Dual SIM’s
 

Any one have experience with active dual SIM usage?

Is there a way to have both operational at the same time?


ie. When on a call with Sim number one, Sim number 2 rings and I could

put 1 on hold and answer caller on 2?


Current phone is Pixel 6 with Android 12, also have older iPhone.

for typical dual sim phones (without DSDV), the workaround is to have callforwarding between 2nd sim to 1st sim
( I believe Pixel 6 doesn't have DSDV)

how old is your iPhone?
newer iPhones have this DSDV. i believe both lines must support VoLTE for this to work
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads...m-q-a.2150226/

For several years you did not even need dual sims for a second call on your primary line to give you the Hold/Answer/Decline options on iPhones at least. The newer dual sim lines operate the same and have been this way since 2018 with the XR and XS.

I activated an esim in Dec. 2018 and had a second line also active since then. The feature was called DSDS or Dual Sim/Dual Service and had some limitations but the voice service was fine and is described on the Apple website.

Found this definition at GSMArena…

This specifies whether a device is capable of supporting two SIM cards. The two major types of dual-SIM phones are active and standby. Dual-SIM Standby (DSS) requires the user to specify which of the two SIMs is able to make and receive calls, while Dual-SIM Active (DSA) enables both cards to receive calls at the same time. This latter feature usually requires an additional transceiver for the secondary SIM card, and as such consumes more battery life. More recent models feature Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology which enables them to have two active SIMs with only one transceiver.


Can anyone speak to if the Pixel 6 (with Android 12) supports this Active switching?

Pixel's have DSDS, not DSA:

https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9449293

Not sure if that supports your use case above. DSDS works just fine (though I have a Pixel 5) but I've never tried to put a call on hold on one number while picking up another (my 2nd SIM is data-only so I can't test it).

how does this work for texting? I have Line2 for my business phone number and not particularly fond of their service. I am thinking to get a talk/text prepaid or postpaid account with Verizon for better coverage to use for the business line, and keep my primary on TMobile, but not sure if you can integrate the messaging from both numbers into the messaging app, and have it reply from the correct SIM number?

It will depend on the messaging app.

so iMessage will only connect with one SIM at a time?

​​​​​​Can't answer that - I've never used it.

Yes you can do this. That’s a baseline feature in a modern dual SIM phone.

Both lines should work for iMessage just fine. You can also add the second line as a "trusted" number on your AppleID and it can be used for recovery/verification (granted, less relevant if on the same iPhone). SMS (green bubbles) work right away. Once Apple detects that the second line is active on an Apple device, you can enable iMessage and you'll start getting iMessage (blue bubbles) messages thereafter.

I have an iPhone 13 Pro with a T-Mobile SIM (primary) and a Google Fi (secondary, runs on T-Mo) SIM for international data at uncapped speeds. Haven't had a chance to test the international coverage, but I ported in my Google Voice number and everything was working fine within ~5min of getting it all setup. iOS will display a small letter (e.g. T or G in my case) denoting which line the call or text originates from. In all, it's seamless on Apple devices.

On iPhones you can choose which line(s) you wish to be active for text messages. These options are in Settings-Messages-Send & Receive. Currently my phone is set to 2 phone numbers and email, for 3 total. I can also choose which line I wish to "Start New Conversations From" while in the Send & Receive settings.

This is great, thank you! Now the bad news I discovered is Verizon no longer offers a strict voice/text plan so this option is out the window. Their MVNO partners don't offer international coverage and I won't be able to do wifi calling on that line.

Starting with iOS 13, Apple devices support Wi-Fi Calling over the mobile data of the other line. Specifically: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044

Wi-Fi Calling is a bit of a misnomer. You can think of it as the primary line is using the secondary line's data connection as if it were a Wi-Fi Hotspot (really it's "primary carrier sends traffic over data connection owned by second/third-parties").

You'll know when this feature is working when your secondary carrier shows as "using Cellular Data" (e.g. "AT&T using Cellular Data"). All calls (Traditional/VoLTE) and texts (SMS and iMessage) work as if you were connected to Wi-Fi.

To get this working, you'll need to enable Wi-Fi Calling on both carriers (and both carriers must support that feature on iPhones) and then turn off LTE on one line to force it to use the data connection of the other.

Here's what I do with an iPhone 13 Pro:

I have primary cell service through T-Mobile (eSIM) . Unlimited plan gives free international roaming, albeit at kneecapped 2G speeds (3G in Canada/Mexico). It's good enough for texts (either SMS/iMessage) and basic Google/Maps searches. You can pay a bit more to add the "double speed" addon which bumps you up to 256kbps (3G or so) if you want to keep things simple.

My phone also has a physical SIM tray that is unoccupied after moving T-Mobile to eSIM. When traveling internationally, you can buy a cheap local SIM (e.g. 10GB LTE), pop that into the physical tray, and use that for much faster data (e.g. Maps, YouTube video, whatever).

Alternately, I've added a Google Fi (physical) SIM into my phone. Google Fi plans have unlimited data with uncapped speeds worldwide (either $70/mo. fixed or $10/GB pay as you go), but you're limited to LTE on iPhones due to lack of 5G support. This is probably not an issue given the current state of 5G deployment worldwide (i.e. nonexistent).

In practice you can mix and match in whatever way best suits you (e.g. personal cell plan on one eSIM, office-paid cell plan on other eSIM or physical SIM, etc.). The critical part here really is that Apple has made it really easy to use two SIMs concurrently, and like with most other things Apple, "it just works" :D

Dual SIM also "just works" on my 2018 Google phone. Let's not get our minds blown by technology that was here 4 years ago. :)

Um, my Nokia from 2010 says hi…. :D
(Granted, limited data usage.)

To be fair, iPhones did get dual sim capabilities with the XS in 2018 too. Still, it is just not used all that much, guess people just feel better with two phones (or the eSIM thing makes things difficult).

Polytonic,

I thought Google Fi international data roaming rates are $10 per Gb, not the $1 you posted?

"Alternately, Google Fi plans have unlimited data with uncapped speeds worldwide either $70/mo. fixed or $1/GB pay as you go"

Typo?

Also, I was in Mexico recently and seem to recall getting a 4G indicator and speeds while using my T-Mobile services.

Edited to add: I found this on their website for clarification:

" Mobile Without Borders gives you unlimited calling and texting between the US, Mexico, and Canada.

• Most plans offer a 5GB data allotment (or the max of your plan’s data allotment, whichever comes first) that includes both phone and tethering data usage.
• T-Mobile customers never pay data overages – even if you manage to use up your 4G LTE data, you automatically stay connected with unlimited data at Simple Global speeds (up to 128kbps for most plans and 256kbps for ONE Plus)."

Not really.

Your 2018 Google pixel (3 or 3 xl) has physical sim & esim, but you can only use one at a time, other is completely disabled https://support.google.com/pixelphon...-ability?hl=en

https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/4/20...roid-10-google


your 2018 Samsung might have dual sim dual standby


Only pixel 3a onwards had dual sim dual standby. The info describe above for iPhone is dual volte, not exactly sure when pixel started to support it (second line using WiFi calling over the data connection of first line, so you can actually have calls on both sims at the same time)

I don't see any option for Google Fi international roaming, just a voice/text/data package that is far more expensive than most TMO and ATT plans

Yes, you're right, I missed a zero in there. Whoops! Fixed, haha. Google Fi is indeed $10/GB. I'm on the metered plan, and if I go abroad, I switch to Unlimited for that month.

Functionally speaking, in Canada/Mexico you'll get LTE data speeds if you're on the Magenta or Magenta Max plans, and then unlimited 2G (128kbps) everywhere else in the world. You can pay a bit more to upgrade (one or more lines) to Magenta Max to double the international data rate.

Google Fi doesn't make the distinction between "domestic" and "international" when billing provided you spend more time in the US than you do outside the US (e.g. if you spend 3 months in Thailand, they'll probably cut you off). It's just "pay for whatever you use, wherever you use it" -- and the speeds are uncapped internationally. International SMS/iMessage texts are free. Voice calls are paid, as with any other mobile plan, but if you're on Google Fi and ex-USA, chances are you're calling someone via WhatsApp or WeChat or some other app (i.e. over data). Data is either pay as you go, or if you use >4GB/mo. then consider going for the $70/mo. unlimited plan (you can also freely switch between plans, so you can go unlimited for a month if you're traveling a lot, then drop down to a metered connection when you're back in the US).

It is more expensive relative to your average T-Mobile plan which is why I led with the "buy local SIM card and stick it in the physical slot" option first as it's strictly better value for money (e.g. $5 for 5GB in Asia?). If you're looking for convenience, Google Fi is tough to beat for international use as data speeds aren't kneecapped, and I tend to use a lot more data abroad than I do locally (i.e. less access to Wi-Fi, more Maps/Yelp/etc. usage). Sometimes it's nice just getting off the plane and "it just works" rather than having to hunt down a SIM card vendor, swap the card out, etc.

As a secondary line, Google Fi taxes and fees come out to ~$7.39, so my fixed cost is $27.39/mo. plus $10/GB (functionally a few cents in the US as Google Fi uses T-Mobile towers) and I bump this up to Unlimited as-needed (~$80 all-in for just that month). In comparison, a T-Mobile Essentials single line would run you $60/mo. all in, and you'd have capped international data speeds (or bump it up to Magenta/Magenta Max for that month, ~$85? to get 256kbps download abroad). It's still cheaper to buy local SIM cards of course, but I do like having a real iMessage-enabled cell number attached to a Google Fi SIM that I don't have to swap in and out when I get off the plane.

Are you sure your service address isn't somewhere in Nevada? Because then taxes and fees are as low as $3.04.

Polytonic,

Your statement of:

"Functionally speaking, in Canada/Mexico you'll get LTE data speeds if you're on the Magenta or Magenta Max plans, and then unlimited 2G (128kbps) everywhere else in the world. You can pay a bit more to upgrade (one or more lines) to Magenta Max to double the international data rate."

Is not too accurate since I am on a TM ONE Plan and it has the ONE Plus Promo included for 256kbps international data roaming on all 12 of my lines. If I'm looking for convenience I would seriously consider an after market data esim like Airalo instead of the high priced Google Fi. It is just as easy to use and set up with IMS service with a dual sim phone and keeps my main voice line active while roaming for free calls to and from the US. I can get 5Gb all over Europe @ $20 good for 30 days. Many on this forum have used and recommend Airalo, especially compared to Fi. It has been discussed in the past few pages. I'm pretty surprised you would still consider Fi as a viable alternative. Even T-Mobiles 30 day Global Plus Plan gives 3 times the data (15Gb) and unlimited free calling with 5Gb of tether for $50.

Sure, the T-Mobile ONE plan is pretty good if you have access to it. I don't think it's available to new customers though? Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm less trying to debate the merits of any one particular plan and more just trying to say that there are a lot of great options out there, and you need to figure out which one works the best for your use case. 256kbps is very slow to me, but if it works for you, great!

Airalo is a good option as well, though I don't believe it comes with a phone number? I recall the original line of inquiry followed the "how do two SIMs work in practice on phones" as this is a thread about Dual SIM, and not "what's the best international roaming cell plan" ...

Google Fi is cost effective for me and my use case. I'm sure there are cheaper plans or plans that provide more (fixed amounts of) data. I care about having uncapped data speeds, data-only SIMs, having a real iMessage-enabled phone number, etc.

Well, if you have a dual sim phone you don't really need a data service like Fi because of the IMS feature Apple built in to their iOS. Your main voice line works internationally to and from the US via the simulated WiFi calling on the data sim, 24/7. The Data Pass on T-Mobile is cost effective in comparison with phone service and data pricing.

I get that you like Fi and it has it's place, but I think you left out some critical pros & cons for comparison. The contributing members here seem to have moved away from Fi as more convenient, less expensive alternatives have become available. As an example, a few weeks ago I bought a 7Gb, 360 day, Global data service on sale for $40 from Flexiroam. I probably won't even activate it for a few months and then use it for a few trips to Europe and Asia. The flexibility of esim gives us so many more options. But you are still able to supplement your Fi service with roaming esims if you choose, so you have these options also.

Now that we can all begin to resume our leisure travels, I'd expect to have more feedback and comments about cellular roaming services.

I have T-Mobile Magenta as the primary plan. I am aware I have unlimited international data. It's just very slow. I am aware of the Data Pass option. You are correct, it is more cost effective. I do not deny that in any way.

What exactly have I left out? I've already led with: yes, it's more expensive, yes, most users are better off with prepaid options, yes you won't have 5G on iPhones. Yes, Google Fi objectively sucks in most categories. I've admitted that. What am I missing?

What Google Fi offers me:
1) Real Phone Number
2) Data SIMs
3) Ease-of-Billing
4) Ease-of-Setup (i.e. no swapping)
5) Uncapped Data Speed

If I truly thought it was the best option for the original poster, I wouldn't have led with "you should buy a prepaid SIM" ... I thought I was being helpful by providing some additional context as to what I personally do and evidently that is not the case, so for that, I do apologize. :)

No need to apologize, but some misstatements caused me to post. You do not need to turn off LTE for the IMS function, T-Mobile is not only 3G in Canada & Mexico, $1/Gb, etc. We all are entitled to our favorites and a bit of promotion, but others see our comments and use them for guidance. An advantage Fi DOES have is the included roaming calls. Granted TM Data Pass does also, but you're already paying for Fi and it is convenient. I do see that Three UK simcard on Amazon currently has 4Gb, 30 day, Unlimited Calls/Texts for $17, but you'd have a UK phone number. There are probably lots more deals than I am aware of for travelers, and this forum is a good resource.

Thank you and I see in your earlier post that you got a OnePlus Promo? Did you get the 9/9 Pro? If so what do you think of it?

I am not familiar with 9/9 Pro. Please give me a description when you have a moment.

The Oneplus 9 has Hasselbad camera and 8GB Ram with 128GB storage. Wireless charging and of course dual SIM with 5 G. I love it. The Oneplus 9 Pro is a bit more expensive and I do not need all those bells and whistles.

I am an Apple Fanboy since 2009 and the 3G, so no Oneplus 9.

I posted that I have the One Plus Promo, which is an add on feature for T-Mobile ONE accounts from 2017 for me. It gives free 256kbps international data roaming, 10Gb hotspot, and HD Video streaming. It is on all 12 of the voice lines on my account.

I used to be an iPhone fan but since I bought the Oneplus One, I have completely changed to OnePlus. From OnePlus One to now 9. Best phones I ever bought and never caused me any issues at all. Never.