Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR Google Messages is testing a new long-press shortcut to quickly switch SIMs while composing messages.
The feature reduces the steps required to swap SIMs after Google previously removed the SIM selector from the compose bar and buried it inside the profile page.
The new method for switching SIMs is a helpful improvement, but still redirects to the profile section instead of switching SIMs instantly.
Being able to quickly and easily switch SIMs while texting is an important feature for Google Messages users who use two different lines on the same phone. However, earlier this year, Google made that simple action more frustrating by burying the SIM switcher deeper in the UI and adding unnecessary extra steps to the process. Now, it appears that Google Messages is taking steps to rectify that change.
Thanks to a tip and video from Google Messages user Zack L, we’ve learned that the latest Google Messages beta version (messages.android_20251121_00_RC01.phone_samsung_openbeta_dynamic) introduces a quicker gesture to access the SIM switcher option while composing a message.
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Previously, Google removed the SIM selector from the message compose bar and moved it into the contact profile details page (see image below). The change meant that to switch SIMs during an ongoing conversation, you had to open the profile details page, tap the SIM switch option, select the desired SIM, and then navigate back to the conversation. That’s way too many steps for such a simple operation. Before this change was implemented, you could simply tap the SIM swap icon in the compose box to switch SIMs while texting.
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority SIM Swap Setting in Profile/Conversation Section
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