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How many eSIM cards can I activate on my iPhone?
Depending on the model of your iPhone, you can have either one or two active eSIMs at the same time. However, you can store up to eight eSIM profiles on your phone.
Most eSIM-compatible iPhones allow you to store up to eight eSIM profiles at once. However, depending on your iPhone model, only one or two eSIM profiles can be active at any given time.
Follow along to learn all about how many eSIMs you can have on your iPhone, how to use them, and which models feature dual-eSIM capabilities.
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How many eSIMs can you use on an iPhone?
Depending on the model, you can use either one or two eSIMs on an iPhone at a time, while compatible iPhones can store up to eight eSIM profiles. iPhone 13 and later models, as well as the iPhone SE (3rd generation), support two active eSIMs at once. Earlier eSIM-compatible iPhones generally used one active eSIM alongside a physical SIM for Dual SIM functionality.
iPhones older than the iPhone XR don’t have eSIM support, so you can’t use eSIMs on these models.
| iPhone model range | eSIM support | Active eSIMs at once | Physical SIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 and later | Yes | Up to 2 active eSIMs | Yes (except US iPhone 14+) | Dual eSIM supported |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Yes | Up to 2 active eSIMs | Yes | Dual eSIM supported |
| iPhone XR–12 series* | Yes | 1 active eSIM | Yes | Dual SIM via 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
| iPhones before XR | No | 0 | Yes | No eSIM support |
| iPhone 14 and later, US models | Yes | Up to 2 active eSIMs | No | eSIM-only in the US |
| China mainland models | Model-dependent | Model-dependent | Model-dependent | eSIM support varies by model |
| Hong Kong/Macau models | Model-dependent | Model-dependent | Often 2 nano-SIMs | Check the specific model |
*The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is an exception to the general XR–12 range because it supports two active eSIMs.
Which iPhones are eSIM-compatible?
Apple started making eSIM-compatible phones with the iPhone XR.
Compatible models include:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- All iPhone 11 series phones
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- All iPhone 12 series phones
- All iPhone 13 series phones
- All iPhone 14 series phones
- All iPhone 15 series phones
- iPhone 16e
- All iPhone 16 series phones
- All iPhone 17 series phones
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
However, eSIM support can vary by country or region, so the model and where the iPhone was purchased both matter. For example, US iPhone 14 models and later are eSIM-only, while some iPhones sold in Hong Kong and Macau support Dual SIM with two physical nano-SIMs.
For China, eSIM support is also model-specific. Apple currently lists the iPhone 17e and iPhone Air as models that support eSIM with China service providers.
How to switch between eSIMs on iPhone
iPhones allow you to store up to eight eSIM profiles at once, and you can quickly switch between them in the iPhone settings. This allows you to use multiple eSIMs effectively, even if the phone only supports one or two simultaneous connections.
For example, you can have a separate eSIM for your local data plan and multiple eSIMs for mobile data when travelling overseas. You can then switch between your stored eSIMs when needed.
Here’s how to switch between eSIMs:
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Cellular/Mobile Service menu.
- Scroll down and select the eSIM profile you want to enable.
- Tap Turn On This Line to activate the profile.
- Check the other lines to see if they’ve turned off automatically. If not, turn them off manually by toggling the Turn On This Line switch to the off position.
If you have an iPhone that supports dual eSIM usage, you can also select one eSIM to be the primary line for cellular data, and the other to be used for calls and texts. You can have two eSIMs active at the same time on supported models.
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Frequent questions about how many eSIM cards you can activate at the same time
How many eSIMs can my iPhone handle?
An iPhone can maintain one or two active eSIM connections, depending on the model. That said, you can store up to eight eSIM profiles at once and switch between them whenever needed.
Can I use two eSIMs at the same time on iPhone?
Yes, you can use two eSIMs at the same time if you have an iPhone 13 or later, or an iPhone SE (3rd generation). Earlier eSIM-compatible iPhones generally support one eSIM alongside one physical SIM for Dual SIM functionality.
How can I activate three eSIMs on an iPhone?
You can’t have three eSIMs active at the same time on an iPhone. However, you can store three or even more eSIM profiles on your phone. Simply install the eSIM, and it’ll appear in the list of eSIM profiles in the iPhone settings. From there, you can switch between your stored eSIMs and activate the one you want to use.
Plans that may interest you
Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
