How Many eSIMs Can I Have on My Phone?
Most modern phones can store multiple eSIM profiles — but only one (or two) can be active at a time. Here's the breakdown for iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel, and what it means for travellers.
One of the most common questions about eSIM is whether you can have multiple eSIM profiles on the same phone — and the answer is yes, with limits. Most phones can store between 5 and 20+ eSIM profiles, but only one (on most phones) or two (on some newer models) can be active for data at once.
Limits by device
| Device | eSIMs stored | Active at once |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XR, 11, 12 series | Up to 5 | 1 (+ 1 physical SIM) |
| iPhone 13, 14 series | Up to 8 | 1 (+ 1 physical SIM) or 2 eSIMs |
| iPhone 15, 16 series (US model) | Unlimited eSIM profiles | 2 eSIMs active at once (no physical SIM slot) |
| iPhone 15, 16 series (international) | Up to 8 | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 and later | Up to 10 | 1–2 (model dependent) |
| Google Pixel 3 and later | Up to 4–8 | 1 (+ 1 physical SIM on most models) |
| Most other Android phones | Varies by manufacturer | Typically 1 active eSIM |
Stored ≠ active
Storing an eSIM profile on your phone doesn't use any data or cost anything. You can have multiple travel eSIMs installed from past trips and switch between them as needed.
Installed vs active — what's the difference?
Think of installed eSIMs like apps on your phone — they're there, but not all running at once. You switch which eSIM is active for data in your phone's SIM settings. The inactive eSIM profiles remain stored and ready to switch back to.
For travellers, this is very useful: you can install an eSIM for Japan before a trip to Japan, use it while you're there, then switch back to your home SIM on return — without deleting the Japan eSIM. If you return to Japan, you may be able to use the same eSIM profile again (subject to plan validity).
What this means for travellers
- You can pre-install eSIMs for upcoming countries before a multi-leg trip
- Switching between eSIMs takes about 30 seconds in your phone's settings — no need to be on Wi-Fi
- Expired eSIM profiles stay stored on your phone (they just have no usable data)
- Deleting an eSIM profile removes it permanently — if it had unused data, that data is lost
- You don't need to delete old eSIMs to install new ones, as long as you haven't hit your phone's storage limit
Frequently asked questions
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