How to Manage Primary and Secondary eSIMs on Your Dual SIM Device
eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, offer the flexibility of using on a single device, making them especially helpful for travel or business purposes. Here’s a comprehensive guide for setting up and managing primary and secondary eSIMs on your device.
Configuring Primary and Secondary eSIMs
To manage eSIM settings:
Assign Primary and Secondary Labels: Go to your device settings, navigate to Cellular or Mobile Network, and designate one eSIM as Primary and the other as Secondary.
Label Customization: Rename the eSIMs in the settings for easier identification (e.g., "Personal" and "Travel"). This can help with managing your usage.
Setting eSIM Preferences
Data Usage
To use the Nomad eSIM for data, go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data, then: Select the Nomad eSIM under the Mobile Data section. Turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to ensure only the selected eSIM uses mobile data.
For Nomad eSIMs, enable Data Roaming for successful connectivity.
Phone Calls and Texts
Leave your primary SIM (home carrier) as your Default Voice Line for calls and texts to retain incoming calls on your regular number.
Note that Nomad eSIMs are for data usage only and do not support voice services or SMS.
Using eSIMs for Travel or Temporary Purposes
If you plan to use the eSIM for travel purposes:
Disable your primary SIM (physical or eSIM) to use the Nomad eSIM exclusively: Turn off Airplane Mode. Go to your Cellular Settings and select the Nomad eSIM.
If using both lines, keep the primary SIM active for calls and texts while assigning the Nomad eSIM for data use.
Switching Between Lines
To deactivate Nomad eSIM and use your primary carrier:
Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data or Connection.
Tap the Nomad eSIM and disable "Turn Off This Line."
Ensure your primary SIM is set as the default for voice and data.
When toggling the Nomad eSIM back on for data, remember to re-enable Data Roaming if necessary.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the Nomad eSIM isn’t working, ensure it is turned on and correctly set as the Cellular Data line.
Double-check that "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is off if you want exclusive data usage on a specific line and avoid any potential roaming charges from your home provider.
Ensure Airplane Mode is off, as it disables all wireless connections necessary for the eSIM to work properly.
FAQs
Can I use the Nomad eSIM for data even after selecting only "Primary" for FaceTime and Messages?
Yes, the Nomad eSIM will still function for data as a secondary line, regardless of your FaceTime and iMessages preferences.
Why does my eSIM display two lines?
The dual-line display reflects available configurations for voice and data. For Nomad eSIMs, only data functionality is supported, as voice services are unavailable. By following this guide, you can efficiently manage your primary and secondary eSIM configurations, ensuring seamless data usage and call preferences.