Google Messages takes a step toward less-annoying SIM switching

Google Messages takes a step toward less-annoying SIM switching By  Rajesh Pandey Published 49 minutes ago Rajesh started following the latest happenings in the world of Android around the release of the Nexus One and Samsung Galaxy S. After flashing custom ROMs and kernels on his beloved Galaxy S, he started writing about Android for a living. He uses the latest Samsung or Pixel flagship as his daily driver. And yes, he carries an iPhone as a secondary device. Rajesh has been writing for Android Police since 2021, covering news, how-tos, and features. Based in India, he has previously written for Neowin, AndroidBeat, Times of India, iPhoneHacks, MySmartPrice, and MakeUseOf. When not working, you will find him mindlessly scrolling through X, playing with new AI models, or going on long road trips. You can reach out to him on Twitter or drop a mail at [email protected]. Sign in to your Android Police account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

With dual-SIM being a common feature in Android phones, you'd think Google Messages would make it easy to switch between SIMs. Instead, Google did the opposite, moving the SIM switcher deep inside the Settings menu earlier this year. Ironically, the change came within weeks of Google Messages gaining dual-SIM RCS support. Now, the company is trying to make amends by bringing the option a little closer to the surface and making the SIM switching process slightly less annoying.

In the latest Google Messages beta (v20251121_00_RC01) for Samsung phones, Google has added a new gesture to quickly access the SIM switcher option (via Android Authority). A long-press in the compose box will bring up a "Switch SIM" option, which takes you straight to the SIM picker in the chat’s profile page.

Yes, the button takes you to the action; it does not let you quickly switch between SIMs on your phone.

The video from Android Authority below shows the new long-press Switch SIM option in action:

In the current stable build of Google Messages, you must open the chat's profile page to switch SIMs and tap the Switch option next to "Send with." So, the "Switch SIM" option, accessible from a long-press, will save you a few unwanted taps.

Still, both options are a major regression from the previous quick switch button that lived right in the compose box. It enabled seamless SIM switching without breaking your typing flow or making you go through multiple menus.

Will Google actually roll out this dual-SIM change?

Since this feature is a part of the Google Messages beta, it may or may not roll out to the public. Google could ditch it altogether, or hopefully, refine it further to make SIM switching easier. It also seems to be a limited server-side push, as I don't see the option in the latest Google Messages beta on two phones with dual SIMs.

Google keeps experimenting with changes in Google Messages. In the last week alone, reports detailed two changes in beta builds: one relates to how link preview will appear in conversations and another gives you the option to open shared media immediately after saving it.

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