If Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards isn't working on your iPhone – Apple Support (UK) (2024)

Find out how to fix any issues you may have when using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards and your iPhone that was purchased in China mainland, Hong Kong or Macao.

What you need

To use Dual SIM, you neediOS 12.1or later, two nano-SIM cards and one of these iPhone models:

The iPhone models listed above, purchased in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, can use two physical SIM cards. If you purchased aniPhone SE (2ndor 3rd generation),iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini or iPhone XS model in Hong Kong or Macao,get help with Dual SIM with an eSIM.

  • To use two different network providers, your iPhone must be unlocked. Otherwise, both plans must be from the same provider. If a CDMA network provides your first SIM, your second SIM won't support CDMA. Contact your network provider for more information.

  • Both plans must be set up and ready to use.

  • Make sure you're in an area with supported coverage and that there are no service outages in your area.

Make sure you install both nano-SIM cards correctly

If you think that neither SIM card – or SIM card slot – is working, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the SIM tray and inspect the SIM cards for signs of damage or corrosion.

  2. Remove your SIM cardsfrom the SIM tray, then put the SIM cards back as displayed here.

    If Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards isn't working on your iPhone – Apple Support (UK) (1)
  3. Make sure you close the SIM tray completely, so that it isn't loose.

  4. Open Control Centre and make sure that both network providers appear in the status bar.

  5. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and make sure that you see both plans.

  6. Tap each plan and make sure the information is accurate.

Contact your network provider for a new nano-SIM in either of these situations:

  • If a SIM card doesn't work in either SIM slot.

  • If a SIM card doesn't fit or is bent.

If the primary or secondary SIM slot doesn't work with more than one SIM card, remove the SIM card that works and insert only the SIM card that isn't working. If it still doesn't work,contact Apple Support

If you're on a call and see No Service on your other line

Your iPhone can use one mobile data network at a time. When you're using one line to make a call, your other line will show No Service. If your network provider supports Wi-Fi Calling on your other phone number and you have Wi-Fi Calling turned on, you can answer incoming calls on that number. When you're on a call that isn't your default data line, you need to turn on Wi-Fi Calling for your default data line, and turn on Allow Mobile Data Switching, in order to receive calls to your default data line.

Still need help?

If you're still experiencing issues, contact Apple Support.

Published Date:

If Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards isn't working on your iPhone – Apple Support (UK) (2024)

FAQs

Is Dual SIM iPhone available in the UK? ›

All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.

Does iPhone support two nano SIMs? ›

To use Dual SIM, you need iOS 12.1 or later, two nano-SIM cards, and one of these iPhone models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Why is my Dual SIM not working on iPhone? ›

Check your plans. Your iPhone must be unlocked or both mobile plans must be from the same network provider. Both plans must be set up and ready to use. Your network provider or network providers must support Dual SIM with eSIM.

What happens if you have 2 SIM card in your iPhone? ›

Both your phone numbers can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls and send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS. Your iPhone can use one cellular data network at a time.

How does iPhone Dual SIM work UK? ›

Both of your phone numbers can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls and send and receive messages using iMessage SMS and MMS. Your iPhone can use one cellular data network at a time. * This uses Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology, which means that both SIMs can make and receive calls.

How do I use Dual SIM on iPhone UK? ›

Set up Dual SIM
  1. Go to Settings > Cellular, then make sure you have at least two lines (below SIMs). ...
  2. Turn on two lines—tap a line, then tap Turn On this Line. ...
  3. Choose the default line for cellular data—tap Cellular Data, then tap a line. ...
  4. Choose the default line for voice calls—tap Default Voice Line, then tap a line.

How to use iPhone with 2 SIM cards? ›

Set up Dual SIM
  1. Go to Settings > Cellular, then make sure you have at least two lines (below SIMs). ...
  2. Turn on two lines—tap a line, then tap Turn On this Line. ...
  3. Choose the default line for cellular data—tap Cellular Data, then tap a line. ...
  4. Choose the default line for voice calls—tap Default Voice Line, then tap a line.

What are the disadvantages of a Dual SIM phone? ›

Using dual SIMs has its downsides too:
  • Increased Battery Consumption: Running two active lines means your phone has to work harder, leading to quicker battery drain.
  • Management Complexity: Keeping track of contacts, messages, and calls for two numbers can be confusing and time-consuming.
Mar 13, 2024

Why is my phone not reading my second SIM card? ›

To fix the "No SIM card" error on Android, check if the SIM card is inserted correctly or if the SIM tray is bent or damaged. See if the SIM card works on another phone. If it doesn't, you will need to contact your network provider to get a new one.

How do I know if my iPhone supports Dual SIM? ›

To use Dual SIM, you need iOS 12.1 or later, two nano-SIM cards, and one of these iPhone models:
  1. iPhone 14.
  2. iPhone 14 Plus.
  3. iPhone 14 Pro.
  4. iPhone 14 Pro Max.
  5. iPhone 13.
  6. iPhone 13 Pro.
  7. iPhone 13 Pro Max.
  8. iPhone 12.
Mar 19, 2024

What are the disadvantages of Dual SIM iPhones? ›

Disadvantages of Dual SIM Mobile Phones
  • Limited choice of provider – Some dual SIM phones are locked onto the mobile service provider you purchased the phone from. ...
  • Reduced storage capacity – In some dual SIM phones, the second SIM card slot may be shared with the microSD card slot.
Jun 6, 2023

How can you tell if someone is using Dual SIM? ›

If you've noticed new, unfamiliar numbers on caller ID but the same voice responds, they might be using another SIM. Network Fluctuations: Dual-SIM phones often show two signal strength indicators. Notice if there are fluctuations or changes in the network icon(s) on their phone.

Which iPhone can have two SIMs? ›

To use Dual SIM, you need iOS 12.1 or later, two nano-SIM cards and one of these iPhone models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.

What iPhone models are Dual SIM? ›

To use Dual SIM, you need iOS 12.1 or later, two nano-SIM cards and one of these iPhone models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max. iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Does the iPhone 14 have Dual SIM in the UK? ›

Select settings for dual SIM functionality on your Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max iOS 16.0. In addition to your normal SIM, you can also use an eSIM in your phone. You can select which price plan you want to use for calls, messages and mobile data. To select settings for dual SIM functionality, you need to activate your eSIM.

Which countries sell Dual SIM iPhone? ›

In China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. This gives you two phone numbers to make and receive calls and text messages.

How does Dual SIM work UK? ›

By activating two SIM cards you can receive calls and messages on both cards. If you are speaking on a call using one card, the other card cannot be used to receive new calls at the same time.

Is eSIM available in the UK? ›

Not all UK networks support eSIMs.

Currently, only the major networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone) offer eSIM support for compatible devices. A few smaller companies, such as Lycamobile and giffgaff, also support eSIMs. But you'll have a lot less choice. Also, not all handsets support eSIM.

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