How to choose which SIM card to call from on Android: a complete guide

Modern smartphones Android support two or more SIM cards, but many users are faced with confusion: how to quickly switch between them before making a call? Why does the phone itself choose the wrong SIM card? And is it possible to set the priority so as not to waste time on manual selection every time?

This article will help you understand all the nuances - from basic settings to hidden functions Android 12-15that manufacturers (like Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel) implement differently. We will consider not only standard methods, but also workarounds for devices with an atypical interface, and also explain why sometimes the operator can block the ability to select a SIM for outgoing calls - and what to do about it.

If you have a phone with support eSIMthe operating principles remain the same the same, but there are a couple of important differences - we will also mention them. And for owners of devices with Android Go or outdated versions (below Android 10), we will provide alternative solutions, since their interface may differ significantly.

Before moving on to the settings, check: the problem may lie not in the smartphone, but in the tariff. For example, some operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) by default block outgoing calls from an additional SIM if the package of minutes is not activated on it. This is often forgotten, attributing problems to the “Android curve.”

1. Standard method: selecting a SIM before calling

The most obvious method is to indicate the desired SIM card directly when dialing the number. This method works on all devices with dual-SIM, regardless of the version of Android or the manufacturer's shell.

The algorithm is simple:

1. Open the application Phone (usually the icon with handset).
2. Enter a number or select a contact from the list.
3. A down arrow (↓) or an inscription like SIM1/SIM2 - click on it will appear next to the call button.
4. Select the desired one SIM card from the list.
5. Click on the green handset to make a call.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 or OnePlus 11), instead of an arrow, a SIM card icon with a number may be displayed. If you don't see any prompts, try long pressing the call button - sometimes this opens a selection menu.

⚠️ Attention: If there is no SIM selection option, check:

• 🔄 Are both SIM cards enabled in settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks).
• 📵 Is the phone in “Airplane” mode or is mobile communications turned off.
• 🔒 Are there any restrictions from the operator (for example, on corporate tariffs).

2. Setting the default SIM for calls

If you are tired of choosing a SIM card before each call, you can assign priority SIM card for outgoing calls. This does not eliminate the possibility of manual selection, but will save time in most cases.

Instructions for pure Android (for example, Google Pixel 7 or Motorola Edge 40):

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Select item Outgoing calls or Call settings (the name may vary).
3. Click on Default for calls.
4. Indicate your preferred SIM card (for example, SIM 1).

On smartphones Samsung (shell One UI) the path is different:

1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM card manager.
2. Tap on Selecting a default SIM card.
3. In the section Calls select the desired SIM card.

⚠️ Attention: Default setting does not guaranteethat the call will always go with selected SIM. If there is no coverage on it or outgoing ones are blocked, the phone will automatically switch to another SIM (if this is allowed in the settings).

3. Features of working with eSIM

If your smartphone supports eSIM (built-in SIM card), the selection principles are similar to physical SIM cards, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Activation: eSIM is configured through the menu Settings → SIM cards → Add eSIM. You will need a QR code or data from the operator.
• 🔄 Priority: In the eSIM and physical SIM settings, you can assign different roles (for example, one for calls, the other for the Internet).
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) do not allow the use of eSIM for calls without an activated tariff.

On iPhone with eSIM the logic is different, but if you Android (for example, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 or Google Pixel 8), then in the SIM selection menu before making a call, eSIM will be displayed as a separate item (for example, SIM 1 (physical) and SIM 2 (eSIM)).

⚠️ Attention: When using eSIM for calls, make sure that in the network settings (Settings → Mobile network → Network mode) selected 4G (LTE) or 5G. In the mode 3G or 2G there may be problems with identifying the number.

4. Problems with choosing a SIM: why doesn’t it work?

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the option to select a SIM card before making a call disappears or does not work. Considerable reasons and solutions:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
No SIM selection option	One of the SIM cards is disabled	Check c Settings → SIM cards, are both turned on
The call is coming from the wrong SIM	The default setting is lost	Reassign the priority SIM to settings
You cannot call from SIM2	The operator blocks outgoing calls	Check the balance and tariff in your personal account
SIM card is not detected	Problems with the slot or card	Reboot the phone or move the SIM to another slot

If the problem persists, try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

🔹 Key conclusion: In 90% of cases, the problem lies either in the phone settings or in operator restrictions. Before bringing your smartphone to the service, check both options.

What to do if the operator blocks outgoing calls?

If the SIM card does not have an active tariff with minutes, the operator can block outgoing calls. Solutions:

1. Top up your balance and activate the package of minutes.

2. Check whether the "Banning outgoing" service is enabled (sometimes activated accidentally via a USSD command).

3. Call the operator's support and clarify the reason for the blocking.

5. Automatic SIM selection according to rules (Android 12+)

Starting from Android 12, Google added a function "SIM card rules", which allows you to automatically select a SIM card for calls based on specified conditions. For example, you can configure it so that calls to your city numbers are made from one SIM, and long-distance calls from the other.

How to set it up:

1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Rules SIM cards.
2. Click Add rule.
3. Specify the conditions:
   • 📞 Call type: local, long-distance, international.
   • 👥 Contacts: you can select specific numbers from the phone book.
   • ⏱ Time: for example, from 9:00 to 18:00, call from a work SIM.

Select a SIM card for this rules.

Save the settings.

This function is especially useful for those who use:

• 💼 One SIM for work, another for personal calls.
• 🌍 Different SIM cards for local and international calls (saving on roaming).
• 📊 Tariffs with different costs for minutes (for example, cheap calls within the region on one SIM).

⚠️ Attention: The "SIM Card Rules" function may not be available on smartphones with highly customized shells (for example, Huawei EMUI or ColorOS from Oppo). In this case, use third-party applications like Dual SIM Selector (available in Google Play).

6. Third-party applications for SIM management

If the standard settings Android do not suit you, you can install specialized ones utilities. They offer advanced functions, for example:

• 🔄 Quick switching SIM directly from the notification panel.
• 📊 Statistics on the use of minutes and traffic on each SIM card.
• 🔒 Blocking outgoing calls from a specific SIM at a given time.

Popular applications:

Application	Features	Link
Dual SIM Selector	Widget for quick SIM selection, contact rules	Google Play
SIM Toolkit	Manage USSD commands for each SIM separately	Google Play
Dual SIM Widget	Switch SIM in one tap from the main screen	Google Play

Before installing, check reviews - some applications may conflict with manufacturers' shells (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi). Also pay attention to permissions: if the utility requests access to SMS or calls for no obvious reason, it is better to refuse to use it.

🔹 Key takeaway: Third-party applications are convenient, but not always necessary. If you only need to quickly switch between SIMs, just add the standard application widget Phone to the home screen.

7. Hidden settings for advanced users

For those who are ready to dive deeper, Android there are hidden options for managing SIM cards via Engineering Mode or USSD commands. These methods require caution, but can help in unusual situations.

🔹 USSD commands for checking SIM:

• ##4636## - displays information about the network and SIM (does not work on all devices).
• *#06# - shows IMEI. If you have a dual-SIM, there will be two IMEIs (one for each slot).
• ##197328640## — service menu (caution: changes may disrupt the network!).

⚠️ Attention: Entering service codes may lead to network failures. Do not change parameters unless you are sure of their purpose. On some devices (for example Samsung) these codes are disabled by the manufacturer.

🔹 Changing SIM priority via ADB:

If you need to manually set SIM priority for calls (for example, for testing), you can use ADB:

adb shell settings put global multi_sim_vibration_pattern 0,1,0
adb shell settings put global multi_sim_call_waiting 1
adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode1 9
adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode2 9

These commands set:

• Vibration for SIM notifications.
• Waiting calls on both SIMs.
• Network mode 4G/LTE for both cards (value 9).

To apply the changes, restart the device. Be careful: incorrect parameters may lead to loss of connection.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about choosing a SIM for calls

Is it possible to assign different SIMs to different contacts?

Yes, starting from Android 12 this can be done through SIM Card Rules (see section 5). On older versions, a third-party application will help. Dual SIM Selector.

Why, when calling from SIM2, does the subscriber see a number from SIM1?

This may happen due to:

• Call forwarding settings (*#21# - check).
• Operator errors (especially when roaming).
• The SIM module is malfunctioning (reboot the phone).

How to make calls from WhatsApp go from a different SIM?

WhatsApp uses a SIM that is configured for the mobile data by default. To change this:

1. Open Settings → SIM cards → Mobile data.
2. Select another SIM for data transfer.
3. Restart WhatsApp.

What to do if the choice is lost after updating Android SIM?

This is a known problem after major updates (for example, from Android 13 to 14). Solutions:

• Reset the network settings (Settings → System → Reset).
• Update the application Phone via Google Play.
• Clear the application cache Phone (Settings → Applications → Phone → Memory → Clear cache).

Is it possible call from both SIMs simultaneously?

No, Android does not support simultaneous outgoing calls from two SIMs. However, you can:

• Put one call on hold and pick up another (if the operator supports it Call Waiting).
• Use a conference call (but both calls will go with the same SIM).

If your question is not covered in the FAQ, check the settings of your specific smartphone model - manufacturers sometimes add unique functions for managing SIM cards. For example, Samsung Galaxy there is an option Double callthat allows you to answer an incoming call from one SIM without interrupting the conversation on the other.