{"id":890,"date":"2025-07-06T18:37:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T18:37:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esim.simsolo.com\/en\/blog\/?p=890"},"modified":"2025-07-06T18:37:37","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T18:37:37","slug":"do-i-need-to-remove-my-physical-sim-to-use-an-esim-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/esim.simsolo.com\/en\/blog\/data-plans\/do-i-need-to-remove-my-physical-sim-to-use-an-esim-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use an eSIM abroad?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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NO! You don\u2019t, modern smartphones support\u00a0dual SIM functionality<\/em>, allowing you to use your eSIM for mobile<\/a> data while keeping your physical SIM active for calls, SMS, or receiving verification codes from your home country.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"esim<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How it works on different phone models?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most newer phones are compatible with eSIM technology, and many of them no longer require you to insert a physical SIM card. However, some phones accept both eSIMs and physical SIM cards; in this case, you won\u2019t need to remove your physical SIM card to activate the eSIM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

iPhone (XR and newer):<\/strong> Supports dual SIM with a physical SIM + eSIM. You can keep your home SIM inserted and install your eSIM for travel data. Go to Settings > Cellular to manage which SIM is used for data, calls, and SMS. For example, you can use your eSIM for data in Europe while keeping your home SIM active for WhatsApp or iMessage tied to your number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samsung Galaxy (S20, S21, S22, S23, Z Flip, Z Fold):<\/strong> These models support dual SIM with a physical SIM + eSIM. You can keep your local SIM in the device and set your eSIM as your preferred data line under Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. Note that some carrier-locked models may disable eSIM or dual SIM functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google Pixel (Pixel 3 and newer):<\/strong> Supports dual SIM functionality with Dual 6ik8SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), allowing simultaneous use of physical SIM and eSIM. Manage which SIM is active for data under Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huawei and Xiaomi: <\/strong>Some newer Huawei P40, Mate 40, and Xiaomi 12\/13 models support eSIM, but not all regional variants do. Dual SIM functionality may vary by market, and some Chinese models may disable eSIM entirely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Keep Your Physical SIM Inserted? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n