How do I use dual SIM with eSIM or SIM cards?
Learn how to use two numbers on one dual SIM device.
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What is dual SIM?
A 'dual SIM' device can accommodate at least two mobile services, each with their own mobile plan.
The following combinations may be possible, depending on your device:
- Single SIM card plus eSIM
- Dual eSIM profiles
- Dual physical SIM cards
Find out if you have an eSIM-compatible device.
Each service will have a unique mobile number and separate plan, although as a Telstra customer, your data and call allowances may be shared.
Frequently asked questions
Aside from a physical SIM card, you can typically download and store multiple eSIM profiles on your device, each with its own plan and mobile number.
Your dual SIM device may allow you to assign phone numbers and services as 'Primary' or 'Secondary'.
They may also be called something more helpful, like 'Home' and 'Work', or they could simply be identified by the name of your service provider or phone number.
The 'Primary' number and plan is typically used for outbound calls, text and data by default, but you can change these settings on your device. You can also assign individual contacts to be called or messaged by your primary or secondary number.
While you’re using one service, most dual SIM devices will make the other service temporarily inactive. You won’t be alerted about an incoming call to an inactive number unless you set up call forwarding.
To enable call forwarding on Android:
- Go to the Phone app
- Select the three dot menu, and Settings
- Select Calling accounts, then your service to forward
- Select Call forwarding and follow the prompts for forwarding When unreachable.
To enable call forwarding on Apple iOS:
- Go to Settings
- Choose Apps, then Phone
- Select Call Forwarding, then turn it on
- Choose which line to forward and follow the prompts.
Standard call charges apply for forwarded calls.
If you don’t apply call forwarding, the caller can leave a message on your MessageBank, but voicemail messages won’t be accessible until the number becomes active.
Tablets and laptops need both a physical SIM card and an eSIM service, but only one service can be active at a time.
For more details, refer to your device manufacturer's website.
After you’ve purchased and activated two or more mobile plans, using a physical SIM and eSIM profiles, you can configure them in the settings on your device. Choose which SIM to use for calls, SMS and mobile data and more.
To manage dual SIM on Android:
- Go to Settings on your mobile
- Select Network and internet
- Choose SIMs from the menu options and follow the prompts.
To manage dual SIM on Apple iOS:
- Go to Settings
- Select either mobile or Mobile Data
- Select the relevant options and follow the prompts.
Yes. You can use your Apple Watch 3 or above, or your Samsung watch with a dual SIM device. For more information, visit Apple or Samsung’s guides on how to use dual SIM with their cellular watch models.
Yes, you can. But if you make or receive a call on your other service at the same time, the connection on your paired device will likely be interrupted.
You can send and receive SMS messages and iMessages while you’re on a call using a SIM set up for both calls and mobile data.
If you’re calling on a SIM that’s not using mobile data, you won’t have internet access during the call, so iMessages won’t be possible.
To work around this on an Apple device:
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network, or;
- Go to Settings
- Select Mobile Data
- Choose Mobile Data Switching.
Yes. If you’re the account owner for multiple Telstra accounts – a personal and business account for example – you can activate and use mobile numbers from those accounts on a single dual SIM device.
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