If you own an iPhone and are curious about how many eSIMs your device can accommodate, you've come to the right place. eSIMs make it easy to maintain multiple lines on your device and switch between mobile networks — all without swapping your physical SIM card. In this article, we'll dive into the details surrounding the number of eSIMs your iPhone can support and how to activate and manage them.
Understanding eSIMs and their Benefits
Before we discuss the number of eSIMs your iPhone can handle, let's briefly define what eSIMs are and highlight their advantages. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. This technology allows you to switch between mobile networks without having to physically swap SIM cards, making it easier than ever to stay connected.
Dual SIM iPhones and eSIM Capabilities
Apple introduced dual SIM functionality in its iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR models. These devices can accommodate both a physical SIM card and an eSIM simultaneously, allowing you to maintain two active mobile numbers on a single device.
How Many eSIMs Can My iPhone Have?
Most iPhones allow you to store eight or more eSIM profiles on your device. This makes it easy for you to switch your mobile connection and manage multiple lines at one time. All you need to do is switch on the eSIM line you wish to use in your device settings.
While iPhones with dual SIM capabilities can hold multiple eSIM profiles, it's essential to understand that only two lines can be active at a time. This can be a SIM card and eSIM or, in the case of the iPhone 14 and 15, two eSIMs at once.
Activating and Managing eSIMs on Your iPhone
Activating an eSIM on your iPhone is easy. There arethree ways to do it.
Convert Your Physical SIM to an eSIM
This is the best option if you're midway through a contract with your mobile provider. You can use Apple'sQuick Transfer methodto convert your physical SIM to an eSIM.
Here's how to do it:
- Go toSettings>Cellular.
- TapConvert to eSIM(if you don't see this option, your carrier doesn't support converting a SIM to an eSIM).
- TapConvert Cellular Plan.
- TapConvert to eSIM.
- Wait for your eSIM to activate.
- Remove your physical SIM (it will deactivate when the eSIM activates).
- Restart your iPhone.
Activate an eSIM From Your Carrier
Let’s say you're starting a new contract or purchasing a new device. Your carrier can use Apple's eSIMCarrier Activation methodto assign an eSIM to your iPhone.
If you're purchasing a new iPhone:
- Turn on your device.
- Follow the step-by-step installation instructions.
If you already have an iPhone:
- Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
- Follow the steps to install the eSIM.
Remember, if your eSIM plan replaces the plan on your physical SIM, you'll need to remove it and restart your iPhone.
Buy an eSIM from an eSIM Provider
Another option is to buy an eSIM from a third-party provider (like us!).Airalo is an eSIM storethat gives you access to local, regional, and global eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
Here's how to get started with Airalo:
- Download the Airalo app (iOS|Android) or visit theAiralo website.
- Buy an eSIM for your destination (Airalo has eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide).
- Follow the step-by-step installation instructions.
- Turn on your eSIM when you arrive at your destination.
- Instantly connect to a local network.
Once you’ve activated your eSIM, you can manage it by navigating to the “Cellular” Section in your iPhone settings. Here, you can view and switch between your active eSIM profiles. Further options may be available, such as labeling and prioritizing eSIMs to ensure that the correct one is used for voice calls, data, or messaging.
Embrace the advantages of eSIMs on your iPhone and relish the freedom to switch between networks and carriers without the need for physical SIM cards. Get your first eSIM from Airalo today.
Alisha Whitley
Alisha is a Canadian expat based in Portugal. She’s an avid traveler and writes about all things travel and tech for Airalo.
FAQs
On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time. Carrier fees might apply. Contact your carrier for information.
Can I add more than 2 eSIM on iPhone? ›
What is eSIM on iPhone? An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.
How many eSIMs does an iPhone 14 have? ›
Your iPhone 14 can have eight eSIM profiles and supports up to two active eSIMs simultaneously.
How many eSIM accounts can you have on iPhone 15? ›
An iPhone 15 will support up to two active eSIMs and eight different eSIM profiles.
Can you have 3 eSIMs? ›
Android eSIMs
If you have a Samsung, Google, Huawei, or other Android device, the number of eSIMs you can install and have active at one time varies. Most allow for five to seven eSIMs, with one active at a time.
How many eSIM can be used at a time? ›
Android eSIMs
The quantity of eSIMs you can install and have active at once differs depending on whether you have a Samsung, Google, Huawei, or another Android smartphone. Most allow for five to seven active eSIMs at once.
Is the iPhone 14 Dual SIM? ›
You can set up Dual SIM with the following: One physical SIM and one eSIM; available on iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and iPhone 14 and later (purchased outside the U.S.) Two eSIMs; iPhone 13, iPhone SE (3rd generation), and later.
Can iPhone support 3 eSIM? ›
On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time. Network provider fees may apply. Contact your network provider for more information.
How to add a 3rd eSIM to iPhone? ›
You can store more than one eSIM in your iPhone, but you can use only one at a time. You can switch eSIMs by tapping Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans and tapping the plan you want to use. Then tap Turn On This Line. This can be done at any time.
What are the disadvantages of an eSIM? ›
Limited device compatibility
This limitation can restrict your options if you're not using the latest smartphones and technology. Even if a phone has an eSIM card, that doesn't mean it'll work with every network. At least in the US, you'll find that only the most popular phones are supported by most carriers.
eSIMs are designed for single-device use. They can't be installed or reinstalled on multiple devices.
How many eSIM can be used in iPhone reddit? ›
2 eSIM + 1 Physical SIM.
How many eSIMs can iPhone 14 have? ›
According to Apple, the iPhone 14 can hold up to eight eSIMs and dual active eSIMs. This means that you can have up to eight different eSIMs on your iPhone, and you can use two of them simultaneously for calls, messages, and data. However, other iPhone models have different limitations.
How many eSIMs can I add to my iPhone? ›
What is eSIM on iPhone? An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.
Can I switch between eSIMs? ›
Go to "Settings" then "Connections" Choose "Mobile Network" Turn on your desired eSIM, or choose "Preferred SIM card" and select your desired eSIM.
Can you have three SIMs in a phone? ›
Yes, it is possible and some triple-SIM phones are on the market. Some are: Acer Liquid E700 Trio, CoolPad Mega 3, GooPhone X1+ Tri-SIM, and 5” ESON Tri SIM.
How many eSIMs can you have on an iPhone 12? ›
How many eSIMs can be used in an iPhone?
Model | Maximum number of eSIMs Installed |
---|
iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max | 8 |
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max | 8 |
iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max | 8 |
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max | 8 |
3 more rowsNov 10, 2023
How many eSIMs can an iPhone 13 have on Reddit? ›
2 eSIM + 1 Physical SIM : r/iphone.
How to get 32 digit eid number? ›
An Embedded Identification Document (EID) is a 32-digit serial number attached to a device that is eSIM compatible. Dial *#06# on your mobile phone or you can look it up in device settings.