Can You Have Two Phone Numbers on One iPhone

In this fast-paced age where data and information are accessible in our phones, it’s easy to get an overload of information in just a single device so it has become a common urge to just get a second phone, may it be to separate your personal communications from work, or travel, or other aspects of your life. However, it could be quite inconvenient to carry around more than one phone wherever you go, so, fortunately, mobile companies now added features that offer the option to have two (or more) numbers or accounts in just a single smartphone.

So you can better manage your device without going through the inconvenience of buying another phone and carrying it around with you. Having two phone numbers on one phone is now made possible by several means, ranging from physical features such as dual SIM slots to third-party applications that allow the generation of mobile numbers without having to purchase physical SIMs.

Android phones have been utilizing these features for a long time already especially providing multiple physical SIM slots that allow users to use multiple SIMs or numbers according to the demand of their lifestyle. On the other hand, Apple is starting to catch up to this trend by incorporating nano-SIM and eSIM features into their latest models released in 2018 and later.

Though it is understood that most people have yet to get their hands on these latest iPhone models and have grown accustomed to Apple’s limitations on the use of just one number per iPhone, fortunately, there are several alternative methods available that allow to oversee this established limitation and work through other ways to provide users the means to use two numbers in one cell phone.

We have listed below several ways to have two phone numbers on one iPhone, to finally give you the possibility of managing different aspects of your life even just as simple as using two separate phone numbers.

Can You Have Two Phone Numbers on One iPhone?

1) Dual SIM

Dual SIM allows users to switch between two separate mobile network services manually and has individual transceivers that maintain both network connections at once, so you can receive texts and calls separately from both SIMs. To utilize this feature, you will need to purchase two appropriate SIM cards. For android phones, you won’t have to worry about your sims coming from the same carrier,

So if you like to have both AT&T and T-Mobile service, you can feel free to do so. This can also be handy if you are traveling to a different country with their own SIM card, as you can just pop it into your phone along with your main SIM card. Although unfortunately, this feature is only available in iPhone models released since 2008, and Apple a bit more strict in the use of SIMs from different carriers so you will need to specifically contact your carrier if you would like to do so.

Pros

  • Convenient
  • Allows SIM from different carriers
Cons

  • Feature not available in some phones
  • Requires purchase of another SIM

2) eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile phone plan without having to use a physical SIM. This technology supports multiple numbers or accounts and switching between them is quite easy. The latest iPhone models—namely iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and those with iOS 12.1 or later are starting to incorporate this feature to allow flexibility for users when it comes to account management, allowing them to have more freedom to personalize their phones in accordance to their preference with the consideration of their lifestyle.

Pros

  • Allows multiple numbers
  • No physical SIM needed
Cons

  • Not available in selected countries
  • Available on selected iPhones only

3) Verizon My Numbers

Verizon offers a service plan named My Numbers that lets you add up not only two but up to four numbers into a single phone. Once set up, you will be able to manage multiple phone numbers from just one device with unlimited calling and texting. However, it will require a Verizon phone number eligible for charging directly to an account as this will cost you $15/month for each number. Once all set you can customize the name, icon, notification notes, and ringtones according to your preference.

Pros

  • Available for Android and iOS
  • Allows up to four numbers
Cons

  • Will cost you $15/month per number
  • Bug issues

4) T-Mobile Digits

Digits allow calls and texts to work on virtually any device using the same number that you have as long as your device has an internet connection. The application is free, and set up is fairly easy by just logging in using your T-Mobile credentials. If you don’t have one, the application will allow you to create one. If you already have an existing number and want to add another line, you can purchase another DIGITS line for $10/month.

The best thing about this app is it is not only limited to smartphones; it works on desktop computers, and even on smartwatches.

Pros

  • Available for Android, iOS, and desktop
  • Free
Cons

  • Costs $10/month for an additional number
  • Needs internet connection

5) CloudSIM

CloudSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to create not only two but up to four extra phone numbers to your phone. It has the ability to switch between networks without having to change a physical SIM, offering amazing convenience.

These numbers can also be ported to another network, enabling you to make calls through wireless, 3G, or 4G no matter where you are, ensuring a worry-free use for its fast and reliable WiFi connectivity. International calls are made easier with this application due to its low cost and better coverage and speed than traditional SIM cards. Impressively, this application could also technically provide the following: a disposable number, a burner number, a temporary/permanent number, and a second number for your desired purpose of use.

Pros

  • Free calls and text
  • Easy to use
  • Low-cost international calls
Cons

  • Vulnerability to hacking
  • Data recovery can be complicated

6) Google Voice

Google Voice is a VoIP service that gives you a phone number separate from your existing phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. It backs up your calls, texts, and voicemails to make it easy to retrieve and search your history, and it also provides advanced voicemail transcriptions that you can read. Inversely, it also allows the use of one mobile number across multiple devices, allowing you to choose from a list of available phone numbers from around the country.

This number of your choosing could be linked to several devices of your choice, eliminating your worries of missing a call or text if you forget one of your devices.

Pros

  • Available for Android, iOS, and desktop
  • Can use the same number for multiple devices
  • No usage fee
Cons

  • Unable to make emergency calls
  • Little customer service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can You Have Two Phone Numbers on One Cell Phone?

Yes, it is possible to have two phone numbers on one cell phone. This could be achieved using several methods, from utilizing a dual SIM or eSIM feature if available on your phone, or you could download third-party applications that allow the use of multiple numbers on one phone, may it be Android or Apple.

How Do I Add A Second Number To My iPhone?

Fortunately, the latest iPhone models now offer Dual SIM features. However, please note. If you encounter this issue, you will need to contact your carrier for more information.

To activate your second number, you can use one of these options:

  • Use a Carrier App.
  • Scan a QR Code.
  • Install an Assigned Cellular Plan.
  • Enter the Information Manually.

Detailed instructions are available at the Apple website, or you can ask your carrier to assist you.

How Do I Merge Two Phones?

First, identify the reason why you want to do so. Is it to merge your contacts? To access files? To open texts or calls? Or all of the above? If so, below are several ways you can use to eliminate the inconvenience of having to carry two phones in your pocket at once.

  • Call Forwarding: If the main reason you carry an extra phone is to take phone calls, then this is a must for you. This feature is available and on pretty much every smartphone, and although the setup might vary from phone to phone. Once enabled, this will allow you to leave the phone you don’t need but not worry about missing any important calls. If you no longer need your calls forwarded, remember to turn the feature off so the original device will once again be able to receive phone calls.
  • Mirror Text Messages: Unlike call forwarding, this isn’t a standard feature for phones. In order to forward text messages from one phone to another, you will need a third-party solution and follow the setup procedure that they offer. You can download these SMS mirroring applications through Google Play or Play Store.
  • Set Up Multiple Accounts: A single mobile device is capable of hosting two separate accounts. Both Android and iOS have account management features that you can utilize for this very purpose, and you can follow their respective guidelines for setting up multiple accounts.
  • Cloud Sync your Apps: If you are using the same app on two devices and the data doesn’t match up, you can sync them to the cloud. Cloud provides an easy way to sync your files on multiple devices and can do it automatically, so you no longer have to carry that extra phone. Although be wary of important documents or data you may risk and make sure that they are still protected.

Can I Have 2 Numbers On The iPhone?

Yes. If your iPhone has a dual SIM feature, you can utilize this by using a nano-SIM partnered with an eSIM. The eSIM feature makes it possible to have 2 numbers in a single phone by setting your number through an eSIM without needing a physical slot or SIM. You can still make and receive calls and messages even with this alternative. Even more, you can have multiple eSIM numbers on your iPhone, but note that these can only be used one at a time and you will have to manually switch between them in the settings.

If these features are not available on your iPhone, you download applications from the App Store that allow the use of multiple numbers on one phone.

How Do I Add Another Number To My iPhone?

Aside from your existing phone numbers from your physical SIM, you can store more than one eSIM on your iPhone. To add a number to your eSIM, you can follow the instructions provided by Apple on their website regarding setting up an eSIM.

Conclusion

A countless number of ways are now available that allow users to have two phone numbers on one iPhone. Both Android and Apple phones have begun to incorporate these features upon recognition of the demand for today’s busy lifestyle. Dual SIM, eSIM, and Cloud syncing are just a few of the methods that can be used to achieve this, and even phone carriers offer services to assist users in opening new or multiple plans to better manage their numbers and accounts in just a single handheld device.

Many of these phones are made available through online stores, offering fast and convenient means to get a hold of these features in the midst of this busy lifestyle, eliminating the need to purchase or carry around two phones