You can store multiple eSIMs on the same phone, but not all of them are used at the same time: most phones keep many installed and only two active in parallel. In this guide, we clarify the actual limit per model, how to switch between your profiles without reinstalling anything, and which line consumes data.
How many eSIMs can be stored and how many can be used at once
Almost all modern phones store between 5 and 20 eSIM profiles in memory, but only allow two lines to be active at the same time (one eSIM plus the physical SIM, or two eSIMs in models that support it). The rest remain archived, ready to be reactivated with a couple of taps.
The usual confusion is to think that "store" and "use" are the same. They are not. Your phone can store your home operator's eSIM, the one from your last trip to Thailand, and the one you bought for Italy, all at once, without deleting any. What changes is which ones are on at any given time. For a traveler, this is a huge advantage: you accumulate destinations without scanning QR codes again and again, and in each country, you activate the right one. If you want to understand the basics of how a phone handles two lines, you might want to read how dual SIM works before continuing.
Quick rule: installation is unlimited (up to the model's capacity), but only two can be active. Think of it like a wallet with many cards where only two fit in the ATM slot.
Stored vs. active: the key difference
A stored eSIM is an installed profile that remains in the phone's manager even when turned off. It doesn't consume battery or data while inactive, and you can turn it on when you land in its country. An active eSIM is one that is connected to the network at that moment: it appears with coverage in the top bar and can receive calls, SMS, or browse depending on how you configure it.
This separation is what makes eSIMs so convenient for travel. Imagine flying from Madrid to Jakarta with a stopover in Istanbul: you can have the eSIMs for Turkey and Indonesia pre-installed, keep your home eSIM off to avoid roaming charges, and turn each one on as you touch down. If you're not going back to a destination later, you can always clean up by following the guide on how to delete or remove an eSIM to free up space. Storing many doesn't slow down your phone; it only takes up a small internal record.
Limit per model (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel)
The number of profiles you can store depends on the manufacturer and the year of the device. These are the usual ranges you'll see in practice:
| Model | eSIMs stored (approx.) | Active at once |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 | Up to 8-20 profiles | 2 eSIMs (Dual eSIM) |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 / S24 / S25 | Up to 5-7 profiles | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
| Google Pixel 7 / 8 / 9 | Several profiles | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
On iPhones, from the 13 onwards, you can have two active eSIMs simultaneously without needing a physical SIM, which is very practical if you separate work and travel. On most Samsung and Pixel phones, however, the active combination is one eSIM plus one physical card. For specific details on the Apple ecosystem, you can find the complete reference on how many eSIMs an iPhone can have.
How to switch between your eSIMs
Switching from one profile to another doesn't require reinstalling anything or rescanning the QR. It's done in two minutes from the mobile network settings. The general process is this:
- Open Settings → Mobile Data (or Connections → SIM Manager on Samsung).
- Select the eSIM you want to activate and activate it; deactivate the one you won't be using.
- Choose which line will use mobile data and which will handle calls.
- Restart if the phone doesn't get network instantly.
This is the exact same panel where you first installed the profile; if you need to review that step, you can find the details in how to install an eSIM. Many travelers keep their home eSIM on only to receive bank SMS and verification codes, and set the destination data eSIM as the primary line for browsing. This division is the key to well-planned dual SIM usage.
Which eSIM uses data and calls
When you have two active lines, the phone lets you decide which one uses data and which one manages calls and messages. They don't mix: you can browse with the data eSIM of the country you're visiting while keeping your Spanish number for incoming calls. This prevents bill surprises, because the destination data line doesn't charge roaming fees.
A common mistake is accidentally leaving the home line active for data abroad. That's why it's advisable to go into settings as soon as you land and confirm that the data eSIM is the one for your destination. If you usually share your connection with your laptop or tablet, remember that the hotspot uses the data line you've selected. And if you're traveling with family and several devices need internet, you might be interested in learning how to set up an eSIM for multiple devices instead of saturating a single phone.
Tips for travelers with many profiles
When you accumulate eSIMs from several trips, a little organization makes all the difference. These habits save time and prevent surprises:
- Rename each profile with the country and date ("Italy Jul-26") to avoid confusion in the list.
- Turn off your home line for data before taking off and leave it on only for SMS if you expect codes.
- Check the expiration date: an archived eSIM may have expired; many last as long as they have credit or a plan.
- Install before flying, using Wi-Fi, so you don't have to rely on finding a network upon arrival.
- Delete those you no longer use if your model has few free slots.
With these steps, a single phone can serve you for half a dozen destinations without hassle. All your eSIMs coexist, and you decide at each border which one to turn on. It is, in practice, like having a drawer of data cards always at hand within your own phone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have two active eSIMs at the same time?
Yes, if your phone supports it. iPhones from the 13 onwards allow two active eSIMs simultaneously. Most Samsung and Pixel phones combine one active eSIM with the physical SIM. In all cases, you can store many more inactive profiles and turn them on when you need them.
How many eSIMs can be stored on a phone?
It depends on the model. A recent iPhone stores between 8 and 20 profiles, while many Samsung and Pixel phones store around 5 to 7. Storing inactive profiles doesn't drain battery or data; they only occupy a small internal record until you activate them.
Do all my eSIMs consume data at the same time?
No. Only the eSIM you've designated as the mobile data line consumes data. The others, even if installed, remain inactive and do not browse or incur charges. That's why it's advisable to check in the settings which line is selected when changing countries.
Do I have to reinstall the eSIM every time I switch?
No. Once installed, the eSIM remains stored even if you turn it off. To use it again, you simply go to mobile data settings, activate it, and choose whether it will use data or calls. There's no need to scan the QR code again or request another profile.
Can I use a data eSIM and my Spanish number at the same time?
Yes, and it's highly recommended when traveling. You keep your Spanish number to receive calls and SMS, and use the destination's data eSIM for browsing without roaming. This way, you keep your usual line reachable without paying high data rates.
Conclusion
Storing multiple eSIMs is unlimited up to your model's capacity, but only two lines can be active at a time, and you decide which one uses data. With well-named profiles and your home line turned off for data, a single phone can accompany you around the world. Prepare for your next destination with an eSIM installed and ready in a minute and travel without changing phones or numbers.
