How to use dual SIM cards on your Android phone

Fast fix 

On your Android™ phone:

1. Open Settings, then tap Connections. 
2. Tap SIM card manager.
3. Tap the SIM card you want to activate. 
4. Slide the switch to On.
5. Tap Name, type in a name for the SIM card, then tap Done. 

Do you need to keep your work and personal phone accounts separate? Many of us do, but it’s awkward juggling two devices. Here’s a solution: try using a dual SIM phone. We’ll show you how. Asurion Experts help fix all your tech whether you don’t have service or you want to unblock a number on your Android phone. Here’s our guide on using dual SIM cards on your Android phone. 

What’s a dual SIM card phone?

A SIM card, or Subscriber Identity Module, is a small chip that stores data and connects your smartphone to a mobile network. If you’ve got a dual SIM card phone, you can get an additional card from your carrier and use two SIM cards to switch between two separate mobile phone numbers and data plans on one device. Cool, right? 

The dual SIM card feature is handy if you want to keep your work and personal calls and texts separate or if you travel frequently and want to avoid roaming fees by switching from one SIM card to another (so you can use a local cellular plan) during your trip. 

How does a dual SIM card work?

Dual SIM card phones have two SIM card slots. When you insert two SIM cards, you can easily switch between your two phone numbers and use them however you like: one SIM card could be for calls and texts, and the other for data, or both can be used for phone calls, texts, and data. Your choice. 

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Will my Android phone work with dual SIM cards?

Many new Android phone models, like the Samsung® Galaxy S24 and the Google® Pixel 8, come with the dual SIM card feature. Check with your device manufacturer to see if the phone you have or the mobile device you want to buy works with dual SIM cards. 

Or, simply remove the SIM card tray on your device, and take a look. Depending on your Android model, your SIM tray will be located on the bottom-left edge of your device or on the side or top edge. Then: 

1. Open the tray.
2. If it says SIM2 on the tray, it’s a dual SIM. 

Check out our guide if you need help opening the tray or removing or inserting a SIM card. 

How to activate dual SIM cards

Once you’ve securely placed both SIM cards in the tray, here’s how to activate them:

1. Open Settings, then tap Connections. 
2. Tap SIM card manager.
3. Tap the SIM card you would like to activate. 
4. Slide the switch to On. 
5. Tap Name, type in a name for the SIM card, then tap Done. 
6. Repeat the steps for the second card. 

How to switch between SIM cards on your Android

Instructions may vary depending on your dual SIM device, but if you’ve activated both SIM cards, you can easily switch which one you are using. Here’s how to switch between SIM cards on most Samsung dual SIM card phones:

Using the Settings app

1. Open Settings > Connections.
2. Tap SIM Card Manager. 
3. Tap the SIM card you want to switch to. 

Using the Phone app

1. Type the name of the person you want to call or text. 
2. Tap the SIM card icon that appears at the bottom of the screen to switch between SIM cards.