How Many eSIMs Can iPhone Store? Capacity and Active Limits

In real‑world use, most modern iPhones can store around eight or more eSIM profiles, but only up to two lines can be active at once (for example, your home line + one travel eSIM). The exact behavior depends on your iPhone model and carrier, but the “multiple stored, two active” pattern is consistent.

In this guide, we'll break down stored vs active eSIMs, show the limits by iPhone model, explain what happens when you hit the limit, and share traveler‑friendly tips so you can plan your trips without getting stuck at an airport unable to add a new eSIM.

eSIM on iPhone in a Nutshell

On iPhone, eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built‑in digital SIM. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you install a digital SIM profile from a carrier or travel eSIM provider. Each profile acts like a separate SIM card with its own plan and number (if voice/SMS is included).

Think of it like this:

• eSIM profile = one mobile plan from one carrier, stored digitally.

• Your iPhone can store multiple eSIM profiles.

• But it can only run a limited number of lines at the same time (typically two).

On supported models, iPhone offers Dual SIM, which means you can use two lines at once. That can be:

• 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM (older models), or

• 2 eSIMs at the same time (newer models and eSIM‑only iPhones).

For travel, that’s perfect if you want:

• Your home number for SMS codes, bank alerts, or family calls.

• A local or regional travel eSIM for cheap data in the country you’re visiting.

Key terms you’ll see in Settings

When you go to Settings > Cellular (or Settings > Mobile Data, depending on region), you’ll see a few labels that matter for eSIM:

• Cellular Plans / Mobile Data Plans
  The list of all SIMs and eSIMs stored on your iPhone. Each entry is one profile.

• Primary / Secondary / Personal / Business
  Labels that help you identify each line. You can rename them (for example, “Home”, “Japan Trip”, “EU Summer”).

• Default Voice Line
  Which line your iPhone uses for regular voice calls and SMS by default.

• Cellular Data
  Which line provides mobile data (Internet) at the moment. This is usually your travel eSIM while abroad.

Dual SIM on iPhone is basically letting you pick which line does what (calls, SMS, data), while still keeping multiple other eSIM profiles stored in the background for future trips.

How Many eSIMs Can an iPhone Store vs Use at the Same Time?

Most modern iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles at once – typically around eight or more, depending on the model and carrier. However, you can only use up to two lines at the same time. That might be 1 physical + 1 eSIM on older models, or 2 eSIMs on newer and eSIM‑only iPhones.

The key distinction:

• Stored eSIM profiles
  These are the plans saved on your device under Cellular Plans / Mobile Data Plans. You can keep several installed even if they’re not active right now.

• Active lines
  These are the lines currently turned on and available for calls, SMS, and/or data. On iPhone, you can generally have two active lines at once.

So even if you have 8 travel eSIMs stored, your iPhone will still only run up to 2 lines at a time. You choose which ones are active in Settings.

On a long Europe rail trip, for example, you can:

• Store a few local eSIMs (France, Italy, Spain) plus

• One regional Europe eSIM as backup,

• Keep your home line + one travel eSIM active at any given moment, and just switch which travel eSIM is active as you cross borders.

Stored vs Active at a Glance:

• Stored eSIM profiles:
  Usually around 8 or more on most recent iPhones (varies by model and carrier).

• Active lines at once:
  Up to 2 lines (physical + eSIM, or dual eSIM depending on your iPhone).

• Behavior can vary slightly:
  Exact limits and error messages may differ by carrier and iOS version, but the pattern above is what travelers see in practice.

Stored eSIM vs active lines – simple analogy

Imagine your wallet:

• You can store many bank cards in it. Those are your stored eSIM profiles.

• But when you pay at a store, you only insert one card at a time. That’s your active line.

Your iPhone works similarly:

• You can preload several travel eSIMs for different countries before a trip (all “cards” in your wallet).

• When you land in a new country, you just switch which eSIM is active for data (choose which card to pay with).

On a Southeast Asia loop, for instance, you can:

• Install a regional eSIM covering Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

• Also add a local Thai eSIM for better speed in Bangkok.

• Keep them stored, and switch the active data line in a few taps as your plans change.

iPhone eSIM Limits by Model (XS → iPhone 15)

The overall rule is the same – multiple stored, two active – but how you reach that depends on the iPhone generation.

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and iPhone 11 series

These were the first iPhones with eSIM support, and they introduced Dual SIM using:

• 1 physical nano‑SIM + 1 eSIM.

In practice:

• You can store multiple eSIM profiles—Apple doesn't publish official limits, but users commonly report storing 8-20 profiles depending on iOS version and carrier. Most travelers can comfortably maintain 8-10 travel eSIMs without issues, but:

• You can only have one physical SIM + one eSIM active at the same time.

• These models do not support dual eSIM (you can’t have two eSIMs active without a physical SIM).

What this means when you travel:

• Great if you want to keep your home physical SIM in the tray and add one travel eSIM per trip.

• You can still store multiple travel eSIMs on the device (old trips, future trips), but only one travel eSIM can active at the same time with your home SIM.

iPhone 12, 13, and non‑US iPhone 14

From iPhone 12 onward, Apple improved multi‑eSIM support. Depending on region and iOS version, these models can use:

• 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM active, or

• Dual eSIM (2 eSIMs active) on many carriers.

For iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and non‑US iPhone 14:

• Stored eSIM profiles: These models can store approximately 8 or more eSIM profiles (some reports suggest up to 20 on older iOS versions, though 8-10 is the reliable working number for most users).

• Active lines:
  Up to 2 lines at once, either:

  • Physical + eSIM, or

  • 2 eSIMs, depending on carrier support.

So if you’re wondering how many esim slots does iphone 13 have:

• It doesn’t have “slots” like a SIM tray.

• It can store many eSIM profiles and run two lines at a time.

Travel upside:

• Perfect for home + travel:

  • Keep your home line active for calls/SMS.

  • Use a travel eSIM for data.

• Or run two travel eSIMs (for example, one local SIM and one regional backup) on newer software where dual eSIM is supported.

US iPhone 14 and all iPhone 15 models (eSIM‑only)

US iPhone 14 models and all iPhone 15 models worldwide are eSIM‑only (no physical SIM tray in the US 14; the 15 lineup is all‑in on eSIM capability).

For these devices:

• Stored eSIM profiles:
  These models reliably store 8 or more eSIM profiles. While Apple doesn't publish official limits, most users successfully maintain 8-10 travel eSIMs without encountering storage issues.
  

• Active lines:
  You can have up to 2 eSIM lines active at the same time.

So if you’re asking how many eSIM profiles can an iPhone 15 Pro store, think “multiple – typically around eight or more”, while still limited to two active lines at once.

If you’re wondering how many active esims can iphone 14 have at once, the answer for supported models is the same: 2 active eSIM lines.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

• Carrier lock:
  If your iPhone is locked to one carrier, you may be limited to eSIMs from that carrier until you unlock it.

• Region differences:
  A US‑only eSIM iPhone used abroad is still flexible, but you should always check carrier and band support in the country you’re visiting.

For frequent travelers, these eSIM‑only iPhones are incredibly flexible: you can have home line + travel line active, plus several more eSIMs stored for future trips.

Quick cheat sheet: which iPhone is “multi‑eSIM friendly”?

• iPhone XS–XS Max–XR–11 series

  • Stored: Several eSIM profiles (around 8+ in real‑world use).

  • Active: 1 physical + 1 eSIM at the same time.

  • Travel note: Good if you only need one travel eSIM per trip alongside your home SIM.

• iPhone 12–13 and non‑US iPhone 14

  • Stored: Multiple eSIM profiles (around 8+).

  • Active: Up to 2 lines (physical + eSIM or dual eSIM, depending on carrier).

  • Travel note: Great balance for home + travel or two travel lines when needed.

• US iPhone 14 and all iPhone 15 models

  • Stored: Many eSIM profiles (commonly eight or more).

  • Active: 2 eSIM lines at once, no physical SIM.

  • Travel note: Most flexible for frequent travelers who want everything digital.

What Happens When You Reach the eSIM Limit?

If you install a lot of travel eSIMs, eventually you might try to add one more and see a message like “You cannot add another cellular plan” or something similar. That’s your iPhone hitting its practical eSIM storage limit.

When that happens:

• Your phone isn’t broken – it just can’t store more eSIM profiles at the moment.

• To add a new eSIM, you’ll likely need to delete one of the old profiles.

Important detail: Deleting an eSIM profile removes it from your device. Whether you can re‑download it later depends entirely on:

• The carrier or eSIM provider’s policy.

• How their system handles re‑issuing or re‑downloading an eSIM.

Some providers let you:

• Re‑download the same eSIM profile within a certain time window.

Others may:

• Require you to contact support, or

• Charge you for a new eSIM.

That’s why it’s essential not to delete your home line’s eSIM or any active plan you still rely on.

On one long Asia trip, for example, it’s common to install a new local eSIM per country, then mid‑trip realize you’ve hit the limit. The safest move is to remove old, fully expired travel eSIMs (after you’re 100% done with that country and any leftover balance).

Safe checklist before deleting a travel eSIM

Before you delete any travel eSIM to free up space, run through this quick checklist:

• Confirm it’s really finished

  • The trip to that country is over.

  • The plan has expired or you’re sure you won’t use the remaining data.

• Screenshot the details

  • Take a screenshot of the plan name, carrier, and any reference codes in the provider’s app.

  • This helps if you need to talk to support later.

• Check it’s not a default line

  • Go to Settings > Cellular and ensure that eSIM is not:

    • The Default Voice Line.

    • The current Cellular Data line.

• Never delete your home line

  • Keep your home country eSIM or physical SIM intact, especially if you rely on it for SMS codes or banking.

• If in doubt, wait

  • If you’re not sure the provider allows re‑download, keep that eSIM until you can confirm via their support or website.

How to Manage Multiple eSIMs on Your iPhone (Traveler‑Friendly Guide)

Installing lots of travel eSIMs is easy. The real trick is keeping them organized, so You don't have to mess around in Settings after a long flight.

Here’s how to handle multiple eSIM profiles efficiently.

How to switch the active data eSIM on iPhone

Use this when you land in a new country and want to switch data to a different eSIM:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data, depending on region).

3. Tap Cellular Data.

4. Select the eSIM / cellular plan you want to use for mobile data (for example, “Japan Trip” or “EU eSIM”).

5. Go back to the main Cellular screen, scroll to that plan, and make sure Data Roaming is turned On if you’re abroad.

6. Optionally, under Cellular Plans, toggle off any lines you don’t want active to save battery and avoid confusion.

Your iPhone will now use that eSIM for data while still keeping other stored eSIM profiles available to switch later.

How to rename and organize eSIMs

Good naming saves a lot of headaches, especially when you’re storing 5–8 eSIMs at once:

• Go to Settings > Cellular.

• Under Cellular Plans, tap each plan and:

  • Tap the label (for example, “Primary”, “Secondary”) and rename it to something clear like “Home”, “Japan May 2025”, “EU Rail Trip”.

  • Choose how you want to use it:

    • Default Voice Line (for calls).

    • Cellular Data (for data).

    • Whether to use it for iMessage & FaceTime.

You can turn lines on or off without deleting them:

• In Settings > Cellular, tap a plan and toggle Turn On This Line.

• If you switch it off, the eSIM stays stored but isn’t active.

This is handy when you:

• Keep your home line active only for SMS and calls, but use a travel eSIM for cheap data.

• Also, you can install travel eSIMs at home over Wi-Fi before you even leave.

That way, you don't have to rely on airport Wi-Fi or expensive roaming to activate your eSIM.

Example setups for different traveler types

Scenario 1: Short multi‑country trip (5 countries in 10 days)

On a fast Europe or Southeast Asia loop, you could:

• Install one regional eSIM that covers all your destinations.

• Optionally add one or two local eSIMs for countries where you know you’ll use more data (for example, big city stays).

• Keep everything stored, and switch the active data line in Settings > Cellular Data whenever you move.

This setup keeps you well below the typical 8+ eSIM profile capacity and still gives flexibility.

Scenario 2: Digital nomad or long‑term traveler

If you’re working remotely and hopping countries for months:

• Set up your home eSIM as a backup for banking SMS and important calls.

• Use a regional travel eSIM (for example, European or Asia regional) as your main data line.

• Add local eSIMs in countries where you stay longer or need better coverage.

All of these can live as stored eSIM profiles on a modern iPhone. You just juggle which 1–2 are active at any given time.

Do You Really Need That Many eSIMs? Smart Planning for Frequent Travelers

Knowing how many eSIMs an iPhone can store is helpful, but in practice, you often don’t need to max it out. With a bit of planning, you can keep things organized and reduce risks.

Here’s how different eSIM types affect how many profiles you’ll actually need:

• Local travel eSIMs (per country)

  • Coverage: Usually the best in that country.

  • Price: Often cheapest per GB.

  • Profiles needed: One per country – can add up quickly on multi‑country trips.

• Regional / multi‑country eSIMs

  • Coverage: Good across a region (for example, Europe, Southeast Asia).

  • Price: Slightly higher than local, but simpler.

  • Profiles needed: Often just one eSIM for many countries, so you use your iPhone’s profile capacity more efficiently.

• Global eSIMs

  • Coverage: 100+ countries in one plan.

  • Price: Typically higher cost per GB.

  • Profiles needed: One profile covers a lot of your trips and works well as a backup.

eSIM marketplaces like BitJoy simplify multi-country travel with plans covering 190+ destinations. With pricing starting from $2.50/GB—among the most competitive in the market—BitJoy offers additional flexibility through cryptocurrency payment options and a 5-day money-back guarantee (valid through December 31, 2025). Activation typically takes 2-5 minutes. Instead of juggling 10 different apps and profiles, you can choose fewer but more flexible eSIMs, so you're less likely to hit your iPhone's storage limit while staying connected everywhere you go.

Quick provider comparison for planning:

When deciding how many eSIMs to install, consider your provider's coverage model:

Budget-focused (local plans):

• BitJoy: From $2.50/GB, 190+ countries, 5-day refund
• Airalo: From $4.50/GB, 200+ countries, 7-day refund (select plans)

Unlimited data:

• Holafly: From $6-9/day unlimited, 200+ countries, no refund
• Note: Most unlimited plans have fair usage limits (1-3GB/day at full speed)

Crypto-friendly:

• BitJoy: Accepts BTC, ETH, USDT alongside card payments

For most travelers: One regional eSIM + one backup local eSIM in your most-visited country = only 2 stored profiles total, well within any iPhone's capacity.

eSIM Provider Comparison (January 2026)

How this affects your eSIM storage:

• If you use one global provider (like BitJoy's global plans): You only need 1-2 stored eSIM profiles total
• If you buy separate local eSIMs per country: You might store 5-10 profiles for different destinations
• Mixed approach (regional + local backup): Typically 2-3 stored profiles

Most travelers find that 3-5 stored eSIMs cover all their needs, leaving plenty of room within any iPhone's 8+ profile capacity.

Troubleshooting: Common eSIM Storage Issues

"Cannot Add Cellular Plan" Error

Cause: You've likely reached your iPhone's eSIM storage limit.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data)
2. Check how many plans are listed under "Cellular Plans"
3. If you see 8 or more, delete old/expired plans (see checklist below)
4. Restart your iPhone
5. Try adding the new eSIM again

How to Identify Safe-to-Delete eSIMs

Before deleting any eSIM, check:

Safe to delete:

• Plans showing "No Service" or "Expired"
• Travel eSIMs from trips you completed months ago
• Test eSIMs you activated but never used

• Duplicate plans from the same provider

  Do NOT delete:

• Your home carrier's eSIM
• Active travel eSIM you're currently using
• Plans with remaining credit/data you might need
• Plans set as "Default Voice Line"

Can't Re-Download Deleted eSIM?

Provider policies vary:

• BitJoy: 5-day refund/reissue window (through Dec 2025)
• Airalo: Usually can't re-download same QR code; may need to buy new plan
• Holafly: Generally no re-download; contact support
• Nomad: Check their support for re-issuance policy

Pro tip: Screenshot all eSIM QR codes and activation details before deleting, just in case you need to contact provider support.

eSIM Won't Activate After Installation

1. Check Data Roaming: Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Data Roaming = ON
2. Verify the eSIM is "On": Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Turn On This Line
3. Select correct data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Choose your travel eSIM
4. Restart iPhone: Sometimes a simple restart triggers activation
5. Check coverage: Confirm you're in an area with network coverage
6. Wait 15 minutes: Some eSIMs take up to 15 minutes to fully activate

Still Having Issues?

• Check your provider's app: Most eSIM providers have troubleshooting guides
• Contact support: BitJoy (support@thebitjoy.com), Airalo, Holafly all offer chat support
• Verify device compatibility: Settings > General > About > check for "Digital SIM Capabilities"

Key Takeaways: Make Your iPhone’s eSIM Capacity Work for You

For most travelers, the mental model is simple:

• Most modern iPhones:

  • Store around 8 or more eSIM profiles, depending on model and carrier.

  • Use up to 2 lines at the same time (physical + eSIM or dual eSIM).

• US iPhone 14 and all iPhone 15 models:

  • eSIM‑only, with many profiles stored and 2 active eSIM lines at once.

As a quick checklist for the road:

• Preload travel eSIMs at home over Wi‑Fi before you fly.

• Keep your home line safe – don’t delete that eSIM unless you’re absolutely sure.

• Clean up old travel eSIMs only when the trip is truly over and you won’t need that plan again.

If you travel frequently, using a marketplace like BitJoy helps you choose between local, regional, and global eSIMs without installing too many separate profiles. As a result: you stay comfortably within your iPhone’s eSIM capacity and can focus more on the trip, not on scrolling through a long list of plans in Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eSIMs can an iPhone store?

Most recent iPhones can store around eight or more eSIM profiles. However, the exact number can vary slightly depending on your iPhone model and carrier policies. This allows travelers to preload multiple travel eSIMs for different destinations.

How many active eSIMs can an iPhone have at once?

An iPhone can have up to two active cellular plans (eSIMs or a combination of physical SIM and eSIM) at any given time. This means you can use your home SIM and a travel eSIM simultaneously for calls, texts, and data.

Can I store more eSIMs than I can use actively?

Yes, absolutely. iPhones can store a significant number of eSIM profiles (typically 8+) but can only have two active at any one time. This is convenient for travelers who swap plans frequently between trips.

What happens if I try to add too many eSIMs to my iPhone?

If you attempt to add an eSIM beyond your iPhone's storage limit, you will receive a message indicating you cannot add another cellular plan. You'll need to delete an existing, unused eSIM profile to make space for a new one.

How do I switch between my stored eSIMs on an iPhone?

You can easily switch your active eSIM for data by going to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data and selecting your preferred eSIM. You can also manage which lines are active or inactive under "Cellular Plans."

Is it safe to delete an old travel eSIM from my iPhone? 

Generally, yes, as long as you've confirmed it's expired and you no longer need it. However, never delete your primary home SIM's eSIM. Some carriers may require you to contact them to re-download a deleted travel eSIM, so proceed with caution.

Which iPhone models support multiple eSIMs?

iPhone XS, XR, and newer models support storing multiple eSIM profiles and using up to two active lines. iPhone 14 (US models) and all iPhone 15 models are eSIM-only, meaning they use two active eSIMs without a physical SIM tray.

What's the difference between a stored eSIM and an active eSIM?

A stored eSIM is a downloaded plan profile on your iPhone that isn't currently active for calls or data. An active eSIM is one of the two lines currently enabled and functioning on your device for service.

Read more: 

• Best eSIM for USA Travel: Compare Plans, Coverage & Prices
• Best eSIM for Australia – Beginner’s Complete Guide
• Best eSIM For Japan Guide Stay Connected Easily