Apple introduced a useful new feature in iOS 27 called iPhone Handoff, allowing users to share the same phone number between two iPhones. Instead of transferring your SIM whenever you switch phones, you can use either device and stay connected through the same number.
This is particularly useful if you carry a personal iPhone and a second device for work or travel.
What Is iPhone Handoff?
iPhone Handoff lets you use one phone number on two compatible iPhones. Your primary iPhone keeps the main eSIM, while the second device receives a companion eSIM.
Only one iPhone is active on the cellular network at a time. When you unlock the other device, it automatically becomes active.
Your calls, voicemail, messages, and Find My location follow the iPhone you’re currently using.
What You Need Before Setting It Up
Make sure you have:
- Two iPhones running iOS 27 or later.
- The same Apple Account signed in on both devices.
- Wi-Fi enabled during setup.
- FaceTime and iMessage enabled with the same account.
- Messages in iCloud turned on.
- A participating mobile carrier that supports iPhone Handoff.
Carrier support is essential, and additional subscription charges may apply.
How to Set Up iPhone Handoff
If you already own both iPhones, follow these steps:
- Pick up the second iPhone you want to add.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular.
- Select Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Choose Use Number on This iPhone and Another.
- Tap Continue.
- Follow the instructions displayed on both iPhones.
- Complete the setup and test a phone call.
Once activated, you can switch between the two devices simply by unlocking the iPhone you want to use.
How Does Switching Between iPhones Work?
The process is designed to be automatic.
For example, imagine you’re using your primary iPhone at work and want to switch to your secondary iPhone before going out.
Simply unlock the second device. It becomes the active phone for your shared number, while the first iPhone becomes inactive on the cellular network.
You’ll see a confirmation message indicating that the number has switched to the new device.
Which Carriers Support iPhone Handoff?
Carrier support is currently limited. T-Mobile in the United States and Deutsche Telekom in Germany are among the supported launch carriers.
Not every mobile operator supports this feature, and availability depends on the country and carrier plan.
If you’re in Nepal, check with your mobile operator before purchasing a second iPhone specifically for this feature. Ordinary eSIM transfer is not the same as iPhone Handoff.
Final Verdict
iPhone Handoff is a convenient addition to iOS 27 for people who regularly use two iPhones. Sharing one phone number without repeatedly transferring an eSIM makes switching devices much easier.
However, carrier compatibility and possible subscription fees are important considerations. Check availability with your mobile operator before trying to set it up.
Note: iPhone Handoff is different from Apple’s traditional Handoff feature, which lets you continue activities such as browsing Safari or writing emails across Apple devices.
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