Change number from SMS to iMessage with dual SIM

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Level 1

9 points

Change number from SMS to iMessage with dual SIM

When you travel abroad and add a second SIM, and set that second SIM number as preferred line, it is not possible to send iMessage using the first SIM number. Any work arounds?

The only workaround I found was to switch off the second SIM while connected to a local Wifi. You could then send the iMessage using the first SIM number. After you send the iMessage, enable the second SIM. The iMessage continues to work on the first SIM number.

iPhone SE, iOS 14

Posted on Apr 7, 2021 7:10 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ryane77

Community Specialist

Apr 8, 2021 7:50 AM in response to LibertyGuy

Hi, LibertyGuy! Thank you for posting your question to the Apple Support Communities. We understand that you are asking for a solution so that you can send messages while using Dual SIM cards with your iPhone. We’re happy to provide you with a solution!

To start, please read over the following Apple Support article:

Using Dual SIM with an eSIM - Apple Support

According to the article:

“You can use iMessage or SMS/MMS to send messages with either phone number. You can switch phone numbers before you send an iMessage or SMS/MMS message. Here's how:

Open Messages.

Tap the New button, in the upper right corner of the screen.

Enter your contact's name.

Tap the current phone number.

Tap the number you want to use.”

We hope this solution works for you. Please let us know if we can help with anything else!

Cheers!

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Answer 2

LibertyGuy Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 8, 2021 9:06 AM in response to ryane77

I see these 2 steps in many help websites, including Apple.

>>Tap the current phone number.

>>Tap the number you want to use.

It works for calls; not for SMS. I can’t follow the steps for SMS contacts who I have conversations with using the first SIM number. In the New Message screen, there is no current phone number to tap!

You get that option to tap the number you want to use after you delete the entire conversation with that contact, nd start a new conversation. Then it is entirely a new conversation and you can start with the SIM number of your choice. This option is posted in another discussion https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250885557

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Answer 3

Sharon_419

Community Specialist

Apr 12, 2021 5:42 AM in response to LibertyGuy

Hello, LibertyGuy. Thank you for following up with us and providing more details on the behavior that you are noticing.

We understand that you are only seeing the option to select the number you want to use when starting a new message thread with someone. According to the steps in the article we previously provided, this would be expected behavior. You must start a new message thread when selecting which phone number to use.

We’d like to collect your feedback if you have any ideas about how this process could be improved. Please use the following link to submit feedback suggestions:

Product Feedback - Apple

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Enjoy!

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