[Q] Android with dual SIM cars installed - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi, I have a question to all users that are familiar with android devices with two slots for SIM cards. Currently there is a very interesting HTC One version as well as Google Nexus 5 that can be ordered with that option. How does this work in real life, is it easy to use two cards simultaneously, how system indicates from with SIM card connection is coming, is it a problem to use a secondary card that belongs to abroad operator without worrying about accidental roaming calls?

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way to copy sim card ?

i have a tmobile pocket pc phone edition
and i have a motorola phone
but just 1 sim card. i can get another sim card for free (friend of mine works for tmobile). im wondering if there is a way to copy my sim card in my pocket pc and write it to a new card
my goal is, if i go out to dinner, to a club / bar, etc... i dont wanna carry the pda with me. yes i can just swap the card, but id rather each phone have thier own
is there a program for the pocket pc phone to copy the sim card and write a new one or some kind of device to do this ?
i know direct tv uses a smart card, which technically is what the sim card is. i was thinking maybe i can use a card programmer for direct tv, copy my good sim card and write it back to the new one.
any ideas ?
-Mario
I understand it is possible to do this, however I bought the hardware and software to do so and have destroyed 2 sim cards so far and failed to copy any sim from UK service providers. This includes Orange, T- Mobile, Virgin, Vodafone and O2. I got in touch with the makers and they tell me that all these providers use V2 type cards therefore wont copy. I cannot vouch for other parts of the world. If anybody in UK has succesfully cloned a sim other than from an old Orange sim (3 years old at least) then I would be happy to hear from them. The hardware I bought allows 16 sims on one supersim, including phone book, sms etc. The sims can be switched on via a menu on the phone without switching off or resetting the phone, it will be great when the software finally gets to the stage where it works on UK sims.
Clone sim card
Mr. cruisin-thru , can u tell us where did u but the clonned Equipment and how much it cost u. and if there different types which one u advice us to buy.

??? New SIM card vs. Old SIM card ???

I noticed that the SIM cards keep changing every so often.
The new SIM cards have a smaller gold-metal surface area, whereas the older ones have a bigger gold-metal surface area.
Any ideas why?
Is there any benefit to swap out your SIM card to the newest? The SIM that comes in the box has a smaller gold-surface area.
(When was using previously using the iphone, my SIM was pretty beat up from switching phones all the time and the gold-metal part practically had indentations, which did give me reception problems. When I swapped it out with a new one at the store it did fix the problem. Obviously a surface contact problem.)
* Picture attached below *
iunlock said:
I noticed that the SIM cards keep changing every so often.
The new SIM cards have a smaller gold-metal surface area, whereas the older ones have a bigger gold-metal surface area.
Any ideas why?
Is there any benefit to swap out your SIM card to the newest? The SIM that comes in the box has a smaller gold-surface area.
(When was using previously using the iphone, my SIM was pretty beat up from switching phones all the time and the gold-metal part practically had indentations, which did give me reception problems. When I swapped it out with a new one at the store it did fix the problem. Obviously a surface contact problem.)
* Picture attached below *
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the pic.
I did have a weird situation where replacing the sim actually somehow increased my data speeds...the old sim was only a year old ...but i ain't complaining
didn't really notice any less surface area tho
newspeak said:
I did have a weird situation where replacing the sim actually somehow increased my data speeds...the old sim was only a year old ...but i ain't complaining
didn't really notice any less surface area tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting....hmmm....now I'm really curious haha...
I swapped out my 1 year old SIM as well and now im getting 3G signals in my house whereas my old sim would drop 3G service more often.
Idk I change sim cards for all my phones since g1 since there's nothing on it ever since using google contacts
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
There is typically no need to replace your sim card unless you are having problems with it (ie not registering on the network.)
However older sim cards have a restriction on how many times they can register on the network, and after they hit the limit the phone will stop connecting, so if you want to prevent this issue (usually takes a couple years, and is a lot more likely in areas where your signal drops, for people who travel a lot, and in 3G coverages areas where you swap back and forth between 3G and 2G) you can use one of the newer sim cards. To Identify whether your sim is the newer variant with no registration restriction look at the back where the gold contacts are, if its a newer sim it will say in small lettering "TMXXXX" (where X is a number, ie TM4322) and it will also have an expiration date printed (it must be activated by this date or it becomes unusable.)
In terms of 2G/3G the sim card itself and its age should not make a difference as the capability to connect to those networks is dependent on the phone, not the sim. You can think of a sim card as a gateway that connects your phone to the billing system and authenticates it.
Having had said that, if you are having connection issues it could just be a defective sim card, to check, just place the sim in a phone that isn't having any connectivity problems, if it starts having problems, replace your sim.
In terms of the digit you highlighted in that picture, I believe it has to do with the manufacture year, although if I remember correctly its digits 4 and 5 that make up that information, but otherwise isn't anything important to a consumer.
well i got curious and checked ....i have the bigger sim ...i don't think the numbers matter much
Aphotix said:
There is typically no need to replace your sim card unless you are having problems with it (ie not registering on the network.)
However older sim cards have a restriction on how many times they can register on the network, and after they hit the limit the phone will stop connecting, so if you want to prevent this issue (usually takes a couple years, and is a lot more likely in areas where your signal drops, for people who travel a lot, and in 3G coverages areas where you swap back and forth between 3G and 2G) you can use one of the newer sim cards. To Identify whether your sim is the newer variant with no registration restriction look at the back where the gold contacts are, if its a newer sim it will say in small lettering "TMXXXX" (where X is a number, ie TM4322) and it will also have an expiration date printed (it must be activated by this date or it becomes unusable.)
In terms of 2G/3G the sim card itself and its age should not make a difference as the capability to connect to those networks is dependent on the phone, not the sim. You can think of a sim card as a gateway that connects your phone to the billing system and authenticates it.
Having had said that, if you are having connection issues it could just be a defective sim card, to check, just place the sim in a phone that isn't having any connectivity problems, if it starts having problems, replace your sim.
In terms of the digit you highlighted in that picture, I believe it has to do with the manufacture year, although if I remember correctly its digits 4 and 5 that make up that information, but otherwise isn't anything important to a consumer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input.
As for the exp. date, where is that located. I don't see it.
Aphotix said:
In terms of 2G/3G the sim card itself and its age should not make a difference as the capability to connect to those networks is dependent on the phone, not the sim. You can think of a sim card as a gateway that connects your phone to the billing system and authenticates it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought...until a lot of people started noticing better 3g connection/speeds with the new sim cards. Just a placebo effect perhaps?
The size difference could also be for users who want to make it a micro sim so they can put it in their unlocked iPhones. I don't have either of these sim cards to compare, so I'm not sure.
hmm.. the sim im using is almost 8 years old. its been moved from phone to phone so many times there are wear marks on the contacts. still works fine though.
When I first got my g1 a few years ago I had issues with the market. There were apps that I knew were available (private apps) but I could not download them. I went to a T-Mobile store and looked at the display phones. One of them was able to see private apps, the other like mine, could not. I talked it over with the rep and we decided to replace the sim card. It was a random, no other ideas, decision. Started the G1 back up and Market was now working as expected. There were no other benefits noticed. Since then, I tend to replace the sim anytime a new phone is purchased.
Your milage may vary.
-Ryan
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
When I got my Vibrant, coming from the g1, tmo wanted to just pop it in the Vibrant. I made them put in the new sim card just to be safe, figured the one that came in the box brand new SHOULD be better.
iunlock said:
Thanks for your input.
As for the exp. date, where is that located. I don't see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its only on the newer ones, the old ones don't expire, they just stop working after a set number of registrations on the network.
In regards to sim issues, they really shouldn't have any impact at all. Changing a sim card refreshes the billing information in the system (like what kind of services your phone is supposed to have and what not) customer care can do this without the need for a new sim.
Hoenstly though, sometimes a sim replacement is needed, I've seen stranger things.
s15274n said:
When I got my Vibrant, coming from the g1, tmo wanted to just pop it in the Vibrant. I made them put in the new sim card just to be safe, figured the one that came in the box brand new SHOULD be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I bought my phone out right, the rep opened the box and took out the SIM then sold me the phone.
I guess it doesn't matter since swapping out your SIM at the T-Mobile corporate stores is free.
I just tried this since there is a tmobile store across from where I work. I used SpeedTest app and ran it 3 times before the swap. Average was about 2500 kbps download and 300 up. I swapped the sim out, went back to the spot where I originally tested and ran three more times and got about the same rate with the new sim. My old one was about 3 yo from when I had my Dash.
MonkySlap said:
I just tried this since there is a tmobile store across from where I work. I used SpeedTest app and ran it 3 times before the swap. Average was about 2500 kbps download and 300 up. I swapped the sim out, went back to the spot where I originally tested and ran three more times and got about the same rate with the new sim. My old one was about 3 yo from when I had my Dash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking the only time one would see a difference is if they are having poor contact surface from the SIM wearing out. I've seen ooolld SIM's where the metal had indentations like no other.
Just read the thread and said why not had the same sim card since I first signed up with tmobile 5 years ago.
When I talked with the rep on the phone and explained this to him and asked could this help he stated that the official tmobile policy is if the old sim card works no need to switch. However, because of the technical specs on the card could cause better reception, they just can't guarantee it, they only guarantee it will not get worse. He asked if I was having issues and I said no i'm just a nerd and wanted to know if it would help. Just swapped it out going to give it a test around the house and will report back.
Back Story:
Upgraded from G1, perfect 3G everywhere in chicago, couldn't even get it to drop from 3G no matter where I went. With the Vibrant and and old sim card, constantly dropped to 2G no big deal still was speedy
New Sim Card:
will report after testing
Old Sim Card
My connection constantly jumped from 2G to 3G all over my house constantly
New Sim Card
Solid 3G all through the house, will report back after tomorrow when I travel all over chicago

[Q] Phone/sim-card (in)compability? Is it possible to lose signal on this issue?

Okay, so - first off, let me give a quick intro: I am really sorry if I post this in the wrong forum. I AM a noob.
I've been a long time reader (and a very happy user of the great knowlegde base and ROM development here on XDA!) and this is my first post. I'm not anywhere near to be a Linux/Android wizard but on the other hand I have gotten S-off and root on my Wildfire S, have tried different ROMS, link2sd, modified GPS files with root explorer etc. That's kind of my level.
-------
So - now to my question. Please be patient with me, it's hard for me to explain in simple terms and english is not my first language. I WILL get down to facts and numbers.
I've decided to move to a more powerful device and I have just bought a Galaxy S II, bought unlocked from my provider. So basicly all I should have had to do when I got my GS2 in the mail was to pop out the SIM card from my Wildfire S and pop it in the GS2 and it *SHOULD* have been working. Problem is - it works 'kinda'. Yes - it works in the worst way - from time to time. I am puzzled!
I get very bad reception and most times NO reception - no signal.
The SIM card does not get rejected by the phone as if the phone was locked, and if I go outside I CAN get a signal, and I CAN make calls. Sometimes I have been cut off. Now I'm not talking about me not just getting data or GPS signal - I'm talking about 2G GSM signal for just making calls and texting. But outside downtown I HAVE had the H+ sign for data appear and I HAVE downloaded from market with the troubled SIM card.
So one would think that the antenna/modem(?) in the SG2 does not work properly. Well - I got me a pre-paid SIM card from the best covered provider in Denmark. I pop the SIM card in - I get a fine signal. Data and GPS works well, calling and texting - no problem!
I have tried 2 other SIM cards from my provider from friends phones - CBB using the Telenor network - and results are the same. Very poor signal, sometimes no signal.
So here's the facts from inside my appartment in a larger city well covered from several providers in Denmark:
- SIM card from my provider in Wildfire S gives me a signal between -80 and -90 dBm and 10 - 15 asu. All functions work, GPS, 3G data, calls, MMS, texting.
- The same SIM card in the GS2 give me at best around -100 dBm and 5 - 6 asu but often drops to -111 dBm and 1 asu. I have seen -113 dBm. Useless.
- SIM card from another large network provider gives me 80 - 95 dBm and 8 - 15 asu.
- I have checked if the phone is locked - it is *NOT* SIM locked.
Remember - this is all in the same place in the same chair in front of the same table. If my provider had a poor signal Wildfire S should be affected as well.
Can my SIM card from my provider somehow be incompatible with the SG2? I have of course called my provider and explained all of this. They had NO clue why it happened but would mail me a new SIM card before doing repairs.
After a factory reset Wildfire S will pop up and ask me what provider I am using after detecting SIM card (select SIM service prompt). SG2 will do the same thing on the pre-paid SIM card - not on the SIM card from my provider. Does this mean anything to any of you?
Is there a way to determine the type of the SIM card in the phone? I would like to know if the two SIM cards are of different types using different technologies - whatever - so I could determine if the SG2 was not compatible with my providers SIM card.
Model: GT-I9100
Android: 2.3.5
Baseband: I9100XXKI4
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKI8-CL616395 [email protected] #2
Build: GINGERBREAD.XWKI8
Country: Denmark
Provider: CBB - using the net of Telenor
If you are still with me this far - thank you very much!
I had a somewhat similar problem that I solved just this morning....
Here in Costa Rica there are now 3 carriers, ICE which is state owned and two private carriers, Movistar and Claro.
I bought my S2 unlocked from a fella that bought it from Claro. The chip I was using was an old GSM chip that I was using in my previous phone. I had data connectivity but it was slow and calls dropped constantly with my chip. I have another phone with a brand new chip and when I would use it all was good. The old chip also had an R on the signal for roaming most of the time, and it always thought it was roaming when I had market enabler programmed to fake at&t so I could get to certain apps.
But this morning I went to my carrier and got a new chip and all is good.
Bottom line, go to your carrier and ask for a new chip. There may be something in the programming not optiized for the phone you have or the current network
Actually, cdzo72 could be right.
Check how old are SIM cards you were using.
Prepaid one should be no older than 1 year, meaning new tech included.
Try to find someone who recently got new contract with same provider U are using (CBB) or at least new/replaced SIM from them.
Few years ago my provider forced me to change SIM card on renewing contract since SIM "is no more fully compatible with new technology in modern mobile phones", whatever that means.
Thank you for your time.
I have a new SIM card waiting for me in the snail mail tomorrow, and I hope that it will work.
My current SIM card is 3 years old, and when I got it, it was on the same occasion as Bodisson - I got a new Nokia, and my old SIM card was not compatible with the new phone.
If this is the case however, I cannot help to think about why my Wildfire S works without any problems at all with the current SIM card. One should think that the two phones use the same technologies.
Oh well - if it doesn't work with a new SIM card the GS2 is in for repairs on monday.
The worst thing is that I have had the phone for 10 days and I feel as I did when I was 8 years old and didn't get a Commodore 64 for christmas! I want to play with my new toy!

T-Mobile Tablet SIM in second SIM Slot?

Has anyone tried using a T-Mobile SIM in a smartphone as either a strictly data only device or in a device with two SIM trays for supplementary data? I am very interested in doing this with the 5x if it is possible. Thanks in advance.
There is a selection for which sim you want to use for Mobile Data in the SIM Management however since the device is a Dual Sim Passive device you will have to manually change to the Data only SIM once you run out of data on your primary phone SIM.
retepoh said:
There is a selection for which sim you want to use for Mobile Data in the SIM Management however since the device is a Dual Sim Passive device you will have to manually change to the Data only SIM once you run out of data on your primary phone SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps I did not phrase my original question properly, I am wondering whether or not I can use the T-Mobile tablet specific sim in a phone. I know that I can use two sims and switch between them however, I do not know if T-Mobile will allow me to use a tablet sim in a phone.
jmiller99 said:
Perhaps I did not phrase my original question properly, I am wondering whether or not I can use the T-Mobile tablet specific sim in a phone. I know that I can use two sims and switch between them however, I do not know if T-Mobile will allow me to use a tablet sim in a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I have done so.
Yes per T-Mobile support. I asked them directly when I tried to do this. And what crpalmer said.
I went ahead and got a tablet sim, 2gb for $20. I can confirm that it is working in the 5x. Thank you all for the help.
Difference between tablet and phone plan
What is the technical difference between the tablet and phone plans? I have a tablet Sim in my second slot and I am able to receive and send text messages. When I go on the website it lists my plan as having unlimited text and calls. Could I use this as my primary phone plan?

3/G - 4/G capabilities on slot 1 only?

Dear Community , I’ve just bought a P9000 smartphone and I’d like to ask a question: as far as I know this dual SIM phone can not support 4G (or even 3G) when both SIM cards are inserted but to me the only way to have 3G or 4G capabilities is to insert the SIM card in slot 1 (the outer one, the same slot of t-flash memory expansion)… Is this behaviour normal? I thought that , with a single SIM card inserted, didn’t matter which slot was used to get 3G or 4G working on phone, and this is a severe issue because if you want 3G/4G capabilities you have to use slot 1 and therefore no more t-flash into the phone… Please, could you help me? I tried with engineering mode (BSPTelephonyDevTool) but no joy at all... Thanks in advance, best regards.
I have always had my sim (Three UK) in slot 2 as I use a 60GB SD card and I have had no problem getting 4G tbh. Altho the 4G connection was never really as fast as I expected & very ocassionally it wouldnt attched to a 4G connection in an area with 4G (but this was kinda very very rare)
Sorry I dont have a solution to your issue, but on a side note I have just installed the Andriod 7 Beta to test it out and I can confirm that the 4G is outstanding on that, even the 3G is way faster with a much much better signal - better than I have ever experienced on any other ROM to date. (same with the GPS, its spot on)
What network are you on & what Stock ROM (I'm assuming your using stock with you just buying it) are you using? the latest Stock?
Thanks for prompt reply, to be honest the phone belongs to my sister... Anyway, the P9000 is on TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) network operator and android version is Marshmallow 6.0. At the moment the issue still remains, I think that she'll be waiting for Nougat 7.0 to come on OTA...

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