How Many eSIMs Can an iPhone Use? Everything You Need to Know

2025年7月9日

If you’ve ever juggled two SIM cards while trying to stay online abroad or found yourself scrambling to switch data plans mid-trip, Apple’s eSIM technology might just be your travel lifesaver.

With more iPhones ditching the SIM tray and going fully digital, many users are asking: “How many eSIMs can my iPhone actually store?” And just as importantly: “How do I manage them smartly, especially when traveling?”

In this blog, we’ll break down how iPhones handle eSIMs, which models support them, and how you can get the most out of your mobile connectivity. Whether you're managing work and personal lines, hopping between countries, or just trying to avoid roaming headaches.

Why iPhone Users Love eSIM

Apple didn’t just add eSIM support as a feature, they fully embraced it. Starting with the iPhone XS and XR, and continuing through to the iPhone 14 and beyond (which, in the U.S., dropped the SIM tray altogether), Apple made eSIM a core part of its mobile design.

For travelers, digital nomads, and global teams, eSIM unlocks benefits like:

No need to carry physical SIM cards
Instantly switch between profiles
Dual-SIM functionality without the hassle
Cleaner, more secure hardware setup

In fact, according to GSMA Intelligence, the number of eSIM smartphone connections globally is projected to hit 850 million by 2025 and soar to 6.7 billion by 2030, about 76% of all smartphone connections.

How eSIM Works on iPhone

Unlike a traditional SIM card, eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is built right into your phone’s hardware. It securely stores multiple carrier profiles and lets you activate or switch plans without ever opening a SIM slot.

All iPhones from the XS/XR onward support eSIMs, with newer models (like iPhone 14 and 15 in the U.S.) going completely SIM-tray free. These devices support:

Dual eSIM or eSIM + nano SIM use
Instant plan activation with a QR code or app
Remote carrier switching without physical cards

Whether you’re toggling between a business line and personal number or need a local data plan for your next trip, eSIM gives you control.

How Many eSIMs Can iPhones Actually Store?

Here's the breakdown:

Most iPhones that support eSIM allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles, typically up to 8 or more. Though only two can be active at the same time.
Only 2 eSIMs can be active at a time, or one physical SIM + one eSIM (for models that still include a SIM slot).
Switching between stored profiles is quick and easy via Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans.

That means you can have one profile for your home network, another for your travel eSIM like AloOui, and others for work, backup carriers, or special-use plans, all saved in your phone.

Managing Multiple eSIMs on Your iPhone

Managing stored eSIMs is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to keep things organized:

Add a new plan: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
Label it clearly: Name your eSIMs (e.g., “Work”, “Italy Trip”, “Data Only”) so you don’t mix them up
Switch anytime: You can toggle between active profiles without restarting your phone
Delete or disable: No longer need a plan? You can remove or deactivate it to free up space

Want to see the exact steps in detail? Check out AloOui’s iPhone eSIM install guide here.

Why You Might Want More Than One eSIM

Having multiple eSIMs isn’t just a geeky feature, it’s incredibly useful for:

Frequent flyers: Store multiple country profiles (e.g., Japan, UK, Indonesia) and switch instantly
Work-life balance: Keep work and personal numbers separate on the same phone
Signal flexibility: Switch to a stronger network when coverage is spotty
Cost savings: Activate local data plans abroad to avoid roaming fees

It’s the kind of flexibility traditional SIMs just can’t offer.

Which iPhones Support This?

If you’re wondering whether your device qualifies, here’s a quick rundown:

eSIM Supported iPhones: XS, XR, 11 series, 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series
Dual eSIM Support: iPhone 13 and newer
eSIM-only (U.S.): iPhone 14 and above (no SIM tray included)

As of 2025, Apple is rumored to expand eSIM-only models globally. So get ready to go fully digital.

FAQ: iPhone eSIM Use

Can I use more than two eSIMs at once?
No, only two can be active at the same time.
Can I delete a stored eSIM?
Yes. It frees up a slot, but you’ll need to re-scan the QR code if you want to add it again.
Do all carriers support iPhone eSIM?
Most major carriers around the world do. AloOui supports over 200+ destinations.
Do I need internet to install an eSIM?
Yes, you’ll need a connection for initial setup. We recommend installing your eSIM before you fly.

Final Thoughts

So, how many eSIMs can an iPhone use? More than you think, and just enough to stay globally connected without hassle.

Whether you're planning a multi-country trip or just need a backup plan in your pocket, AloOui eSIM makes managing data simpler than ever. Just scan, activate, and go. No roaming fees, no plastic, and no switching cards mid-flight.