eSIM guide
Can you use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
By Serhat Dogan · Founder & editor, Miyaw eSIM · Last updated 2026-06-07
Yes. Nearly every eSIM-capable phone is dual-SIM, so your home SIM and a Miyaw travel eSIM run together. Your home number keeps getting calls and texts while data runs on the eSIM. The trick is the setup: data on the eSIM (Data Roaming ON), and your home line's data and roaming OFF so it never charges you abroad.
Which line should do what
On a dual-SIM phone every setting below is per line. Set them once and you keep your number while paying only for prepaid eSIM data.
| Setting | Home physical SIM | Miyaw travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular data | Off (so it can't use data abroad) | On — set as the data line |
| Data Roaming | OFF (avoids home-carrier roaming fees) | ON (how the travel eSIM connects) |
| Calls & texts | On — keeps your phone number | Data-only on most travel plans (no number) |
| iMessage / WhatsApp | Stay on your home number | Work over the eSIM's data |
Set it up by device
| Step | iPhone (iOS) | Android |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Add the eSIM | Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan QR | Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM → scan QR |
| 2. Label the lines | Name them e.g. "Home" and "Travel" | Name them in the SIM manager |
| 3. Data on the eSIM | Cellular Data → [Travel]; turn Data Roaming ON for it | Mobile data → [eSIM]; turn Roaming ON for it |
| 4. Home line: no surprises | [Home] → Data Roaming OFF (and turn its cellular data off) | [Home] → Roaming OFF (and mobile data off) |
Leave your home line switched ON for calls and texts — turning OFF only its data and roaming is what prevents charges, not turning off the whole line.
Will I keep my phone number?
Yes. Your home physical SIM stays active for calls and texts, so your number works exactly as usual — people reach you the same way. A Miyaw travel eSIM is data-only on most plans: it adds internet without a local number. Apps tied to your number, like WhatsApp and iMessage, keep working on your home number and simply use the eSIM's data connection.
How do I stop my home SIM from charging me abroad?
The two settings that cost money abroad are your home line's cellular data and its Data Roaming — turn both OFF for the home line. You can still receive calls and texts (incoming SMS is usually free; ask your carrier about incoming-call charges). If you want zero risk, keep the home line on for nothing but Wi-Fi calling. The travel eSIM does all the data, so you never touch your home plan's roaming rates.
Does running two SIMs drain the battery?
A little. Keeping two lines active uses slightly more power because the phone maintains two radio connections. Turning off the home line's data (which you're doing anyway) reduces that. If battery matters more than staying reachable, you can switch the home line to airplane-style and rely on Wi-Fi calling — but for most travelers the extra drain is minor.
What if my phone isn't dual-SIM?
A few older or carrier-locked phones support only one active line at a time. In that case you either swap to the travel eSIM (and your home number goes quiet until you switch back) or keep the home SIM and skip the eSIM. Check whether your exact model supports an eSIM alongside your physical SIM on our device compatibility page before you travel.
Using two SIMs — quick answers
- Will I lose my phone number if I use a travel eSIM?
- No. Your home physical SIM keeps your number for calls and texts. The travel eSIM only adds data — it doesn't replace or change your number.
- Do I turn my home SIM off completely?
- No. Leave it on for calls and texts, but turn OFF its cellular data and Data Roaming. That's what stops it from charging you abroad while the eSIM handles data.
- Will WhatsApp and iMessage still work on my number?
- Yes. They stay linked to your home number and work over the travel eSIM's data connection — no need to change accounts.
- Is every eSIM phone dual-SIM?
- Almost all are — they take one physical SIM plus one or more eSIMs. A few older or locked phones allow only one active line. Check your model on the compatibility page.