For years, switching between SIM 1 and SIM 2 in Google Messages was effortless. Users could simply tap a SIM card icon located directly in the text composition bar.
However, a redesign earlier this year removed this button entirely. As we noted in our previous guide, users were forced to adopt a multi-step process: tap the contact’s profile picture, open the details page, select the SIM option, choose the line, and then navigate back to the chat. For users in Kenya who frequently juggle data and voice lines, this added unnecessary friction to a basic task.
According to a report by Android Authority and user findings, the latest Google Messages beta (version messages.android_20251121_00_RC01) introduces a new gesture to speed this up.
Instead of navigating to the profile page manually, users can now long-press inside the message compose field. This action triggers a context menu—similar to copy/paste options—that now includes a “Switch SIM” button.
How it works:
- Long-press the text entry box in an open chat.
- Tap “Switch SIM” from the pop-up menu.
- You are instantly taken to the SIM selection screen.
While this is a welcome improvement, it is technically a shortcut rather than a full solution. Tapping “Switch SIM” doesn’t instantly toggle the line within the chat view; instead, it redirects you to the profile selection page, saving you the hassle of manually navigating there. You still have to select the SIM and hit back to return to your text.
It is significantly faster than the current stable version, but it isn’t quite as seamless as the old one-tap method. Hopefully, Google will refine this further to allow for an instant toggle without leaving the conversation screen.
This feature is currently in beta and should roll out to the public in the coming weeks.
