Direct answer: Yes, you can have an eSIM and physical SIM active simultaneously on any Dual SIM + eSIM compatible device. Your usual number remains on the physical SIM, and the eSIM acts as a second line — ideal for local data when traveling without paying roaming fees or changing cards.
Can you have an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
The short answer is yes. Dual SIM technology with eSIM allows your mobile phone to manage two lines simultaneously: one in the physical slot (the usual SIM card) and another in the eSIM chip integrated into the device itself.
The key is the word simultaneously. It's not about switching between one and the other by turning off the one you're not using: both lines are active at the same time, receiving calls and messages, each with its own number. What is limited on most devices is mobile data usage, which can generally only go through one line at a time (although you decide this in the settings).
For this to work, your device needs to meet two conditions:
- Have eSIM support (eSIM chip integrated on the motherboard)
- Be Dual SIM, meaning capable of managing two active lines
If you want to better understand exactly what an eSIM is before continuing, we recommend reading our article on what an eSIM is and how it works.
How Dual SIM works with eSIM
The technical operation is simpler than it seems. Your mobile has two network "slots": the physical one (where you insert the card) and the virtual one (the eSIM chip). The operating system treats them as two independent lines, each with its own phone number, carrier, and data plan.
What can each line do?
- Calls: You can receive calls on both lines at the same time. When someone calls your physical number while you're talking on the eSIM, you'll receive a notification (depending on the device).
- SMS: Both lines receive text messages independently.
- Mobile data: Typically, only one line can use mobile data at a time. You choose which one, and you can switch at any time.
How does the mobile know where to route everything?
The operating system has a Dual SIM management layer that assigns roles to each line. You can configure:
- Default data line
- Line for outgoing calls
- Line for outgoing SMS
On iOS (iPhone), this is managed from Settings → Cellular and from Settings → Phone. On Android, the path varies depending on the manufacturer but is usually found in Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
If you have an iPhone and want to see the complete eSIM installation process, check out our iPhone eSIM installation and activation guide.
Most common use cases (travel + work)
The eSIM + physical SIM combination is especially powerful in two scenarios that are constantly repeated among our users:
1. Frequent traveler who wants to keep their local number
This is the most common case. You travel to Europe, Asia, or America and need cheap local data, but you can't deactivate your Spanish line because your clients, family, or bank call you on that number.
The solution: keep your physical SIM with your usual number (in voice/SMS-only mode or with roaming deactivated to avoid costs) and activate a local data eSIM like those from PuraSim. Result: fast and cheap data at your destination, and your number always available to receive important calls.
Check out our eSIMs for Europe if you're traveling to the continent or visit our eSIM for travel page to find the plan that best suits your destination.
2. Separation of professional / personal life
More and more people are using Dual SIM to have their work number and personal number on the same device. With eSIM + physical SIM, you can:
- Use the physical SIM for your personal number (usual contract carrier)
- Use the eSIM for your work line (virtual carrier or corporate eSIM)
- Silence the work line outside working hours without turning off the phone
3. Rate optimization in areas with uneven coverage
If your primary carrier has poor coverage in certain areas (rural, basements, specific buildings), you can have a second line from a different carrier as an eSIM. The mobile does not automatically switch between carriers for data, but you can manually change in seconds without touching physical cards.
How to configure which SIM uses data and which calls
The configuration varies between iOS and Android, but the concept is the same: assigning roles to each line.
On iPhone (iOS)
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- You'll see both lines listed. Tap the one you want to use for data
- For calls: Settings → Phone → Default Line
- For iMessage and FaceTime: Settings → Messages → Send & Receive
iPhone also offers the option to "Allow Cellular Data Switching" which automatically switches to the other line if the current one has a poor signal. It's in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data.
On Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (on Samsung) or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (on Pixel)
- Select the default line for data, calls, and SMS separately
- Some models allow activating "adaptive data" which automatically switches
Practical tip for travelers
Before you travel, configure your travel eSIM as the default data line and your physical SIM as the call line. This way, your phone will automatically use data from the local eSIM, and you will continue to receive calls on your usual number without roaming charges.
For more details on installation, visit our guide on how an eSIM card works.
Models that support Dual SIM + eSIM
Not all eSIM-enabled phones are Dual SIM. Here are the most popular models confirmed with full eSIM + physical SIM simultaneous support:
Apple iPhone
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) — first with Dual SIM + eSIM
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14 — all models (except US eSIM-only versions)
- iPhone 15 and 16 — all international models (US models are eSIM-only with no physical slot)
Important note: iPhones sold in the US from 14 onwards do not have a physical SIM slot. They are eSIM-only with the possibility of up to 8 stored eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24 and variants (Ultra, Plus, FE)
- Galaxy Z Fold 3, 4, 5, 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 3, 4, 5, 6
- Galaxy A54, A55 (mid-range with eSIM)
Google Pixel
- Pixel 3 and later with Dual SIM + eSIM support
- Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 — all compatible
Other manufacturers
- Motorola: Razr 2022 and later, recent Edge series
- Oppo / OnePlus: Find X and OnePlus 12 models onwards (selected markets)
- Xiaomi: 13 Pro, 14 Ultra (international markets)
Important: Some mobile phones sold in specific markets or unlocked for specific carriers may have the eSIM function deactivated at the software level. Always check the official manufacturer specifications for your region.
Conclusion
The combination of eSIM and physical SIM simultaneously is one of the most practical features of modern mobile phones, and it is available to any user with a compatible device since 2018. You don't lose your number, you don't have to choose between them, and you gain enormous flexibility in managing data, calls, and costs.
The most powerful use case is international travel: keep your physical SIM with your usual number so you don't miss any important calls, and activate a local data eSIM to browse without limits and without surprise roaming bills.
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Frequently asked questions about eSIM and physical SIM simultaneously
