Hong Kong eSIM
Are All Hong Kong iPhones Dual SIM?
Jul
Not all iPhones in Hong Kong support dual SIM functionality. In this guide, we’ll sort through which iPhones do and don’t support dual SIM technology.
Supported iPhone Models for Dual SIM
All recent iPhone models sold in Hong Kong will support dual SIM functionality with some exceptions as the table below shows:
| iPhone Model | Dual SIM Type | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 series | Dual nano-SIM | Hong Kong, China mainland, Macao | Supports dual physical nano-SIM cards. No eSIM support. |
| iPhone 14 series | Dual nano-SIM | Hong Kong, China mainland, Macao | Supports dual physical nano-SIM cards. No eSIM support. |
| iPhone 13 series | Dual nano-SIM | Hong Kong, China mainland, Macao | Supports dual physical nano-SIM cards. No eSIM support. |
| iPhone 12 series | Dual nano-SIM | Hong Kong, China mainland, Macao | Supports dual physical nano-SIM cards. No eSIM support. |
| iPhone 11 series | Dual nano-SIM | Hong Kong, China mainland, Macao | Supports dual physical nano-SIM cards. No eSIM support. |
| iPhone XS Max | Dual nano-SIM | Hong Kong, China mainland, Macao | Supports dual physical nano-SIM cards. No eSIM support. |
| iPhone XR | Dual nano-SIM | Hong Kong, China mainland, Macao | Supports dual physical nano-SIM cards. No eSIM support. |
| iPhone XS | nano-SIM + eSIM | Hong Kong, Macao | Supports one physical SIM and one eSIM. |
| iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) | nano-SIM + eSIM | Hong Kong, Macao | Supports one physical SIM and one eSIM. |
| iPhone 13 mini | nano-SIM + eSIM | Hong Kong, Macao | Supports one physical SIM and one eSIM. |
| iPhone 12 mini | nano-SIM + eSIM | Hong Kong, Macao | Supports one physical SIM and one eSIM. |
Benefits of Using Dual SIM with Two Phone Numbers
One of the obvious advantages of using a dual SIM iPhone is the convenience of having two phone numbers accessible at all times.
This setup allows you to separate your professional and personal communications effectively, ensuring better work-life balance and privacy.
Frequent travelers to China Mainland, Macao, or other regions can also benefit significantly.
With a local SIM and an international SIM, you can easily make and receive calls and access mobile data without incurring expensive roaming charges.
Do iPhones In Hong Kong Support eSIM?
Phones sold in Hong Kong do not feature eSIM technology so we recommend purchasing an iPhone outside of Hong Kong if you wish to use this technology.
Once you have an iPhone that supports eSIM you can purchase eSIM plans from an eSIM provider.
If you’re planning to travel to Hong Kong then you’ll want to purchase an eSIM outside of HK since (as of this writing in 2024) you can’t buy eSIMs inside Hong Kong.
How Dual SIM iPhones Work with Hong Kong Carriers
In Hong Kong, dual SIM iPhones work seamlessly with major carriers like CSL, 3HK, and others. You can insert a primary nano-SIM card from your preferred carrier into the SIM tray, and either use a second physical SIM or an eSIM (embedded SIM) for the secondary line.
The dual SIM setup allows you to switch phone numbers for calls and choose which line handles mobile data. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who need to separate work and personal communications or frequently travel between Hong Kong and other regions.
How to Use Dual SIM with Two Nano-SIM Cards
Setting up dual SIM functionality on iPhones is straightforward.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Insert Primary SIM | Insert your primary nano-SIM card into the SIM tray. |
| 2. Add Second SIM | Insert a second physical nano-SIM card into the SIM tray or activate an eSIM with your carrier. |
| 3. Configure Dual SIM Settings | Go to the Settings app to configure dual SIM settings: |
| 3.1 Label Each Line | Label each line (e.g., “Personal” and “Work”). |
| 3.2 Specify Default Number | Specify which number to use for calls, data, and messaging by default. |
| 4. Enable Cellular Data Switching | If needed, enable “Allow Cellular Data Switching” to use both voice and data while on a call. |
| 5. Check Carrier Compatibility | Ensure that your carrier supports dual SIM functionality and that your iPhone is unlocked if you want to use two different carriers. |
| 6. Manage Cellular Settings | To change which number uses cellular data: |
| – Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data. | |
| – Tap the number you want to use for cellular data. | |
| – Turn on “Allow Cellular Data Switching” if desired. | |
| 7. Use Two Phone Numbers | Both numbers can make and receive calls, send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS. |
| 8. 5G and Dual SIM | To use 5G with Dual SIM on iPhone 12 models or later, ensure you have iOS 14.5 or later. |
| 9. Switch Phone Numbers for Calls | You can switch phone numbers before making a call: |
| – Enter the phone number in the Phone app. | |
| – Tap the current phone number near the top of the screen. | |
| – Select the number you want to use. |
Ensuring proper activation of dual SIM for calls and data may require checking carrier compatibility, enabling necessary features like “Allow Cellular Data Switching,” and potentially addressing any usage issues that arise.
Activating Dual SIM on iPhone in Hong Kong
To activate dual SIM on your iPhone in Hong Kong, you’ll need to set up both lines with your respective carriers.
Once the lines are active, you can enable dual SIM features within the iOS Settings app. Here, you can customize labels, manage cellular data usage for each SIM, and choose which line handles voice calls, FaceTime, and mobile data by default.
It’s also essential to check with your carriers for any specific dual SIM requirements, potential additional fees, or data usage policies that may apply.
Utilizing Dual SIM Features for 5G Connectivity
iPhones sold in Hong Kong support two physical nano-SIM cards, enabling dual SIM functionality. For 5G-capable models like the iPhone 12 series and later, 5G connectivity is available in dual SIM mode, but only on one line at a time.
Users can switch which line uses cellular data, including 5G, through the Settings app.
This allows for flexibility in managing data usage across both lines.
While one line can utilize 5G for faster speeds, the other remains on 4G/LTE or 3G.
The “Allow Cellular Data Switching” feature enables simultaneous use of voice on one line and data on the other. To fully benefit from 5G in dual SIM mode, both carriers need to support 5G networks, and users should ensure they’re in an area with 5G coverage.
This setup offers Hong Kong iPhone users the advantages of dual SIM functionality alongside the benefits of 5G technology, albeit with some limitations on simultaneous 5G usage.
Ensuring Proper Activation of Dual SIM for Calls and Data
While setting up dual SIM is generally straightforward, there may be instances where you encounter issues with calls or data connectivity on one or both lines.
Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Verify that both SIM cards are properly activated with their respective carriers
- Check that you’ve enabled “Allow Cellular Data Switching” in Settings for seamless data handoff between SIMs
- Ensure that you’ve selected the correct default line for calls, data, and messaging under the Dual SIM settings
- Restart your iPhone to refresh the cellular connections
- Contact your carriers if the issue persists, as they may need to update settings on their end
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve the most common dual SIM activation and usage issues, ensuring a smooth experience with your dual SIM iPhone in Hong Kong.
