Call Drops on Dual SIM: Causes, (6) Solutions, and Expert Insights

The convenience of juggling two networks comes with real advantages, but I’ve also encountered—and heard from countless others about—frustrating call drops or ending that seem to happen more often on dual SIM devices.

In this article, I’ll dive deep into call drops on dual SIM phones, examine what causes them, and share practical, research-backed solutions that I (and other users) have found effective.

My goal is to help you troubleshoot and enjoy seamless mobile communication—whether you’re a dual SIM veteran or just considering the switch.

Quick Summary

• Call ended on dual SIM phones are often caused by network switching, signal conflicts, and firmware bugs.
• Device hardware quality and differences between mobile carriers play a critical role.
• Enabling VoLTE on both SIMs and keeping software updated can greatly reduce drop rates.
• Manufacturers like Samsung and Apple flagship models generally handle dual SIM better than budget brands.
• Simple fixes—like manually choosing networks or disabling a secondary SIM temporarily—frequently work in practice.

Factors Contributing to Call Drops on Dual SIM Phones

• Hardware Limitations: Shared antennas and circuits mean the device can struggle to maintain stable connections when both SIMs are actively in use. Budget devices (e.g., Xiaomi Redmi) are especially prone to these issues. Many GSMArena users attribute their dropped calls on Redmi Note 10 Pro to “cheaper modems.”
• Network Conflicts: Switching between two carriers (especially on different generations, like 4G and 3G) can trigger call interruptions. On Reddit, u/TechStruggler2023 reported, “Calls drop as soon as my phone tries to hand over to the other SIM in areas with weak signal.”
• Software and System Issues: Firmware or OS glitches can cause premature call ends. In a Reddit thread with 450+ upvotes, Samsung Galaxy S21 users blamed a 2022 software update for rampant call drops, which only subsided after a subsequent patch the following year. Xiaomi users polled on MIUI Forums reported over 60% experienced worse stability after updating to MIUI 13, indicating software plays a big role.
• Carrier Compatibility: Mixing SIMs from different carriers—especially if one doesn’t fully support VoLTE or data features—exacerbates drop issues. For Indian users, combining Jio’s VoLTE-only SIM with a 3G-only Airtel SIM increased drop rates, as cited on Quora by “TelecomExpert101.”
• Device Manufacturer Differences: Flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or iPhone 13 Pro have better-engineered modems for simultaneous dual SIM tasks, while some OnePlus users still face modem optimization issues, particularly in global or mixed-carrier use cases.

Diagnosing Call Ended Problems in Dual SIM Phones

Over the years, I’ve learned that systematic troubleshooting can quickly pinpoint the source of call drop issues. Here’s the step-by-step process I use:

• Check network coverage for both SIMs: I first walk around my home or office using each SIM separately to see if one carrier is consistently weaker. I pay attention to whether call ended issue happen on just one SIM card or both.
• Review and adjust phone settings: I explore settings like “Dual SIM settings,” carrier preferences, and check for VoLTE (Voice over LTE) activation for both SIMs (not just one).
• Test SIM cards in different slots or devices: Swapping cards can reveal whether the issue travels with the SIM or is tied to the phone hardware.
• Investigate app or system function conflicts: I’ve had cases where certain apps (like call recording or VPN with key icon) interfered with network stability, or when advanced features like dual-VoLTE handling were enabled without carrier support.
• Update software and firmware: If all else fails, I check for system updates, as user polls (like the XDA Developers community or MIUI Forums) consistently point to patches improving call drop rates over time.

In my experience, these steps usually uncover the underlying cause, and often, the solution is a simple setting tweak or update rather than a hardware replacement.

Solutions and Best Practices

• Keep software updated: Always install the latest operating system and modem firmware updates. User u/CallDropHell on Reddit saw their drops decrease significantly after a 2023 Samsung patch addressed their DSDS modem issues.
• Configure network and SIM settings correctly: Enabling VoLTE for both SIMs and manually choosing network types (e.g., 4G/4G or 4G/3G) can make a measurable difference. YouTube commenter “SignalMaster” shared how manually locking the SIM to 4G cut his call end or drops.
• Select the right device: If you rely heavily on dual SIM functionality, investing in a flagship-level phone (Samsung, Apple, Pixel) with proven dual SIM support is wise—user reports and expert reviews point to fewer problems on these platforms.
• Workarounds for persistent issues: Temporarily disabling the secondary SIM during important calls, as reported by u/SaveMyCalls on Reddit, can help. Some even opt for network boosters or Wi-Fi calling in poor coverage areas.
• Understand carrier compatibility: Dual VoLTE support, similar network bands, and region-matched SIMs provide more reliable results. Pairing SIMs from different generations (like 4G and 3G) often increases the risk of dropped calls, as shown in multiple Quora and XDA threads.

Five Beyond-Common-Sense Facts About Call Drops on Dual SIM

• Modern dual SIM phones technically use the same radio for both SIM cards—so when one SIM is actively in use, the other’s network presence can be “paused,” causing surprise drops.
• Not all VoLTE implementations are equal—activating VoLTE on both SIMs matters only if both carriers and the device support “Dual VoLTE.”
• Device software bugs can be triggered only under certain dual SIM scenarios, meaning a phone could be flawless with one SIM but unreliable with two—validated by user polls on Xiaomi MIUI updates and Samsung firmware bugs.
• Flagship models from Apple and Samsung undergo more thorough carrier testing for dual SIM use, which translates to real-world stability users feel.
• Manually forcing network selection (instead of automatic mode) on your SIMs minimizes random switching, a user-proven tweak on both Reddit and YouTube that prevents many drops in fringe coverage areas.

References

• Reddit: Android Subreddit, Google Pixel Subreddit
• XDA Developers: OnePlus 8 & Samsung Galaxy S21 Dual SIM troubleshooting threads
• MIUI Forum: User polls on MIUI 13 and Dual SIM call drops (Poll: 62% reported issues)
• Quora: “Why does my dual SIM phone keep dropping calls?”—Answers from TelecomExpert101 and others
• YouTube: “Why Dual SIM Phones Drop Calls?” by TechReviewChannel, “Mobile Explained” (lab test video with 72k views)
• GSMArena user comments on Redmi Note 10 Pro and dual SIM call drops
• Google 2021 Android Telephony Stack Study

Conclusion

From my own hands-on troubleshooting and countless hours in tech forums, it’s clear that call drops on dual SIM phones are almost never random. The underlying reasons nearly always point back to technical quirks—whether network handovers, firmware glitches, or a mismatch between networks and hardware. When I walk through the step-by-step diagnosis process—checking network strength, updating software, tweaking VoLTE and SIM settings, and even trying SIMs in new devices—I usually end up with a clear route to a solution.

Recapping the actionable steps: Start by checking each SIM’s individual reception. Test different networks and SIM slot combinations. Dive into network and VoLTE settings, making sure both SIMs are using their strongest link. Consistently apply carrier updates and firmware patches—these often make the biggest improvements behind the scenes. If nothing else works, consider temporarily disabling the secondary SIM or switching to a phone with better dual SIM support.

In my experience, these steps almost always improve stability, but if you’re still facing persistent call drops, don’t hesitate to share your issue in the comments or reach out—there’s a good chance another reader or I have encountered—and solved—the same challenge. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other get the most from our dual SIM phones!