How to Add A Second Phone Number on iPhone

In this era of technology, more and more people are switching to iPhones because of their user-friendly interface and advanced features. Phone numbers are one of the most important components of a mobile device, and iPhones have revolutionized the way we use them. While most of us may only use one phone number, some users might require a second phone number to keep their personal and professional lives separate. In this blog post, we will discuss various methods to add a second phone number on iPhone.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Add a Second Phone Number on iPhone

There can be numerous reasons why one might need to add a second phone number on an iPhone. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Professional Use: People who run businesses often need separate phone numbers to manage professional and personal life. Having a separate phone number for work can help in managing calls, separating social life from work, and maintaining privacy.
2. Traveling Purposes: For those who frequently travel abroad, having a secondary phone number can help save roaming charges and avoid international calling fees.
3. Privacy: Some people prefer using a secondary phone number for their online activities to maintain privacy and avoid spam calls and messages.

Method 1: Using a Second SIM Card

If your iPhone has a dual SIM option, you can easily add a second phone number by using a second SIM card. Here are the steps to add a second SIM card:

1. Open the SIM card tray on your iPhone using the SIM ejector tool.
2. Insert the second SIM card in the secondary SIM slot.
3. Go to Settings and select Cellular.
4. Tap on Cellular Plans and select the option to add a new plan.
5. Choose the country and carrier for the new SIM and follow the prompts to complete the activation.

Pros:
– Separates professional and personal life
– Avoids roaming charges while traveling abroad
– Supports 4G LTE and global roaming

Cons:
– iPhones with dual SIM are expensive
– Only available on the latest iPhone models
– Carrier restrictions may apply

Method 2: Using eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that is embedded in the iPhone and can be used as a secondary phone number. Here are the steps to activate eSIM on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings and select Cellular.
2. Tap on Cellular Plans and select the option to add a new plan.
3. Choose the option for eSIM and follow the prompts to scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
4. Once the activation is complete, you can use the second phone number.

Pros:
– No physical SIM card required
– Easy activation process
– Supports global roaming

Cons:
– Not all carriers support eSIM
– Only available on the latest iPhone models
– Can’t be used simultaneously with a physical SIM card

Method 3: Using a Second Phone Number App

Another way to add a second phone number on an iPhone is by using a second phone number app. These apps provide you with a virtual phone number that works as a second line on your iPhone. Here are the steps to use a second phone number app:

1. Go to the App Store and search for a second phone number app.
2. Download and install the app of your choice.
3. Follow the prompts to set up an account and select a phone number.
4. Once the app is set up, you can use the phone number to make calls and send messages.

Pros:
– Affordable and easy to use
– No need for additional hardware
– Multiple phone numbers can be added

Cons:
– Call quality may vary
– Internet connection required for calling and messaging
– Some apps may have a limited set of features

Method 4: Using Google Voice

Google Voice is a free service offered by Google that provides you with a separate phone number that can be used with your primary phone number. Here are the steps to set up a second phone number using Google Voice:

1. Go to the Google Voice website and sign up for an account.
2. Select a phone number of your choice from the available options.
3. Follow the prompts to link your Google Voice number with your iPhone number.
4. Download the Google Voice app on your iPhone and sign in with the same Google account.
5. Once the app is set up, you can use your Google Voice number to make calls and send messages.

Pros:
– Free of cost
– Can be used with any phone number
– Easy to use

Cons:
– Call quality may vary
– Internet connection required for calling and messaging
– Limited set of features

What to Do If You Can’t Add a Second Phone Number on iPhone

If you are unable to add a second phone number on your iPhone using any of the methods discussed above, here are some fixes that you can try:

1. Contact your carrier to check if they support eSIM or dual SIM technology.
2. Try using a different second phone number app.
3. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
4. Reset your network settings and try again.
5. Backup your phone and then restore it to factory settings.

Bonus Tips

1. Use a VPN with second phone number apps to maintain privacy.
2. Keep your second phone number app updated to get the latest features.
3. Use a separate email address to sign up for your second phone number app to avoid spam.

5 FAQs

Q1: Can I use multiple eSIMs on the same iPhone?

A: Yes, you can use multiple eSIMs on the same iPhone, depending on the limits set by your carrier.

Q2: Can I use a second phone number app on my iPhone to receive verification codes?

A: Yes, most second phone number apps support verification codes of popular online services like WhatsApp and Facebook.

Q3: Can I transfer my Google Voice number to another Google account?

A: Yes, you can transfer your Google Voice number to another Google account within the first 90 days of setting it up.

Q4: What happens if I lose my physical SIM card with dual SIM support?

A: If you lose your physical SIM card, you can still use your eSIM to make calls and send messages.

Q5: Can I use Google Voice number outside the US?

A: Yes, you can use your Google Voice number to make calls and send messages from outside the US, but international calling charges will apply.

Final Thoughts

Adding a second phone number on your iPhone can be beneficial in many ways, such as separating personal and professional life, saving roaming charges, and maintaining privacy. There are multiple ways to add a second phone number on an iPhone, including using a second SIM card, eSIM, second phone number app, and Google Voice. We hope this blog post has helped you in choosing the best method to add a second phone number on your iPhone.