How To Switch Between An eSIM & SIM For Calls On Android

Using two numbers on one Android phone? Whether you’re separating business and personal calls or just want to make the most of your device’s dual SIM features, switching between a physical SIM and an eSIM is easy once you know how. Here’s a simple guide to help you manage your mobile lines – plus some top tips for business users.

Quick recap: What is an eSIM, and how is it different from a physical SIM?

A physical SIM is the small plastic card you insert into your phone to connect it to your mobile network. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is built into your device – there’s no card, no tray, and nothing to swap. It holds your mobile plan digitally, meaning you can activate a network with just a QR code or app.

Most modern Android phones support dual SIM functionality, so you can use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time – ideal if you want two numbers on one phone.

New to eSIMs? Check out our guide to what eSIMs are and how they work.

Why use eSIM and dual-SIM features on Android for business?

If you’re running a business or juggling work and personal calls, Android’s dual SIM setup can help you stay organised – and save time. Some key benefits include the ability to:

• Keep work and personal numbers separate on the same device.
• Add local data plans when travelling, without removing your UK SIM.
• Avoid carrying two phones or constantly swapping SIM cards.
• Easily manage costs by tracking your usage across work and personal lines.

Dual SIM offers a flexible, professional way to take control of your communication that’s perfect for small business owners.

How to switch between an eSIM and SIM for calls on Android

Here’s how to choose which SIM to use for calls on most Android devices:

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Tap Network & Internet (this might be labelled Connections, depending on your phone).
3. Tap SIM cards or SIM manager.
4. Under Calls, you’ll see an option to choose your preferred SIM for outgoing calls.
5. Select either your physical SIM or eSIM.

Top tip: Make sure both your physical SIM and eSIM are turned on in your SIM manager settings to enable switching.

How to switch SIMs for just one call

Some Android phones allow you to use a specific SIM (eSIM or physical SIM) for just one call – without changing your default line. – Android makes this easy, especially when dialling from your contacts or call history. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the contact you want to call.
3. You’ll usually see a small SIM indicator next to the call button – it might show as SIM 1 or SIM 2, or the label you’ve assigned (like “Work” or “Personal”).
4. Tap the SIM icon to choose which number to use for that call.
5. Once selected, tap the call button as normal.

Top tip: On some Android devices, the SIM selector might only appear after you press the call button – look out for a quick pop-up asking which SIM to use before the call connects.

How Android remembers your choice for contacts

Some Android devices and apps will remember which SIM you used last time and automatically use the same one again for that contact. This makes it easier to maintain consistency in your communication without needing to manually select the right SIM each time.

This functionality varies depending on the device manufacturer, so check your specific model’s instructions to be sure. If this option isn’t available for your phone, consider using a third-party app that offers this functionality.

How to manage SIM preferences per contact

Some Android phones allow you to specify which SIM to use for each of your saved contacts. If you want to set or change which SIM is used for a specific contact:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Tap on the contact you want to edit.
3. Tap the three-dot menu or ‘Edit’ icon (depending on your phone).
4. Look for the ‘Preferred SIM’ or ‘Default SIM’ setting.
5. Choose either your physical SIM or eSIM.

This ensures calls to that contact always go out on the line you’ve chosen, which is especially useful for business calls or international numbers.

Receiving calls with Dual SIM on Android

​​Your phone can receive incoming calls on both numbers, whether you’re using an eSIM or physical SIM. If you’re already on a call, how Android handles the second incoming call will depend on your device and network provider:

• Some phones support Dual SIM Dual Active, which lets you take a second call while still on the first.
• Others use Dual SIM Dual Standby, which sends the second call to voicemail or marks it as missed if you’re already on the line.

Important for business users: Make sure Wi-Fi calling is enabled (if supported) for smoother handling of incoming calls on both lines.

How to temporarily disable an eSIM line (without deleting it)

Need to pause your work line during evenings or holidays? On some Android devices, you can temporarily turn off your eSIM without removing it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & Internet (or Connections) > SIM cards (or Mobile network).
3. Choose your eSIM line.
4. Toggle Enable (or Turn on this SIM) to off.

This disables the line but keeps the eSIM profile saved, so you can turn it back on any time.

Troubleshooting: Common issues when switching lines

• Can’t see both SIMs?

Double-check that your phone supports dual SIM and that both SIMs (physical and eSIM) are active. You can check this under Settings > SIM cards.

• Calls not connecting as expected?

Try switching to the other SIM to check if it’s a network issue. You can also toggle Airplane mode on and off to reset connections.

• Wrong number showing for outbound calls?

Make sure you’ve set the correct SIM as your default for calls, and adjust any contact-specific settings.

• Mobile data not working after switching to your eSIM?

Some network providers may require you to manually configure your Access Point Name (APN) settings before mobile data works properly. To check this:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile networks.
2. Tap Access Point Names.
3. Select your eSIM profile (it may appear at the bottom of the screen).
4. Tap Add and enter your network provider’s APN details. These are usually available on their website or support page.
5. Save the APN and make sure it’s selected.

Top tip: If prompted to confirm your SIM change when switching mobile data to your eSIM, tap “Change” to proceed.

Handy tips for business owners using dual SIMs on Android

• Rename your SIMs. If your Android device supports it, you can rename your SIM cards for easier identification. Go to Settings > SIM cards and give each line a custom name like “Work” and “Personal” to avoid confusion.
• Use Focus or Do Not Disturb modes. Some Android phones will allow you to silence specific SIM lines, which can be useful for business owners. For example, you can silence your work line outside business hours using Android’s Focus or Do Not Disturb settings.
• Assign contacts to a specific SIM. Some Android phones let you assign a default SIM per contact – handy for keeping work calls on your business number.
• Control mobile data use. Choose which SIM handles mobile data (great if your work SIM has better rates or higher limits).

Managing two numbers on one Android phone is simpler than ever, especially with eSIM support built in. With just a few quick settings, you can switch between work and personal calls, avoid carrying two phones, and keep your communication streamlined.

Get set up with us today

Getting your business eSIM from YourBusinessNumber is quick to set up, completely digital, and designed with busy professionals in mind. As soon as you complete your order, you’ll receive an email with your unique QR code and your new mobile number. Just scan the code, activate your eSIM, and you’re ready to go – no physical SIMs, no delivery delays, and no paperwork. Most customers are connected and making calls within 15 minutes.

Whether you’re setting up a dedicated line for client calls, equipping your team with separate work numbers, or simply looking to streamline your business communications, YourBusinessNumber makes it effortless. Everything is automated and designed to work with your existing device – no need for extra phones or tech skills.

Still figuring out your setup? You can start with a virtual WhatsApp Business number to keep client messaging separate from your personal chats. It’s a quick, easy way to create a more professional presence – no second phone or SIM card required.