How many eSIMs can you have on your iPhone? Well, iPhones do support multiple eSIMs, but the actual number varies from one iPhone to another.
It’s not always as simple as it seems, and you might be left scratching your head about what works and what doesn’t. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how many eSIMs you can have on your phone.
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Understanding What an eSIM Is
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a SIM card built into a device. Unlike regular SIM cards that you insert, an eSIM is already inside the device and works through software. It lets users connect to mobile networks, make calls, send texts, and use the internet without needing a physical card. Some eSIMs can be reprogrammed remotely to switch carriers or add new plans, while others come with fixed data.
With more eSIM-only smartphones coming out, more people are switching to eSIMs because they’re also easy to use and save time. Big brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google already include eSIMs in their devices. In a few words, the market for eSIMs is growing quickly, and in the future, most smartphones will certainly rely on eSIMs instead of traditional SIM cards.
You Might Also Like to Read: What Is An eSIM Card And How Do They Work?
Dual SIM with eSIM
Dual SIM lets you use two phone numbers on one device, which can be helpful for separating personal and work calls, saving money on roaming when traveling, and having better network coverage. However, using two SIM cards at once can drain your battery faster, and there could be problems if the SIM cards use different network types.
Dual SIM phones work in two ways. In Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) mode, both SIM cards can receive calls and texts, but only one can be used for data or calls at a time. Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) mode, on the other hand, allows both SIM cards to be active at the same time, so you can use data on one while making a call on the other, but this setup is less common because requires extra antennas.
In short, Dual SIM phones are great for people who need to manage multiple numbers or stay connected while traveling. But with the rise of eSIMs, you don’t need a physical SIM card, making phones more flexible and saving space.
Use Cases of Dual SIM with eSIM
Dual SIM with eSIM is a great option for keeping work and personal calls separate on one phone. For example, you can have a business number for work calls and still use your personal number for everything else.
For people who travel frequently, like digital nomads, eSIM makes managing your phone plan easier, keeping your home number for calls and texts while also using a local plan for data. You don’t have to mess with changing SIM cards. This also helps avoid expensive roaming fees when you’re abroad.
Overall, having a Dual SIM setup with an eSIM also gives you more flexibility with your network, especially in places with poor signals or high costs for roaming.
How Many eSIMs Can You Store on Your Device?
eSIM profiles are digital SIM cards built into devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearables that contain the information needed to connect to a mobile network. The number of eSIM profiles a device can store depends on the device’s manufacturer and storage capacity. For instance, most Android phones can store around five to seven eSIMs, while iPhones can store eight or more, and some newer iPhones let you use two eSIMs at the same time.
While devices can store multiple eSIM profiles, they usually limit how many can be active at one time. For example, most Android phones allow only one active eSIM at a time, whereas newer iPhones can have two active eSIMs at once. This makes it easier to switch between different eSIM profiles for travel, separating personal and business lines, or optimizing network coverage.
The number of eSIMs your device can hold also varies by device type. Phones generally support multiple eSIM profiles, with Android devices storing fewer than iPhones. Some devices, like certain Samsung Galaxy models, can theoretically store up to 20 eSIMs, but this depends on the memory allocated per profile.
Active vs. Stored eSIM Profiles
An “active” eSIM profile means it is currently being used to connect to a mobile network for services like calls, texts, and data. When a profile is active, it behaves like a physical SIM card, giving you access to the carrier’s network. In contrast, an inactive eSIM profile is stored on the device but not connected to the network, so you can switch between them when you need to.
How Many Active eSIMs Can You Use?
How many eSIMs can be active at once depends on your device. For iPhones, newer models like the iPhone 13, 14, and later can have two active eSIMs at once, while older ones can only use one. Android devices mostly only allow one active eSIM, although some Samsung models, like the Galaxy S23, can use two. This limit is determined by hardware, software, and carrier policies.
There are technical reasons for limiting the number of active eSIMs. These include the device’s hardware capabilities, carrier restrictions to manage network resources, and operating system limitations. Allowing multiple eSIMs to be active simultaneously could cause conflicts, higher power usage, and interference, making it impractical to activate all stored profiles at once.
Why Can’t All eSIMs Be Active at Once?
The reason you can’t have all your eSIMs active at once is mainly due to technical reasons. The eSIM chip can only handle so much at once, and having too many active connections could drain your battery faster or interfere with your network. Plus, carriers may also impose restrictions to prevent network overload. So, even though you might have multiple eSIMs saved, only one or two can be active at a time.
Device-Specific eSIM Limits
Different devices handle eSIMs in different ways, and the limits vary depending on the brand and model.
For iPhones, older models like the XS, XR, and 11 can store up to 20 eSIM profiles but only use one at a time. You can also use one physical SIM along with an eSIM. Starting with the iPhone 12, you can have** two active eSIMs at once.** The iPhone 14, 15, and 16 can store up to 8 eSIM profiles, with two active at a time, making it easier to manage different plans or use while traveling.
Android phones like Samsung, Google, and Huawei have specific limits. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy phones can store around 5 to 7 eSIM profiles, but usually, only one can be active. Some models, like the Galaxy S23, let you have two active eSIMs at once. Google’s Pixel phones store about 5 to 7 profiles, with only one active. Huawei’s devices can store multiple profiles too, but the number of active ones depends on the model and carrier.
Other devices, like tablets, smartwatches, and laptops, also support eSIMs, but the limits depend on their memory and what your carrier allows. iPads and some Huawei tablets can store multiple eSIMs, but usually only one can be active at a time. Some smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, have room for one active eSIM. Laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad can store several profiles, but again, only one can be used at a time.
How to Manage Multiple eSIMs?
To manage multiple eSIMs on your device, first, you need to install them. You can do this using a QR code, your carrier’s app, or manual activation if a QR code is not available.
Switching between active eSIMs is easy, but it’s a little different on each phone. On iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular, pick the eSIM you want, and tap “Turn On This Line.” Newer iPhones can use up to two eSIMs at once. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager, choose the eSIM, and turn it on. Most Android phones only let you use one eSIM at a time.
If you no longer need an eSIM, it’s easy to delete it. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, select the eSIM, and hit “Remove Cellular Plan.” On Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager, pick the eSIM, and press “Remove.” Managing eSIMs like this will help you keep your device organized and free up unused storage.
How to Check Your Device’s eSIM Capacity?
To check and manage eSIMs on your device, here’s what you need to do:
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data, depending on your region). Under “Cellular Plans,” you’ll see all stored eSIM profiles, which represent mobile plans. You can activate or deactivate any profile, but only two eSIM profiles can be active at the same time on newer models like the iPhone 14. Older models, like the iPhone XS, only support one active eSIM alongside a physical SIM. Some iPhones also allow converting physical SIMs to eSIMs if your carrier supports it.
For Android users, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager. Here, you can view all eSIM profiles and their activation status. Most Android phones let you store 5 to 7 eSIM profiles, but only one can be active. Some newer models, like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, can have two active eSIMs, depending on the carrier.
For tablets like iPads, go to Settings > Cellular Data > Add Cellular Plan to manage eSIMs. Like phones, a tablet can only have one eSIM active at a time. For smartwatches, check the companion app (like Galaxy Wearable for Samsung) or look in the device settings. Smartwatches store fewer eSIM profiles, and only one can be active at any time.
Common Questions About Dual SIM with eSIM
Can I use more than two active eSIMs at once?
Most devices don’t support more than two active eSIMs at the same time. iPhones from the 13 series and later can use two active eSIMs. Some Android phones like the Pixel 7/7 Pro and newer can also use two active eSIMs if the carrier allows, but many Android phones only support one active eSIM. iPhones can store up to eight eSIM profiles, while Android phones can store five to seven.
Can I have multiple eSIMs from the same carrier?
Yes, you can store multiple eSIMs from the same carrier on your device. iPhones can store up to eight eSIM profiles, while most Android phones store five to seven. However, you can only have a limited number of active eSIMs—usually two for iPhones from the 13 series onward, and one for many Android phones. The carrier’s rules may also affect this.
What happens if I exceed the eSIM limit on my device?
If you exceed the storage limit for eSIMs on your device, you won’t be able to add new profiles until you delete some existing ones. You might see a message saying “eSIM storage full.” iPhones can store up to eight eSIM profiles, and most Android devices can store five to seven.
Can I switch between more than one eSIM at once?
Yes, you can switch between eSIMs, but only the number of active eSIMs allowed on your device will work at the same time. For iPhones from the 13 series onward, two eSIMs can be active, while most Android devices can have one active eSIM. You can store more eSIMs and switch between them in your device’s settings.
Does an eSIM change your phone number?
Installing an eSIM doesn’t change your phone number. You can transfer your existing number to the eSIM, just like switching physical SIM cards. If you change carriers without transferring your number or activating a secondary line, your number may change. Most travel eSIMs are data-only and don’t have a phone number.
How many eSIMs can the iPhone 15, iPhone 13, and iPhone 16 have?
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iPhone 13: Stores up to 8 eSIM profiles, with 2 active at once.
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iPhone 15: Stores up to 8 eSIM profiles, with 2 active at once.
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iPhone 16: Stores up to 10 eSIM profiles, with 2 active at once.
All three models can store multiple eSIMs, but only two can be active at the same time.
Can you have two phone numbers on one phone?
Yes, you can have two phone numbers on one phone. Phones with dual SIM support, including eSIMs, allow this. For example, iPhones from the 13 series onward can have two active eSIMs, and some Android devices allow one eSIM and one physical SIM. Apps like Google Voice or Verizon One Talk can also provide multiple numbers on one phone.
Can I have the same eSIM on both my phone and iPad?
Yes, you can have the same eSIM on both devices, but each one needs to be activated separately. You can’t use the same eSIM on both devices at the same time; each device must have its own unique activation.