How to Use Dual SIM on IPhone XR, XS, or XS Max
When Apple released iOS 12.1.1 on Wednesday, AT&T users were able to use the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max in a dual SIM configuration . Verizon users will be able to set up a similar situation on their devices using it starting tomorrow, December 7th.
Dual SIM support allows you to use two active accounts on one device. This is a popular move internationally, but the technology is not widely used in US phones. If you plan on giving it a try, be aware that your device may look a little different than it used to, and it comes with a few additional tweaks to look out for.
First, using two cellular data plans at the same time means that you have two signal bars with two carrier logos at the top of the screen. Since you have two numbers, you will need to choose which number to use before making a call or sending a text message. According to AT&T , you can only use a data plan for one number at any time, but you can switch between your plans and start a new session at any time.
Dual SIM support has become available worldwide on new iPhones over the past few months, so there are some videos on YouTube that can show you what it’s like to use a dual SIM phone. (Note: These videos use the Hong Kong version of the iPhone, which supports two physical nano SIM cards . The North American version only supports one nano SIM and an eSIM, so just ignore anything about using two physical cards.)
First, the YouTube Techranium channel shows you how to set up a secondary eSIM and shows you how you choose which number to use when you call or text.
This longer video from HowTechs goes in a little more detail. It shows what the cellular menu looks like when you have two plans, including how to select or swap the account you use for data. It also shows some little things like what the two signal bars look like when your phone is locked.
In between these two, you’ll see most, if not all, of the ways that dual SIM installation will affect how your iPhone works. This sounds a lot crazier than it actually is.