If Dual SIM with eSIM isn't working on your iPhone

Find out how to fix any issues you may encounter when using Dual SIM with your iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or a later model that features a nano-SIM card and an eSIM or two eSIMs.

Check your plans

  • Your iPhone must be unlocked, or both mobile data plans must be from the same service provider.
  • Both plans must be set up and ready to use.
  • Your service provider or service providers must support Dual SIM with eSIM.
  • If a CDMA carrier provides your first SIM, your second SIM won't support CDMA. Contact your carrier for more information.

eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, only iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone XS feature eSIM. Find out about fixing issues with Dual SIM when using two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.

If you can't set up your eSIM

  • Check with your service provider to see if your iPhone plan is eligible for Dual SIM service.
  • If you have an enterprise or corporate mobile service plan, check with your company or service provider to see if they support this feature. 
  • Make sure that your service providers support coverage in your area and that there are no service outages.
  • Make sure that your mobile data plans are set up, ready to use and don't have a billing-related blockage.

If you still can't set up your eSIM, contact your service providers for support. 

If you can't see one or both mobile data plans

You should see both of your plans when you go to Settings > Mobile Data or Settings > Cellular. Here's what to do if you can't.

If you can't see your eSIM plan

  1. Follow the steps to set up your mobile data plan with eSIM.
  2. Open Control Centre and make sure that both of your service providers appear in the status bar.

If you can't see your nano-SIM card plan

Make sure that your nano-SIM card is seated correctly in the SIM tray:

  1. Remove the SIM tray and inspect the SIM cards for signs of damage or corrosion.
  2. Remove your SIM card from the SIM tray, then put the SIM card back.
  3. Make sure that you close the SIM tray completely, so that it isn't loose.
  4. Open Control Centre and make sure that both of your service providers appear in the status bar.

If the nano-SIM card doesn't work, if it doesn't fit or is bent, or if you see "Card is not compatible with LTE" on your iPhone, contact your service provider for a new nano-SIM card.

If you're on a call and see No Service on your other line

Your iPhone can use one mobile data network at a time. When you're using one line to make a call, your other line will show No Service. If your service provider supports Wi-Fi Calling on your other phone number and you have Wi-Fi Calling turned on, you can answer incoming calls on that number. When you're on a call that isn't your default data line, you'll need to turn on Allow Mobile Data Switching.

Still need help?

If you still can't set up or use the Dual SIM features of your iPhone, contact Apple Support. 

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