Verizon two phones one number?

[Rhyalus]

Hi all,

Has anyone successfully set up two smartphones with the same phone number?

I go to the gym, and don’t want to toss my Fold 4 around like I used to do with older phones…. But I still need to stay in touch with work and family, etc…and I use it for my workout playlists.

I would buy some refurbished or older smartphone as the 2nd, so I am open to which one to buy.

Thanks,
R

 

[L0n3N1nja]

Not possible, you can only have one SIM card assigned to a phone number.

Your options would be to move the SIM between phones, get a second line and use call forwarding, or get a smart watch.

 

[bkdodger2]

Switching the SIM is easier IMO ...I do it often with my phones...maybe pick up a Pixel A series for your second line ..

 

[Rhyalus]

I think I am going to buy a lower end 5G phone as a backup and use WiFi most of the time with a Skype number for forwarding…. I don’t think texts will work but I should be able to also load up MS Teams.

Thinking the Moto G Stylus 5g… 249 new.

R

 

[benjamminh]

Verizon is acting like I can't even switch the SIM card between a Verizon Samsung S22 Ultra and an unlocked Pixel 6a because it "hurts" the SIM card. I've never had issues switching between phones with moving the SIM card before. Does anyone have any helpful feedback?

 

[L0n3N1nja]

Verizon is acting like I can't even switch the SIM card between a Verizon Samsung S22 Ultra and an unlocked Pixel 6a because it "hurts" the SIM card. I've never had issues switching between phones with moving the SIM card before. Does anyone have any helpful feedback?

Ex Verizon employee, its possible for your
to scratch or damage the contacts on the SIM but it's not going to damage anything if you're careful. I once change my SIM card between phones over 100 times in a single year while I worked for Verizon. My account history looked hilarious with a massive list of device changes on their system but no harm done.

 

[Rhyalus]

There is a difference between an opinion of your contact and what is allowed or not by Ts and Cs.

Have you actually tried to switch the SIM yourself?

I would also call again or go to a different store…we have more Verizon stores here than McDonald’s.

R

 

[cbreze]

Does it have to be a Verizon line? I have a 2nd phone on Mint mobile, $15/mo if paid annually. Then maybe forward the number if need be to the other phone? Or if it has to be Verizon maybe get a prepaid account. Mine is $25/mo after discounts. Also google fi is another option at about $20/mo. These options may not be free but they are pretty cheap and beats needing to sim swap all the time.

 

[Rhyalus]

Does it have to be a Verizon line? I have a 2nd phone on Mint mobile, $15/mo if paid annually. Then maybe forward the number if need be to the other phone? Or if it has to be Verizon maybe get a prepaid account. Mine is $25/mo after discounts. Also google fi is another option at about $20/mo. These options may not be free but they are pretty cheap and beats needing to sim swap all the time.

Thanks for the reply! I thought about that, but I already pay enough for service.

I bought the Moto for $249 from Amazon and will use it on WiFi at the gym or other high risk environments. I have not been able to figure out how to use WhatsApp on the 2nd phone, and Verizon messages is not registering for some reason either.

But I have a Skype phone number, so getting numbers forwarded to that works fine, and my music is all downloaded and ready to roll.

I also have this as a backup phone if I need to move the sim over for some reason.

Thanks,
R

 

[benjamminh]

There is a difference between an opinion of your contact and what is allowed or not by Ts and Cs.

Have you actually tried to switch the SIM yourself?

I would also call again or go to a different store…we have more Verizon stores here than McDonald’s.

R

I have done it in the past with no issues. But this time when I put the SIM card into the Pixel 6a it recognizes that it is there but it won't give me any service.

 

[cckgz4]

What about Google voice?

 

[swebb]

I have done it in the past with no issues. But this time when I put the SIM card into the Pixel 6a it recognizes that it is there but it won't give me any service.

Wow. VZ may now be linking their SIMS to the phone IMEI that it was activated on. That's a new one to me, but not surprising for VZ.

 

[Rhyalus]

What about Google voice?

No - I am needing two phones... one to toss around in the gym, etc.... Some minor issues but I think I figured most of it out.

Two remaining issues;

1. Skype number SMS receiving is flaky at best.
2. LA Fitness only let's you use one phone, which is crazy. When you check in, your picture comes up anyway...so I don't really know why they care.

R

 

[benjamminh]

Wow. VZ may now be linking their SIMS to the phone IMEI that it was activated on. That's a new one to me, but not surprising for VZ.

My argument is that I'm paying for the line of service and if I want to use another compatible device then that should be allowed. Even if I have to call them every time I do it. It may still work out but it truly surprised me.

Sent from my SM-S908U using AC Forums mobile app

 

[cbreze]

My argument is that I'm paying for the line of service and if I want to use another compatible device then that should be allowed. Even if I have to call them every time I do it. It may still work out but it truly surprised me.

Sent from my SM-S908U using AC Forums mobile app

Sim swapping should work fine, been doing it since Verizon starting using sims. Previous to that, many years ago you had to call a recording and enter some info, more trouble but still worked. Be careful to try and not touch the contacts on the SIM card. Finger grease and what not can have an effect. And of course make sure it is in the sim tray properly with the angled corner lined up with the same angle in the tray. If it doesn’t work the first time take it out and try again. Any slight mis-positioning can cause it to not work.

 

[benjamminh]

Thanks. It's showing that the phone sees it but there is no service. I will try again. Then it acts like the other phone needs to be activated. Very strange.

Sent from my SM-S908U using AC Forums mobile app