Secret Codes guide
Choose Your Default Line on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 3 min read
Quick answer
Decide which number calls and texts go out from. With two lines active, iOS needs to know which one to use by default for calls, messages and cellular data. You can also set a specific line for an individual contact, which overrides the default for them.
| What it does | Decide which number calls and texts go out from. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Decide which number calls and texts go out from. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Choose Your Default Line?
With two lines active, iOS needs to know which one to use by default for calls, messages and cellular data. You can also set a specific line for an individual contact, which overrides the default for them.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular.
- Tap Default Voice Line and choose a line.
- Tap Cellular Data to choose which line carries data.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | iPhone XS and later with two active lines. |

Related sim and esim
- Label Your Dual-SIM Lines
- Find Your iPhone's Serial Number
- Find Your Own Phone Number
- Set A SIM PIN
- Remove An eSIM
- Transfer An eSIM To A New iPhone
See all sim and esim or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.
Frequently asked questions
What is Choose Your Default Line on iPhone?
Decide which number calls and texts go out from. With two lines active, iOS needs to know which one to use by default for calls, messages and cellular data. You can also set a specific line for an individual contact, which overrides the default for them.
What are the steps for Choose Your Default Line?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Cellular. 3. Tap Default Voice Line and choose a line. 4. Tap Cellular Data to choose which line carries data.
Where do I find Choose Your Default Line?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Choose Your Default Line?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Choose Your Default Line work on?
It is published for any iPhone. iPhone XS and later with two active lines.
Does Choose Your Default Line work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Choose Your Default Line work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Choose Your Default Line does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Choose Your Default Line?
Label Your Dual-SIM Lines. Name each line so you always know which one is calling.
What else is in this category?
Find Your iPhone's Serial Number. The identifier Apple Support and warranty checks use.
Can I find Choose Your Default Line in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Can I save Choose Your Default Line for later?
Yes. In Secret Codes you can save it to your favourites and add a private note, which stays on your iPhone.