The answer is No, it is not possible to have both a physical SIM card and an eSIM activated with the same phone number at the same time. One of the main functions of a SIM, whether it is a physical card or an eSIM, is to act as a unique identifier that connects user’s device to the operator or carrier’s network. Since each SIM serves as a unique identifier, having two different SIMs linked to the same phone number would create conflicts in network identification and routing and it is just not possible. Also, your primary phone number remains the same and you can continue to use it provided the plan is active but be aware of the charges when traveling abroad. Some important things you should know ..
Specific or unique identifier
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, whether physical or an eSIM (embedded SIM), serves as a specific or unique identifier for connecting a device to a carrier’s network. Each SIM is mapped to a specific ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) and is linked to a specific phone number and account with the carrier. The Data eSIM plans sold will mostly probably not allocate you a phone number to make PSTN to PSTN calling or receive calls on phone number.
One active eSIM per user
Operators or Carriers do not allow two active SIMs (physical or eSIM) to be used simultaneously with the same phone number. This restriction ensures that there is no conflict in identifying and routing calls and messages to the right device and reduce latency.
ICCID
It is a number that is used to uniquely identify each SIM globally, as per ITU. ICCID typically looks like 8901234567890123456 and mostly consists of 19 or 20 digits, this would denote below
89: Industry to which it belongs (Like Telecom)
012: country code
3456: operator name
7890123456: Specific SIM number
Most of the eSIM sellers identify the packages sold from this unique ICCID number. Or, when there is any issue faced by a customer it is this number along with the mobile phone model used is taken as reference to act on the queries.
IMEI
This number uniquely identifies uniquely identifies a mobile device in telecommunications industry and is typically of 15 digits. You can check your IMEI number by dialing *#06#. It is possible to have two IMEI numbers specially in dual SIM phone with IMEI1 corresponds to SIM1 while IMEI2 corresponds to SIM2. Example of IMEI number is 356417203273815 which means following
356417 denotes TAC capturing device model and manufacturer
20327 uniquely identifies device within that model
Can you switch between SIMs?
It is possible to have two active SIMs with the same phone number, some carriers allow you to switch between a physical SIM and an eSIM for the same number. This process involves deactivating the current SIM and activating the other one. For example, you will have to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM if you own a handset or device that supports eSIM technology. Understand the functions eSIMs or Data eSIM can do before switching so read the FAQs especially if you are an international traveler.
Multiple-SIM devices like iPhone 10 onwards, Samsung, etc support eSIM
Many modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to have both a physical SIM and an eSIM active simultaneously, but they are usually for different phone numbers. This functionality is helpful for people who want to have separate personal and business lines on the same device like corporate employees and businessmen. eSIM installation on iphone and installation on Samsung is uploaded on our Youtube along with eSIM issues and what to do.
Conclusion and summary
In summary, one cannot have eSIM and physical SIM for the same phone number simultaneously, however, the technology gives flexibility in managing and switching between different types of SIMs on the same device. Most international travelers have a physical sim on their primary number which belongs to the country they belong to while the eSIM has data plans bought online to access internet affordably giving them extra cushion of multiple ways of staying connected.
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