A method and a device for performing communication by using a virtual subscriber identity module are used to provide a mode in which the device can perform communication without a SIM card. The method includes: receiving, by a first device, a virtual subscriber identity module data package sent by a second device by using a short range communications protocol, where the virtual subscriber identity module data package carries a virtual subscriber identity, and the virtual subscriber identity is used to uniquely identify a user using the first device when the first device performs communication in a network provided by a mobile communications operator; obtaining, by the first device, the virtual subscriber identity by using the virtual subscriber identity module data package; and communicating, by the first device by using the virtual subscriber identity, with another device in the network provided by the mobile communications operator.