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iPhone Handoff lets you use one phone number on two iPhones, but only one phone is active on the network at a time. Unlock the iPhone you want to use and the number switches to it. Apple does not list a price; carrier fees may apply, and availability depends on your carrier and country.
What iPhone Handoff does—and what it does not do
With iPhone Handoff, a main iPhone and a companion iPhone share a phone number. Calls, voicemail, messages—including iMessage, RCS, and SMS/MMS—and Find My location follow the iPhone currently in use. Other iCloud-synced data can update across devices; third-party apps sync according to each app’s own behavior. Apple’s setup guide describes the feature.
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This is different from Apple’s traditional Handoff feature. Traditional Handoff lets you begin an app task, such as writing an email or viewing a web page, on one Apple device and continue it on another. Apple’s iOS 27 Handoff guide lists Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the same Apple Account, and compatible software among its requirements. It is a separate Continuity feature, not a way to share a phone number.
How switching between the two iPhones works
After enrollment, unlock the iPhone you want to use. The phone number becomes active on that device and inactive on the other. Apple says the screen confirms the change with “Switched to this iPhone.” Only one iPhone is active on the network at a time; this is a switch, not simultaneous service on both phones.
#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%.
Requirements and carrier availability
Apple’s setup instructions list these requirements for iPhone Handoff:
- Two iPhones running iOS 27 or later.
- A Wi-Fi connection.
- The same Apple Account on both iPhones.
- Messages in iCloud enabled.
- FaceTime and iMessage signed in with the same Apple Account.
- An eSIM from a carrier that supports iPhone Handoff.
In the Apple Support page reviewed on October 7, 2026, Apple named T-Mobile in the United States and Telekom in Germany. That is not an exhaustive worldwide carrier directory, and participation can change. If your carrier or country is not named, ask the carrier whether it supports iPhone Handoff for your specific plan and eSIM.
Rank #2
- 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.
How to set up iPhone Handoff
You can enroll during setup of a new iPhone or later. Apple’s published Settings route is:
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- On the iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Select Use Number on This iPhone and Another.
- Follow the prompts on both iPhones and choose which one will be the main iPhone.
For Dual SIM, Apple says both eSIMs must be from carriers that support iPhone Handoff. Enroll each number separately. Once both are configured, the numbers switch together when you unlock either iPhone.
Rank #3
- 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%.
Does iPhone Handoff cost extra?
Apple does not publish a fee amount. Its setup guidance says, “Carrier fees might apply when enrolling in iPhone Handoff,” and directs customers to their carrier for details. Ask whether enrollment has a one-time charge or recurring fee, and whether your plan qualifies; the Apple guidance does not establish either a specific price or that the service is free.
Limits to know before switching
- Some carrier controls stay on the main iPhone. Call Forwarding, Caller ID, and carrier account management may be available only there.
- Apple Watch does not switch with the number. Pair the Watch with the iPhone you use most often. If that phone is away, remaining connectivity and features depend on Wi-Fi or activated cellular.
- Wallet items can behave differently. You can add payment cards to both iPhones, but certain transit passes, IDs, or corporate badges might work on only one device at a time.
- Third-party apps may not mirror seamlessly. An app might sign you out on one phone when you use it on the other, take time to sync, or require approval from the existing device.
- Replacing a phone may require re-enrollment. Transfer its eSIM. If your carrier does not support eSIM transfer from a companion iPhone, Apple says you must enroll in iPhone Handoff again.
How to turn it off
Contact your carrier to disable iPhone Handoff. Deleting the eSIM may not stop charges; the carrier must confirm that the service has been disabled and explain any billing consequences.
Rank #4
- 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%.
What to confirm with your carrier
Before enrolling, ask your carrier to confirm support for your country, plan, and eSIM; any enrollment or recurring fees; whether eSIM transfers are supported from a companion iPhone; and which account controls remain limited to the main iPhone. Apple’s iOS 27 Continuity guide describes Continuity features as built into Apple operating systems and apps rather than requiring an additional app.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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