dual eSIM for iPhone12?

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Level 1

12 points

dual eSIM for iPhone12?

I have an iPhone 12 running iOS 16.7.2. I have been using it with one eSIM carrier in my home country in Europe (MEO), and one SIM in the US (T-Mobile). I want to add another carrier to use in another country in Europe (probably Orange, to use in France) and I want to keep that first eSIM with MEO but I would not use it much - maybe once a month, or even less. I have read that one can HAVE two eSIMs on an iPhone 12, but only one ACTIVE (along with the regular SIM). What is required to switch between eSIMs? Would MEO get confused if I didn't have that eSIM on for, say, months at a time? The thing is, certain activities in each of these European countries (France and Portugal) require one to have a "local" phone number. And I want to keep my US number.

iPhone 12, iOS 16

Posted on May 6, 2024 5:25 AM

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Answer 1

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,692 points

May 6, 2024 5:43 AM in response to billt4sf

Number of Active SIMs:

With one physical SIM active: In this scenario, you can also activate one eSIMfor a total of two active lines.
Without a physical SIM: If you don't have a physical SIM card, you can activate and use two eSIMs simultaneously.

Adding eSIMs:

Total eSIMs: Regardless of how many physical SIMs are active, you can typically store information for up to 8 or more eSIMs on your phone. However, only one of these eSIMs can be active at a time (depending on the first point above). Source: About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support (IN), read the section : What is eSIM on iPhone

Activation Limit:

Two IMEI limitations: Your phone has a unique identifier called an IMEI. Most phones have two IMEI slots, which is why you can only activate a maximum of two SIM cards (physical or eSIM) at any given time.

Key takeaway: The number of active SIMs depends on whether you have a physical SIM active. You can store information for two eSIMs on your phone but can only use one at a time (along with a physical SIM if one is active).

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Answer 2

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,692 points

May 6, 2024 5:46 AM in response to billt4sf

Deactivating your MEO eSIM might not be enough to stop monthly charges. Here's why:

Deactivation vs. Cancellation: Deactivating the eSIM might simply suspend the service, but you could still be on the hook for a base fee associated with having the line active on your account.
Minimum Charges: Some mobile operators charge a minimum monthly fee even if you don't use the eSIM line.This could be the case with MEO.

Here's what you should do:

Contact MEO: Call MEO customer service or check their website to understand the implications of deactivating your eSIM.
Ask about minimum charges: Specifically inquire about any minimum monthly fees associated with keeping the eSIM active on your account, even if it's deactivated.
Explore Cancellation: If there are minimum charges for a deactivated eSIM, consider a full cancellation of the line to completely avoid these fees.

By following these steps, you'll gain a clear understanding of the costs involved and make an informed decision about how to manage your MEO eSIM.

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Answer 3

billt4sf Author

Level 1

12 points

May 6, 2024 7:48 AM in response to SravanKrA

I am not worried about minimum charges on the MEO line. I want to have the one physical SIM and two eSIMs and toggle between them. What is required to toggle between eSIMs? Would MEO get confused if I didn't have that eSIM active for, say, months at a time?

As far as "calling MEO to find out the implications" - you are kidding of course. One would wait for hours, and then the information you get could not be considered reliable.

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dual eSIM for iPhone12?

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