Using eSIM and physical SIM for same phone number in 2 iphones

bblqk37 wrote:

I have an iPHONE SE and an old iPHONE 5. I thought I would be clever and use the convert to eSIM function for my iPHONE SE and then take out the physical SIM and insert it into my iPHONE 5. I was surprised to find that SIM card fits both phones. I was hoping to have 2 phones with the same number and keep the old one in my car for emergency use.

Unfortunately physical SIM card does not work in my iPHONE 5. I contacted the network provider who advised that you can't have 2 phones from the same SIM card. I could put a cheap SIM card in my iPHONE 5 but it can't have the same phone number!

Anyone tried this or have a work around?

As leroydouglas noted, you can't have two phones with the same number. There is no workaround. Carriers have had systems in place to prevent this for years as a way to prevent cloning fraud. And, let's be honest, because they want the revenue for two numbers.

If you are in the U.S., as long as the phone will power on and get a signal, you can call 911. So, as long as there is an old SIM in the old phone, even if it's not an active one, you can use it as an emergency phone. I suspect the same is true in a lot of other countries as well.

bblqk37 wrote:

Anyone tried this or have a work around?

No.