What are the correct eSIM phone number settings for an iPhone or iPad?

Setting up the correct eSIM phone number settings on an iPhone or iPad is important for ensuring proper use of cellular data, calls, and texts. Here’s how to configure your eSIM settings:

1. Setting Up Your eSIM

Once you’ve added an eSIM profile to your iPhone or iPad, you can configure which number you want to use for different services. If you’re using Dual SIM (physical + eSIM), this step is important to manage both numbers.

2. Configuring the eSIM Number for Different Functions

To ensure everything works correctly, follow these steps to configure your eSIM phone number:

A. Set Your Default Line (Calls, Messages, and Data)

You can set one of your numbers (physical SIM or eSIM) as the default for calls, messages, and data.

  1. Go to Settings:
    • Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data on iPads).
  2. Select Cellular Plans:
    • You will see both your physical SIM and eSIM listed under Cellular Plans.
  3. Default Voice Line (For Calls and SMS):
    • Tap Default Line (iPhone only).
    • Choose which line (physical SIM or eSIM) to use for calls, SMS, and iMessage.
    • You can choose Primary (usually the physical SIM) or Secondary> (eSIM) or even set it to Use Primary for Voice and Secondary for Data.

B. Configure iMessage and FaceTime Settings

If you’re using both a physical SIM and eSIM, you’ll need to set which number you want to use for iMessage and FaceTime.

  1. Go to Settings:
    • Open Settings > Messages.
  2. iMessage Settings:
    • Tap Send & Receive.
    • Under “You can be reached by iMessage at,” select which number(s) you want to use for iMessage.
    • Choose the correct phone number associated with your eSIM if you want to send and receive messages via your eSIM.
  3. FaceTime Settings:
    • Open Settings > FaceTime.
    • Under “You can be reached by FaceTime at,” select the phone number associated with your eSIM if you want to use it for FaceTime calls.

C. Mobile Data Settings

If you’re using an eSIM for data and a physical SIM for calls, you can set the eSIM as your data plan.

  1. Go to Settings:
    • Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data on iPads).
  2. Set eSIM for Data:
    • Tap Cellular Data and choose which SIM (eSIM or physical) should be used for mobile data. If you’re traveling, you might set the eSIM as the default to avoid high roaming charges.
  3. Enable/Disable Roaming (If Traveling):
    • If you’re using the eSIM for travel, ensure that Data Roaming is enabled under your eSIM settings, or disable it if you want to avoid roaming charges.

D. Personal Hotspot Settings

If you want to use your eSIM for hotspot sharing:

  1. Go to Settings:
    • Open Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
  2. Choose eSIM for Hotspot:
    • Ensure the eSIM line is set as the active data line for hotspot sharing.

3. Dual SIM Usage Tips

If you’re using both a physical SIM and an eSIM, here are some additional tips:

  • Switch Between Numbers for Calls: In the Phone app, you can choose which number to use for an outgoing call by tapping the “i” next to a contact and selecting the preferred number.
  • Label Your Lines: In the Settings > Cellular menu, you can label each SIM line as Work, Personal, Travel, etc., to make managing calls and data usage easier.

4. Managing Data and Costs While Traveling

  • Use eSIM for Travel: If you’re traveling, you can use an international eSIM for local data and leave your primary SIM for calls and texts. This helps avoid high roaming fees.
  • Monitor Data Usage: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Usage to track data use for each SIM.