DualSim - not with 2 ESIMs

[MichaelOF]

Hi all,

I at least for a while need to use two ESIMs with my FF5. After having added the second, I’ve not very happy reccognized that I can use only one at a time - “switch”

My question is, if anyone knows: As I’m pretty sure that dual ESIM on Android would be possible, in general, is the lack of support a FF5 software issue, not implemented, or a FF5 hardware restriction?

Thanks,

Michael

[wallacewells]

On almost all Android devices I have been told this is a hardware limitation as only one SIM slot (usually SIM 2) can be switched off to turn on eSIM. This limitation also exists on some very highends phones, including from XIAOMI and OnePlus and I’ve asked - it can’t be overcome by a firmware update. If it wasn’t literally no smartphone maker would have an incentive to not activate, especially one that kind of has an ethical standpoint that should focus on reducing the use of plastic

[Martin_Anderseck]

To underline what was already said: There were times when Fairphone staff contributed here with technical insights:

Fairphone 5 dual sim question

You’re welcome Just to add some tech insight, dual-SIM modem(s) normally support 2 separate UICC connections and this implies that you can only choose between the following combinations: 2 physical SIM slots OR 1 physical slot + 1 embedded (with 1 active profile) OR 1 embedded with 2 active profiles (assuming that the eSIM chip supports multiple active profiles) The radio capabilities of consumer modems are limited (i.e. shared antennas) thus it is basically impossible to keep more t…

…plus the next response from the same person:

Fairphone 5 dual sim question

I apologize for the confusion in my comments above, option 3 (2 eSIM profiles active at the same time) is and will always be impossible on Fairphone 5 due to hardware constraints. The UICC connections are actual traces on the PCB board and not just software routes, and the eSIM chip does not support multiple active profiles.

[Andreas7]

I assume the issue is the same for FP6+. I also just found out i cannot use 2 eSIM simultaneously. This should either be fixed long term, or pointed out on the purchase site. I would not have bought the phone if i knew this, regardless of repairability and replaceability of its parts. I depend on using two sims at the same time

[yvmuell]

@Andreas7

I depend on using two sims at the same time

You can use 2 SIMs at the same time, one just needs to be a physical 1