How Many eSIMs Can You Have on an iPhone? A Complete Guide for Travellers

eSIMs have made international travel much easier. Instead of carrying several physical SIM cards, you can store digital SIM profiles directly on a compatible iPhone and switch between them when needed.

But there is an important distinction between how many eSIMs an iPhone can store and how many eSIMs it can use at the same time. These are not necessarily the same thing.

For frequent travellers, understanding this difference can help you plan connectivity for multiple countries without turning your phone settings into a small telecommunications department.

With eSIMLLY, you can choose travel eSIM plans covering 160+ countries, making it easy to prepare connectivity for different destinations. Whether you're travelling to one country or several, you can check the country and choose a flexible plan that suits your trip. Check eSIMLLY countries and plans →

How Many eSIMs Can an iPhone Store?

The number of eSIM profiles an iPhone can store depends on the iPhone model and its software configuration.

Modern iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles, meaning you don't necessarily have to delete your previous travel eSIM every time you return home or visit another destination.

For example, a frequent traveller could keep different eSIM profiles for countries or regions they visit regularly and activate the relevant one when travelling.

However, storing several eSIMs does not mean all of them can be active simultaneously.

This is one of the main advantages of using travel eSIMs. You can keep your regular SIM and travel eSIM profiles available without carrying a collection of physical SIM cards. eSIMLLY provides travel eSIM options across 160+ countries, so you can choose connectivity for your next destination before you travel. Explore eSIMLLY plans →

How Many eSIMs Can Be Active at Once?

This depends on the iPhone model.

Many recent iPhone models support Dual SIM functionality, allowing two cellular lines to be active at the same time. Depending on the model and configuration, this can mean using a physical SIM together with an eSIM, or two eSIMs simultaneously on supported devices.

The exact capabilities vary by iPhone generation and market.

That means you should distinguish between:

• Stored eSIMs: Digital SIM profiles saved on your iPhone.

• Active eSIMs: Profiles currently enabled for cellular connectivity.

• Mobile data line: The SIM or eSIM selected to provide your internet connection.

Your iPhone can have multiple profiles stored while only a limited number are active.

Can You Have Multiple Travel eSIMs on an iPhone?

Yes, on compatible iPhone models you can store multiple travel eSIM profiles.

This can be useful if you travel frequently. You might have one eSIM for Europe, another for Asia, and country-specific eSIMs for destinations you visit often.

When travelling, you can select the appropriate cellular plan from your iPhone's settings rather than installing a completely new physical SIM.

If you travel frequently, keeping several eSIM profiles can save time. eSIMLLY covers 160+ countries, so you can choose a suitable travel eSIM for your destination and manage your connectivity digitally. Check your country and available eSIMLLY plans →

Can You Use Two eSIMs at the Same Time?

On supported iPhone models, yes.

Some newer iPhones can use two eSIMs simultaneously. This can be useful when you want to keep two numbers or cellular plans active.

For example:

Line 1: Your regular home number
Line 2: Your travel eSIM

You can then use one line for your normal calls and messages while selecting the travel eSIM as your mobile-data line.

However, the exact Dual SIM capabilities depend on your iPhone model, region, and carrier configuration.

Can You Keep Your Home SIM Active While Travelling?

Yes, provided your iPhone and carrier setup support the required Dual SIM configuration.

This is one of the most useful features of an eSIM for international travellers.

You can keep your primary number available while using a travel eSIM for mobile data. This means you don't necessarily have to remove your physical SIM just because you're travelling.

Before travelling, check your iPhone's cellular settings and make sure you understand which line is being used for mobile data.

Using your home SIM alongside a travel eSIM can be especially convenient for international trips. With eSIMLLY, you can purchase your travel plan before departure and select an option for your destination. Plans are available across 160+ countries. Find your destination and eSIM plan →

How to Add an eSIM to an iPhone

Adding an eSIM is generally straightforward on compatible iPhones.

You typically need to:

1. Open Settings.

2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.

3. Choose Add eSIM.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Scan the QR code or use the activation method provided by your eSIM provider.

6. Label the new line so you can easily identify it.

7. Choose your preferred line for mobile data.

It is a good idea to install your travel eSIM before leaving home while you still have a reliable internet connection.

How Do You Switch Between eSIMs?

Switching between stored eSIM profiles is handled through your iPhone's cellular settings.

You can select which line you want to use for cellular data, calls, and messages, depending on the capabilities of your device and plan.

For travellers, this means you can keep multiple profiles available and activate the appropriate one when needed.

You don't have to physically remove a SIM card or visit a mobile store just to change your travel connectivity.

That flexibility is exactly why eSIMs are useful for international travel. eSIMLLY lets you browse plans for 160+ countries and choose the option that fits your destination, trip length, and data requirements. Check eSIMLLY's plans →

Does Every iPhone Support eSIM?

No.

eSIM support depends on the iPhone model and, in some cases, the country or region where the device was purchased.

Most recent iPhone generations support eSIM functionality, but older models may not. Some regional versions also have different SIM configurations.

Before buying a travel eSIM, check that:

• Your iPhone supports eSIM.

• Your device is carrier-unlocked.

• Your specific regional model supports the required eSIM functionality.

• The eSIM provider supports your destination.

How Can You Check if Your iPhone Has an eSIM?

One simple way is to check your iPhone's cellular settings for an option such as Add eSIM.

You can also check the model information and technical specifications for your particular iPhone.

If the option isn't available, your device may not support eSIM or may have regional limitations.

Can You Delete an Old eSIM?

Yes, you can generally remove an eSIM profile from your iPhone when you no longer need it.

However, don't delete an eSIM simply because its data allowance or validity period has ended unless you are sure you will never need that profile again.

Removing an eSIM profile is different from cancelling the underlying mobile plan. If you need to use the plan again, you may need to obtain a new activation method from the provider.

For that reason, it can be useful to keep inactive travel eSIM profiles that you may use again.

If you're a frequent traveller, managing eSIM profiles can be much easier than collecting physical SIM cards from every country. eSIMLLY offers plans across 160+ countries, allowing you to choose connectivity for individual destinations as you travel. Explore all eSIMLLY destinations and plans →

Can You Have an eSIM for Every Country You Visit?

Potentially, yes, as long as your iPhone supports multiple stored eSIM profiles.

But you don't necessarily need a separate eSIM for every country.

If you're travelling through several countries in the same region, a regional eSIM may be more convenient. For example, a multi-country plan can potentially cover several destinations without requiring you to switch between individual country plans.

For a single-country holiday, a country-specific eSIM may be the simpler choice.

The best option depends on your itinerary.

Why Are Multiple eSIMs Useful for Frequent Travellers?

Having multiple eSIM profiles can be useful when your travel schedule looks something like this:

January: Japan
March: France and Italy
June: Thailand and Singapore
September: Germany and Switzerland

Instead of buying and storing physical SIM cards from each trip, you can manage your compatible eSIM profiles digitally.

It also makes it easier to prepare before departure. Your connectivity can be arranged before you reach the airport rather than becoming an arrival-day shopping mission.

For travellers visiting several destinations each year, eSIMLLY provides a broad range of options, with coverage across 160+ countries. You can check your destination and compare flexible plans before each trip. Check countries and plans on eSIMLLY →

eSIM Storage vs Active Lines: The Key Difference

This is the part worth remembering.

Your iPhone may store multiple eSIM profiles, but it cannot necessarily use all of them at once.

Think of stored eSIMs as profiles saved on your phone. Active lines are the ones currently enabled for cellular service.

The number of profiles you can store and the number of lines you can use simultaneously depend on your iPhone model.

So, if you are planning a multi-country trip, don't just ask, "How many eSIMs can my iPhone hold?"

Also ask:

"How many cellular lines can my iPhone actively use?"

That is the number that matters when you're actually travelling.

Is an eSIM Better Than a Physical SIM for Travel?

For many international travellers, an eSIM is more convenient.

A physical SIM requires you to obtain a card, remove your existing SIM, install the replacement, and store the original somewhere safe.

An eSIM eliminates most of that physical handling.

It can also let you keep your main SIM available while using another plan for mobile data, depending on your iPhone and carrier setup.

For frequent international travellers, the convenience adds up quickly.

eSIMLLY makes the process even simpler by offering travel eSIM options across 160+ countries. You can check your destination, choose a flexible data plan, and arrange connectivity before your trip. Find your country and eSIMLLY plan →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eSIMs can an iPhone have?

The number of eSIM profiles an iPhone can store depends on the model. Modern iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles, while the number that can be active simultaneously is more limited.

Can I have two eSIMs active on my iPhone?

Some newer iPhone models support two active eSIMs at the same time. Check your specific model and regional configuration to confirm.

Can I have multiple travel eSIMs installed?

Yes, compatible iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles. You can select the appropriate profile when travelling.

Can I use my normal SIM and a travel eSIM together?

On supported Dual SIM iPhones, yes. You can keep your primary line active while using a travel eSIM for data.

Do I need to delete an old eSIM before installing another?

Not necessarily. If your iPhone has room for additional eSIM profiles, you can keep existing profiles stored and switch between them as needed.

Can I use one eSIM for multiple countries?

Yes, if the specific eSIM plan supports those countries. Regional and global travel eSIM plans are designed for multi-country travel.

Does eSIMLLY support multiple countries?

Yes. eSIMLLY offers travel eSIM coverage across 160+ countries, with different plans available depending on the destination.

Where can I check eSIMLLY's available countries?

You can browse the available destinations and plans directly on the eSIMLLY website. Check all countries and eSIMLLY plans →

Final Thoughts

So, how many eSIMs can you have on an iPhone?

There isn't one universal number for every iPhone. The number of eSIM profiles you can store and the number of lines you can have active depend on your particular iPhone model and regional configuration.

The important takeaway is that modern iPhones make it possible to manage multiple digital SIM profiles, making eSIM technology particularly useful for frequent international travellers.

Instead of carrying a wallet full of tiny plastic SIM cards, you can manage your travel connectivity directly from your phone.

With eSIMLLY, you can choose travel eSIM plans covering 160+ countries, with flexible options for different destinations and travel needs. Before your next international trip, check your country, compare the available plans, and get connected without the hassle of finding a physical SIM after you land.

Check your country and eSIMLLY plans →