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What is Dual SIM and how do I use it?

Dual SIM gives you two phone numbers on a single smartphone for calling and texting (SMS and MMS). You can have separate personal and business numbers, or add a second line when travelling internationally.

Dual SIM service is offered through a combination of a physical nano-SIM and an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical SIM card.

The two phone numbers can be on the same account, on different accounts, or from different carriers (for example, one line from Virgin Plus and one line from an international carrier).

Learn more about dual-SIM compatible devices.

Dual SIM FAQ: Apple

  • Can I have two active Mobility lines both using eSIM on my iPhone?

    You can have two Mobility lines active on eSIM if you have an iPhone 13 series/iPhone SE (3rd generation) or later. You will need two rate plans and will be billed separately for the two lines.

  • How do I set up Dual SIM? Can both lines be connected to the network at the same time?

    Yes, both lines can be connected to the network at all times for voice calling, as well as call waiting alerts if a second call comes in. However, data usage charges may apply for simultaneous incoming or outgoing voice calls when using this Apple Dual SIM.

    1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
    2. Under General, ensure your software has been updated to iOS 13.0 or higher.
    3. Activate the Wi-Fi calling option in Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling, on each of the two lines. For more information on how to set up this function on your device, see Wi-Fi Calling.
    4. Select Cellular Data, and then choose a default line (either line 1 or line 2).
    5. Set Allow Cellular Data Switching to ON, which allows your iPhone to use either line depending on coverage and availability.
  • How do I tell which phone number I’m using for calling?
    • The default labels for the phone lines are Primary and Secondary. To create your own labels, go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data on your iPhone. For example, you can name your lines Work and Personal, or something else.
    • Use these labels when you choose which phone number to use for making or receiving calls and text messages, to designate a number for cellular data, and to assign a number to your contacts so you know which number you will use when calling or texting them.
  • If I have a data plan on both lines, which data plan will I use and therefore be billed for?
    • Both lines can support data plans, however, only one number at a time can use cellular data. If you want your iPhone to use cellular data from both plans, depending on coverage and availability, turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching.
    • The data usage will come out from the set preferred line you assign in your iPhone's Cellular Settings. You can choose to toggle on your other line within those settings at any time. For example, during work hours, you can use the data from your "Work" line, and after work you can switch to your "Personal" line. For details, please see the Apple support page.
  • Can I use data while on a call?
    • Yes, if you turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching, then while you're on a voice call using your voice-only number, that number will switch to use voice and data. This lets you use both voice and data while on the call.
    • However, if you turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching and you make a call using a voice number that isn't your designated cellular data number, then cellular data won't work while you're on the call.
    • You can also access Wi-Fi on either line regardless of which line you have selected for your data usage.

    To learn more about changing your cellular data number, see Apple support page.

  • How will I be billed for voice and messaging?
    • Voice and messaging are calculated according to the rate plan of the line used for each activity. With Dual SIM, you have the choice of which line to use for each call and text.

    Note: data charges may apply during simultaneous voice calls.

  • What happens when I roam with multiple active SIMs?
    • Just as you can choose which line to call, message or use data from while in Canada, you can do the same while you roam. Please note: you will receive your roaming notifications from Virgin Plus for both lines in the same message thread. It’s important to pay attention to the line indicator (Line 1 or Line 2) in the message thread so you can tell which line you are using for roaming, especially if you have different roaming features on each line.
    • Data roaming charges may be incurred if both lines are used for simultaneous voice calling.
  • Will E9-1-1 and T9-1-1 work on both lines?
    • Both lines have the capability to dial 9-1-1. Where E9-1-1 is available, the caller’s number and approximate location will be provided, regardless of the line used.
    • Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on both lines has implications to 9-1-1 calls. If you call 9-1-1 from Line 1, your phone then disconnects and you get another call on Line 2, you will not receive a notification when the 9-1-1 operator calls you back.
    • For T9-1-1, each line needs to be registered separately. Register for T9-1-1.
  • How do I access my voicemail with Dual SIM on an iPhone?

    The voicemail message waiting indicator represented as a red dot on your voicemail icon, shows that you have an unheard voicemail message from your primary line. The secondary line will not have a voicemail message waiting indicator.

    To check for voicemail messages on your secondary line:

    1. Change the dial pad to the secondary line.
    2. Press and hold the 1 key to access your secondary line's voicemail.
    3. If a password has been set, you may be asked to enter it.

    Or, you can change the primary line on your iPhone:

    1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line to change your primary line.

Dual SIM FAQ: Android

  • Can both lines be connected to the network at the same time?

    Yes, both lines are connected to the network at all times. However, when you are on a call on one line (e.g., Line 1), the other line (e.g., Line 2) automatically goes on standby mode. This means, if someone tries to call you on Line 2 when you are on a call on Line 1, you will not receive a call waiting notification for the incoming call. Instead, that call will be directed to your Line 2 voicemail.

    Please be mindful that this has implications for 9-1-1 calls. If you call 9-1-1 from Line 1, your phone then disconnects and you get another call on Line 2, you will not receive a notification when the 9-1-1 operator calls you back.

  • How do I tell which phone number I’m using for calling?

    Upon activating your eSIM second line, you will receive a message on your device recommending that you create your own label for each line. To do so, follow the steps below:

    1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
    2. Touch the pencil icon beside the label you would like to edit.
    3. Enter the new label.

    When you make and receive calls, as well as send and receive text messages, the smartphone will identify each line by the name you have chosen. Compatible apps will also display different colours for each line.

  • If I have a data plan on both lines, which data plan will I use and therefore be billed for?

    Even though data plans are activated on both lines, you can only access one line at a time for calling, messaging, and mobile data. Therefore, you are using the data from the primary SIM you selected in your device’s settings, and will be billed accordingly.

    You can check or change your primary SIM in your device settings.

  • Can I use data while on a call?

    You can only access one line at a time for calling, messaging, and mobile data on an Android device. Therefore, you can only use the mobile data from the same line that you are using for calling. You can check or change your primary SIM in your device settings.

  • How will I be billed for voice and messaging?

    Voice and messaging are calculated according to the rate plan of the line used for each activity. With Dual SIM, you have the choice of which line to use for each call and text.

  • What happens when I roam with multiple active SIMs?

    Just as you can choose which line to call, message or use data from while in Canada, you can do the same while you roam. Please note: you will receive your roaming notifications from Bell for both lines in the same message thread. It’s important to pay attention to the line indicator (Line 1 or Line 2) in the message thread so you can tell which line you are using for roaming, especially if you have different roaming features on each line.

  • Will E9-1-1 and T9-1-1 work on both lines?

    Both lines have the capability to dial 9-1-1. Where E9-1-1 is available, the caller’s number and approximate location will be provided, regardless of the line used.

    For T9-1-1, each line needs to be registered separately. Register for T9-1-1.