eSIM Tips

Does an eSIM Change Your Phone Number?

Installing an eSIM does not change your phone number. Your phone number remains linked to your carrier, and you can continue to preserve it while using eSIM for data and international calls.

eSIM technology is a significant advancement in mobile communication, providing a more flexible and efficient way to manage your mobile connection. A common question that comes up when moving to eSIM is whether it will change your phone number. This post will clarify whether eSIM affects your phone number and what you need to know before making the switch.


phone number on a smartphone screen


Does Installing an eSIM Change My Phone Number?

No, installing an eSIM does not change your phone number. eSIM is a digital version of the physical SIM card, and your phone number is linked to your subscription account with your carrier, not the type of SIM card. Therefore, activating an eSIM will not result in any change to your phone number. However, if you are porting your number to a new carrier or plan, you may need to follow the necessary steps for number portability with your carrier.

When Can Your Phone Number Change?

While eSIM itself does not change your phone number, there are certain situations where your number may change. If you activate a new mobile service plan, a new number may be assigned. This can happen if you switch to a new carrier or service plan that does not support number portability. Additionally, if you are using a data-only eSIM, which typically does not provide a phone number, your primary phone number remains unchanged, but the eSIM will not be linked to a number. Some eSIM providers, like Roamless, allow you to keep your primary number while offering data and calling features during your travels.

​​How eSIM Helps You Keep Your Existing Number

eSIM provides several benefits that can help you maintain your existing phone number while enjoying the flexibility and convenience of digital SIM technology:


  • No need for a physical SIM card: eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, allowing you to keep your current number without needing to insert a new card when switching carriers or plans.

  • Use eSIM for local data plans and calls while keeping your number: With eSIM, you can continue using your primary phone number while also benefiting from local data plans when traveling abroad, allowing you to avoid roaming charges and access affordable internet services.

Pro Tips for Switching to eSIM

When switching to eSIM, here are a few important things to keep in mind:


  • Check if your device is compatible with eSIM: Ensure that your phone or device supports eSIM and is unlocked for use with different networks.

  • Verify the eSIM activation process with your provider: If using a local carrier's eSIM, check their activation process and whether they allow number portability. For global eSIM providers like Roamless, the process is simplified and doesn’t require carrier compatibility checks.

  • Ensure correct activation settings: Follow the activation instructions provided by your eSIM provider to set it up properly on your device.

  • Consider your data needs for international travel: Look for an eSIM provider that offers data plans specifically designed for travel to avoid expensive roaming charges.

How to Make International Calls with Roamless eSIM

Roamless eSIM allows you to make international calls while keeping your existing phone number, without the need for a local SIM card. Here’s how it works:


  • Make international calls to 200+ destinations: Roamless allows you to make international calls starting at $0.01 per minute through the app, which works on any device with an internet connection. These calls are made through the app, not using your existing phone line directly.

  • Avoid roaming charges: By using Roamless in-app call feature, you can avoid roaming charges that would otherwise apply if you were using your regular phone line for international calls.

  • No additional plans or commitments: There are no separate calling plans or upfront commitments. You simply pay as you go, using the balance in your Roamless wallet for calls, with no hidden fees.

  • Integrated with your contacts: The Roamless app is integrated with your contacts, so you can easily dial international numbers. Just make sure to include the country code when dialing.

Learn more about this option on our page for Cheap International Calling. You can also check out our guide on Best International Calling Apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using Roamless eSIM change my phone number?

- No, using Roamless eSIM does not change your phone number. Your number remains linked to your carrier, not the type of SIM card. You can continue using your existing number while using Roamless eSIM.

Do I need to turn off my primary phone line when using Roamless eSIM?

- To avoid roaming charges, make sure data roaming is turned off for your primary cellular plan. Roamless eSIM allows you to use local data plans without additional roaming charges from your primary carrier.

How can I make international calls with Roamless eSIM?

- You can make international calls through the Roamless app to over 200 destinations, starting at $0.01 per minute, using your Roamless wallet balance.

Do I need a local SIM card to make international calls with Roamless eSIM?

- No, with Roamless eSIM, you don’t need a local SIM card. You can make international calls directly through the app, regardless of your SIM card.

eSIM Tips

Does an eSIM Change Your Phone Number?

Installing an eSIM does not change your phone number. Your phone number remains linked to your carrier, and you can continue to preserve it while using eSIM for data and international calls.

Installing an eSIM does not change your phone number. Your phone number remains linked to your carrier, and you can continue to preserve it while using eSIM for data and international calls.

Written by

Roamless

Published on

31 Oct 2025

Updated on

31 Oct 2025

Share on

Similar readings

Single Global eSIM™. 200+ destinations

Single Global eSIM™. 200+ destinations

Single Global eSIM™. 200+ destinations

Change countries, not eSIMs or plans.
Roamless switches between countries and networks automatically.

More countries, better rates, no expiration

We’ve expanded our coverage and made price updates,
offering more flexibility and value for your travels.

More countries, better rates, no expiration

We’ve expanded our coverage and made price updates,
offering more flexibility and value for your travels.



We’ve expanded our coverage and made price updates, offering more flexibility and value for your travels.