Android may soon make it easier to tell which SIM is ringing. Code spotted in an experimental Android Canary build suggests Google is testing custom ringtones for individual SIM cards.
If the feature ships, it could arrive with Android 17… though nothing is confirmed. The change would help users more easily distinguish between personal and work lines, addressing a long-standing gap in Android’s dual-SIM experience.
Google tests per-SIM ringtones in early Android build
Reports from Android Authority and Beebom Gadgets said Google has begun testing native support for per-SIM ringtones in Android Canary 2604, an experimental build released in April for Pixel devices.
The feature is not yet active, but strings embedded in the code show how it may work. Android Authority reported that one string reads, “Allows the user to select and set a unique ringtone for a specific SIM card,” pointing to system-level customization. Another simply labels the option as “Ringtone,” likely tied to SIM-specific settings.
The report added that the functionality is not yet live, even in the Canary build, but the wording suggests Google is developing individualized ringtone controls for both physical SIMs and eSIMs.
Canary update shows where Android is heading
Google released Android Canary 2604 as part of its early-access testing track, giving developers a preview of features still in development, according to Android Authority.
The build is available for Pixel 8 devices and newer, with broader device support expected later. The Canary channel is designed for experimentation, and Google warns that these builds may be unstable and difficult to roll back without a full data wipe.
Alongside deeper system changes, the update includes smaller interface tweaks. These include a new “You’re all caught up” message in the notification shade and redesigned shortcut menus that collapse by default.
A small feature with everyday impact
Dual-SIM support has been standard on many Android devices for years, but core usability features have not kept pace. Users often cannot tell which number is ringing without checking the screen.
Beebom Gadgets highlighted that “for millions of Android users who rely on two SIMs for work and personal life, managing calls on a single phone isn’t always seamless.”
Some manufacturers, including Motorola, OnePlus, and Oppo, already offer similar functionality through custom interfaces. However, stock Android and Pixel devices have lacked consistent support.
For enterprises, the benefits are straightforward. Clear separation between work and personal calls can help reduce confusion, while faster response times improve business communication.
Still no clear timeline for Android 17 rollout
Google has not confirmed when or if the feature will launch. The functionality remains hidden and incomplete in the current Canary release.
Android Authority noted that “it’s possible this could arrive in Android 17, but that’s far from certain at this point.”
With Google I/O 2026 expected in May, more details may emerge soon. Until then, the feature remains a likely but unconfirmed addition to Android’s roadmap. If it ships, the update would mark a small but meaningful improvement in how Android handles multi-SIM workflows.
Read more about the Android leak hinting at Google’s Tap to Share feature and what it could mean for quick file and contact sharing.
Read the full article here
