The release of iPhone XR and XS Series in 2018 saw Apple offer Dual SIM functionality with iPhone for the first time. This feature has been synonymous with smartphones in India and iPhones have finally caught up, albeit in a different manner.

Customers who want to use two SIMs on their iPhone will have to utilise one eSIM and one physical SIM — except in China where iPhones support two physical SIMs.

If you have a Dual SIM setup on your iPhone, listed below are steps to configure which SIM to use for data, calls and also rename or disable a SIM.

Also read: What is a SIM card? 5 types of SIM cards explained

Choosing default SIM for Mobile Data

Open your iPhone’s Settings and follow the steps mentioned below.

• Select Mobile Data.
• Tap on Mobile Data.
• Assign a SIM.

Also read: How to turn on the Hotspot of your iPhone?

Choosing Default Voice Line for Calls

Open your iPhone’s Settings and follow the steps mentioned below.

• Select Mobile Data.
• Tap on Default Voice Line.
• Assign a SIM.

Also read: iPhone XR in 2020: The cheapest iPhone to consider?

Renaming your SIM

Open your iPhone’s Settings and follow the steps mentioned below.

• Select Mobile Data.
• Under Data Plans select Primary or Secondary.
• Tap on Data Plan Label.
• Select Custom Label and rename it.

Also read: How to manage subscriptions on the iPhone?

How to disable SIM?

Open your iPhone’s Settings and follow the steps mentioned below.

• Select Mobile Data.
• Under Data Plans select either SIM.
• Tap on the toggle next to Turn On This Line to turn the connection off.

Also read: What is eSIM card? Advantages and Disadvantages

How to get an eSIM in India?

If you are looking to get an eSIM in India, Reliance Jio and Airtel offer the service for both postpaid and prepaid customers. Vodafone-Idea also offers eSIMs, although, it is only available to Vodafone Postpaid customers; when Idea Postpaid users will be eligible for an eSIM is unclear.

Airtel or Vodafone-Idea customers can place a request for an eSIM via their respective websites or visit a nearby brand store. Reliance Jio customers will need to visit a nearby Jio Store or Reliance Digital.

If you head to a store to get an eSIM, you need to hand over your device to an employee and inform them whether you need a new connection or are converting an existing SIM to an eSIM. Following this, they verify your identity and scan and record the E-ID and IMEI Number on your device.

Make sure to carry Proof of Identity. The employee at the Jio Store did insist on me providing an Aadhar Card but that’s not a necessity. Government-issued ID cards such as Driving License, Voter ID, Passport — photo ID with your address — are fine.

Upon completion of the process above, you can expect the eSIM to activate within 30 minutes to four hours — took mine 15 minutes.

Note: If converting an active SIM to eSIM, the registered SIM owner will need to be present.

List of smartphones which support eSims in India

Since eSIMs are still up and coming, devices supported by cellular networks may differ. Hence, we advise you to call your nearest store or your telecom provider’s customer care to confirm if your device is supported. Listed below are devices which offer eSIM functionality in India:

• Galaxy Fold
• Galaxy Z Flip
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2nd Generation
• Motorola Razr
• Pixel 3
• Pixel 3 XL
• Pixel 3A
• Pixel 3A XL

Also read: How to backup contacts on your iPhone?