Google appears to be developing a native feature for Android that would allow users to set different ringtones for each SIM card in dual-SIM smartphones. This functionality, discovered in Android Canary build 2604, aims to help users distinguish between work and personal calls without needing to look at their device. The feature was first highlighted by Android Authority, which identified code strings indicating native support for per-SIM ringtone preferences.
Currently, Android dual-SIM users often struggle to identify which number is receiving a call without checking the screen, a situation that can be inconvenient when the phone is in a pocket, on a desk, or not being held. If implemented, the new feature would let users assign unique ringtones to each SIM, enabling them to tell whether an incoming call is work-related or personal based solely on the sound.
The development was spotted in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) codebase, where researchers found a string labeled “sim_ringtone_pref_purpose.” According to the code comments, this string describes an option that “allows users to select and set a unique ringtone for a specific SIM card.” Such strings typically indicate that foundational work for a feature is underway, though their presence does not guarantee imminent release to the public.
Whereas the feature is not yet active in any public build, the discovery suggests Google is responding to long-standing user demand for better dual-SIM management tools. Many professionals rely on dual-SIM devices to separate work and personal communications, but existing Android settings offer limited customization for distinguishing calls by SIM beyond basic naming or data preferences.
Industry observers note that similar functionality has been available through third-party apps or manufacturer-specific skins for years, but a native Android implementation would ensure broader consistency across devices and timely updates through the operating system. The move aligns with Google’s broader efforts to refine dual-SIM and eSIM experiences in recent Android versions, including improved default SIM selection, clearer labeling, and better handling of voice and data routing.
For users managing multiple numbers on a single device, the ability to customize ringtones per SIM could reduce missed vital calls and minimize confusion between professional and personal interactions. It represents a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement for the growing segment of smartphone users who depend on dual-SIM flexibility for work, travel, or managing separate lines.
As of now, Google has not officially announced plans to release the feature, and it remains unclear when or if it will appear in a stable Android version. Users interested in tracking its progress can monitor developments in the Android Canary channel or follow updates from the Android Open Source Project.
This potential enhancement reflects ongoing efforts to make Android more adaptable to real-world usage patterns, particularly for users navigating complex communication needs in both professional and personal contexts.