What is Data Rollover?

Dual SIM phones allow you to run two mobile lines from a single device. They're particularly useful for anyone juggling work and personal calls on one handset, managing a side hustle, or for those who wish to travel internationally without losing their number.

With technology moving from physical plastic SIM cards to digital eSIMs, you might be wondering how dual SIM actually works or whether you can get two SIM cards with the same number. 

In this guide, we'll cover the hardware, the software, and how amaysim's prepaid SIM and eSIM plans fit into a dual SIM setup.

How Dual SIM Works

When shopping for a multi SIM phone, you'll come across three main configurations.

Physical Dual SIM The traditional setup, where the SIM tray that pops out of your device has two slots for Nano or Micro SIM cards. This style is still common in some international handsets, but with the rise of eSIMs, many devices are moving towards digital solutions, which can free up space for larger batteries.

eSIM and Physical SIM Most modern phones come with a physical SIM card slot in the tray for your primary line and an internal eSIM (embedded SIM) for a secondary line. This gives you the option to swap a physical SIM card (for example, while travelling to use a local SIM), while keeping your eSIM stored securely in your phone's profile. 

Looking for more on eSIMs? Check out amaysim's eSIM options.

Dual eSIM Certain devices support dual eSIM profiles, enabling you to have two digital profiles on your phone with no physical tray. You simply need to download two eSIMs to your compatible device.

Key Benefits

The main appeal of a mobile with dual SIM is convenience and flexibility.

Work-life balance: With a dual SIM setup, you can have a personal and work number on one device, which can allow you to run separate 'do not disturb' schedules for each line. You can switch your work number to voicemail at 6pm while your personal line stays open for family and friends.

Cost savings and tax simplicity: At tax time, a multi SIM phone can be a small accounting win. A dedicated business SIM can mean a separate bill, making it straightforward to claim work-related mobile expenses. 

Running a business? Consider SIM-only plans for employees' existing dual SIM handsets, rather than buying and subsidising additional devices.

Travel: Keep your Australian number live in the background for important SMS bank alerts and two-factor authentication, while picking up a cheap local eSIM in your destination country. Note: Any calls, texts or data on your Australian number while overseas will still attract roaming charges. amaysim offers a range of international roaming add-ons, so you can stay connected without the bill shock.

Setting Up Your Dual SIM Phone

Whether you're combining a physical card with an eSIM or going fully digital, the process is straightforward:

  1. Install your first SIM. If it’s a physical SIM, slot the card in your compatible phone’s tray and wait for signal bars to appear. If it’s an eSIM, the easiest way to install it is via the My amaysim app.

  2. Install your second SIM. Repeat this process for your second SIM card, whether physical or eSIM.

  3. Configure in settings. In your phone’s settings, you can label each line so you know which one you’re using (e.g. ‘Work’, ‘Personal’, or ‘Travel’). You can also turn on automatic data switching so your phone falls back to the second SIM if the first loses signal. Please consult your manufacturer’s guide on how to do this on your device.

Choosing a Dual SIM Phone

If you're shopping for a handset to pair with an amaysim prepaid SIM or eSIM plan, here's what to look for:

  • eSIM support and capacity: If you'd rather skip physical SIMs entirely and your device is eSIM compatible, check how many eSIM profiles the device supports. While most phones can keep only two eSIMs active at once, some high-end flagship devices support up to three.

  • Battery capacity: Running two networks uses more power, so a larger battery helps if you'll have both lines active all day.

Start your dual SIM journey by exploring our range of devices from Apple, Samsung and Google today.

FAQs

How does using dual SIM affect battery life? When a multi SIM phone is actively working across two networks, it uses slightly more battery than a single-SIM device. Modern handsets only experience minimal impacts to battery performance.

Is it hard to switch between phone lines? Not at all. When you go to send a text or make a call, a small toggle in your phone’s mobile settings lets you switch lines.

Can you get 2 SIM cards with the same number? Each SIM needs its own unique number. The exception is wearable tech, including some smart watches. Carriers with a number sharing service (like amaysim’s Number Link) can link the two numbers at the network level, meaning that although each device is running its own eSIM, calls and texts to a single number can reach both devices.

Can you use eSIM and SIM on two phones? Yes. Some people keep a physical SIM in an older phone as a backup and run an eSIM on their primary compatible device. It works, but a single dual SIM phone keeps everything on one screen.

Does dual SIM work with prepaid plans? Yes. amaysim's prepaid SIM and eSIM plans both work in dual SIM setups, which makes it easy to add a second line, and means you can have two amaysim mobile plans on the one phone.

Ready for the dual SIM life?

A dual SIM phone can help keep you connected and efficient across the different parts of your life. amaysim's prepaid SIM and eSIM plans can be a flexible, low-commitment way to set up your second line. 

Explore amaysim's sim plan options to see what works for you.