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How to use dual SIMs on the Pixel 4
Dual-SIM smartphones have long been a staple in many countries like India. The introduction of the eSIM led to this feature, in a hybrid (eSIM and physical form), available in markets that traditionally favor single SIMs. Not every device or network carrier supports it, but you can use this feature with the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Here’s everything you need to know about using dual SIMs on the Google Pixel 4.
Looking to upgrade? Here’s everything you need to know about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
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To use dual SIMs on the Pixel 4, you must use a physical SIM and eSIM. Go to Settings-->Network and Internet-->Mobile network and tap the + icon. To set up a second SIM, confirm when you see a pop-up that says Use 2 numbers?
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How to set up the first SIM
Before you start using two SIMs with the Pixel 4, you first need to set them up individually. You can start with either a physical SIM or an eSIM. To set up a physical SIM, pop it into the phone’s SIM card tray.
The network carrier will send you a QR code or an activation number to activate the eSIM. Go to Settings–>Network and Internet–>Mobile network and tap + (the plus sign). Select Download a SIM instead?, tap Next, and scan the QR code. Select Start, and your eSIM number will be added.
Set up the second SIM
Once you have the first SIM set up, you can add the second one. The steps remain largely the same regardless of which option you use to activate the second.
The steps remain the same to add an eSIM as the second SIM. When you get to Download a SIM instead, tap Next. You will be asked Use 2 numbers?. Tap Continue and then Restart. Go back to Settings–>Network and internet–>Mobile network. Tap the added networks to set your call, text, and data preferences.
When you add a physical SIM after an eSIM is set as the first, you will see a pop-up that says, Use 2 numbers?. Tap Continue and then Restart. Go to your mobile network settings to change your call, text, and data preferences.
How to switch the active data SIM
The Pixel 4 uses DSDS (dual-SIM dual standby) when both SIMs are activated. You can use both SIMs for calls and texts simultaneously. But if you’re on a call on one number, any incoming calls on the other will go straight to voicemail. The data connection is only available with whichever SIM you’ve selected as the primary option. Switching between the two SIMs means you’re changing which network is being used for data.
Go to Settings–>Network and internet–>Mobile network and select the network you want to use for data. Tap it and enable mobile data. Remember, you can use only one SIM for data.
Read more: The best Pixel 4 XL cases you can buy
FAQs
Why doesn’t my phone offer dual-SIM?
The setting might be disabled. Open the Phone app and dial *#*#4636#*#*. Tap Phone information and make sure Enable DSDS is activated.