel eSIM alongside your home number
If your iPhone is unlocked and the destination provider supports it, you can keep your home line and add a local or worldwide provider’s eSIM for travel. Before you leave, check whether your home carrier includes roaming or offers a travel pass, and compare that with the travel provider’s plan.
Rank #4
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
For any travel plan, verify the destination coverage, data allowance, service period, cost, and whether it includes a phone number, voice calls, or text messages. A data-only plan may not provide a second number for ordinary calls and SMS. Local prepaid plans may be available before departure or in-country, including from a carrier store or airport kiosk, but terms vary by provider.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchTroubleshoot a second line that will not work
- Confirm that both plans have been activated and are ready to use.
- Check that your iPhone model and region support the SIM configuration you are trying to use, and that the carrier supports eSIM and Dual SIM for your plan.
- If the plans are from different carriers, verify the phone is unlocked; if it is locked, check whether both plans can be from the same carrier.
- Review Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data to make sure both lines are enabled and the intended default voice and data lines are selected.
If those checks do not resolve activation or calling problems, contact the carrier for the affected plan.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Apple support references
- Using Dual SIM with an eSIM
- Use Dual SIM on iPhone
- Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone
- If Dual SIM with eSIM isn’t working on your iPhone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
