Smartphones·1,432 discussions

Using 2 mobile phones together

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Tags: Mobile, Mobility, Smartphones

I have 2 mobile phone numbers, and 2 mobile devices (1 for each number). Phone #1 is my main number. I use phone #2 occasionally. Is there a way for me to forward calls AND SMS/MMS from number/phone #1 to number/phone #2?

I know that I can forward calls easily, but forwarding SMS/MMS has proven to be more difficult.

I would like to be able to activate/deactivate call AND SMS/MMS forwarding without necessarily having physical access of phone #1 (by using phone #2 for example).

I am buying new phones, so I am open to either iPhone or Android…whichever allows me the ability to do the above. If suggesting iPhone, I would prefer to use regular SMS/MMS and NOT use iMessage.

Please let me know how (app, or other method) I can achieve the above, at minimal cost.

Thank you

Topic

Google Voice for example.

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Read https://support.google.com/voice/thread/10535947/can-i-link-multiple-phones-to-one-google-voice-number?hl=en

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Google Voice for example.

Unfortunately, Google Voice in Canada does not offer texting capability, and is only available through Google Workspace account.

Google Voice would have been great I think.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Yes, you can forward both calls and SMS/MMS from Phone #1 to Phone #2. Using call forwarding and text message forwarding (for iPhone)

Call Forwarding:

On Phone #1 (main number), go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
Enable call forwarding and enter the phone number of Phone #2 to forward calls.
Text Message Forwarding:

On Phone #1, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding.
Enable Text Message Forwarding for Phone #2.
With this setup, your SMS/MMS from Phone #1 will be forwarded to Phone #2 using the built-in Text Message Forwarding feature on iPhone. You can activate and deactivate this forwarding from either phone.

Some pertinent details

In reply to Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

Thank you for your reply.

A couple of issues with your reply:

1. Using the forwarding options that you describe on the iPhone requires physical access to my primary phone. I would like to be able to activate/deactivate call AND SMS/MMS forwarding when I don’t have physical access to my primary phone (when I am at work with phone #2, and forgot to activate the call forwarding)

2. Regarding message forwarding on the iPhone, it requires that iMessage be enabled. I would like to forward SMS/MMS without enabling/using iMessage.

Any suggestions, taking into account the above clarifications?

Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Using two mobile phones together can serve various purposes, providing convenience, versatility, and enhanced productivity for users. Here are some common scenarios in which individuals use multiple mobile phones in tandem:

Work and Personal Separation:
Many people opt to use two mobile phones to keep their work and personal lives separate. By dedicating one phone exclusively for work-related communications, emails, and apps, they can maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid distractions during personal time.

Different Carrier Networks:
In areas with inconsistent network coverage, individuals may use two mobile phones with different carrier networks. This approach ensures they have a backup option when one network’s signal is weak or unavailable, improving overall connectivity.

Traveling and Roaming:
Frequent travelers often use two mobile phones to manage international roaming costs. By using a local SIM card in one phone and keeping their home-country SIM in the other, they can stay connected while avoiding exorbitant roaming charges.

Specialized Usage:
Some users prefer to dedicate one phone to specific purposes, such as gaming, entertainment, or photography, while keeping another phone for day-to-day communication and tasks. This setup allows them to optimize each device for its intended use.

Dual-SIM Functionality:
Many modern smartphones come with dual-SIM capabilities, allowing users to insert two SIM cards simultaneously. This feature is especially useful for individuals who want to maintain separate personal and business numbers on the same device.

Backup and Redundancy:
Having two mobile phones can serve as a backup plan in case one device malfunctions, gets lost, or runs out of battery power. It provides a sense of security, ensuring uninterrupted communication when needed.

App Testing and Development:
For app developers or testers, using two mobile phones can be beneficial for testing apps under different scenarios. It allows them to check app functionality on various devices, operating systems, and configurations.

Improved Multi-tasking:
Using two phones can enhance multitasking capabilities, enabling users to perform different tasks simultaneously. For instance, one phone can be used for browsing the internet, while the other handles messaging or phone calls.

It’s important to note that using two mobile phones simultaneously requires responsible handling and consideration of individual needs.

Another suggestion

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Consider to buy a phone that can accomodate 2 SIM-cards, so has 2 numbers in one phone.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dual+sim+phone tells more.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Another suggestion

Most reasonably priced phones nowadays have the ability to use a physical SIM card and an eSIM. It is embedded into the phone circuitry and while only one SIM is active at a time, most folks don’t need two different handsets if their phone supports an eSIM to have 2 mobile #’s in more than device.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Another suggestion

Thank you for your reply. I actually want to keep 2 separate physical phones, as in my description.

I am looking for advice on being able to forward calls AND SMS/MMS and being able to activate/deactivate the forwarding when I don’t necessarily have physical access to phone #1

Using 2 mobile

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Using two mobile phones together allows users to multitask, stay connected, and manage different personal or professional aspects efficiently.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

When you use two mobiles its also mean that you need double apps for use.

Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Certainly, you can forward calls and SMS/MMS from your main number/phone #1 to your secondary number/phone #2. For call forwarding, both iPhone and Android offer this feature in settings. However, SMS/MMS forwarding is more complex. On Android, apps like “SMS Forwarder” can help, while on iPhone, using the “Text Message Forwarding” feature can achieve this. Regular SMS/MMS on iPhone can be used without i Message by adjusting settings accordingly. This setup allows remote activation/deactivation of forwarding.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Thank you for your reply. You say that this setup allows remote activation/deactivation of forwarding.

Let’s use iPhone as an example. How do I activate the “Text Message Forwarding” feature, when I don’t have physical access to that phone?

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

Hello,

You left out the REMOTE part from your answer. I will not have physical access to the phone that I will be forwarding from…so I cannot go into the settings.

I want to be able to activate forwarding REMOTELY. That is what I am trying to find a way to do

To set this up.

In reply to Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

At some point you must have access to the phone. At no time did Apple or Google give you an option otherwise.

Why? If we were able to do this without access to the phone REMOTELY the entire smart phone industry would not exist. So many hackers would assure this.

However you can look at remote controlling the phones so you can set it up if you didn’t initially.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to To set this up.

Sometimes, I am out (without my primary phone) and forgot to activate call/SMS forwarding and would need to do so.

That is why I would like to be able to remotely activate/deactivate call/SMS forwarding

The short answer.

In reply to Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

Install a remote control app so you can do that.

[investor237]

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to The short answer.

That’s what I’ve been asking. Does anyone know of a good (and not too expensive) remote control app for cellphones? The app needs to allow UNATTENDED access to the primary phone.

My understanding is that iPhones do not allow remote control. Is this correct?

If so, then I would have to buy Android phones

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by investor237.

Commonly mentioned remote control apps for Android.

In reply to Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

Splashtop, TeamViewer and then so many others in the Android app store.

https://www.howtogeek.com/42491/how-to-remote-view-and-control-your-android-phone is a recent article which may upset those that wanted SIMPLE. This has never been simple. But it’s a nice tutorial with low cost to free solutions.

If it’s not worth a few bucks I will go ahead and write it’s not worth doing.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Commonly mentioned remote control apps for Android.

Thank you for that article. That is exactly the information that I need.

I read that it cannot be done, but would you know of a way that I could remotely activate/deactivate call and SMS forwarding on an iPhone?

So many caveats.

In reply to Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

So many that while it is possible, it’s more than I would ever want to type here. You could google that and go down the rabbit hole.

In short, no.

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to So many caveats.

Thank you

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

Use your carrier’s call forwarding service. Most carriers offer call-forwarding services that allow you to forward calls to another phone number. This is usually a free service, but you may need to pay a fee if you want to forward calls to international numbers.

Use a third-party app. There are a number of third-party apps that can be used to forward calls and SMS/MMS. These apps usually have more features than the carrier’s call-forwarding service, but they may also cost money.

Use a Google Voice number. Google Voice is a free service that allows you to create a virtual phone number that can be used to make and receive calls and texts. You can forward calls and SMS/MMS from your regular phone number to your Google Voice number, and then access them from any device with an internet connection.

[James Bardock]

Reply To: Using 2 mobile phones together

In reply to Using 2 mobile phones together

You can indeed forward both calls and SMS/MMS from one mobile number (Phone #1) to another (Phone #2) on both iPhone and Android devices. Here’s how you can achieve this:

**On iPhone:**

1. **Call Forwarding:**
– To forward calls from iPhone #1 to iPhone #2:
– On iPhone #1, go to “Settings” > “Phone” > “Call Forwarding” and enter the number of iPhone #2.
– Calls will now be forwarded from iPhone #1 to iPhone #2.

2. **SMS/MMS Forwarding:**
– Unfortunately, native SMS/MMS forwarding from iPhone #1 to iPhone #2 is not supported. However, you can use a third-party app for SMS/MMS forwarding, such as “Forward SMS texting w/ 2phones.”

**On Android:**

1. **Call Forwarding:**
– To forward calls from Android #1 to Android #2:
– On Android #1, go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Call forwarding” and enter the number of Android #2.
– Calls will now be forwarded from Android #1 to Android #2.

2. **SMS/MMS Forwarding:**
– Android offers native SMS/MMS forwarding features:
– On Android #1, open the “Messages” app.
– Tap on the three dots (menu) and select “Settings.”
– Go to “Chat features” or “Advanced” settings, depending on your Android version.
– Enable “SMS/MMS forwarding” and select Android #2 as the target device.
– You will receive a code on Android #2 to verify the forwarding. Enter this code on Android #1.

To achieve the ability to activate/deactivate call and SMS/MMS forwarding remotely without physical access to Phone #1, you may need to explore third-party apps or services that provide remote control over call and message forwarding. These apps often come with a subscription fee, but they can offer the convenience of managing forwarding settings remotely.

Please note that forwarding SMS/MMS messages may incur data charges depending on your mobile plan. Also, be aware of privacy and security concerns when forwarding messages, and ensure that both devices have adequate protection against unauthorized access.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by James Bardock.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by James Bardock.

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