# How to Set Up iPhone Handoff in iOS 27 (And What Carriers Are Charging)

> Learn how to set up iPhone Handoff in iOS 27 to share one number across two iPhones. Discover carrier support, pricing for T-Mobile and Telekom, and limitations.

- Canonical URL: https://coreiten.com/en/article/how-to-set-up-iphone-handoff-in-ios-27-and-what-carriers-are-charging
- Language: en
- Section: iOS
- Author: Sami
- Published: 2026-09-26T14:03:20+03:00
- Modified: 2026-09-26T14:03:20+03:00
- Publisher: CoreITen (https://coreiten.com)
- Keywords: iPhone Handoff, iOS 27, eSIM, Apple Account, T-Mobile, Telekom, Dual SIM

## Summary

Apple's iOS 27 introduces iPhone Handoff to instantly shift a single cellular number between two iPhones, though carriers charge extra monthly fees for the service.

- T-Mobile charges $5 per month for the feature in the United States, while Telekom in Germany charges €6.95 per month.
- Verizon and EE plan to launch support later this year, but AT&T has not committed to supporting iPhone Handoff.
- When switching devices, all calls, voicemails, and messages move to the active iPhone, and it takes over Find My location broadcasting.
- Apple Watch pairing does not automatically switch to the newly active iPhone, meaning it should stay paired to the primary device.

**Why it matters:** This feature creates a new recurring carrier fee for multi-device convenience, signaling how network providers are monetizing Apple's device ecosystem.

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Apple's newly released iOS 27 introduces iPhone Handoff, a premium eSIM feature that allows users to seamlessly swap a single active phone number between two different iPhones. Unlike the standard Handoff feature designed for continuing app tasks across Apple devices, this carrier-level integration shifts your cellular connection instantly when you unlock your secondary device. The number remains active on only one iPhone at a time, preventing the need for two independently active lines.

When a user switches phones using iPhone Handoff, all calls, voicemails, and messages - including iMessage, RCS, SMS, and MMS - move to the active iPhone. The system displays a "Switched to this iPhone" confirmation screen to verify the transition. Simultaneously, the active device takes over the Find My location broadcasting. While iCloud data syncs automatically, Apple notes that some third-party applications, particularly banking apps, may require separate sign-ins or manual access approval on the secondary device.

Hardware accessories and digital wallets carry specific limitations during the transition. If you own an Apple Watch, its pairing will not automatically switch to the newly active iPhone, meaning users should keep it paired to their primary device. Additionally, certain Wallet items like transit passes and digital IDs may only function on one device at a time, and carrier services like Call Forwarding and Caller ID remain permanently tied to the main iPhone.

### Carrier Support and Monthly Pricing

Because iPhone Handoff requires network-level eSIM coordination, availability is currently limited to select carriers, and it comes with an additional monthly fee. Both eSIMs must be from carriers that explicitly support the feature.

| Carrier | Region | Monthly Pricing & Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| T-Mobile | United States | $5 per month |
| Telekom | Germany | €6.95 per month (Included free with MagentaMobil L and XL plans) |
| Verizon | United States | Launching later this year |
| EE | United Kingdom | Launching later this year |

AT&T has not committed to supporting iPhone Handoff, with a spokesperson directing users to the carrier's existing eSIM activation and transfer options instead. Users should also note that simply deleting the eSIM from the device will not stop the monthly billing; canceling the service requires contacting the carrier directly.

### How to Set Up iPhone Handoff

To use the feature, both iPhones must be running iOS 27 or later. They must also be connected to Wi-Fi, sharing the exact same Apple Account, using Messages in iCloud for sync, and signed into FaceTime and iMessage. The feature is compatible with Dual SIM setups, provided both eSIMs are configured separately.

If both iPhones are already set up and in use, follow these steps on the device you want to add:

1. Open the **Settings** app and tap **Cellular**.
2. Tap **Set Up Cellular** or **Add eSIM**.
3. Choose **Use Number on This iPhone and Another**.
4. Follow the onscreen prompts to designate your main iPhone and your secondary iPhone.

If you are replacing an iPhone that already uses iPhone Handoff, place the new device next to your existing phones and follow these steps:

1. On the replacement iPhone, open **Settings**.
2. Tap **Cellular**, then tap **Set up Cellular** or **Add eSIM**.
3. Select the old iPhone from the list and tap **Continue**.
4. Tap **Transfer**. If your carrier blocks companion eSIM transfers, you must tap **Continue** on the old iPhone to re-enroll in the service.
5. Tap **Continue** and follow the final onscreen prompts on both devices.

### The Hidden Cost of Multi-Device Convenience

The introduction of iPhone Handoff highlights a shifting dynamic in how carriers monetize cellular convenience. By charging $5 or €6.95 monthly for a feature that utilizes an already-paid-for cellular line, networks like T-Mobile and Telekom are treating seamless device switching as a premium luxury rather than a standard network capability. This sets a clear precedent: as Apple builds deeper multi-device ecosystems, carriers will find ways to toll the bridge between them.

Despite the cost, this feature solves a major friction point for specific demographics. Business professionals who split their time between a work phone and a personal phone, or users who prefer carrying a smaller device on weekends, no longer have to deal with the cumbersome process of manually transferring an eSIM or paying for a completely separate data plan. However, the lack of automatic Apple Watch switching remains a glaring ecosystem gap that Apple will need to address in future iOS 27 point updates.

## Sources

- [macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/iphone-handoff-how-it-works-carrier-support-cost/)

## Related topics

- [iPhone Handoff](https://coreiten.com/en/topic/iphone-handoff)
- [iOS 27](https://coreiten.com/en/topic/ios-27)