Can I Use the Same Number on Two Mobile Phones in Australia?

When it comes to using the same phone number on two mobile phones in Australia, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. This guide will help you understand the limitations of sharing a single number on different devices and explore available solutions such as virtual numbers and eSIM apps.

Why you might want to use the same number on two phones?

There are several reasons why someone might want to use the same phone number on two mobile phones. It could be for convenience, to maintain a consistent contact number, or to avoid adding new contacts in your existing network. However, traditional mobile numbers cannot be physically duplicated on two devices because of the way phone networks and SIM cards work.

No - not normal numbers

The short answer is no, you cannot use the same physical SIM card or number on two different mobile phones simultaneously in Australia. The phone number is used to route incoming calls to the correct mobile network, and then it looks up your subscriber identity on that network to locate the phone to connect the call. If you try to use the same number on two devices at the same time, your service provider would likely cause network congestion and misdirect incoming calls.

Virtual Phone Numbers - A Solution for Australia

However, if you wish to have a virtual phone number in Australia without physically duplicating your primary SIM card, virtual phone numbers are a viable solution. One such service is offered by an app called Numero eSIM. This virtual number allows you to keep your primary SIM card on your phone while using a second number for incoming calls or messages.

Click here to get the Numero eSIM app on Google Play.

VoIP Services and SIP

At the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) level, you might be able to have a single SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) identity with SIP clients on two different phones. This could allow a call attempt to your identity to trigger an application on more than one mobile phone. However, this is not a common practice and would require a VoIP provider that offers such a feature.

SIP Clients and Multiple Devices

Although VoIP services allow for more flexible communication than traditional mobile phones, they still have limitations when it comes to using a single phone number on multiple devices. You would need a VoIP provider that supports SIP multi-device functionality, and even then, the number of devices you can use simultaneously would be limited.

Transferring a Number to a New SIM Card

If by using the same number on two phones, you mean transferring a number to a new SIM card, the answer is yes, you can do this in Australia. However, there are specific processes and restrictions involved in this transfer:

You need to check with your network provider as to whether the number you want to transfer is eligible for a SIM change. There might be a certain period during which you should not attempt to use the number on different devices.

Typically, you would need to switch off your current device, insert the new SIM card, and follow your carrier's instructions to complete the transfer.

Conclusion

In summary, physically using the same number on two mobile phones in Australia is not possible but using a virtual number or transferring the number to a new SIM card are both viable solutions. For the latter, a virtual number app like Numero eSIM can be very helpful. If you have more questions about digital communication or need assistance with transferring a number, the eSIM app can provide additional guidance.