Vipin PG 
With the introduction of Dual SIM technology, managing calls between two SIMs has become essential for many users. While Android devices have supported dual SIM for years, Apple has also embraced this feature with eSIM technology on iPhones.
If you use two SIM cards on your smartphone, you might want to set a preferred SIM for specific contacts or change the selection when needed. This guide will show you how to:
- Select a default calling SIM for a contact
- Remove or change the preferred SIM for a contact
- Understand how SIM preferences work across different brands and platforms
Let’s explore how to manage dual SIM settings effectively on both Android and iPhone.
Understanding Dual SIM Selection in Smartphones
When using two SIM cards, your phone offers several ways to manage calls:
- Always Ask – Every time you make a call, your phone will ask which SIM to use.
- Default SIM for Calls – You can set a preferred SIM for all outgoing calls.
- Per-Contact SIM Selection – You can assign a specific SIM to individual contacts.
Once a preferred SIM is assigned, all calls to that contact will be made through the selected SIM unless changed manually.
📌 Important: Some networks or regions may restrict certain dual-SIM features. For example, in India, Jio requires VoLTE for calls, which may impact dual-SIM functionality.
How to Change or Remove Default Call SIM Selection on Android
Most Android devices allow setting a preferred calling SIM from the contacts menu or settings. However, the method varies slightly depending on the phone brand.
Method 1: Changing Default SIM for Calls (Android General Method)
- Open the Phone or Contacts app.
- Find the contact for which you want to change the default SIM.
- Tap on the contact to view details.
- Long-press the phone number.
- A pop-up menu will appear. Select “Clear Calling SIM” (or similar option).
- Done! The default SIM preference for that contact is now removed.
📌 Tip: Next time you call this contact, your phone will prompt you to select a SIM.
Method 2: Changing Default SIM on Samsung Phones
Samsung devices use a SIM Card Manager for managing SIM settings. Here’s how to change or remove the preferred SIM:
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.
- Under Preferred SIM for Calls, tap “Ask Always” or select the desired SIM.
- To reset for a specific contact:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Select the contact and tap Edit.
- Under SIM Preference, select “Ask every time”.
Method 3: Changing Default SIM on Google Pixel & Stock Android
If you use a Google Pixel or stock Android phone:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs.
- Tap Calls and choose “Ask Every Time” or select the default SIM.
📌 Note: If you don’t see the “Clear Calling SIM” option, check if Dual SIM settings are restricted by your carrier.
How to Change or Remove Default Call SIM Selection on iPhone
Unlike Android, iPhones with Dual SIM (eSIM + Physical SIM) handle SIM selection differently. You need to manage SIM preferences per contact manually.
Steps to Remove or Change Default SIM on iPhone
- Open the Phone or Contacts app.
- Select the contact you want to edit.
- Tap Edit (top-right corner).
- Scroll to the Preferred SIM Section.
- Choose a different SIM or select “Always Ask”.
- Tap Done to save the changes.
📌 Tip: If you want to set up Dual SIM initially, go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Plans and choose which SIM to use for Calls, SMS, and Data.
Troubleshooting: Why Does the Default Call SIM Change Automatically?
Sometimes, the preferred SIM resets or changes automatically due to:
- SIM Deactivation – If you disable one SIM, the default SIM settings reset.
- Carrier Restrictions – Some networks (like Jio/Airtel) may not allow easy switching between SIMs.
- Phone Updates – A system update may reset network preferences.
How to Fix?
- Check if both SIMs are active under Settings → SIM Manager (Android) or Cellular Plans (iPhone).
- Reset SIM preferences manually if needed.
- Ensure both SIMs have network access before changing the settings.
Additional Tips for Dual SIM Management
- Set Preferred SIM for SMS & Data – Some Android/iOS versions allow separate SIM settings for calls, messages, and mobile data.
- Temporary Overrides – To call someone using a different SIM without changing the default, long-press the call button (Android) or manually select a SIM before dialing (iPhone).
- Battery Usage – Keeping both SIMs active may slightly drain battery faster, so disable one SIM if not in use.
- Dual 5G Support – Some phones support 5G on only one SIM at a time.
Conclusion
Managing dual SIM settings efficiently ensures seamless communication, whether using Android or iPhone. By following the steps outlined, you can:
- Change or remove the default calling SIM for any contact.
- Understand how different phone brands handle SIM selection.
- roubleshoot common issues related to SIM preferences.
For the best experience, regularly check your SIM settings and adjust them based on your usage needs. If you’re facing issues, consider resetting network settings to refresh SIM preferences.
Got any questions about managing Dual SIM settings? Let us know in the comments!
waw thanks for share this article nice post
Hello. Thx for the guide. Do you know if it is possible to do this for all contacts at once?
Hi Cruentus, For all contacts at once is not possible. It needs clearing of all contacts from phone. It will be more complicated.
The easiest way is just to delete the contact and resave
Ys, that’s also the best option.
The best thing and the easiest to do is delete that contact, don’t worry about history of that contact, just delete it and save with the same name. The next time you dial you will have the option of which Sim to call with.
Yes, that too an option.
Very helpful, thanks!
Welcome Stephan
It’s not work on “phone by Google” app.
Hi John,
On Some devices, the manufactures put some restrictions on customization. It might be that was the issue on your device. May I know the device brand, please?
Xiaomi Redmi 9s
Yes, on Xiaomi devices the options are hidden.
Hi dear
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9s
MIUI 12
Yes, Orginal Google Phone settings won’t be available on those devices. All the settings and features are available without modification on Stock ROM devices only.
Thank you so much it works…
Great to hear that.
This method does not seem to work on my Samsung S21 (Android 12), unfortunately. The ‘Clear calling SIM’ option does not appear in the popup, after long pressing the number. I only see ‘Copy to clipboard’, ‘Edit number before call’ and ‘clear default’ (i.e. which number to use if the contact has more than one phone numbers).
Hi Tizio, that might be because the Samsung dialer doesn’t have that option. We will update the same with the Samsung dialer too.
Thanks for the tip!
Thank you for this, I have been looking for solution and now this worked for me.
Great to know that.