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The iPhone XS and XR include an eSim: here's how it's activated and used on a daily basis

The iPhone XS and iPhone XR are the first models to integrate Dual SIM functionality. This allows you to benefit from two different mobile plans, on the same device.

For new iPhones sold in France and in most countries around the world, dual SIM comes witha nano-SIM card and an eSIM. And here ishow it is activated and used on a daily basis!

Apple goesactivate the dual SIM function with iOS 12.1, however no French operator yet supports eSim. Orange and SFR are on board and plan to “soon” add support for this “virtual” SIM card integrated into the phone and reprogrammable.

While waiting to understand what Apple has planned, here ishow to activate and use dual SIM on iPhone XS and XR.

First, you should know thatboth numbers, can make and receive voice calls, as well as send and receive SMS and MMS. The only restriction being the use of only one cellular data network at a time on your iPhone.

Activate dual SIM

In addition to the traditional nano SIM card to be inserted into the iPhone, you must subscribe to a second plan with an operator that supports the eSim.

To activate this second mobile plan, the user canscan QR codesent by the operator, or usethe operator's iPhone app. There is also a third option, namely themanual entrysubscription information.

To scan a QR code sent by the operator, you must go to Settings > Cellular data. Touch “Add a cellular plan”, and scan the QR code in question.

It is also possible to download the operator's app from the App Store and purchase a mobile plan in the app.

A user canhave more than one eSim on your iPhone, but he can only use one at a time. To change eSim, you must go to Settings > Cellular data > Cellular plans, and select the plan to use.

Label both packages

Once both packages are activated, the user will have toname themand configure them. Naming the packages will allow you to choose the number to use to call, and send or receive messages, and for your mobile data and contacts.

To name them, you have to go toSettings>Cellular data, touch the number to label. For example, the personal number will be called “Personal” and the professional number “Professional”. This allows you to clearly identify the two numbers in the dual SIM function settings.

Dual SIM setup

The user must define how the packages interact with each other. You must firstchoose default number, which will beused with iMessage and FaceTime. Both numbers can make and receive voice calls, as well as send and receive SMS and MMS.

There isthree optionspossible, using the primary or secondary line as the default line, and using the secondary line for mobile data only. This last option is recommended for foreigners, in order to use a local plan to have internet access on their iPhone.

How dual SIM works

L’iPhoneremembers the number used to call a contact, it is therefore not necessary to choose the number to use each time. If this is a contact's first call, iPhone uses the default number.

It is also possible to define the number to use to call a contact. To do this, you must touch the contact, then preferred cellular plan, and finally the number to use with this contact.

A user canmake and review calls with both phone numbers. If a call is in progress, incoming calls on the other line are redirected to voicemail. Call waiting only works for calls to the same phone number.

To make a call, the user canfreely switch from one number to another.

To consultnetwork statusfor both plans, there are two icons at the top left of the screenin the control center.

Finally, at any time, the user can choose the plan that will be used for mobile data. For example, if he has reached his data quota on his first plan, he can switch to the other.

And to know everything about the newiPhone XRand on theiPhone XS:
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Source

Deputy editor-in-chief, also known under the pseudonym Teza. Former video games journalist, who has been immersed in technology and Apple products since his very first iPhone 3GS in 2009. He has since worked for several American tech sites and now for iPhon.fr. Incidentally YouTuber and Apple product specialist on the MobileAddict channel. To contact me: maxime[a]iphon.fr

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