What happens to my existing SIM number after installing an eSIM?

This depends on the type of Community Fibre eSIM you wish to purchase and how you wish to use it.

For regular use in the UK

You can purchase one Unlimited UK eSIM per device. If you already have a physical SIM in your phone, you’ll be able to keep using this number unless you choose to port your number to Community Fibre (in this case, your old SIM will no longer be able to receive calls or texts). Usually only one SIM profile can be used to receive calls at any given time. However, some newer devices may allow more than one.

If you do not wish to port your old number, and choose to get a new Community Fibre number, you’ll be able to manually switch between your physical SIM and eSIM yourself within your phone's settings.

It’s good to keep in mind that if you wish for your Community Fibre Unlimited UK eSIM to be your main mobile number, then you should set this to the default line from your phone's settings.

For travelling abroad

You can purchase as many Travel eSIM plans as you wish, however you’ll only be able to have one plan active at any given time. Your data access will depend on your chosen plan duration.

It’s also possible to configure your device and use your regular SIM for receiving mobile calls and SMS, and your Community Fibre Travel eSIM for data roaming, WhatsApp calls and messages. This might be handy if you wish to keep one number for work and another for personal use.