Microsoft Edge Try Microsoft Edge A fast and secure browser that's designed for Windows 10 Get started

Skip to main content
Microsoft
Microsoft Support
  • Office
  • Windows
  • Surface
  • Xbox
  • Deals
  • Support
      • Windows apps
      • OneDrive
      • Outlook
      • Skype
      • OneNote
      • PCs & tablets
      • Xbox games
      • PC games
      • Windows digital games
      • Microsoft Azure
      • Microsoft Dynamics 365
      • Microsoft 365
      • Cloud platform
      • Enterprise solutions
      • Data platform
      • .NET
      • Visual Studio
      • Windows Dev Center
      • Docs
      • Free downloads & security
      • Education
    • View all
    0
    Sign in
    Microsoft Support

    Use a dual SIM phone

    Content provided by Microsoft

    Content provided by Microsoft

    Applies to: Windows PhoneWindows Phone 8.1


    Support for Windows Phone 8.1 has ended

    Microsoft ended support for Windows Phone 8.1 on July 11, 2017. This change has affected your software updates and security options.

    Learn what this means for you.

     

    With a dual SIM Windows Phone, you have more choices when it comes to your cellular connection. For example, you can choose which SIM you want to use based on which one has a better price for cellular data or where one cellular network gives you a better signal than the other. A dual SIM phone can also help you keep your work and personal life separate if you want—use one SIM for work and the other for personal, but only carry one phone.

    On a dual SIM phone, you'll get two Phone Tiles and two Messaging Tiles on your Start screen, so you can just tap the Tile for the SIM you want to use to call or text.

    Start screen of a dual SIM phone

    When you're using a Windows Phone that has dual SIMs, you can name your SIMs to tell them apart on your phone, determine which SIM is used for cellular data, control your data connection speed, and turn off a SIM all together if you want to help avoid unexpected charges on it.

    Note

     

    Windows Phones that have dual SIMs are only available for Windows Phone 8.1.

    To name your SIM cards

    You can name your SIMs to tell them apart on your phone. The name you give each SIM will then appear in different parts of your Windows Phone—including on the Phone Tiles and Messaging Tiles on your Start screen, as well as in Cellular + SIM settings (to name a few).

    1. In the App list, tap Settings 

      Settings Icon
       > Cellular + SIM > SIM 1 settings.

    2. Under SIM 1, in the SIM name box, type a name for the first SIM, and then press the Back 

      Back Icon
       button.

    3. Tap SIM 2 settings.

    4. Under SIM 2, in the SIM name box, type a name for the second SIM.

    To choose the SIM for your cellular data connection

    You can choose which SIM will be used for your cellular data connection. This lets you control costs by choosing the SIM that has lower data costs. Or you might switch back and forth between SIMs for work and personal.

    1. In the App list, tap Settings 

      Settings Icon
       > Cellular + SIM.

    2. Tap SIM for data connection, and then choose the SIM you want to use for your cellular data connection.

    To choose a SIM when calling

    1. On Start, tap the Phone Tile for the SIM you want to use to call someone.

      Phone Tiles image
            

    2. Tap Keypad 

      Dialpad Icon
      .

    3. To switch and call with the other SIM if you want, tap 1 or 2, depending on the SIM you want to use.

    4. Dial the number, and then tap Call.

    Note

    Want to link Phone Tiles? When you link them, you'll have one Phone Tile on your Start screen, one call history that shows all your calls for both SIMs, and have one combined speed dial list. To link tiles, tap one of the Phone Tiles on Start > More 

    More Icon
     > Link tiles > Link. You can unlink them any time you want by tapping Phone on Start > More 
    More Icon
     > Unlink tiles > Unlink.

    To choose a SIM when texting

    1. On Start, tap the Messaging Tile for the SIM you want to use to text someone.

      Messaging Tiles image
            

    2. Tap New 

      Plus Icon
      , enter the person's mobile phone number or name.

    3. To switch and send a text message with the other SIM if you want, tap 1 or 2, depending on the SIM you want to use.

    4. Type your message, and then tap Send 

      Dual Sim One Icon
       or 
      Dual Sim Two Icon
      .

    Note

    Want to link Messaging Tiles? When you link them, you'll have one Messaging Tile on your Start screen and your threads for both SIMs will appear in one combined list. To link tiles, tap one of the Messaging Tiles on Start > More 

    More Icon
     > Link tiles > Link. You can unlink them anytime you want by tapping Messaging on Start > More 
    More Icon
     > Unlink tiles > Unlink.

    To choose a SIM when saving a contact

    1. On Start, tap People > New 

      Plus Icon
      .

    2. Tap Save to, and then tap the SIM that you want to save the contact to.

    3. In the Name box, type the person's name.

    4. Enter the person's other info, and then tap Save 

      Save Icon
      .


    Last Updated: 27 Jul 2017
    • Email
    • Print
    Thanks! Your feedback will help us improve the support experience.

    Support

    Support

    • Find downloads
    • Account support
    • Supported products list
    • Microsoft Lifecycle Policy

    Security

    Security

    • Safety & Security Center
    • Download Security Essentials
    • Malicious Software Removal Tool

    Contact us

    Contact us

    • Report a support scam
    • Contact Microsoft Support
    • Privacy questions
    • Locate Microsoft addresses worldwide
    This site in other countries/regions
    Algérie - Français
    Argentina - Español
    Australia - English
    Belgique - Français
    België - Nederlands
    Bolivia - Español
    Bosna i Hercegovina - Hrvatski
    Brasil - Português
    Canada - English
    Canada - Français
    Chile - Español
    Colombia - Español
    Costa Rica - Español
    Crna Gora - Srpski
    Danmark - Dansk
    Deutschland - Deutsch
    Dominican Republic - Español
    Ecuador - Español
    Eesti - Eesti
    El Salvador - Español
    España - Español
    Estados Unidos - Español
    France - Français
    Guatemala - Español
    Hong Kong SAR - English
    Hrvatska - Hrvatski
    India - English
    Indonesia (Bahasa) - Bahasa
    Ireland - English
    Italia - Italiano
    Latvija - Latviešu
    Lietuva - Lietuvių
    Luxembourg - Français
    Magyarország - Magyar
    Malaysia - English
    Maroc - Français
    México - Español
    Nederland - Nederlands
    New Zealand - English
    Norge - Bokmål
    Panamá - Español
    Paraguay - Español
    Perú - Español
    Philippines - English
    Polska - Polski
    Portugal - Português
    Puerto Rico - Español
    România - Română
    Schweiz - Deutsch
    Singapore - English
    Slovenija - Slovenščina
    Slovensko - Slovenčina
    South Africa - English
    Srbija - Srpski
    Suisse - Français
    Suomi - Suomi
    Sverige - Svenska
    Tunisie - Français
    Türkiye - Türkçe
    United Kingdom - English
    United States - English
    Uruguay - Español
    Venezuela - Español
    Việt Nam - Tiếng việt
    Ísland - Íslenska
    Österreich - Deutsch
    Česká Republika - Čeština
    Ελλάδα - Ελληνικά
    България - Български
    Казахстан - Русский
    Россия - Русский
    Україна - Українська
    ישראל - עברית
    الإمارات العربية المتحدة - العربية
    المملكة العربية السعودية - العربية
    مصر - العربية
    भारत - हिंदी
    ไทย - ไทย
    中国 - 简体中文
    台灣 - 繁體中文
    日本 - 日本語
    香港特別行政區 - 繁體中文
    대한민국 - 한국어
    English (South Africa)
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy & cookies
    • Trademarks
    • © Microsoft 2018