eSIMs come in two types for calling purposes: voice-capable eSIMs that include a phone number and support traditional calls, and data-only eSIMs that handle internet traffic without voice capability. Both can be used for calls, but through different methods. This guide covers how to set up calling on each type of eSIM and how to optimize your calling configuration for travel.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Set your voice eSIM as the default calling line
If your eSIM includes a phone number (carrier eSIM or voice-enabled travel eSIM), set it as your default calling line. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line and select the eSIM. On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Preferred SIM > Calls and select the eSIM.
On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > select the eSIM > toggle 'Calls' on. All outgoing calls now dial from this eSIM's number.
Tip: On iPhone, you can override the default voice line for individual calls by tapping the phone number at the top of the dialer and selecting the other line before pressing Call.
- 2
Use VoIP apps with a data-only eSIM
Data-only travel eSIMs do not support traditional phone calls. Instead, use VoIP apps over the eSIM's data connection: WhatsApp (1MB/min), FaceTime Audio (1.5MB/min), Skype, Telegram, or Google Meet. These apps use your data plan for calls instead of the carrier network.
Quality depends on the data speed, but any connection above 1Mbps provides clear voice calls. Video calls require 3Mbps or more for stable quality.
Tip: WhatsApp calls use the least data among popular VoIP apps. For international calling on a data-only eSIM, WhatsApp is the most efficient option.
- 3
Enable Wi-Fi Calling over eSIM data
Wi-Fi Calling routes your home carrier's calls over any data connection, including eSIM data. On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it on for your home SIM. On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > select your home SIM > Wi-Fi Calling.
With Wi-Fi Calling enabled, incoming calls to your home number ring over the travel eSIM's data connection instead of through carrier roaming, which can reduce or eliminate per-minute roaming charges.
Tip: Not all carriers support Wi-Fi Calling while abroad. T-Mobile US supports it globally. AT&T has geographic restrictions. Check your carrier's Wi-Fi Calling policy for international use.
- 4
Assign a default line per contact (iPhone) or pick at dial time (Android)
On a Dual SIM iPhone, open the Contacts app, edit a contact, and set 'Default Line' to either your physical SIM or eSIM. Calls to that contact then automatically use the assigned line without a prompt. Stock Android does not offer per-contact line assignment.
Instead, when you place a call with two active lines, Android shows a SIM picker before dialing, letting you choose the eSIM or physical SIM for that specific call.
Tip: Set the per-contact default line for frequent international contacts before you travel so you do not need to pick a line manually on every call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make emergency calls with a data-only eSIM?
Emergency calls (911, 112, 999) work through any active SIM regardless of whether it has voice capability or even an active plan. Your phone routes emergency calls through whatever carrier network is available. A data-only eSIM registers on the network, enabling emergency calling capability.
Do calls over eSIM data count against my data allowance?
VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime) use data and count against your eSIM plan. Traditional voice calls on a voice-capable eSIM use the voice minutes allocation, which is separate from data. Wi-Fi Calling routes through data but uses your carrier's voice minutes, not your data allowance.
Can people call my eSIM number from a landline?
If your eSIM has a phone number with voice capability, yes. Anyone can call it from any phone type, including landlines. If your eSIM is data-only, it does not have a callable phone number. People can reach you through VoIP apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime) using your username or your other SIM's number.
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