If dual SIM is supported, you can use two SIM cards in one phone (for example, one for work and one for personal calls).

Note. On devices with dual SIM cards, both slots (SIM1 and SIM2) support 4G networks. However, if both slots (SIM1 and SIM2) have LTE SIM cards installed, the first SIM card will support 4G/3G/2G networks, while the second will only support 3G/2G. For more information about SIM cards, contact your service provider.

Selecting the required SIM card

You can select the SIM card with which, for example, you want to make a call. To do this, after dialing the number, press the SIM 1 or SIM 2 button.

The phone displays the network status separately for each SIM card. In standby mode, both SIM cards installed in the mobile device are available at the same time, but if one of the SIM cards is active (for example, during a call), the second card may not be available.

SIM card management

Do you want to separate your work and personal life? Or does one of your SIM cards have a better internet plan? You can choose which SIM card to use.

Tap Settings > SIM cards.

Renaming a SIM card

Select the SIM card you want to rename and enter the desired name.

Selecting a SIM card for calls or data transfers

Under Primary SIM for, select the setting you want to change, and then select the SIM card you want.

Phones with two SIM cards will be relevant as long as there is at least some competition in the mobile communications market. Today, operators attract customers with a wide variety of tariff plans, offering favorable rates for calls under various conditions.
And man, as you know, is always looking for where it is better. And we often carry with us several mobile phones equipped with packages from different operators. And therefore, the decision in favor of a “dual-SIM” device is often quite justified.

What are the criteria for choosing a phone with two SIM cards?

2 SIM or not 2 SIM?
First of all, you need to know that devices with two SIM cards are divided into two categories: Dual Standby and Active. They differ in the number of radio modules built into the device.

Dual Standby have one module that allows both SIM cards to be on the network. The subscriber will be available on both numbers, but only until he picks up one of them - when talking on one of the cards, it will become impossible to call the second. This increases the chances of missing an important call. Note, however, that after the conversation the second SIM card will appear on the network again, and a message from the operator will be sent to the phone about the missed call. Such popular devices as Nokia C2-00, Samsung Star II Duos C6712, and many Fly models (E170, Q300, Q410 and others) are built using Dual Standby technology.

Active is already two full-fledged phones in one body. This is because such devices have two separate radio modules (one for each SIM card). This provides the subscriber with a constant presence on the network on both numbers. Of course, such a system is more convenient. But we must take into account that phones with two active cards are often significantly more expensive. Samsung C5212 Duos, LG GX500 and some others have two radio modules.
Of course, there are also phones with old Standby technology, when cards are switched manually. But such devices are gradually leaving the market, becoming history.

Two SIM – double power consumption.

This statement applies more to devices with Active technology. Simultaneous operation of two radio modules significantly increases energy consumption. Therefore, we conclude: the battery capacity of a “dual-SIM” device is far from a minor factor.

Dual SIM smartphones.

A special caste of “two-SIM users” are smartphones with two cards. This area is not yet so numerous, but is growing rapidly. After all, one of the benefits of devices with two SIM cards is the ability to use one card for calls, and the second for working with the Internet. And for the latter, “smart phones” are much more interesting. Among the popular smartphones with two SIMs today, we note the ViewSonic V350, devices from the Gigabyte brand (GSmart S1205, Rola, others) and many Chinese clones of popular models.
Supports different networks.
Let us also remember that communication modules in phones with two SIM cards can provide connections in networks of different generations. More expensive devices often offer one standard GSM module, and a second one supporting 3G technology. This is again convenient for smartphones and for active work on the Internet.

A SIM card is a necessary part of any cell phone. Without a SIM card, as we call it in modern times, it is impossible to send and receive messages and calls. Unfortunately, no one is immune from a situation where a SIM card suddenly stops working. Or, for some reason the new SIM card refuses to be friends with the phone. The phone immediately reports this problem, asking you to insert a SIM card, although it is already inside.

Action plan:

What to do in such a situation? How to find out, why is the sim card not working?? Below is a detailed action plan.

1. Open the phone, inspect the SIM card, evaluate its location in the slot. Perhaps the SIM card has moved slightly, so its contact with the phone is lost. If in your phone the SIM card needs to be inserted under the battery, and not into the card reader next to it, then there is a high probability that the contacts of the SIM receiver and the SIM card simply do not touch. Try pressing the SIM card to the slot using a small sheet of paper folded several times. Place the folded sheet between the SIM card and the battery and reassemble the phone. Perhaps contact between the parts will be restored and the SIM card will start working again.
2. Carefully inspect the contacts of the SIM receiver and SIM card. Are they dirty? They may be the reason why SIM card stopped working. Wipe the visible contacts with a regular eraser, return the SIM card to its place and reassemble the phone. Works?
3. Bend the SIM card slightly so that the side with the contacts is convex. With prolonged use, the SIM card heats up and becomes deformed, and then the SIM card contacts do not reach the slot.
4. Insert another SIM card into your phone. The best option would be a SIM card from another operator. If it works, then the problem is with your SIM card: it is faulty. If the phone does not see the new SIM card, it means that the problem lies with it.

Why did it happen so?

In a conflict between the SIM card and the phone, as a rule, one of them is to blame.

If the phone is to blame

• Some phone models are “locked” for a specific operator, so such a phone simply will not see a “non-native” SIM card.

• With cell phones with two SIM cards, it often happens that SIM card slot does not work when the second one is working. Therefore, when inspecting the phone, you should insert the “doubtful” SIM card into both the first and second slots.

• Some physical damage can have a detrimental effect on the phone's performance. For example, if water gets on the device (it fell into a puddle, or it rained on it), over time the contact between the slot and the SIM card will be broken due to oxidation. You can try to solve this problem yourself: disassemble the phone and wipe with a napkin the joints of the cables responsible for the communication module. If even after cleaning the SIM card does not work, then you will have to take the phone to the service center and repent there that you didn’t look after your little friend.

Please note that the phone does not immediately respond to physical damage such as being dropped or exposed to water. It works as usual for a while, but later breaks down. Therefore, if you have a phone in your hands that does not see a SIM card, try to remember if your friend had to endure any troubles. Even a sudden change in temperature is detrimental to the operation of a SIM card. You bring your phone from a cold winter into a warm house, and moisture condenses inside the device. The solution here is simple: disassemble the phone, remove the SIM card and wipe it with a soft cloth.

If it's Sim's fault

• Some SIM cards have an expiration date. If a SIM card is not used for a long time, it becomes blocked and turns into a useless plate. Also, the SIM card may be blocked due to a negative balance. Each operator has its own rules, and you need to know them.

• Some mobile operators allow SIM card activation only after the first paid action. As a rule, when purchasing a SIM card, you are informed about its correct activation.
• Many modern touchscreen phones use a cropped SIM card rather than a full-size one. Sometimes owners of iPhones and other mobile devices cut the SIM card on their own, and then discover that cut SIM card does not work. Perhaps the reason lies in improper pruning, so it is better to entrust this process to specialists in service centers. But first, if you mini sim card not working, inspect it for contamination, restart the phone. The same inspection should be carried out if micro sim card not working. After all, there remains hope that you can solve the problem yourself.

We contact operators

Each mobile operator is interested in the loyalty of its customers, so in almost all cities there are service centers where you can contact with your problem.

If dual SIM is supported, you can use two SIM cards in one phone (for example, one for work and one for personal calls).

Note. On devices with dual SIM cards, both slots (SIM1 and SIM2) support 4G networks. However, if both slots (SIM1 and SIM2) have LTE SIM cards installed, the first SIM card will support 4G/3G/2G networks, while the second will only support 3G/2G. For more information about SIM cards, contact your service provider.

Selecting the required SIM card

You can select the SIM card with which, for example, you want to make a call. To do this, after dialing the number, press the SIM 1 or SIM 2 button.

The phone displays the network status separately for each SIM card. In standby mode, both SIM cards installed in the mobile device are available at the same time, but if one of the SIM cards is active (for example, during a call), the second card may not be available.

SIM card management

Do you want to separate your work and personal life? Or does one of your SIM cards have a better internet plan? You can choose which SIM card to use.

Tap Settings > SIM cards.

Renaming a SIM card

Select the SIM card you want to rename and enter the desired name.

Selecting a SIM card for calls or data transfers

Under Primary SIM for, select the setting you want to change, and then select the SIM card you want.

The number of radio modules available for use in a mobile device is determined by the manufacturer of the mobile device. In a dual-SIM phone using 1 radio module, both SIMs operate in standby mode. When a call comes from one operator, the second one becomes unavailable. Thus, the phone allows you to use two SIMs, but only one is still active. A similar situation arises for phones with one radio module when using Internet services: only one SIM can receive and transmit packet data, while the second card is in standby mode.

Devices that have 2 built-in modules can simultaneously work with two telecom operators. During a telephone conversation, the subscriber can receive a call to the second SIM card, i.e. If desired, the user has the opportunity to carry on conversations with two people without interrupting the call. As soon as the phone user answers the second call, the first call is put on hold. After ending the conversation with the second caller, the user can return to the conversation with the first person.

Switch between SIMs

To switch between active SIM cards in use, manufacturers add additional functions to the software of their devices. At the same time, some phones additionally implement a button for switching active cards, located on the front side or side panel of the device. Some devices provide the user with 2 keys for making a call to a subscriber, each of which is assigned to each operator.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of such devices is the opportunity to save on mobile communications. You can install cards from 2 different service providers into your phone. For example, the first operator can offer cheap calls to telephone network subscribers, while the second one makes it possible to send SMS cheaply or exchange packet data on the Internet. For people who use two phones in the course of their lives, a dual-SIM device will become an ergonomic alternative.

Among the disadvantages of dual-SIM devices, one can note their inflated cost compared to single-SIM models. However, the modern mobile phone market offers a large number of budget models that will satisfy the requirements of even the most economical consumer.

Dual SIM phones make life much easier for people who want to separate their work and personal lives. There are three types of phones with two SIM cards, each of them has its own characteristics.

Dubious option

The simplest type of phone with two SIM cards is Dual SIM. In such phones, only one card can be active; switching to another SIM card is done through the “Settings” menu, which is not very convenient. Moreover, loading the second SIM card takes quite a long time. Of course, no one will be able to call you with an inactive SIM card. Phones with this technology are currently quite difficult to find. Be sure to check whether the selected phone belongs to this type of device, so as not to be disappointed after the purchase. The only advantage of such a phone is its extremely low price.

Perfect option

The second type of device includes Dual SIM Stand-By. This technology keeps both SIM cards active in standby mode. During a call to one of the cards, the second one turns off, but after the end of the call it returns to normal operation. Accordingly, if you were talking on one SIM card, and at that time someone tried to call you on the second, after the call is completed, messages about missed calls will be sent to the second number. Phones of this type are more expensive. Typically, prices for such phones are kept at an average level. In fact, this is the best option to buy.

Modern version

The third type of device with two SIM cards is Dual SIM Active. This is a relatively new technology that is just beginning to spread. The good thing about it is that both SIM cards remain active even when talking on one of them. If during a call to the first SIM card you receive an incoming call to the second, you can put the conversation on hold and answer the second call. This feature is especially appreciated by people whose work depends on their phone. Phones of this type drain the battery faster, since the charge is consumed by two active communication modules. Increased energy consumption tops the list of disadvantages. In second place is the increased level of radiation due to the same two active modules. It should also be noted that devices of this type are still sold in small quantities and are quite expensive. So, if your life does not depend on how quickly you can answer a call, you can safely choose the previous type of phone.

To find out what type of phone it is, just pay attention to the markings on its packaging.

Tip 3: Mobile phones with two SIM cards: are they reliable?

Today you won’t surprise anyone with a phone with two SIM cards. Many people have already felt how convenient this is: after all, you can use both a personal card and a corporate card in one device. However, some people still have questions: how convenient is it to talk on such a phone? Is it big? And how exactly does the principle of switching from one SIM to another work? Experts have prepared their explanations on this matter.

Phones with two SIM cards appeared on the Russian market not so long ago - just a few years ago, but have already gained popularity among users. And there are quite a few reasons for this.

Trying to connect 2 SIM cards in the native camera were long. At first it was carried out by means of a special adapter which is inserted into the apparatus. However, this SIM card worked intermittently.

What is the advantage of choosing such a phone?

Devices with two SIM cards have quite a lot of advantages. One of them, which can be classified as the main one, is the ability to use cards from different operators. Moreover, it is not at all necessary that these be personal and corporate SIMs. Many subscribers use SIM cards from different operators to save on calls.

Also, such a phone will be useful in situations when one account has run out of money, but you need to make an urgent call and there is no way to top up the balance.

You can often hear the myth that a phone with 2 SIM cards radiates 2 times more waves. Actually nothing to do with the truth of such conjectures have not. What cards in the slot more, the phone becomes more aggressive.

How to choose a reliable mobile phone with 2 SIM

First of all, remember that a reliable phone with 2 SIM cards cannot cost 100 rubles. and 200 cannot. For that kind of money you will get cheap Chinese fakes that will last you a maximum of a month. It is better to pay attention to models from popular manufacturers, of which there are quite a few on store shelves today. Samsung, LG, Nokia and others offer their versions of dual-SIM phones.

Again, you need to focus on the price and freshness of the model. The newer the model, the more reliable the development. After all, those who work on creating the device take into account previous mistakes and experience and make the necessary corrections.

In a reliable device, SIM cards must be placed compactly and not interfere with each other. Of course, based on this, it does not mean at all that a phone with 2 SIM cards should be huge and look like a small tablet.

A reliable device of this kind can safely be called a phone that quickly switches from one SIM to another, without requiring reboots and recharges.

The device itself must be strong: the slots slide out well, are not loose, do not come apart at the seams, etc. Otherwise, changing SIM cards or constantly using it, you will not be able to enjoy communication. Such a model will simply fall apart in your hands.

What can be replaced

If you are still afraid to buy a phone with 2 SIM cards, you can find another way out and use a multi-SIM card. This is a special card that is quite easy to make. Using computer technology, data from several cards is transferred to one chip. And when you reboot the phone, all that remains is to select the desired number to perform a particular task.