Dual SIM: 1 iPhone, 2 Numbers – How Does It Work?

In the past, if you wanted to separate your business and private phone numbers, you had few attractive options: two different smartphones or two SIM cards that were manually switched as needed. The dual SIM function provided a remedy by allowing two SIM cards to be inserted and used at the same time. Until a few years ago, this was only possible with a few devices with two SIM card slots, but it is now quite common. New smartphones like the iPhone 16, which only have one SIM slot, can still handle dual SIM. Thanks to the eSIM.

eSIM technology has various advantages. Some of the benefits often mentioned are the flexible change of provider, super-cheap roaming and slimmer devices. Another advantage is the option to store several SIM profiles on the same chip. This automatically turns any eSIM-enabled smartphone with only one SIM slot into a dual-SIM-enabled device.

The classic SIM card forms the first phone number and the integrated SIM, the eSIM, the second number. Both numbers are active at the same time, so you stay connected and available at all times, and the hassle of swapping SIM cards is eliminated.

You can define which number is your main number and which one should only be used for data or for phone calls, if necessary also on a contact-specific basis. This means that whenever someone calls you, you can decide whether the call should be routed through your business or private number. You can also deactivate the business SIM card (or eSIM) at the weekend and reactivate it on Monday, so you can enjoy your well-deserved time off in peace.

Create your account on Digital Republic. Select the option ‘Activate eSIM’. Then choose your plan and verify your personal information. You will receive a QR code with your eSIM profile by email. Open the ‘Settings’ on your smartphone, go to ‘Cellular’ and select the option ‘Add Cellular Plan’. Now scan the sent QR code and you’re ready to make calls and surf the web with Digital Republic’s eSIM on a new number. In the same place, you can also choose how you want to use the dual SIM function. Your dual SIM iPhone is ready!

If you are still looking for a good subscription for your second number (or even your primary number 😉 ), you might be interested in our Flat Mobile. For CHF 18 per month, you get unlimited 5G data volume as well as unlimited calls and texts in Switzerland, including 2 GB of roaming in the EU/USA zone per month.

Of course, the same applies to an eSIM from Digital Republic as to all our plans: no minimum contract term, no notice period and no hidden costs. So your eSIM gives you precisely the flexibility you need, as promised by the technology.

Find out more about our cell phone subscriptions and Flat Mobile