How many eSIMs can you use on an iPhone? Everything you need to know

Can I use multiple eSIMs in an iPhone?

Yes, you can use multiple eSIMs on iPhones that support this functionality. 

An eSIM like Saily makes it easier than ever to stay connected when you travel. And Saily is the only eSIM you need — just pick a plan for the country you’re about to visit, and you won’t need several eSIMs.

How many eSIMs can be used on an iPhone?

You can use two eSIMs at the same time — with iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15. These iPhone models can also store up to eight different eSIMs that you can use one at a time or two at the same time

However, some models can have only one active eSIM. These are the iPhone XS series, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE (2nd gen), and iPhone 12.

Look up your iPhone model in the table to find out its eSIM capabilities:

iPhones with a dual SIM

The dual SIM functionality means that your iPhone can use either one physical SIM card and one eSIM, or two eSIM cards at the same time: 

• One physical SIM and one eSIM: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11, and iPhone 12 series. This setup means that your iPhone can operate with one physical SIM card and one eSIM at the same time.

• Two eSIMs: iPhone 13, iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series. These models can either have one physical SIM card and one eSIM or two eSIM cards active at the same time. If you want to ditch physical SIM cards, you can just activate two eSIMs instead. 

With a dual SIM iPhone, you can add a local data plan when you travel abroad and have separate plans for voice calls and cellular data.

How to activate the Saily eSIM in an iPhone

Activating Saily on your iPhone is super easy — just download the app and follow the steps on the screen. A few taps on your phone sounds much better than queuing in line to get a SIM after a red-eye, right?

Here are the steps for activating the eSIM function and the Saily app in an iPhone with iOS17. But don’t worry if you have a different version — the process will be very similar. 

Step 1

Open the Apple App Store and search for “Saily NordVPN.”

Step 2

Tap “Get” to install Saily on your iPhone.

Step 3

Tap “Install.”

Step 4

Type in your Apple ID and tap “Sign in.”

Step 5

Tap “Open” to open Saily on your iPhone.

Step 6

Tap “Log in or sign up.”

Step 7

Select “Continue with Apple.”

Step 8

Choose either “Share my email” or “Hide my email,” then tap “Continue.”

Step 9

To start using the service, you need to get a data plan that you’ll be using on your trip, so tap “View countries.”

Step 10

If you can’t see the country you need on the screen, tap “View all” and select it from the list that opens.

Let’s say you’ve selected the United States. You can now choose a data plan (1, 3, 5, 10, or 20 GB), a payment method, and follow the on-screen steps to finish things up. Once you’ve got your data plan, tap the “Check your eSIM plan” button.

Activate the eSIM in your iPhone

To use the eSIM, you will have to install it on your iPhone.

1. In the next window, tap “OK,” then tap “Install eSIM.”

   

2. To activate your new eSIM, tap “Allow.” Wait for a few minutes for the process to finish.

   
   

3. Tap “Continue.”

   

4. You’ll see a message saying your eSIM is activating and then that it’s connecting to a network.

   
   

5. Now update the network provider settings by tapping “Update.”

   

6. Tap “Done” to complete your mobile plan setup.

   

7. Tap “Continue,” then tap “Close.”

   
   

8. Read the informational message and tap “OK.” Then tap “Activate” to start your plan.

   
   

9. Wait for the activation to complete and tap “Close.”

   
   

Adjust your phone settings at your destination

1. Learn how to adjust your phone settings at your destination by tapping “OK” and reading the “Setup instructions.”

   

2. Tap “Close” after you’ve given it a read.

   

3. Next, open the “Mobile service” section in your iPhone settings and tap “Mobile data.”

   

4. Toggle the “Turn on this line” button to an ON position.

   

5. Congratulations, your Saily eSIM is now active!

   

No more messing around with that tiny SIM – get your eSIM on your way to the airport, activate it in advance, and get online as soon as you land. 

Benefits of multiple eSIMs

Having multiple eSIMs — or one eSIM that allows you to have multiple profiles, like Saily, – makes your life easier and can save you some money. Instead of overpaying for international data roaming, splurge on some local treats!

Here's why getting an eSIM for your next vacation or workation is a good idea:

• Convenient. Switch to a local carrier in each country to spend as little on roaming as possible.

• Cheaper. Different carriers offer different rates for data and calls. Choose the most cost-effective option based on your current location and usage.

• Better coverage. Some carriers offer better network coverage in specific areas. You can switch between the best cellular data networks available.

• Separate data plans for work and personal use. You can have separate cellular data plans for personal and business use on the same iPhone.

• Special deals. Grab the special deals and services that eSIM providers offer without losing your primary service.

• Hassle-free experience. Switch between network plans directly from your phone’s settings, without fiddling with physical SIMs.

Can I switch between eSIMs on my iPhone?

Yes, you can easily switch between eSIM profiles from different carriers stored on your iPhone. Just open your iPhone settings, find the “Mobile service,” “Mobile data,” or “Cellular data” section, and choose which eSIM profile you want to use for cellular data.

Having several eSIMs is great for cellular data switching. You can switch between different cellular data plans depending on the coverage, cost, or speed that different carriers offer. 

Is it safe to use an eSIM on my iPhone?

Yes, it’s completely safe to use an eSIM on your iPhone, and in some cases even safer than a physical SIM – no one will be able to physically remove an eSIM from your iPhone if they steal it. You will also never lose an eSIM as opposed to a physical SIM which is tiny and easy to misplace.