In Australia, you generally can't have the exact same physical SIM or eSIM profile on two different phones for simultaneous active use, as carriers link them uniquely; however, you can achieve a similar effect for calls/texts via VoIP apps (like WhatsApp, Signal, or business VoIP services), carrier eSIM options for smartwatches (Number Share), or by having multiple SIMs in a dual-SIM phone for different numbers. Some providers offer number sharing add-ons for compatible smartwatches, letting them use your main mobile number for calls/texts.
The good news? You can have two phones with the same number, allowing a single line to ring on multiple devices. In this article, we cover a few different ways to set this up and the benefits of having one number ring on multiple phones.
The quick answer to “Can I have the same SIM card in 2 phones?” is no. One SIM card, whether it's a plastic card or an eSIM, can only stay active in one phone at a time. If you pop it into another handset, the first one immediately drops off your carrier's network.
The simultaneously ring option is handy for people on the go. When you get a call it rings on two phone numbers at the same time. You can set your incoming calls to simultaneously ring your mobile device and another number or contact in case you're busy or momentarily unavailable.
eSIM allows users to communicate with all their devices using a single number, allowing one number to be used on multiple devices. For example, a person can use the same number on both their mobile phone and tablet.
You can now use the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices at the same time, using your primary phone to link up to four devices. You'll need to log in to WhatsApp on your primary phone every 14 days to keep linked devices connected to your WhatsApp account.
TL;DR: No, you cannot install the same eSIM profile on multiple devices simultaneously. Each eSIM is uniquely tied to one device for security and technical reasons. However, you can use mobile hotspot (tethering) to share data across your gadgets.
Disadvantages of dual SIM phones
Because you're operating two SIM cards from a single phone, your phone is putting in extra operational work, so the battery can drain slightly quicker. This could be a problem if you're a high user or are away from a power source, or regularly need to plug your phone in.
Dialing *#21# on your phone uses a USSD code to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if all your calls, data, or texts are being redirected to another number without your knowledge, which can happen if someone accesses your settings. It's not a definitive hack detector, but it quickly shows if a carrier-level setting is diverting your communications, potentially to intercept sensitive information like 2FA codes, and can be disabled with ##21#.
Use your phone's mobile number with up to 5 connected devices: Your smartphone's mobile number is the "host" and shares your number with your authorized and eligible connected devices. Devices compatible with Number Share - Mobile don't require a separate app to share a number.
Your phone number is not permanently linked to your SIM card. Number portability allows you to switch operators or SIM cards while keeping your number. You can change your number without replacing your SIM card by contacting your operator.
You can transfer your physical SIM or eSIM to an eSIM in a new phone while you transfer your data from another device. Depending on your carrier, this may be automatic during the onboarding process.
If you have an activated SIM card from your desired carrier and it is the correct size for the unlocked phone you purchased, then yes, you will most likely be able to put your SIM card into the device and it should function normally. You will continue to use the same phone number you did previously.
Open "Settings" on both Android phones and enable Bluetooth. On one phone, tap "Pair new device", and select the other phone from the list of available devices. Confirm the pairing request on both devices.
Two or more wired phones can share a single “Landline”. These are called extensions. If the number is dialed, all phones ring, and if that call is answered on one of the extensions then the others are “busy” with the same call.
Many carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) now support multiple eSIMs for one number. They'll either send a QR code or assist with activation over the phone. Once activated, both iPhones can technically hold the same number, but only one will be active for calls and texts at a time.
Dial *#62# to check if your voice or messages are being forwarded. Then dial ##62# to cancel #reject #TechSavvy #changeisgood.
You can also use *82 to unblock your number in case your call gets rejected temporarily. Some providers and users will automatically block private numbers, so using this code will help you bypass this filter.
Dial *#21# to check if your phone is tapped.
Dial *#21# on your iPhone to check if a third party is intercepting your calls, messages, or data. This is another useful code to know if someone is monitoring your calls. This code reveals if voice, data, SMS, and other services are forwarded to another number.
Getting the best network: Dual SIM phones are handy when coverage is spotty or when you move between regions with different providers. You can easily switch between carriers. Pick the SIM with the best network, data plan, or coverage wherever you are.
This uses Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology, which means that both SIMs can make and receive calls.
Your WhatsApp account can only be verified with one registered phone number. It's not possible to add a second phone number to your account. If you have a dual SIM phone, you can have two different WhatsApp accounts on a single Android device. You still must choose one number to verify with WhatsApp.
I want to use my main phone number but switch between phones such as an iPhone and Android device without swapping my SIM. Can I do this? Absolutely.
eSIM disadvantages include limited device compatibility, especially on older/budget phones, a more complex transfer process requiring carrier involvement or internet, reliance on the device's OS (risking software glitches), and the inability to physically swap the card for troubleshooting or quick device changes, potentially leading to carrier lock-in issues.
Most modern smart phone will allow two sims to be operational at the same time. So, yes you can toggle between physical and eSIM or you can keep them both on. Same, yes, but not necessary. In the settings you have to put the Esim for data and your usual sim for the calls.