Two SIM cards in a smartphone are convenient, but not always necessary. Perhaps you want to save battery power, avoid unnecessary calls to your work number on weekends, or simply stopped using a second SIM card. In this article we will look at all possible ways to disable the second SIM card on Android, including hidden settings and features for different manufacturers.

It is important to understand the difference between temporary disconnection (the SIM card remains in the phone, but is not active) and complete removal (physically removing or disabling the slot). We will look at both options, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes - for example, why after disconnecting a SIM card can continue to consume traffic in the background.

The instructions are relevant for all modern versions of Android (from 10 to 14) and adapted to popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and others. If your smartphone model is not mentioned, don’t worry: 90% of the methods are universal.

📊 Why do you disable the second SIM card?
I save battery power
I don’t use it
Too much spam
Network problems
Another option

1. Standard method: through Android settings

The simplest and safest method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on all smartphones, regardless of the manufacturer, but the path to the menu may be slightly different.

Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the application menu) and follow these steps:

  1. Go to section SIM cards and mobile networks (sometimes called Mobile network or Dual SIM).
  2. Select the second SIM card from the list (usually they are signed as SIM 1 and SIM 2 or by phone numbers).
  3. Click on the switch next to the item Enable SIM card (or Activate) to disable it.
  4. Confirm the action if the system prompts.

After this, the SIM card will remain in the phone, but will stop connecting to the network, receiving calls and SMS. Important: some applications (for example, instant messengers) may continue to use the number for authorization, even if the SIM card is disabled.

The network indicator next to the SIM card has disappeared|It is impossible to make a call from this number|SMS are not sent|mobile data is disabled-->

2. Quick shutdown via the notification panel

If you need temporarily disable the SIM card (for example, during a flight or meeting), without delving into the settings, use the quick access panel:

  1. Swipe your finger from top to bottom to open the notification panel.
  2. Find the icon Mobile data or SIM cards (may look like two intersecting SIM cards).
  3. Hold this icon for 1-2 seconds - the SIM management menu will open.
  4. Turn off the switch next to the unnecessary SIM card.

This method does not work on everyone firmware (for example, on stock Android from Google it may not be present), but is supported by most manufacturers, including Samsung One UI i MIUI.

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If the SIM card icon is not in the notification panel, add it manually: click on the pencil icon (edit) and drag the desired element to the active zone.

3. Disabling mobile data for the second SIM

Sometimes you do not need to completely deactivate the SIM card, but only block mobile data —for example, if you have a limited tariff or are connected to Wi-Fi. You can do this separately for each SIM card:

  1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
  2. Select the second SIM card.
  3. Go to section mobile data (or Data transfer).
  4. Disable the switch.

After this, the SIM card will be active for calls and SMS, but will not consume mobile traffic. This is useful if you only use it for voice communication.

⚠️ Attention: On some tariffs, operators block Internet access through the second SIM card by default. If the option is inactive, check the terms of your tariff plan in your operator's account.

4. Features for different brands

Smartphone manufacturers often modify the Android interface by adding their own settings. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

Brand Path to SIM settings Features
Samsung (One UI) Settings → Connections → SIM card manager You can assign a priority SIM card for calls and SMS
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI) Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → SIM card settings There is an option "Disable SIM card when roaming"
Honor/Huawei (Magic UI/EMUI) Settings → Mobile network → SIM card settings Support for virtual eSIM on new models
Realme/Oppo (ColorOS) Settings → SIM card and data → SIM card management You can disable notifications about a new SIM card

On smartphones Google Pixel and other devices with stock Android the standard path: Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards. There are no additional options, but the interface is as simple as possible.

What to do if there is no "Disable SIM card" item?

On some older models (Android 8 and below) or firmware from operators, this item may be absent. In this case, try:

1. Remove and insert the SIM card back - sometimes this resets the settings.

2. Use Engineering Mode (engineering menu) via code ##4636##.

3. Update the firmware to the latest version.

5. Complete removal: removing the SIM card

If you no longer plan to use the second SIM card, you can physically remove it. To do this:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (required! Removing the SIM card while the device is on may damage the slot).
  2. Find the SIM card tray - it is usually located on the side of the phone.
  3. Use a paperclip or a special key (included) to open the tray.
  4. Carefully remove the SIM card and insert the tray back.

Advantages of this method: complete deactivation of the SIM card, saving battery power (no network search). Disadvantages: if you need to insert the SIM card again, you will have to turn off the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra) the SIM card tray is combined with a memory card tray. When removing the SIM card, do not lose the microSD!

6. Hidden settings: Engineering Mode

For experienced users, there is an alternative way to disable the SIM card via engineering menu. It is useful if the standard settings do not work or the SIM card is frozen.

Enter the code in the phone application: 

##4636##

The menu will open Testing. Go to the tab Phone Information and perform the following steps:

  1. In the drop-down menu Set preferred network type select LTE only or GSM only for the active SIM card.
  2. Press Turn off radio for the second SIM card (if there is such an item).
  3. Reboot the phone.

This method requires caution: do not change other parameters in the engineering menu if you are not sure of their purpose. Incorrect settings can lead to network loss or problems with calls.

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Engineering Mode allows you to disable the SIM card at the communication module level, but this method is not recommended for beginners. For most tasks, the standard settings are sufficient.

7. Problems and solutions

Sometimes problems occur after disconnecting the second SIM card. Let's look at the most common of them and how to fix them:

  • 📵 The SIM card does not turn off: Restart your phone. If this does not help, check if the slot is blocked (for example, due to moisture or mechanical damage).
  • 🔄 The SIM card turns on itself: This may be due to a firmware update or a settings failure. Try resetting the network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
  • 📶 The mobile data on the main SIM card has disappeared: Check whether the APN settings are lost. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN) and select your operator's profile.
  • 🔋 The battery runs out quickly: If, after disconnecting the SIM card, the charge consumption has not decreased, check the activity of background applications c Settings → Battery.

If none of the methods helped, the problem may be hardware (the slot or communication module is damaged). In this case, contact the service center.

8. Alternatives: virtual SIM and eSIM

If you disable the second SIM card due to the inconvenience of physical switching, consider switching to virtual solutions:

  • 📱 eSIM: Built-in SIM card that can be activated remotely. Supported on iPhone (with XS), Samsung Galaxy (with S20), Google Pixel (with 3rd model) and other flagships.
  • 🔄 Applications for the second line: Services like Google Voice, Dingtone or 2ndLine allow you to have a second number without a physical SIM card.
  • 🌐 Messengers with call support: WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber can replace SMS and voice communication.

The advantage of eSIM is the ability switch quickly between tariffs without replacing the physical card. For example, when traveling abroad, you can activate a local SIM card without removing the main one.

⚠️ Attention: Not all operators support eSIM. Before purchasing a smartphone with this technology, check whether your operator provides such SIM cards.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disable the second SIM card without turning off the phone?

Yes, all the methods described in the article (except for physical removal) work without turning off the device. Just go to the settings and deactivate the SIM card.

Will traffic be consumed if the SIM card is disabled?

No, if the SIM card is completely deactivated in the settings. However, some applications (for example, banking) may periodically check for network availability. To ensure that you avoid wasting traffic, disable mobile data for this SIM card separately.

How to find out which SIM card is active for calls?

In the settings of SIM cards there is usually an item Default for calls or Priority SIM. Also, when making an outgoing call, some firmwares (for example, MIUI) offer to select a SIM card.

Is it possible to disable only 4G/5G for the second SIM card?

Yes, in the mobile network settings for each SIM card you can select the preferred network type (2G, 3G, 4G or 5G). This is useful if you want to limit the Internet speed or save battery power.

What to do if, after disconnecting the SIM card, the phone does not connect to the network?

Reboot the device. If the problem persists, check whether the network settings (APN) have been lost or whether the Airplane mode has been activated. As a last resort, reset the network settings in the menu Settings → System → Reset.