If your carriers don't support Wi-Fi calling, you have Allow Cellular Data turned off, or you don't have Wi-Fi Calling turned on, all your incoming calls go to voicemail when you're on a call.
Quickly change which SIM or eSIM to call from
By default, your iPhone uses the same number you used the last time you called this contact. And when you call a new number, your iPhone uses your voice line by default.
But you can change your number on the go!
- Change phone numbers on the fly before you call by clicking on the "Main" button at the top of your dialer
- Select the SIM or eSIM line you want to use select the line on eSIM and Dual Sim ipHones
You can also specify a specific string for people in your contacts app
- Click on a contact
- Click the Change button
- Select your preferred line
- Click on the number you want to use with this contact
Quickly change your cell phone plan
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Tap Cellular Data
- Click on the number you want to use cellular data
- Switch to cellular data to automatically switch cellular data lines when you're on a call
When you enable cellular data and receive a voice call on your voice number, that number automatically switches to voice and data. This way you use both voice and data during a call.
If you turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching when you are using a voice number that is not your assigned cellular number, cellular data will not work while you are on that call.
What's special
eSIM Tele2 (or Embedded SIM, if decrypted) is a customizable SIM card, which is an analogue of the usual plastic carrier. The peculiarity is that the technology is a microcircuit built into the device at the production stage. You no longer need to insert a card into a special slot - just buy a smartphone equipped with an electronic SIM card function.
eSIM Tele2 appeared in Russia some time ago - many users have already tried the convenient virtual technology, so you can join! There is no more physical media: let’s try to look inside the smartphone’s hardware. There is a special microchip that is responsible for mobile communications. It allows you to record (and rewrite) the numbers that the subscriber will use on this device.
Most modern devices support adding up to five numbers - the main phone used can be selected in the settings. Already want to buy eSIM from Tele2 online? A little patience, we'll tell you how to do it a little later.
A few words about the advantages of a virtual custom SIM card:
- Eco-friendly. No plastic for card production;
- You won’t be able to break it or lose it, forget it, leave it, or accidentally throw it away;
- Easy to use - just scan the QR code;
- Allows you to simplify the production process of devices and makes them more capacious.
Definitely a great opportunity!
Tele2's eSIM coverage area has expanded significantly since the spring of 2019 - then it was possible to purchase a virtual card only in five Moscow stores. Now the service is successfully operating in many cities of Russia. All details can be found on the official website!
Where to connect eSIM Tele2 and what is needed to successfully receive a QR code? Let's talk about this right now: prepare the device, we will check its compliance with our goals.
If you still decide to use a new technology, do not forget to block the previous SIM card if you do not want to save the number.
Change which SIM or eSIM iMessage or FaceTime uses
In iOS 13+, users can use any phone number for iMessage and FaceTime.
With iOS 12 versions, you can only use one phone number for iMessage and FaceTime. You need to set the default line to use iMessage and FaceTime.
For iOS 13+
Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and turn on iMessage for both of your phone numbers.
Both Messages and FaceTime are “sticky,” meaning they remember the last number you texted or called from.
You can use iMessage or SMS/MMS to send messages to any phone number and switch phone numbers before sending iMessage or SMS/MMS
How to switch numbers in messages
- Open messages
- Click the New button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Enter your contact's name
- Click on the current phone number or its label (primary, secondary, service, etc.)
- If the previous topic is open, tap to open the contact card, tap Edit, and select Preferred Line.
- Select the number you want to use
For iOS 12
- Go to Settings > Messages or Settings > FaceTime
- Click iMessage & FaceTime Line
- Select the phone number you want to use
You can also change numbers in messages or FaceTime by pressing the blue phone line button in a new message or FaceTime session.
Advantages and disadvantages
The new eSIM technology has every chance to capture the modern mobile device market. Due to its ease of setup, it has already gained popularity among active users. Let's consider the main advantages of virtual media:
- Reliability. The built-in SIM card cannot be lost. It will not deteriorate over time, the contact pads will not be erased from frequent removal.
- Replacement. The user does not have to visit a mobile phone store every time to renew the service contract or purchase a new contact number. Information can be updated in a few clicks at home.
- Convenience. The use of Tele2 e SIM modules allows manufacturers to save space, increase the compactness of the smartphone without allocating additional space for physical SIM cards.
The main disadvantage is the lack of practicality. If the battery charge is complete or the mobile device breaks down, you will not be able to remove the SIM card and install it in another smartphone. The user will have to contact the communication shop to restore the contract.
ESIM Tele2 is a big step into the world of the future, allowing you to abandon removable media and simplify servicing cellular consumers.
Need more than one eSIM?
If you travel a lot for business or pleasure and often have to switch between plans and carriers, you may want to store more than one eSIM on your iPhone. However, you can only use one at a time.
And remember that each eSIM requires its own unique data plan.
How to switch between eSIMs?
- Tap Settings > Cellular > Cellular
- Select the plan you want to use now
- Click Enable this line
Rates
Due to the fact that connection to this service line has been suspended, there is no information about tariffs. The forced cancellation of the service is due to the order of the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications. Initially, the project was frozen for 1 month in 2021 for a detailed assessment of risks and possible regulatory problems with ensuring the security of personal data of Tele2 subscribers. Initially, the tariff for this format was offered as part of the “Other Rules” line.
Instant HotSpot not working after installing eSIM?
Some users have found that after switching to eSIM on their iPhones, they are unable to access the Instant Hotspot service. Instant Hotspot simply doesn't show up on connected Apple devices.
Interestingly, users with active data plans associated with their eSIM account can set up personal hotspot, but instant hotspot fails.
There are several ways to solve this problem.
First, use a physical SIM card. When connecting a physical SIM card, Instant Hotspot works without problems. Some users overcome this by keeping a random prepaid SIM from another carrier in the SIM slot as a workaround.
Other users have successfully been able to use the Instant Hotspot feature by simply signing out of their Apple ID on all devices and then signing in again. Try it and see if it works for you.
How to connect
Today, to buy an eSIM in Russia, you need to go to the Tele 2 salon and register a physical medium in your name. Given that the virtual module must be accessible from home or another online location, this reduces the benefits of the technology. But if a user with a single-SIM smartphone is still interested in using this system, he will be interested in the option.
Can I use eSim on phones with data plans?
Since iPhones purchased through data plans are usually locked to a carrier, you can only use an eSIM on a locked phone from the same carrier.
However, some carriers (like Verizon) no longer lock their SIM cards, so it's possible that you could have an eSIM from another carrier on a Verizon iPhone that's still on a payment plan.
The best solution is to call your mobile carrier and ask them about eSIM support before you start getting an eSIM plan from another carrier.
What is eSIM - technology features
The usual classic SIM - Subscriber Identification Module - is a subscriber identification module, made in the form of a small piece of plastic with a microcircuit to which a number is attached. It has its own microprocessor, non-volatile memory, encryption module and even a random number generator. You can see for yourself that it is a rather technically complex device.
The new eSIM is not an electronic or virtual SIM card, as many people think. This is not true! The letter “e” does not mean “electronic”, but “embedded” - that is, built-in SIM. The same built-in chip as NFC, GPS, GLONASS modules. And yes, it cannot be removed from the device.
eSIM module dimensions
To be honest, I never thought about the size of this or that built-in chip, but for clarity it’s definitely worth talking about. The eSIM module has dimensions of only 5x6 mm. The familiar nanoSIM has dimensions of 12.3x8.8 mm, and the old full-size SIM card has dimensions of 86x54 mm. Thanks to such miniature size and fairly low power consumption, it was possible to integrate it into a telephone set.
Which phones support eSIM
At the time of writing, this technology is still relatively new and therefore these chips are installed only on fairly expensive, flagship models. But everything is changing and in a year or two they may start putting them on everything!
eSIM support is available on the following phones:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR;
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max;
- iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, Pro Max;
- iPhone SE 20;
- Google Pixel 2,3,4,5;
- Samsung Galaxy Fold (LTE model), Fold 2;
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra;
- Galaxy Z Flip;
- Motorola RAZR, RAZR 5G;
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro, P40 Pro+, Mate XS;
- Microsoft Surface Duo.
Not only smartphones have an eSIM module. A number of smartwatches also have support:
- Apple Watch 3;
- Apple Watch 4;
- Apple Watch 5;
- Huawei Watch 2 Pro (4G);
- Samsung Galaxy Gear S3;
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2;
- Amazfit Verge 2 (Nexo);
- Amazfit Nexo Marvel Edition;
- Amazfit Smart Watch 2.
Main advantages of the technology
In addition to the main advantage - the size of the eSIM module, there are a number of other advantages that are key! Here they are:
- Improved reliability;
- Increased security;
- Possibility of connecting several numbers to one module at once (up to 5 numbers so far);
- Easy to connect numbers Online via the Internet without the need to visit telecom operator offices;
- There will be one less technological hole in the phone body.
A few words about the shortcomings. eSIM also has disadvantages. Firstly, if you are going to sell a smartphone, then simply removing the SIM card from the old device and inserting it into the new one will not work. It will be necessary to untie the phone numbers that have been picked up from him. In addition, the QR code also has its limitations - it can be read up to 100 times. Well, the main inhibitory factor is the low interest of telecom operators, and in Russia there are also obstacles from the state.
List of phones that support the technology
Subscribers can start using the new technology on a limited number of telephone devices. It should be noted that these are quite expensive devices.
The following models support an electronic SIM card:
- Goole Pixet 3 smartphones;
- XR, XS and XS Max from Apple, as well as watches and tablets from the same company;
- Samsung and Huawei watches.
Of course, the list of devices is somewhat limited, but it will be expanded, since eSim technology has just begun to develop in Russia.
The connection was not without problems
Since the service was launched only today, employees do not yet know how to quickly connect it.
To apply for a virtual SIM card, you need to come to the salon with a passport. And already at this moment the first problem arose.
To connect eSIM you need to scan the QR code that is set by the Tele2 program. For about 15 minutes the seller could not set up my tariff , but then the program skipped everything.
In general, it is curious that not all employees know about this technology. In technical support, only a senior specialist was able to tell me the address; other operators did not know what they were talking about and seemed to have heard the word “eSIM” for the first time.
Tele2 has a big minus for this. How can you even allow tech support not to know what they are dealing with?
Well, okay, that’s not about that now.
Important : you can connect eSIM from Tele2 with any tariff, but not lower than “My Online” for 400 rubles per month.
It includes 15 GB of traffic and 500 minutes of calls. When registering, they prepare a physical SIM card for you to bypass the ban on SIM cloning. In fact, they don’t give you the card itself, they simply turn it off and configure it as an eSIM.
Manual data entry
If necessary, you can manually enter your pricing plan information. To manually enter your plan information, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Click "Add Cellular Plan".
- Select the "Enter Information Manually" option at the bottom of the iPhone screen.
You can store multiple eSIM cards on your iPhone, but you can only use them one at a time. To switch between eSIM cards, go to Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, select your data plan, and tap Turn on this number.
The following sections describe further iPhone settings in more detail.
