How to change your primary eSIM on an iPhone
If you use multiple lines, you can easily adjust your iPhone settings to determine which eSIM acts as your primary connection for data, voice, and text. iPhones equipped with dual SIM technology allow you to set specific preferences for each line to ensure you are always using the correct plan.
Change which eSIM is used for mobile data
When you have two active lines, you must designate one to handle your internet connection. To select your preferred data source, follow these steps:
Open “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on the region where you’re based.
Tap “Cellular data” or “Mobile data,” depending on the region where you’re based.
Select the preferred eSIM or SIM.
Once you switch the data line, your iPhone will immediately begin using that eSIM for all internet-related activities. If you have “Allow cellular data switching” toggled on, the phone may use the other line if the primary one has poor coverage. When traveling abroad, we recommend turning “Allow cellular data switching” off to potentially avoid excessive roaming fees.
Change the default line for calls and messages
You can also specify which line is used by default when you start a new call or send a message to someone not in your Contacts:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on the region where you’re based.
Tap “Default voice line.”
Select the preferred eSIM or SIM.
Change eSIM labels and preferences on an iPhone
To keep track of your different eSIMs or SIMs, you can assign custom labels to each profile. This is especially helpful if you are trying to manage multiple eSIMs on an iPhone.
Go to “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on the region where you’re based.
Under SIMs, tap on the SIM or eSIM you want to rename.
Tap “Cellular plan label” or “Mobile plan label.”
Select a label like “Personal,” “Travel,” or “Business,” or tap on “Custom” to create a custom label.
You can also edit your custom label by tapping on “Edit custom label” and renaming it any way you want.
How to replace an old eSIM with a new one on an iPhone
You may need to change your eSIM profile when switching to a new carrier or if your travel plan has expired. To change your eSIM profile, you might need to add new eSIM credentials or remove the outdated eSIM from your iPhone.
Add the new eSIM before removing the old one
Before you delete your current profile, ensure the new one is functional. Having an active internet connection is often required to enable an eSIM on an iPhone successfully. If you delete the old eSIM first, you might lose the connectivity needed to download the new carrier settings.
Change which eSIM is active on your iPhone
Your iPhone can store several eSIMs, and depending on the model of your iPhone, usually up to two can be active at once. To switch between your stored eSIM profiles:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on the region where you’re based.
Select the eSIM you want to use and toggle “Turn on this line” to make it active.
Remove the old eSIM safely
Once your new line is confirmed as working, you can remove the old profile. Only do this if you are certain you no longer need the plan because most eSIMs cannot be reused once deleted. To remove it, tap “Delete eSIM” at the bottom of the specific line’s settings.
Can you change the ICCID of an iPhone’s eSIM?
No, you cannot manually change the integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID) of an eSIM on your iPhone. The ICCID is a unique serial number hardcoded into the eSIM profile by the carrier.
If you need a different ICCID, you will receive it automatically when you replace your current eSIM with a new one. Changing carriers or requesting a new eSIM profile from your current provider will result in a new ICCID being assigned to your device.
Using multiple eSIMs on an iPhone? Here’s how to switch between them
Managing a dual eSIM setup or multiple travel plans is easy on an iPhone and will be needed if you’ll have to switch between eSIMs on your travels. Whether you need to disable an eSIM on an iPhone to save battery or simply want to change your data source, follow these steps:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on the region where you’re based.
Under SIMs, select the eSIM or SIM you wish to use or turn off.
Toggle it on or off.
If you’re moving to a newer model, you may also need to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone to maintain your current setup. You can do so by going to “Settings” on your new iPhone and following these steps:
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on the region where you’re based.
Under SIMs, tap “Add eSIM.”
Tap “Transfer from nearby iPhone” and complete the steps outlined on your new iPhone’s screen.
