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How many eSIM cards can I activate on my iPhone?
Are you an iPhone user wondering about eSIM cards? Find out how many eSIM cards you can activate in your cellphone and so much more in this article!
April 3, 2023
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We will tell you about one of the newest and most popular ways to connect to the internet: eSIM cards. Today, we’ll tell you how many eSIM cards you can activate on your iPhone so you can fully enjoy the services that the eSIM card offers.
Using two eSIM cards, for example, is useful to have two local numbers which you can use for personal and business purposes. Having multiple eSIMs is also useful to have an additional data plan if you travel to another country or region.
It is important to consider that to add eSIM cards from different cellular operators, the iPhone has to be unlocked. So, let’s begin!
What is an eSIM card in iPhone?
Let’s begin by telling you what an eSIM card is. The eSIM card is a virtual device that a cellular operator provides, which is expected to replace traditional SIM cards in the future because it serves the same purpose and has additional benefits.
There is no doubt that the eSIM card has changed how we connect to the internet nowadays; with it, you don’t have to worry about losing or breaking it. It’s totally digital!
What iPhone is eSIM compatible?
Since it is a very new technology, not all devices can support it yet, so it is important to ensure that your cellphone is eSIM compatible before getting or activating an eSIM.
Currently, the iPhone versions that are compatible are the following: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and Max, iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone 13 and more recent models. To see the complete list, check our supported cellphone list.
>Find out how to transfer your eSIM to an Android device<
Can I activate multiple eSIMs on iPhone?
Now that you have read the general information, it is important to know how many eSIM cards can be activated on your cellphone. It is possible to install eight or more eSIM cards in the same iPhone, it depends on the version and model, but it is important to note that you won’t be able to use all of them at the same time.
eSIM activation: How many eSIMs can be used in a phone?
It does not matter if it is an eSIM card from a local or international provider, you will only be able to use two eSIM cards at the same time, which you will have to pick depending on the usage and the service it offers.
- Can use 1 physical SIM card and 1 eSIM: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone SE (3rd generation), and iPhone 14.
- iPhone that can use 2 eSIM cards: iPhone 13, iPhone SE (3rd generation), and more recent versions.
But remember that not all eSIM cards are available in all countries or regions. Holafly is one of the preferred providers for travelers with options in more than 170 destinations including Asia eSIM card alternative.
How does the eSIM card work?
You can only use two eSIM cards simultaneously or a traditional SIM card and an eSIM, which will depend on the model of your iPhone. Both numbers or services can work to make and receive calls and send SMS and iMessage.
Note: With the iPhone, you can only use one eSIM card with cellular data at a time. You cannot have two cellular data networks at the same time.
Frequent questions about how many eSIM cards you can activate at the same time
An eSIM card has only a telephone line or service. The eSIM card works exclusively with one network provider.
Usually, the activation process does not come along with any fee. The price of the eSIM card is the only one that you pay when you complete the purchase.
You have to install both eSIM cards and activate the service in Settings > mobile/cellular data. There you will find the eSIM cards that are installed and change their numbers, and the label to use one line as a parent and another as a child.
You can only activate one eSIM card, even when you are using two.
When using eSIM cards for Europe and the United States eSIM, people can still activate both of them on their devices.
