iPhone users have traditionally been limited to using a single SIM card due to the device’s support for only one physical SIM. As a result, if you had more than one SIM card, you were faced with the choice of discarding the extra one or carrying an additional phone to accommodate the extra line, which could be quite burdensome. That’s where dual-SIM iPhones come into play, offering the convenience of using two SIM cards on a single device. Whether you want to keep work and personal calls separate or take advantage of different data plans, this guide will show you how to activate and use two SIMs on your iPhone.
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How to Know if Your iPhone is a Dual SIM?
The fact that an iPhone has a single slot for a physical SIM doesn’t limit it to the addition of an extra SIM. Apple enrolled eSIM provision on all its latest devices since 2020. An eSIM is a form of SIM that is embedded directly in the device. If your iPhone supports eSIM, then for sure it is a dual SIM iPhone. Here is how to find out if your iPhone supports eSIM;
- Launch your dial pad and dial *#06#.
- When the EID number appears under the Device Info page, that’s a clear indication that your phone supports eSIM.
How to Activate eSIM on your iPhone?
To make an eSIM work on your iPhone, visit the authorized phone service from the two companies that support eSIMs in Uganda – MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda. The customer care agents at the selected telecom premises will help you set up the eSIM and also take you through the baby steps of using an eSIM on your device.
If you want to switch from a regular SIM card to an eSIM, it’s free. But if you want to buy a new eSIM, it will cost you 3,500 Ugandan Shillings at MTN Uganda and 2,500 Ugandan Shillings at Airtel Uganda. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to set up the eSIM. Remember to carry your National ID if you a national, a passport for foreigners, and a refugee card for refugees.
You can also use two or more eSIMs as long as your device supports so for instance Every iPhone 15 model can store at least eight different eSIMs, and even more in some instances.
What Next?
Now once you have an eSIM set up, you can add a physical or regular SIM card of your choice to make your iPhone a dual sim. Two network icons will pop up in the upper-right corner of your screen (see screenshot below) and you will be all set to start using both SIM cards at your convenience.
