Forcing One eSIM to use WiFi, While using second eSIM for normal calls?

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Level 1

6 points

Forcing One eSIM to use WiFi, While using second eSIM for normal calls?

I have just purchased a US iPhone 14, which only supports eSIM. As I'm about to jump on a plane to Europe in the next few days, I want to see if I can achieve the following:

Line 1 eSIM: My regular Verizon US number. While traveling I would like to disable ALL cellular activity, as Verizon charge $10/day for their International Plan. However, I heard that when on WiFi networks, using WiFi calling, I may be able to receive incoming texts, that don't impact my regular US phone bill.

Line 2 eSIM: A temporary European number that I would use for regular calls/texts/data while traveling.

(Historically, I've just swapped out SIM cards on my old iPhone 11, but with the 14 I'm being told that I might be able to have the best of both worlds!)

Calls with Apple Support about whether this is possible have been vague, to say the least.

Thanks.

Posted on May 17, 2023 05:10 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,906 points

May 17, 2023 05:48 PM in response to Darrell-E

Short answer to what you wish to achieve is a NO.

You are not going to be able to have two active SIMs (eSIM or Phyysical SIM) and have one only connect to a Wi-Fi Network while the other connects normally to a cellular and/or a Wi-Fi network.

You can achieve the above manually by turning OFF the Verizon eSIM completely and turning it ON when your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi Network. The European eSIM can remain ON throughout your stay and connect to Cellular and Wi-Fi Networks.

Axel F.

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Answer 2

Nov 15, 2023 05:39 PM in response to Darrell-E

Before you leave for the trip, turn on Wifi Calling to ON in your iPhone. Remember to never turn off this option (or touching it) during the trip or you won't be able to switch it on again (while overseas).
When needing USA SMS bank verification, turn ON Airplane mode, turn OFF the non-USA eSIM, and then turn on USA eSIM when your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi Network (at home or hotel)
After done with SMS bank verification, turn OFF USA eSIM and turn back ON the non-USA eSIM, turn OFF the Airplane mode

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Answer 3

Jun 23, 2024 01:21 PM in response to Kirrabilli

But since iMessage isn’t based on your US phone number, but rather iCloud, your 2FA codes travel in iMessage domestically, therefore data only. Why would that not be the case internationally? I don’t understand why you would need to toggle back and forth if you are on wifi or using the foreign eSim data, also using a trusted device.

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