Can I Use Same SIM in 2 Phones? What’s Possible (and What’s Not)

Wondering, “Can I use same SIM in 2 phones?” Maybe you carry one phone for work and another for personal use, and you’d love to answer calls and texts from both. Or perhaps you run a business and want your team to share the same number, so customer calls never slip through.

So, can 2 phones have the same SIM card? Not exactly, unless you’re ready to physically move the SIM back and forth. But there are ways to keep one number active on more than one device at the same time. This guide explains how it works, what your options are, and what to weigh up before you give it a go.

Can You Use the Same SIM Card in Two Phones?

The quick answer to “Can I have the same SIM card in 2 phones?” is no. One SIM card, whether it’s a plastic card or an eSIM, can only stay active in one phone at a time. If you pop it into another handset, the first one immediately drops off your carrier’s network.

That’s because every SIM card stores unique subscriber credentials, known as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). The IMSI is used to authenticate you on the mobile network, and it recognises one device at a time.

You might have heard of SIM cloning. The idea is to copy the IMSI to a second SIM so two phones appear to be the same subscriber. On paper, that could mean same SIM in 2 phones. But in practice, it’s not legal.

SIM cloning breaks your contract, undermines carrier network security, and opens the door to fraud, like call interception or identity theft. It’s the kind of thing the law treats as computer misuse, and operators shut it down fast.

What about official “number sharing” schemes? Well, some operators do offer this, notably Vodafone’s OneNumber or T-Mobile’s DIGITS plan. It lets you mirror your main mobile number onto a smartwatch or tablet, so you can make and take calls when your phone isn’t nearby.

The catch is that it doesn’t extend to two smartphones. It’s strictly for companion devices. Other carriers have similar services, but they’re limited in scope and don’t solve the “one SIM, two phones” problem.

In short, you can’t run one SIM across two phones at the same time. That said, if you want one number on multiple devices, there are legitimate workarounds, which we’ll cover next.

How to Use the Same Number on Two Phones

While you can’t share SIM card between two phones, there are still practical ways to make one number usable on two handsets. Here are the main options:

Physically swap the SIM between phones

The most direct solution of “1 SIM 2 phones” is to swap your SIM card from one phone to another. You can remove it from your primary phone and insert it into your secondary device whenever needed.

This works well if you do not need two phones running at the same time. However, it may become inconvenient and exhausting if you swap often, plus it wears down the SIM tray over time.

Call forwarding or divert

A simple alternative to using two phones with one SIM card is to set up call forwarding. In this method, you leave the SIM in your primary handset and tell the carrier network to redirect incoming calls to your second device.

The two phones can have completely different numbers; the network does the hand-off in the background. It’s useful if you have two phones at hand and you don’t want to carry both all the time.

A few things to keep in mind:

● Forwarding only applies to voice calls. Text messages will still go to the phone holding the SIM.

● In general, forwarding to another local number is usually free. Forwarding to another network or to an international number may be billed as an outgoing call, so check your plan first.

● Voicemail can be confusing if both phones have it switched on. Test where unanswered calls end up.

Most Android devices, like HONOR phones, make it easy to set up call forwarding. Here’s how it usually works:

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Tap the three-dot menu and then Settings.

3. Scroll down and find Supplementary Services or Calls and select Call Forwarding.

4. Choose among the forwarding options: “Always forward,” “Forward when busy,” “Forward when unanswered,” or “Forward when unreachable.”

5. Enter the number you want calls to be forwarded to, then tap Enable/Turn On.

6. To stop forwarding, go back to the same menu and tap Disable/Turn Off.

Get a VoIP or virtual number

One of the most reliable ways to use one number on two phones is to set up a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service.

Instead of being tied to a SIM card, the number lives in the cloud and works through an app over the internet. You install that VoIP app on both of your smartphone, sign in with the same account, and when someone calls your number, both devices will ring at the same time.

This approach sidesteps the limits of mobile SIMs. You’re not locked to one device, and many providers also let you answer calls from a laptop or tablet. It’s a popular choice for freelancers, small businesses, or anyone who wants the flexibility of being reachable on more than one device.

Here are a few VoIP services worth knowing about:

● Voipfone: A long-running VoIP provider. You can port in a local number, create extensions, and use call groups so multiple phones ring together. They also support emergency calls and have mobile apps for iOS and Android.

● RingCentral: A mature global cloud-phone platform with mobile and desktop apps, routing rules and voicemail-to-email. It works well for teams and freelancers.

● Google Voice: Simple and cheap for many users. It can forward and ring multiple linked numbers. Note Google Voice’s availability and feature set vary by country, so check whether it’s supported where you live.

● OpenPhone (Quo): A modern app-based phone service aimed at small businesses and startups. It gives you one number across multiple devices, supports SMS and MMS, and includes extras like voicemail transcription and integrations with tools like Slack.

Use your messaging apps

If most of your chats and calls already happen in apps, you don’t have to mess around with SIM cards or VoIP. A lot of modern messaging apps let you log in on more than one device, so you can answer from either phone without missing a beat.

Here’s how the major apps handle multiple devices:

● WhatsApp (Linked devices): WhatsApp now supports one account across up to four extra devices, including other phones, tablets, and desktops. Each device keeps its own connection, so you don’t need your primary phone nearby all the time. Setup is simple: scan a QR code in WhatsApp’s settings from your main phone to add a new device.

● Telegram: Telegram supports full multi-device login. You can use your account on multiple phones, tablets, or desktops simultaneously, and everything stays in sync. Your chats and media appear everywhere. The only exception is “Secret Chats,” which stick to the device they were started on.

Benefits and Downsides of Having One Number on Multiple Phones

Using the same number across more than one device sounds convenient, and in many cases it is. But there are trade-offs worth knowing before you commit.

Benefits

● Convenience: You don’t have to carry two phones all the time. Whichever device is closer can pick up the call.

● Backup and reliability: If one handset dies, gets lost, or runs out of battery, you’re not cut off. The other phone still keeps you reachable.

● Work–life balance: People who juggle personal and work devices can streamline communication. One number means fewer missed calls and less juggling.

● Flexibility: VoIP or app-based solutions often extend beyond phones, letting you answer from a tablet, laptop, or a smartwatch.

Downsides

● Texts don’t always follow: With options like call forwarding, SMS and MMS stay tied to the original SIM, so you may still miss messages.

● Possible costs: Some methods are free, but others (like VoIP subscriptions or forwarding to certain numbers) add to your bill. Always check the fine print.

● Setup and complexity: While swapping a SIM is simple, solutions like VoIP require accounts, apps, and sometimes number porting. Not everyone wants the extra admin.

● Reliance on internet: VoIP and app-based calling depend on solid Wi-Fi or mobile data. If coverage is patchy, call quality suffers.

Conclusion

As you can see, from a technical point of view, the answer to “Can I use same SIM in 2 phones?” is no. A SIM can only be active in one handset at a time. But if you need one number across multiple devices, you have options. From simple call forwarding to VoIP services and app-based messaging, each method comes with its own mix of benefits and limits. The key is to match the solution to your needs, whether that’s keeping a backup phone ready, managing work and personal life, or staying reachable wherever you are.

FAQs

Can you use the same SIM in a new phone?

Yes, you can use the same SIM in a new phone by swapping. Once you insert the SIM, the new phone will connect to your carrier and allow calls, texts, and mobile data. However, the old phone will stop working with that number because a SIM can only stay active in one device at a time.

Can I use the same number on two phones for WhatsApp?

Yes, you can now. WhatsApp lets you link your account to more than one phone through “Linked Devices” or “Companion Mode.” You can connect up to four extra phones, and they’ll all stay in sync. Messages are still encrypted, and each device can send and receive chats even if your main phone is switched off for a while.

How can I use one number on two phones?

You can’t use the same SIM card in two phones at once, but there are workarounds. The simplest is call forwarding, which redirects calls from your main phone to a second device. For more flexibility, VoIP services let one number ring on multiple phones through an app. Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram also allow the same account on two handsets. Each method has limits, so the right choice depends on how you use your phones.

What happens if I swap the SIM between phones?

If you swap the SIM between phones, the phone where the SIM card is inserted becomes the active device for calls, texts, and data. The other phone will no longer be connected to your number. However, it can be inconvenient if you often switch SIM between phones. Over time, constant swapping may also cause wear on the SIM card.

Can I clone a SIM card to use in two phones?

No, copying a SIM is illegal. It breaks your carrier contract and creates serious security risks like call/SMS interception and identity theft. Carriers detect and block cloning, and the law treats it as unauthorised access. If you want one number on two phones, use legal fixes instead: call-forwarding, a VoIP/virtual number, or multi-device apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. These give the same convenience without the fraud risk.

Source：HONOR Club