What are Dual SIM and eSIM? How do I use them? (2024)

Which Apple devices support eSIM?

• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, or later (Dual eSIMs supported on iPhone 13 series or later).
• iPad 2019 (7th gen), iPad Pro 11” 2018 (1st gen), iPad Pro 12.9” 2018 (3rd gen), iPad Air 2019 (3rd gen), iPad mini 2019 (5th gen), or later

If I have an eSIM-only device purchased from outside of Canada, can I use it on the Bell network?

Yes, you can activate an unlocked eSIM-only device on the Bell network.

Do I need Wi-Fi to set up my eSIM?

You will need an Internet connection to set up your eSIM – either Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Scanning the QR code to set up my eSIM is not working. What do I do?

• Your device needs to be connected to the Internet. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• The QR code will not work if your eSIM has been successfully set up. Try to make a phone call; if successful, then your eSIM should have been set up.
• The QR code can only be used if you have already placed an eSIM order with Bell.

If the issue continues, try to set up your eSIM manually by entering the activation code; see details in Setting up eSIM on iPhone or iPad above. For more help, contact us.

If I am travelling to Canada from abroad, can I download an eSIM on the Bell network?

Travellers can activate an eSIM using the MyBell app. You will need Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection and an eligible credit card to place your order.

How do I convert or transfer my Bell Mobility service to an eSIM?

You can switch from a SIM card to an eSIM on your current device, or transfer your service to a new device with an eSIM. Log in to MyBell to manage your eSIM or SIM card, or use Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer in your iPhone or iPad settings.

Does roaming work on an eSIM?

All Bell Mobility services work the same for a SIM card or an eSIM for voice, data and roaming. Learn more about roaming coverage and rates.

How do I delete my eSIM?

If you want to return, replace, recycle or dispose of your device, you may want to delete your eSIM after you cancel or transfer your Mobility service to a different device.

Follow the steps below to delete your eSIM from your Apple device:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select the eSIM you want to delete.
4. Select Delete eSIM.
5. Select Update Contacts to clear the eSIM data from your phone.

How do I restore a deleted eSIM?

If you accidentally deleted your eSIM, you can recover it by logging in to MyBell to manage your eSIM.

How do I reset my device without deleting my eSIM?

You can choose to keep your eSIM while doing a factory reset on your device. This way, all your device settings will be reset but your eSIM will remain active.

How do I return a device activated with eSIM?

Before you return a device activated with an eSIM, you need to transfer your Mobility service to a new SIM card or to an eSIM on another device. Learn about transferring your existing Mobility service.

Can I have two active Mobility lines both using eSIM on my iPhone?

You can have two Mobility lines active on eSIM if you have an iPhone 13 series/iPhone SE (3rd generation) or later. You will need two rate plans and will be billed separately for the two lines.

How do I set up Dual SIM? Can both lines be connected to the network at the same time?

Yes, both lines can be connected to the network at all times for voice calling, as well as call waiting alerts if a second call comes in. However, data usage charges may apply for simultaneous incoming or outgoing voice calls when using this Apple Dual SIM.

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Under General, ensure your software has been updated to iOS 13.0 or higher.
3. Activate the Wi-Fi calling option in Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling, on each of the two lines. For more information on how to set up this function on your device, see Wi-Fi Calling.
4. Select Cellular Data, and then choose a default line (either line 1 or line 2).
5. Set Allow Cellular Data Switching to ON, which allows your iPhone to use either line depending on coverage and availability.

How do I tell which phone number I’m using for calling?

• The default labels for the phone lines are Primary and Secondary. To create your own labels, go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data on your iPhone. For example, you can name your lines Work and Personal, or something else.
• Use these labels when you choose which phone number to use for making or receiving calls and text messages, to designate a number for cellular data, and to assign a number to your contacts so you know which number you will use when calling or texting them.

If I have a data plan on both lines, which data plan will I use and therefore be billed for?

• Both lines can support data plans, however, only one number at a time can use cellular data. If you want your iPhone to use cellular data from both plans, depending on coverage and availability, turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching.
• Your data usage will come from the line you assign as your preferred line in your iPhone’s Cellular settings. You can choose to toggle to your other line within those settings at any time. For example, during work hours, you can use the data from your "Work" line, and after work you can switch to your "Personal" line. For details, please see the Apple support page.

Can I use data while on a call?

• Yes, if you turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching, then while you're on a voice call on your voice-only number, that number automatically switches to use voice and data. This lets you use both voice and data while on the call.
• However, if you turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching and you make a call using a voice number that isn't your designated cellular data number, then cellular data won't work while you're on the call.
• You can also access Wi-Fi on either line regardless of which line you have selected for your data usage.
• To learn more about changing your cellular data number, see theApple support page .

How will I be billed for voice and messaging?

• Voice and messaging are calculated according to the rate plan of the line used for each activity. With Dual SIM, you have the choice of which line to use for each call and text.

Note: data charges may apply during simultaneous voice calls.

What happens when I roam with multiple active SIMs?

• Just as you can choose which line to call, message or use data from while in Canada, you can do the same while you roam. Please note: you will receive your roaming notifications from Bell for both lines in the same message thread. It’s important to pay attention to the line indicator (Line 1 or Line 2) in the message thread so you can tell which line you are using for roaming, especially if you have different roaming features on each line.
• Data roaming charges may be incurred if both lines are used for simultaneous voice calling.

Will E9-1-1 and T9-1-1 work on both lines?

• Both lines have the capability to dial 9-1-1. Where E9-1-1 is available, the caller’s number and approximate location will be provided, regardless of the line used.
• Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on both lines has implications to 9-1-1 calls. If you call 9-1-1 from Line 1, your phone then disconnects and you get another call on Line 2, you will not receive a notification when the 9-1-1 operator calls you back.
• For T9-1-1, each line needs to be registered separately. Register for T9-1-1.

How do I access my voicemail with Dual SIM on an iPhone?

The voicemail message waiting indicator, represented as a red dot on your voicemail icon, shows that you have an unheard voicemail message from your primary line. The secondary line does not have a voicemail message waiting indicator.

To check for voicemail messages on your secondary line:

1. Change the dial pad to the secondary line.
2. Press and hold the 1 key to access your secondary line’s voicemail.
3. If a password has been set, you may be asked to enter it.

Or, you can change the primary line on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line to change your primary line.