eSIM Calls Not Working?

Understand data-only eSIM limitations

Travel eSIM plans (including LTE.app) are data-only. They do not assign a local phone number or support traditional voice calls. This is normal. To receive calls, keep your home SIM active alongside the eSIM.

Keep your home SIM active for calls (dual SIM setup)

Leave your physical home SIM in the phone. Set your home SIM as the default voice line. Set the travel eSIM as the data line. Incoming calls come through your home SIM — you receive them normally, and the caller pays their regular rate.

Use Wi-Fi calling or VoIP apps for calls over eSIM data

Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Signal, and Telegram make voice calls over your eSIM data without needing voice service. These work on any data-only eSIM plan. Share your WhatsApp number before traveling.

Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your home SIM

iOS: Settings → Cellular → tap home SIM → Wi-Fi Calling on. This routes calls through your eSIM data connection to your home carrier, so you can receive calls even in areas with no home carrier signal — as long as your eSIM has data.

Check if your plan accidentally includes voice

Some regional eSIM plans do include local voice minutes. Check your plan details in LTE.app. If your plan includes voice, check that the correct SIM line is set for calls in Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line.

Why can't I make calls on my travel eSIM?

Travel eSIM plans are data-only by design. They do not support voice calls. To make and receive calls abroad: keep your home SIM active for your home number, and use internet-based calling (WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc.) over your eSIM data connection.

How do I receive my home phone number's calls while traveling?

Keep your home SIM in the phone and set it as the default voice line. As long as your home carrier has a roaming agreement with local networks (most do for voice), you will receive calls. Your home carrier may charge per-minute rates for received calls abroad — check your plan.