How many eSIMs can an iPhone have? Understanding eSIM limitations

The number of eSIMs that can be stored on an iPhone varies by model, often ranging from 8 to 20 eSIM profiles per device.

eSIM technology makes it easy for users to maintain many lines on one compatible device and switch between mobile networks without the need of swapping physical SIM cards.

So how many eSIMs can an iPhone have? This article will discuss the number of eSIM profiles that an iPhone can handle and how to manage multiple eSIM profiles on your iPhone. By reading our post, you will have a general understanding of eSIM limitations.

I. How many eSIMs can an iPhone have?

Most iPhones allow you to store eight or more eSIM profiles on one device. The exact number depends on the iOS version and iPhone model.

Because iOS and smartphones are developing day by day, the number of eSIMs stored on one device can be increased later.

With multiple eSIMs, you can easily switch your network carrier and manage multiple lines on your iPhone at a time.

II. How many eSIMs can you activate on iPhone at a time?

Only two eSIMs can be activated simultaneously.

While iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles, there is an eSIM limitation that you can only have two active SIMs for calls, messages and mobile data at once. This can be one physical SIM and one eSIM, or two eSIMs.

The ability to use two SIMs/eSIMs concurrently is called dual SIM support, which allows you to easily switch between carriers or manage separate lines for personal, travel, or work purposes.

Dual SIM support on different iPhone models

Currently, most eSIM-compatible iPhone models offer dual SIM support, but the implementation varies among models.

• iPhone models with dual eSIMs support (two active eSIMs):
  • iPhone 14 series
  • iPhone 15 series
• iPhone models that can use one physical SIM card and one eSIM:
  • iPhone XS, XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE (2nd, 3rd generation)
  • iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 mini
  • iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 mini
  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (outside the US)
  • iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (outside the US)

How to check if your iPhone supports two SIM cards at a time

• Go to Settings > General > About
• Check if there are 02 IMEI numbers
• If you see 02 different IMEI numbers, it means your iPhone supports two SIMs – one is your regular physical SIM card, and the other is an eSIM.

How beneficial it is to have dual active eSIMs?

When you have two active eSIMs, you can select which one you want to use for different things:

• Calls, messages, and data: You can choose which plan for making calls, sending texts or using mobile data.
• Setting defaults: If you find yourself using a specific plan more often, you can set it as the default by going to Settings > Cellular and choosing the defaults.
• Mixing data: If you have data on both eSIM plans, you can combine them. This is useful if one plan has more data than the other.

This dual active eSIMs feature can be particularly useful for:

• Frequent travelers: keep your primary line active while using a local eSIM for data. If you are such traveler, consider buying travel eSIMs from Gigago, one of the prestigious eSIM providers for travelers with eSIM plan options in more than 200 destinations.
• Those with multiple cellular plans: Manage separate plans for different purposes on one device.

► You can see more details about this term in our detailed guide to using Dual SIM with an eSIM.

III. Can I use two eSIMs simultaneously on one iPhone?

While iPhones offer dual SIM capability, none of the current iPhone models currently support true simultaneous use of two eSIMs for voice, SMS and data.

It means, even with two active eSIMs, iPhones (including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series) can only use one for calls, messages, or data at a time. The other eSIM remains on standby.

This technology is known as Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). Both SIMs are active and can receive calls/messages, but only one can be actively engaged in a call or using data.

Think of it like having two phone lines, but you can only answer one call at a time while the other SIM remains on standby, ready to ring once a call comes in.

IV. How to use multiple eSIMs on your iPhone?

To use multiple eSIMs on your iPhone, you need to check if your device is eSIM compatible with eSIM first. If yes, you can add and manage eSIM profiles through the Settings menu on your iPhone.

1. How to add multiple eSIMs to an iPhone

To add multiple eSIMs to an iPhone, take these steps:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
• Scan the QR code or enter the eSIM activation code manually offered by your eSIM provider to add the eSIM to your device.
• Repeat this routine to another eSIM profile.

To use eSIM when traveling internationally:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > select the eSIM line you want to use
• Turn on Data Roaming and Mobile data and you are ready to go.

To easily manage your eSIMs, you should label them.

2. How to switch between eSIMs on iPhone

To switch between eSIMs, you take the following steps:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > choose the eSIM you want to use and switch it on
• If you have two active eSIMs, choose the eSIM for calls/messages and the other for data by setting the default line.
• If you use dual eSIM while traveling and want to avoid unintentional charges by cellular automatic charges, go to Settings > Cellular > turn off the Allow Cellular Data Switching.

► You can see more details on using multiple SIMs on iPhone by reading the Apple’s guide.

V. Benefits of Using Multiple eSIMs

Using multiple eSIMs offers users several key advantages:

• Save Money: Pick a data plan that fits your needs, so you only pay for what you use.
• Stay Organized: Use one eSIM for work calls and another for personal calls, keeping things separate.
• Easy International Calls: Get local prices on data and calls when traveling by using an eSIM from that country. No more roaming charges.
• Never Miss a Call: Remain your regular line on a different eSIM so people can always reach you.
• Simple & Easy: All your eSIM plans are stored on your phone – no more physical SIM cards to worry about.

It can be said that multiple eSIMs give you the freedom and flexibility to stay connected on your terms, wherever you are.

VI. FAQs