Keep your WhatsApp and home number with a travel eSIM
Yes. WhatsApp stays on your usual number, and your home SIM stays in your phone. Use the travel eSIM for data and keep your home line on for texts, with its roaming off.
Do this now
- Install your travel eSIM and keep your home SIM in place.
- Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line.
- Keep your home line switched on so texts reach you.
- Turn data roaming off on your home line.
- Open WhatsApp: your chats, groups and number are all there.
How dual SIM works
Your phone can run two lines at once: your home SIM (or home eSIM) and your travel eSIM. You choose which line does what. The smart set-up for travel:
- Mobile data: the travel eSIM.
- Calls and texts: your home line.
- iMessage and FaceTime (iPhone): your home number.
WhatsApp keeps your number
WhatsApp is linked to your phone number, not to the SIM that carries the data. Switch data to the travel eSIM and WhatsApp carries on with the same number, the same chats and the same groups. No new verification, no new account.
Bank codes and texts still arrive
Keep your home line switched on and texts from your bank, airline or family still reach you. Turn data roaming off on the home line so it never uses data abroad. Your home network may charge for calls you take on it, so check their roaming prices.
Set it up in two minutes
Our iPhone guide and Android guide show exactly where each setting lives. Then see calls and texts on a travel eSIM for staying in touch over data.
Will WhatsApp ask me to verify my number again?
No. WhatsApp stays on your existing number. You're only changing which line carries the data.
Do I need to take my home SIM out?
No. Leave it in. Your phone runs both lines side by side.
Will iMessage keep my number?
Yes. Choose your home number for iMessage and FaceTime when you install the eSIM on iPhone.
