Anyone Running a second phone number using a Dual Sim or eSim on an iphone
Looking at porting an office land line over to my wireless carrier so that my personal iPhone can handle both lines.
From what I read an unlocked (mine is ) iPhone 16 pro max can handle both, and you can actually have two different carriers, one per line.
TMobile had a reasonable $20 a month for the second line for the phone, ATT is quoting close to $50 a month almost tripling the bill and not making it a smart choice moving my ATT digital phone from my ATT account to my ATT cell plan.
Right now it's $35 a month to leave the land line in with it.
Has anyone here run a dual sim/eSim phone with two lines, work and personal, how does it work, do you find it easy to use.
I don't really care about Texting on that line, just inbound/outbound voice mail.This message has been edited. Last edited by: HRK,
February 09, 2026, 05:41 PM
ffips
I was a yes clear up until the word iPhone.
That said, I am not sure about the logistics of converting a land line to a cellular line.
I can tell you that my experience has been mostly positive on the android platform. One thing to watch for is which line you are answering or calling from. I say that because it is easy to fall into a "default" trap where you might pick a setting to always dial out from #1. When you need to call from #2 to avoid #1 being shared make sure you pick #2 for example. This got me on a few texts but you mentioned not using that feature. It has a also nice to literally turn off a line and not be bothered by it of chosen.
February 09, 2026, 05:49 PM
4MUL8R
Yes. Used it sparingly. Can be a tax deduction, that second line. It makes it simpler to see who is calling -- and how to answer -- Joe's Bar & Grill or Hello
------- Trying to simplify my life...
February 09, 2026, 06:57 PM
Aglifter
I do. It’s pretty simple. I suggest getting one of those very cheap services - I think there’s some which are $65/yr.
I think the phone can actually hold more, but only 2 at a time.
I use a google voice number for disposable numbers to give to car service shops etc.
February 09, 2026, 08:18 PM
smschulz
You could also setup a VOIP account and port to that to your phone using softphone app/software. It can be pretty cheap and offers flexibility of getting calls wherever an Internet connection exists. On your cellphone the calls will come in over your data connection or through wifi if your phone is wifi connected to the Internet. I use VOIP.MS.
February 09, 2026, 08:34 PM
Mutiny
I’ve been using it for several years, one a US number/carrier and my second is a European number/carrier. No issues with different carriers and international numbers.
February 10, 2026, 07:59 AM
bettysnephew
I did it temporarily on my iPhone 15 Max. My cell service has always been somewhat marginal at my house. Another carrier insisted that they had much better signal in my area so I took them up on a try it out for 30 days at no charge. Service was no better or worse but it did function correctly. The number is still in the phone but no longer in use. Isn't causing any problems but I will eventually have it removed. If it is convenient for you, I would not be afraid to give it a try, ask to see if they have a try to see if you like it option.
The “POLICE" Their job Is To Save Your Ass, Not Kiss It
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February 10, 2026, 08:06 AM
HRK
I'm thinking that moving the line to some low cost provider and putting it on the eSim might be a solution.
Might just sign up and see how it works before porting, see if the inbound/outbound/VM setup works easily.
Also thought about Teams as a solution since I could put the Teams app on the phone and use it, eliminating the ATT line charge
February 10, 2026, 11:31 AM
Georgeair
If you can swing it with a new number, I've used Google Voice in something like this need in the past.
You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02
February 10, 2026, 12:42 PM
1967Goat
I started a small business last year. I wanted a business cell phone, but didn't want another phone to carry. I usually buy about the cheapest phone I can, usually around $150. I'm on a Verizon pre-paid plan with a Galaxy A16. It has a physical SIM (my personal #) and a virtual SIM (business line). I have my business # as the "primary".
It works well, but there are some limitations. For each contact you can specify which # it will use for text messages. I find this doesn't always work correctly. I will text a friend that I have set to use my personal #, but then they text me back asking, "Who is this"? I set my business up as a contact in my phone and I'll send them my contact info (Vcard) and they add me. This has happened several times.
I can never be 100% sure which # the text or call will originate from.
February 10, 2026, 02:27 PM
wxdave
I did this for my Dad when he retired and closed his business. We ported his number from At&t landline to Callcentric. I think it's around $3 a month. Calls to his old business landline are forwarded to his cell. Works like a charm!
-------------------------------------------- Floridian by birth, Seminole by the grace of God
February 10, 2026, 08:55 PM
mrvmax
I did it on this phone when I was trying a new carrier. I added an extra line to check coverage. You can have 1 physical Sim and 1 e-sim,
My buddy is in sales, and on his iPhone he uses the eSIM as his business number. He likes only having one phone, but having separate numbers for personal and business.
Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity
DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
February 10, 2026, 11:07 PM
hrcjon
on my phone I have two numbers, but same carrier. That works very well. If the second number was a different carrier no idea.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”