Dual SIM functionality on Android allows users to manage two phone numbers on a single device, making it convenient for separating work and personal calls or using different carriers for better coverage and cost savings. However, if your phone doesn’t prompt you to choose between SIM 1 or SIM 2 before making a call, you might accidentally use the wrong SIM.
This guide will show you how to enable the “Ask Every Time” option for dual SIM calls on Android, ensuring you always select the right SIM before dialing.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure:
- Your Android phone supports dual SIM (most modern devices do).
- Both SIM cards are inserted and activated.
- Your Android OS is updated (steps may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and version).
How to Enable “Ask for SIM” Before Calling
The exact steps differ slightly depending on your phone’s brand and software. Below, we cover Samsung (One UI) and OnePlus (OxygenOS), which are among the most popular Android skins.
1. On Samsung Phones (One UI 6.1 and Later)
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Connections > SIM manager.
3. Under “Preferred SIMs”, tap “Calls”.
4. Select “Ask every time” instead of a default SIM.
Now, whenever you make a call, your Samsung phone will ask you to choose between SIM 1 or SIM 2.
2. On OnePlus Phones (OxygenOS 14.0 and Later)
Method 1: Via Mobile Network Settings
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Mobile Network.
3. Tap “Calling” under “Preferred SIMs”.
4. Select “Always ask”.
Method 2: Via the Phone/Dialer App (Alternative)
1. Open the Phone/Dialer app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Settings” > “Calling Accounts”.
4. Choose SIM info & settings (this redirects you to same place Mobile Network).
5. Tap “Calling” under Preferred SIMs.
6. Select “Always ask”.
After this, your OnePlus phone will ask for SIM selection before every call.
Why Manually Select SIM 1 or SIM 2 Before Calling?
- Cost Control: Choose the SIM with cheaper call rates.
- Network Preference: Use the SIM with better signal strength.
- Work/Personal Separation: Avoid mixing up business and personal calls.
Additional Dual SIM Features to Explore
Once you’ve set up SIM selection for calls, you can also customize:
- Default SMS SIM – Choose which SIM sends messages.
- Mobile Data SIM – Set a preferred SIM for internet usage.
- Auto-Switch Data SIM – Some phones switch data based on signal strength.
Conclusion
Enabling the “Ask Every Time” option for dual SIM calls ensures you always have control over which SIM is used. Whether you’re using a Samsung, OnePlus, or another Android device, the steps are simple and help avoid accidental calls from the wrong number.
