Can I Use My Primary Number for Calls with a Data-Only eSIM?
Yes — dual SIM keeps your home number active while the eSIM handles data. Here's how to receive calls, send texts, and use Wi-Fi calling while travelling.
A data-only eSIM doesn't give you a new phone number — but that's rarely a problem. With dual SIM, your home SIM stays active for calls and texts while the Vyroam eSIM handles all your internet traffic. You get the best of both.
How dual SIM works abroad
Modern smartphones run two SIM profiles at once. Your home SIM sits in its usual slot (or as an eSIM profile) and can continue to receive calls and SMS — availability depends on your home carrier's international roaming support. The Vyroam eSIM runs in parallel and provides your internet connection.
Calls on your home number may incur international roaming charges from your home carrier, depending on your plan. Most UK and EU carriers now offer unlimited calls within Europe at no extra cost. Check your home carrier's roaming rates before you travel.
Tell your home carrier to data-only roam
Ask your home carrier to restrict the home SIM to voice and SMS roaming only — not data roaming. This prevents accidentally using expensive home-carrier data instead of your Vyroam eSIM.
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling lets you make and receive calls on your home number using internet data (your Vyroam eSIM) instead of the traditional voice network. Calls sound identical to normal calls and use a small amount of data (about 1MB per minute). Check with your home carrier for any applicable call rates — many include Wi-Fi calling at no extra charge.
Enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone
Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling → enable 'Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone'.
Enable Wi-Fi calling on Samsung
Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Wi-Fi calling → On.
Enable Wi-Fi calling on Pixel
Settings → Network & internet → Calls & SMS → Wi-Fi calling → On.
Call normally
Dial any number using your regular phone app. The call routes over your eSIM's data connection automatically when mobile signal is weak or when Wi-Fi calling is preferred.
App-based alternatives
Even without Wi-Fi calling, you can stay fully reachable using apps:
- WhatsApp — free calls and messages to other WhatsApp users worldwide
- FaceTime — free audio and video calls between Apple devices
- Google Meet / Duo — video and audio calls on Android
- Signal — encrypted calls and messages
How to set it up on your phone
Install your Vyroam eSIM
Follow the install guide for your device. Set the eSIM as the mobile data line.
Keep home SIM active for calls and SMS
In your phone's SIM settings, set the home SIM as the preferred line for voice calls. Set the eSIM as the mobile data line.
Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM
Your eSIM needs Data Roaming enabled in its settings to connect abroad.
Disable Data Roaming on the home SIM
Prevents your phone accidentally using expensive home-carrier data abroad.
Stay connected on your home number
Browse data-only eSIM plans. Your calls stay on your home number — the data switches to local rates.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — iMessage works over any internet connection. As long as your eSIM is providing data, iMessage sends and receives normally. Blue bubble messages continue as usual.
Not traditional calls — the eSIM is data-only. But with Wi-Fi calling enabled on your home number, or using WhatsApp/FaceTime, you can make calls that travel over the eSIM's internet connection.
Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Meet instead. These work over any data connection, are free for app-to-app calls, and can also call regular numbers with a small credit top-up (e.g. WhatsApp calling rates).
Yes, if your home SIM is active in dual SIM mode. SMS messages from your bank and two-factor auth codes come to your home number as normal.