Your SIM and the eSIM together: calls on your number, data from the eSIM

Yes, you can: with dual SIM, your usual SIM receives calls and texts on your number while the eSIM provides data. Just set the eSIM as your data line and keep your SIM switched on, with its data roaming off.

How do two lines work at the same time?

Both lines are active at once, but each does one job: your SIM handles calls and texts; the eSIM handles data.

With dual SIM, both lines can make and receive calls and messages, and only one of them handles mobile data. The Glowi eSIM is data only and has no number, so there’s nothing to choose for calls: they come in and go out on your number, just like at home.

How do I set it up?

Three settings: the eSIM for data, no automatic switching to your SIM’s data, and data roaming on for the eSIM only.

iPhone

  1. Open Settings → Mobile Data (on some versions, Mobile Service; in some countries, Cellular) → Mobile Data and tap the eSIM line.
  2. On that screen, turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching, so your iPhone doesn’t use your SIM’s data.
  3. In Settings → Mobile Data, tap the eSIM line → Mobile Data Options → turn on Data Roaming. Leave it off on your own line.
  4. Check that your line is still on: in Settings → Mobile Data, tap it and make sure Turn On This Line is on.

Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs. Under Mobile data, choose the eSIM; under Calls and Texts, your SIM.
  2. If you see Automatic data switching (Pixel 8a and later), turn it off.
  3. With the eSIM selected, turn on Roaming. Leave it off on your SIM.

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager (on some versions, “SIM card manager”) and choose the eSIM for Mobile data.
  2. On that screen, turn off Auto data switching.
  3. Turn on Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming for the eSIM.

Names can vary slightly depending on your One UI version.

If it isn’t installed yet: guides for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.

Does it cost money to receive calls abroad?

It depends on where your SIM is from and where you are. With an EU SIM travelling in the EU, it costs no more than at home; anywhere else, it depends on your operator and it can cost money.

  • With a SIM from an EU country, inside the EU (and EEA), “roam like at home” applies: calls, texts and data on your line work on the same terms as at home, and you’re not charged extra to receive calls or texts.
  • Outside the EU, or with a SIM from the UK, the US or anywhere else, there’s no such protection. Each operator sets its own prices, and receiving a call may be charged per minute. Check your plan before you travel.
  • Data isn’t part of that bill: if the eSIM is your data line and your SIM’s data roaming is off, your operator doesn’t charge you for data.

If you’d rather not take regular calls abroad, you can call and message on WhatsApp or other apps, which use the eSIM’s data. It’s explained in WhatsApp with a travel eSIM.

Is there anything that works differently with two lines?

A couple of details on iPhone that are worth knowing so they don’t catch you out.

  • During a call on your number, data stops. With Allow Mobile Data Switching off, the eSIM’s data doesn’t work while you’re talking on your own line. That automatic switch also doesn’t work while you’re using data roaming.
  • If someone calls one number while you’re on the other, the call may go to voicemail.
  • With data roaming on for the eSIM, your voice-only number loses Visual Voicemail and MMS. Regular texts still come through.

Dual SIM and calls: frequently asked questions

Can I make calls from my own number while travelling?

Yes, your SIM still works for calls and texts. What calling from abroad costs depends on your operator.

Do I have to take my SIM out to use the eSIM?

No. They work side by side: your SIM for calls and texts, the eSIM for data.

Will I get my bank’s text messages?

They’re sent to your number, so your SIM needs to be on and have signal in the country you’re in. Whether receiving texts abroad costs anything depends on your operator; with an EU SIM in the EU, it costs no more than at home.

Does the Glowi eSIM come with a phone number?

No, it’s data only. To make calls you can use your usual number or apps like WhatsApp, which run on data.

More questions in the FAQ.