iPhones with iOS 15 or higher (iPhone 13 onwards) can store up to 8 eSIMs on the device, although only 2 can be active simultaneously. Older models, from iPhone XS, support between 5 and 8 stored eSIMs depending on the model and iOS version. Here we explain exactly what your iPhone can do and how to manage multiple eSIMs without complications.
How many eSIMs each iPhone model supports
Apple introduced the eSIM in 2018 with the iPhone XS. Since then, each generation has gradually expanded the storage capacity for eSIM profiles. The key is to distinguish between how many eSIMs you can store on the device and how many you can use simultaneously.
| Model | Stored eSIMs | Simultaneously active eSIMs | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR | Up to 5 | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM | Yes |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro | Up to 5 | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM | Yes |
| iPhone 12 (all) | Up to 5 | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM | Yes |
| iPhone 13 (all) | Up to 8 | 2 active eSIMs (Dual SIM) | Yes (except USA) |
| iPhone 14 (all) | Up to 8 | 2 active eSIMs (Dual SIM) | No (USA) / Yes (rest of world) |
| iPhone 15 (all) | Up to 8 | 2 active eSIMs (Dual SIM) | No (USA) / Yes (rest of world) |
| iPhone 16 (all) | Up to 8 | 2 active eSIMs (Dual SIM) | No (USA) / Yes (rest of world) |
Important note: iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models sold in the United States are eSIM only: they do not have a physical SIM slot. Those sold in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and the rest of the world retain the nano-SIM slot.
If you have questions about the activation process, consult our complete guide on eSIM installation and activation on iPhone.
How many active eSIMs you can use at once
Storing and activating are two different concepts. You can have 8 eSIMs saved on your iPhone, but the operating system only allows you to activate two lines simultaneously in Dual SIM mode.
Here's how the activation logic works:
- iPhone XS, 11, and 12: One active eSIM + one physical SIM. It is not possible to activate two eSIMs simultaneously on these models.
- iPhone 13 onwards: Two eSIMs active simultaneously, without the need for a physical SIM. You can assign each line to a different function (data, calls, SMS).
Dual SIM mode on iPhone also allows you to configure which line each app uses, which number appears when calling, and which SIM is used by default for mobile data. All of this is managed from Settings > Mobile Data.
To better understand how the Dual SIM system with eSIM technically works, we recommend reading how eSIM and Dual SIM work.
Managing multiple eSIMs on iPhone
iOS offers a clear interface for managing all your eSIM profiles from a single place. Follow these steps to access full management:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Mobile Data.
- You will see all stored lines, both active and inactive.
- Tap any line to see its options: activate, deactivate, rename, or delete.
You can rename each eSIM with a personalized nickname to identify them easily. For example: "Work," "Personal," "Europe Trip," or "USA eSIM." This is especially useful when you accumulate several travel SIMs.
Switching between eSIMs without deleting them
One of the key advantages of eSIM over physical SIM is that you can switch active lines without manipulating hardware. If you have a travel eSIM saved and want to activate it for a trip, simply go to Settings, select that line, and activate it. Your usual eSIM will remain "suspended" and you can reactivate it at any time.
This makes the iPhone a very practical tool for frequent travelers. Discover the best eSIM options for travel and compare rates by destination.
Deleting eSIMs you no longer need
If you have reached the limit of 8 stored eSIMs or simply want to free up space, you can delete profiles you no longer use. Attention: this action is irreversible. Once the eSIM is deleted from the device, you will not be able to recover it without going through the activation process with your operator again.
Steps to delete an eSIM:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data.
- Select the line you want to delete.
- Scroll down and tap Delete Plan.
- Confirm the action in the warning dialog.
Before deleting an eSIM, consider whether you can easily reactivate it. Some operators allow reactivating the same plan at no additional cost; others require purchasing a new profile. In the case of prepaid data eSIMs for travel, it is common for the plan to expire and not be recoverable, so deleting it after use makes perfect sense.
Use cases for multiple eSIMs
Having multiple eSIM profiles stored on your iPhone opens up very practical possibilities in different scenarios:
Separate work and personal life
Use one eSIM for your business number and another for personal use. You can configure incoming calls to your work number to ring only during business hours, or simply always know which line is calling you before answering.
International travel without expensive roaming
Buy a local or regional eSIM before traveling and activate it as soon as you land. Your usual number remains active for important calls, while you use local data at local rates. Upon return, you deactivate the travel eSIM without deleting it—ready for the next trip to the same destination.
Redundant coverage in rural areas
If you live or work in areas with irregular coverage, having two operators active simultaneously ensures that you will always have a signal with at least one of them.
Local numbers in different countries
For those with family, businesses, or clients in several countries, maintaining local numbers without needing multiple phones is a huge advantage. The iPhone manages everything from a single screen.
Trial or temporary eSIMs
Some users accumulate trial eSIMs from different operators to compare coverage and speed. As long as you haven't reached the limit of 8, you can keep them all stored and alternate as needed.
Frequently asked questions
How many eSIMs can an iPhone 13 store?
The iPhone 13 can store up to 8 eSIMs on the device, although it can only use 2 simultaneously (two active lines in Dual SIM). It is the first model to exceed the 5 eSIM limit of previous generations.
Can I use two eSIMs at the same time on an iPhone?
Yes. The Dual SIM feature has existed since the iPhone XS, but only from the iPhone 13 onwards is it possible to have two eSIMs active simultaneously without the need for a physical SIM. In previous models (XS, 11, 12), one of the active lines must be a physical SIM.
Does the iPhone XS support eSIM?
Yes, the iPhone XS was the first iPhone model with eSIM, launched in 2018. It can store up to 5 eSIMs and activate one simultaneously with a physical SIM. It does not support two active eSIMs at the same time.
What happens to my eSIMs if I change iPhones?
eSIMs do not automatically transfer between devices. When changing iPhones, you need to contact each operator to reactivate the plan on the new device. Some operators and regions allow quick eSIM transfer between Apple devices, but it is not universal. Always check with your operator before making the switch.
Do iPhones sold in the USA only have eSIM?
Yes. Starting with the iPhone 14, all models sold in the United States are eSIM only: they do not include a physical SIM slot. Models sold in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and the rest of the world retain the nano-SIM tray in addition to the eSIM.
