Yes, you can still receive calls while using an eSIM. If your phone supports dual SIM (most modern smartphones do), you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and texts while using your eSIM for data.

This means:

• Your main number stays reachable for calls and SMS.
• You can choose which SIM handles calls or data in your phone’s settings.
• If needed, you can switch to using the eSIM for calls as well.

How to check your physical SIM is enabled for calls and SMS

In order to use your primary line for voice and text while you enjoy your eSIM for data, you need to enable the primary line and set it up as your Default Voice line.

On iOS devices

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service)
2. Go to “Primary” line
3. Ensure “Turn On This Line” is on
4. Go back to Cellular and tap “Default Voice Line”
5. Select your “Primary” line
6. Go back to Cellular and tap “Cellular data” or “Mobile data”
7. Select your eSIM line

On Samsung devices

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager
2. Scroll down to “Preferred SIM card” section
3. Tap on “Calls”
4. Select your “Primary” line 
5. Do the same for SMS 
6. Keep eSIM selected for mobile data

On Pixel devices

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
2. Select your “Primary” line
3. Toggle “Use SIM” to turn it on (if not yet enabled)
4. Look for “Calls Preference” and tap on it (a window will pop up)  
5. Select your “Primary” line 
6. Do the same on step 3, this time for “SMS Preference”
7. Keep eSIM selected for mobile data

Updated on: 31/10/2025