How to Use the Dual SIM Feature of Android 10 on Your Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL
With the release of Android 10, users are discovering several unexpected surprises included in the update. For example, an upgrade to the Pixel 3a and 3a XL’s Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) feature, which (finally) brings true dual SIM support on these devices.
DSDS allows you to connect two SIM cards (one physical and one eSIM) to different networks – a convenient way to switch between carriers for any reason. Prior to the Android 10 update, Pixel 3a users were forced to swap SIM cards to access different networks; In Android 10, Pixel 3a owners can use each network at the same time and specify which actions (text messages, data or calls) should be performed by default on a specific network.
However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- DSDS is only available for Pixel 3a and 3a XL smartphones; Currently no other Pixel devices support true DSDS.
- Since the Pixel 3a only has one physical SIM slot, the other SIM must be a digital eSIM. Additionally, the Pixel 3a only supports eSIM cards from Google Fi, Sprint, and Telekom.de. Pixel 3a phones purchased from Verizon or Charter do not support eSIM.
- Some networks do not work together, so do additional research before purchasing a new SIM card to ensure compatibility.
- Pixel 3 purchased in Japan cannot use DSDS even with Android 10 update.
Adding a second SIM or eSIM to your Pixel 3a
Regardless of which SIM you add to your device, you’ll need to upgrade to Android 10 first if you haven’t already. After the update, follow these steps for the type of SIM you want to add:
Adding a physical SIM as a second SIM
- Start by removing the Pixel 3a SIM tray from the SIM port. The SIM port is a small slot with an even tinier hole on the side of your Pixel 3a. To do this, you’ll need a SIM eject tool (or something small enough to fit into the hole and reliably release the tiny port). Please consult Google’s support page for installing SIM cards if you have any problems.
- Place the physical SIM in the SIM port tray, then push it back into the phone until it clicks.
- A query asking if you want to “Use 2 numbers?” should appear on the screen. Click Continue.
- Click Restart and wait for the restart to complete.
- Then open the Settings menu on the app screen and go to Network & Internet> Mobile Network to configure your network settings.
Adding an eSIM as a second SIM
- Go to your Pixel 3a’s settings menu and click on Network & Internet.
- Click the Add icon next to Mobile Network.
- Click Next when asked, “Don’t have a SIM card?”
- When prompted to Use 2 Numbers, click Continue , then click Restart.
- After restarting your device, open the Settings menu, then go to Network & Internet> Mobile Network to configure your network settings.