If you have a Pixel 3a or later Pixel phone, you can use two SIMs: one physical SIM card and one eSIM. You can choose which SIM to use for which action, like messaging or calling. This option is called Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS).
You can use two eSIM profiles at once, if:
- You have a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro or later phone.
- Your operator allows this feature.
Based on your device and operator, you can have either two eSIMs or one eSIM and one physical SIM.
DSDS and eSIM work with some mobile operators. To find out if they’ll work with your phone, ask your mobile operator. If you bought your Pixel 3a in Japan, it can’t have two SIMs.
Pixel 4a (5G) and later phones in dual SIM mode can connect to 5G networks.
Important: Some of these steps only work on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet.
- Next to 'Mobile network', tap Add
.
- Tap Download a SIM instead?.
- When asked, 'Use 2 SIMs?' tap Yes. Your phone will update.
- After your phone updates, open your Settings app again.
- Tap Network and Internet
Mobile network.
- To set call and text preferences, tap your networks.
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Mobile network.To enable two eSIM profiles on your eligible device:
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- Tap Download a SIM instead?.
- Follow the instructions.
- Insert the SIM card. Learn how to insert a SIM card.
- When asked, 'Use 2 SIMs?' tap Yes. Your phone will update.
- After your phone updates, open your Settings app again.
- Tap Network and Internet
- To set call and text preferences, tap your networks.
Tip: To have your phone ask your network preference every time, tap Ask me every time.
Change dual SIM preferences on your Google Pixel phone
Important: Some of these steps only work on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
You can choose which SIM your phone uses for data, calls, text messages and more. Your phone uses that SIM automatically.
Set default SIM for data, calls and text messages- Open your Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- For each network, set your preferences:
- Data: Turn on Mobile data.
Important: Only one SIM can be the default for data. If you already have one set up, you'll get a notification. - Calls: Tap Call Preference. Then, pick your default operators or tap Ask me every time.
- Texts: Tap SMS Preference. Then, pick your default operators or tap Ask me every time.
- Data: Turn on Mobile data.
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- Turn on Data during calls.
You may want to use both SIMs at once. For example, you could have one for business and one for personal use.
You can use both SIMs for calls at the same time. If you're on the phone and your first SIM is active, you can use the second SIM to place or answer a call. Meanwhile, the first call goes on hold.
To use this feature:
- You must turn on mobile data for both SIMs.
- You must turn on automatic data switching for the second SIM.
- Your operator must support Wi-Fi calling for the second SIM.
Turn on mobile data
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- Tap your first SIM's name.
- Turn on Mobile data.
- Repeat for the second SIM.
Turn on automatic data switching for second SIM
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- Tap your second SIM's name.
- Turn on Switch mobile data automatically.
- Tap Use Wi-Fi calling.
Get or place calls on both SIMs
- Make or get a call on either SIM.
- On the second SIM, dial or answer the phone as usual. The first call goes on hold.
Tip: The second SIM's operator's display name switches to '[Carrier] backup calling'. - To swap between the two calls, swipe up and tap Swap.
Turn off automatic data switching
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- Tap your SIM's name.
- Turn off Switch mobile data automatically.
Turn off or stop using a SIM
Important: Some of these steps only work on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
To temporarily turn off a SIM:
- Open your phone's settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- Select the SIM that you want to turn off.
- Tap Use SIM.
Delete an eSIM
- Open your mobile device's settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet
- Select the eSIM that you want to delete.
- Tap Delete SIM.
Require password to delete an eSIM
- Open your mobile device's settings app.
- Tap Security
To stop using a SIM card, remove it from the phone.
- Insert the SIM ejection tool into the small hole on the phone's left edge.
Tip: On Pixel 3 (2018), the SIM card slot is on the phone's bottom edge. - Push firmly but gently until the tray pops out.
- Remove the tray and the SIM card.
- Gently push the tray back into its slot.
Fix problems with dual SIMs
Important: Some of these steps only work on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Some combinations of SIM networks don’t work well together. If you see a notification that says 'Voice unavailable' or 'Voice interruptions', the networks on your two SIMs are having trouble working together. To get help, contact your mobile operator.
Find your phone's identification numbers
When you speak with your operator, you may need to provide Pixel ID numbers, like the IMEI 1, IMEI 2 or EID number. Find out how to find your Pixel phone ID numbers.