Keeping WhatsApp and Your UK Number When You Use a Travel eSIM

You can keep WhatsApp and your UK number working while a travel eSIM provides your mobile data. WhatsApp is tied to your phone number account, not to the SIM that carries your internet connection, so it carries on as normal on your UK number. Leave your UK SIM installed for calls and texts with roaming switched off, and set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line. You do not need to re-verify WhatsApp or change your number.

Why WhatsApp keeps your UK number

When you first set up WhatsApp, it sent a code to your UK number to confirm it was yours. After that, WhatsApp only needs an internet connection. It does not care whether that connection comes from Wi-Fi, your UK SIM or a travel eSIM.

So when you switch mobile data to a travel eSIM:

• Your contacts still see your usual UK number.
• Your chats, groups and backups stay exactly as they were.
• WhatsApp voice and video calls work over the eSIM's data.

The one thing to avoid is re-registering WhatsApp, or using the "change number" option, with the travel eSIM. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, and changing number would move your account away from your UK number. If WhatsApp ever asks you to verify again, stop and check before going ahead, because a code would be sent to your UK number by SMS.

How dual SIM works with a travel eSIM

Most recent phones can run two lines at once: your UK SIM (physical or eSIM) and a travel eSIM. Each line can be given a job:

• UK line: calls and texts, with data roaming off.
• Travel eSIM: mobile data, with data roaming on if the plan instructions say so.

Before you buy, check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked with our device compatibility checker. For more background on the settings, see dual SIM settings before you fly.

Step by step on iPhone

1. Install the travel eSIM using the QR code or link from your order. Label it "Travel" and your UK line "UK" when asked.
2. Go to Settings > Mobile Service (or Mobile Data) and set Mobile Data to the Travel line.
3. Turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching, so the phone cannot fall back to your UK line for data.
4. Tap your UK line and turn Data Roaming off. Leave the line itself switched on if you want to receive calls and texts.
5. Set Default Voice Line to UK.
6. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > iMessage (on older iOS, Settings > Messages) and under Send & Receive make sure your UK number is ticked. Do the same for FaceTime.
7. Once you arrive, check you can open a web page with Wi-Fi turned off.

Keeping your UK number selected for iMessage and FaceTime means people who message your UK number reach you as usual, over the travel eSIM's data.

Step by step on Android

Menu names vary between manufacturers and software versions, but the steps are similar.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
2. Under preferred SIM, set Mobile data to the travel eSIM and Calls and Text messages to your UK SIM.
3. Turn off Auto data switching if it is shown.
4. Go to Connections > Mobile networks, select your UK SIM and turn Data roaming off.

Google Pixel

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Select the travel eSIM, turn on Mobile data and, if the plan instructions say so, Roaming.
3. Select your UK SIM and turn Roaming off.
4. Set the preferred SIM for calls and SMS to your UK SIM.

Our eSIM no-data troubleshooting checklist helps if data does not start working on arrival.

Receiving bank texts and security codes abroad

Many banks and online services still send one-time passcodes by SMS. Because your UK line stays switched on, it can receive these texts while you are away, even with data roaming off. Data roaming only controls mobile data, not calls and texts.

• Receiving texts abroad is usually free on UK networks, but check your own network's roaming terms, especially outside Europe.
• Answering calls on your UK line abroad can be charged, depending on your plan and destination.
• Sending texts may also be charged outside your plan's inclusions.

Before you travel, it is worth checking whether your bank app can approve payments in the app instead of by SMS, and making sure your contact details are up to date.

Wi-Fi calling

Wi-Fi calling lets your UK line make and receive calls and texts over an internet connection. Whether it works abroad, and how it is charged, depends on your UK network. Some networks support it in many countries, others restrict it. Check your network's website before relying on it.

On iPhone, you will find it under Settings > Mobile Service > your UK line > Wi-Fi Calling. On Android, look in the call settings or your SIM's network settings. Note that Wi-Fi calling generally needs a Wi-Fi network rather than another SIM's mobile data, although some phones and networks allow it over the other line's data.

Frequently asked questions

Will my WhatsApp number change if I use a travel eSIM?

No. WhatsApp stays on your UK number. The eSIM simply provides the internet connection. Do not re-verify or use the change number option.

Can people still call my UK number?

Yes, if your UK line stays switched on. Your network's roaming charges for receiving calls apply. WhatsApp calls use data instead.

Will I still get iMessages to my UK number?

Yes, as long as your UK number stays ticked under Send and Receive in iMessage settings and your phone has a data connection.

Should I turn data roaming off on my UK SIM?

Yes. This stops your UK line using mobile data abroad, which is where roaming charges usually add up. Calls and texts still work.

Can I receive bank verification texts abroad?

Usually yes, as long as your UK line is switched on and has a signal. Receiving texts is often free, but check your network's terms.