In today's digital age, smartphones have become an essential part of our lives. Not only do they keep us connected with loved ones, but they also serve as powerful tools for work, entertainment, and so much more. With advancements in technology, the way we use our phones has evolved as well. If you are planning to get an eSIM for your travel needs, perhaps a question that you might have on your mind is whether installing an eSIM will change the phone numbers on your apps. Let's find out.
What is an eSIM?
Before delving into whether installing an eSIM will change your phone number or not, it's important to grasp the concept of what an eSIM actually is. eSIM stands for embedded SIM, and as the name suggests, it is a digital SIM card that is built into your phone. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which are physical removable chips, an eSIM is a small chip that is already embedded within your device. This means there's no need for a physical SIM card slot.
The Impact of eSIM Installation on Your Phone Number
The act of switching out physical SIM cards in your phone is often associated with a change in phone numbers. While it is definitely possible to still retain your original phone number on some communication apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) even if you switch out your physical SIM card, it is still a relatively common concern that the act of changing a SIM card could result in a change in numbers. With that, it's really not a surprise that there is a similar concern surrounding the act of installing an eSIM.
Does eSIM Installation Change Your Phone Number?
Now, let's address the burning question: does installing an eSIM change your phone number? The answer is generally no. When you install an eSIM, it doesn't directly alter your phone number. Your phone number remains the same, and you can continue to use it as you normally would. You can continue to use your primary number for your main communication apps like WhatsApp or Telegram; and you can continue to receive SMS and calls on your primary line as long as you haven't deactivated your primary line.
If your apps detect a change in phone number, when you launch the apps, you might be prompted if you wanted to update your phone number; simply choose the option of not updating, and you will still be able to keep your original numbers on these apps.
Wait, but my iMessage no longer works after I installed an eSIM.
Simply installing an eSIM does not change nor deactivate your primary line. However, some people might have faced the problem where after the installation of an eSIM, you can no longer send or receive messages on your iMessage.
Before you go ahead and inform all your contacts about a change in number (you wouldn't want to do that, especially not if you are using your eSIM solely for data on travels), perhaps it would be good to run through some troubleshooting steps to check your device settings.
Check your device settings: Go to Settings > Messages, and check that the iMessage & FaceTime line has been selected as your primary line. Sometimes, upon installation of a new eSIM, your device might update this line to the new line, but you can simply switch it back to your primary line from this page.
Restart your device: If you are still unable to send or receive messages on your primary line after checking your settings, do a restart of your device.
💡 It might be a good idea to add your email address to your iMessage and FaceTime as well, so even if you really had a change of numbers, you will still be able to retrieve your previous messages using your email address.
How do I make calls with my primary line?
If you have an eSIM installed that you will be going to use for your data and connectivity needs, but still want to make cellular calls using your primary line, that is definitely possible as well. Again, this is something that can be configured in your device settings.
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) select Default Voice Line and choose the SIM (or eSIM) profile that you want to make calls with.
Your phone number remains the same, and you can continue to use it as you normally would. You can continue to use your primary number for your main communication apps like WhatsApp or Telegram; and you can continue to receive SMS and calls on your primary line as long as you haven't deactivated your primary line.
So while your eSIM does not come with its own phone number, you're still able to call and text while traveling internationally, either using a free app or using your regular phone number.
Do I need to change my plan or phone number if I switch to eSIM? No. Switching from a physical SIM to eSIM is quick and easy and doesn't impact your plan or number.
Contact your carrier to move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code. Tap Convert Cellular Plan. Tap Convert to eSIM. Wait for your eSIM to activate.
With an eSIM, do I have access to my regular phone number? Absolutely! As long as you keep your device supports dual SIM (two SIMs) and you leave your primary SIM switched on, you'll have full access to your regular phone number while you're using an eSIM.
All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs.
Fortunately, Smart has now made it possible for mobile users to upgrade their physical SIMs to its new prepaid eSIM while keeping their current numbers.
Device manufacturers are also hesitant to adopt eSIM technology due to concerns about its potential impact on their business models. Integrating eSIM technology into devices requires significant research, development, and testing investment, with no guarantee of widespread adoption or acceptance from consumers.
What are the main security risks associated with eSIM technology? The main security risks include data breaches, unauthorized access and cloning, malware and spyware infiltration, network hacking, and SIM swap identity theft.
One of the common challenges faced with eSIM connectivity is network disconnections. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on a stable and uninterrupted network connection for your mobile device. However, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve these issues.
Now, let's address the burning question: does installing an eSIM change your phone number? The answer is generally no. When you install an eSIM, it doesn't directly alter your phone number. Your phone number remains the same, and you can continue to use it as you normally would.
If you have only one eSIM in a dual SIM phone, by default it's the Primary number. If you have two different SIMs (phone numbers) in a phone, one number is Primary and the other is secondary.
Also, since you already have an eSIM and are only looking to switch the eSIM from one device to another, all you have to do is upload your eSIM to another phone. Here are the steps: From your new smartphone, send an SMS with the text: eSIM <> registered email ID and send the message to the number 121.
Converting to eSIM will transfer all the data stored within your physical SIM card onto an eSIM chip. For example, let's say I get a new phone with an eSIM chip instead of a SIM card slot. However, I like my current phone plan and don't want to buy a new one.
Can I have two mobile numbers on a dual SIM with eSIM device? Yes, you can use two separate active mobile numbers on the same device. For example: One business mobile number and one personal mobile number.
Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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