iOS 27 Lets You Use One Phone Number on Two iPhones – Here’s How

What Is iPhone Handoff in iOS 27?

With iOS 27, Apple has introduced iPhone Handoff, a feature that lets you use the same phone number on two compatible iPhones without manually transferring your eSIM every time.

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For example, you could use an iPhone 18 Pro during the week and switch to a smaller iPhone when traveling or exercising.

The key limitation is that only one iPhone can use the shared cellular number at a time. Unlocking the other device automatically makes it the active phone.

1. What You Need Before Getting Started

Before setting up iPhone Handoff, make sure:

• Both iPhones run iOS 27 or later.

• Both devices use the same Apple Account.

• Your phone number uses eSIM rather than a physical SIM.

• Both iPhones have Wi-Fi access during setup.

• Messages in iCloud is enabled, and both phones use the same Apple Account for iMessage and FaceTime.

• Your mobile carrier supports iPhone Handoff.

Carrier support is essential. Updating to iOS 27 alone won’t enable the feature on an unsupported network.

2. How to Set Up iPhone Handoff

Setting up the feature takes only a few steps if your carrier supports it.

1. On your second iPhone, open Settings.

2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Service.

3. Select Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.

4. Choose Use Number on This iPhone and Another.

5. Tap Continue.

6. Follow the instructions to designate your main and secondary iPhones.

Your second iPhone receives a companion eSIM, allowing the shared number to move between devices.

3. How to Switch Between Two iPhones

Once setup is complete, switching is surprisingly simple.

Just unlock the iPhone you want to use.

The selected iPhone becomes active for cellular service, while the other device becomes inactive on the mobile network.

You’ll see a “Switched to this iPhone” notification confirming the change.

4. What Happens to Calls, Messages and Find My?

When you switch devices, iPhone Handoff transfers the active cellular connection for:

• Phone calls and voicemail

• SMS, MMS, RCS and iMessage

• Cellular data

• Find My location sharing

Your other iCloud information continues syncing between both devices as usual.

However, some third-party apps, particularly banking apps, may require additional verification when switching phones.

5. Does iPhone Handoff Work With Apple Watch?

Not automatically. Your Apple Watch remains paired with its original iPhone, even when you switch your cellular number to another device.

Apple recommends pairing your watch with the iPhone you use most frequently.

Some Apple Wallet items, including certain transit cards and digital IDs, may also remain restricted to one device.

6. Can You Turn Off iPhone Handoff?

Yes, but you may need to contact your mobile carrier.

Simply deleting the companion eSIM doesn’t necessarily cancel the service or stop recurring charges.

If you no longer need iPhone Handoff, request cancellation through your carrier.

Final Verdict

iPhone Handoff is one of the most practical additions to iOS 27 for people who regularly use two iPhones.

Instead of manually transferring an eSIM, you can unlock either phone and continue using the same number for calls, messages and cellular connectivity.

The biggest limitations are carrier support, possible monthly fees and the fact that only one iPhone can be active at a time.

If you own two compatible iPhones and your carrier supports the feature, iPhone Handoff could make switching devices much more convenient.

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