Multiple eSIMs on Android devices: How many eSIM profiles can your phone hold in 2026?

Can I have multiple eSIMs on my phone?

Most eSIM-compatible Android phones can store multiple eSIM profiles, and many can use two at the same time. As a baseline, if your phone was released in 2022 or later and runs Android 13 or newer, you can typically store at least five eSIM profiles and use up to two at once, though the exact numbers depend on your device.

The key difference is between stored and active eSIM profiles:

• Stored profiles are eSIMs saved on your phone. You can keep several eSIMs installed without using them all at the same time.

• Active profiles are the eSIM plans currently enabled on your phone, which can connect to a mobile network.

Most Android phones support one or two active profiles at a time. Android 13 introduced support for multiple enabled profiles (MEP), a technology that allows compatible phones to run two active profiles on a single eSIM chip. However, not every phone running Android 13 supports this — it also depends on the device’s eSIM hardware.

You can also use an eSIM alongside a physical SIM card on compatible phones. If you’re unfamiliar with this setup, our guide explains how dual-SIM functionality works.

Benefits of multiple eSIM capability

eSIMs have been gradually replacing physical SIM cards, and one reason travelers love them is that a single chip can hold several carrier profiles. You can keep your home number active for calls and texts while using a separate travel eSIM, like Saily, for mobile data. Saily offers affordable data plans in 200+ destinations, and you can install the Saily eSIM directly through the app, without scanning a QR code, and use it alongside your home SIM on compatible devices.

Multiple eSIMs are also useful for keeping work and personal numbers separate or trying another mobile carrier without giving up your current plan. You can switch between stored profiles without physically changing SIM cards.

Not sure if your phone supports eSIM technology? Check our list of eSIM-supported devices.

Which Android phones support multiple eSIM profiles?

Many Android phones from Google, Samsung, Motorola, and Honor support storing multiple eSIM profiles, but not all models can use two eSIMs at once. Some phones only support one active eSIM alongside a physical SIM card.

For example, Google Pixel models 7 and newer support two active eSIMs when the carrier allows it. Samsung Galaxy S and Z series phones also offer multiple SIM options — you can learn more about them in our guide to using an eSIM on Samsung phones. Motorola and Honor support varies by model — check the manufacturer’s specs before relying on dual eSIMs.

Android dual-eSIM support depends on four main factors:

• Phone model. Not every Android phone has eSIM technology or supports two active eSIMs.

• Android version. Android 13 introduced support for multiple enabled profiles (MEP), although manufacturers must also support the feature.

• Region. The same phone model may have different eSIM capabilities depending on where it was sold.

• Carrier. Even if your phone supports two active eSIMs, your carrier must allow the feature. Google, for instance, states that dual eSIM functionality on Pixel 7 and newer works only if your carrier allows the feature. Some carriers don’t support DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby) or block dual-eSIM activation, so it’s worth checking with your provider before relying on it.

To check whether your Android phone supports eSIM, open “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “SIMs” > “Add SIM.” 

Keep in mind that menu names vary by manufacturer and software version. For example, on Samsung Galaxy phones, go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager” > “Add eSIM.” 

How many eSIMs can be stored on an Android device?

Android phones commonly store around five or more eSIM profiles, although the exact number varies by device. Most can use only one or two SIMs at a time, even when several profiles are saved.

The number of profiles you can store depends on your eSIM chip’s memory, not the phone model itself. Samsung says Galaxy devices can hold up to 20 profiles, but the actual limit may be lower because larger profiles take up more chip memory. Other Android phones typically store between five and eight profiles, but check your device specifications for the exact number.

If your eSIM storage is full, you’ll need to delete an unused profile before installing another. However, check with your provider before deleting an eSIM. Some travel eSIMs can only be installed once, meaning you may lose access to the plan if you remove it. Unlike some providers, Saily lets you reinstall a deleted eSIM through the app. So if you’re planning to reset your phone, check out our guide on how to keep your eSIM while erasing data.

If you’re a frequent globetrotter with a dual-eSIM phone, keeping your home eSIM and current travel plan active can make things easier. You can leave other profiles installed but turned off until you need them again. 

💡 Good to know: Turning off an eSIM doesn’t pause your plan’s validity period. Check when your plan activates and expires before installing it or saving it for another trip.

Wondering how Android compares with Apple? See our list of iPhones that support eSIM and learn how many eSIMs an iPhone can use.

Do Android devices support dual-eSIM functionality? 

Android 13 does support multiple enabled profiles (MEP), allowing compatible phones to use two active eSIMs at the same time. However, having an Android 13 or newer device doesn’t automatically mean your phone supports this functionality.

Android 12 and older versions generally support only one active eSIM profile at a time, although compatible phones can still use an eSIM alongside a physical SIM card. Android 13 changed this by allowing two profiles to run on a single eSIM chip. 

Your device’s hardware must also support MEP, including its modem and eSIM chip. That’s why some Android 13 devices still allow only one active eSIM.

To check which Android version your phone uses, go to “Settings” > “About phone” > “Android version.” Keep in mind that the Android version alone won’t confirm whether your device supports two active eSIMs. 

*Support can vary by region, model variant, carrier, and software configuration. The SIM combinations shown are alternatives. Only two lines can be active at once.

How do you add and manage multiple eSIMs on Android devices?

You can add multiple eSIMs on an Android smartphone by going to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “SIMs” > “Add SIM,” installing each profile separately, and then managing them from the SIM settings menu.

Here’s how to set up and manage multiple eSIM profiles in more detail:

1. Install your first eSIM. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “SIMs” > “Add SIM” > “Set up an eSIM.” Follow your provider’s instructions to complete the installation.

2. Add a second eSIM. Return to the same menu, tap “Add SIM,” and repeat the process for your second profile.

3. Rename your profiles. Select each installed eSIM and give it a recognizable name, such as “Home” or “Travel,” to make them easier to identify in your settings and SIM indicators.

4. Choose which profiles to use. Turn each eSIM on or off as needed. If your phone supports dual-eSIM functionality, you can keep both enabled and choose which one handles calls, texts, and mobile data.

The exact step names vary by Android manufacturer. On Samsung Galaxy phones, you’ll typically find these options under “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM manager.” 

If a new profile won’t activate or connect, try troubleshooting an eSIM that won’t connect before deleting it.

Some eSIM providers also offer app-based installation. For example, Saily lets you install an eSIM straight through its app without scanning a QR code or entering an activation code during the standard setup process. For more detailed instructions, see Saily’s guide on how to install an eSIM on Android. 

How do you set which eSIM is used for data, calls, and texts?

Android lets you choose which SIM handles mobile data, calls, and texts with just a few taps. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “SIMs.” Look for your primary SIM settings or SIM preferences, depending on your device.

For international travel, common setups include:

• Calls and texts. Keep your home SIM selected so you can use your regular phone number.

• Mobile data. Choose the travel eSIM that best fits your needs to use its data plan abroad.

• Data roaming. Turn roaming off for your home SIM to help prevent unexpected charges, but leave it enabled for your travel eSIM.

It’s also a good idea to turn off automatic data switching if your phone offers the functionality. Otherwise, your device may switch back to your home SIM when the travel eSIM loses its connection, potentially triggering roaming charges. 

Although turning on roaming might seem counterintuitive, travel eSIMs like Saily generally need it enabled for mobile connectivity to local partner networks. Just make sure you’re changing the setting for your travel eSIM, not your home SIM. 

If you’ve selected the correct data line but still can’t connect, see our tips for fixing cellular data problems.

Tips for managing multiple eSIMs on Android devices

A little preparation before your trip can make managing multiple eSIMs much easier. Here are a few things worth checking before you leave:

• Check your phone’s compatibility. Make sure your Android device supports eSIM technology and is carrier unlocked before buying a travel plan. If you want to use two eSIMs at the same time, verify that your model supports that functionality too.

• Install your travel eSIM before departure. Set it up while you’re still connected to reliable Wi-Fi at home. You can leave the profile turned off until you’re ready to use it.

• Plan ahead for multi-country trips. You can store eSIMs for different destinations or choose a regional plan that covers several countries without switching profiles.

• Label your eSIM profiles. Give each one a recognizable name, such as “Home” or “Travel” so you don’t accidentally switch off the wrong one.

• Turn off roaming on your home SIM. Set your travel eSIM as the preferred mobile data line and disable data roaming on your home SIM to help avoid unexpected charges.

• Keep track of stored profiles. If you’re approaching your phone’s eSIM storage limit, remove plans you no longer need. Check with your provider first because some deleted eSIMs can’t be reinstalled.

• Find out whether your plan includes calls and texts. Most travel eSIMs, including Saily’s standard data plans, are data only. Saily also offers an optional US-based phone number add-on for calls and SMS, with local calling supported separately from your data plan. 

• Choose a reliable travel eSIM. Saily offers data plans in 200+ destinations, app-based installation without QR codes, and 24/7 live chat support. Its security features include a virtual location with 115+ locations, an ad blocker, and web protection. 

If you travel frequently and don’t want to keep buying individual data plans, Saily Ultra is another option. Its Plus and Premium tiers offer unlimited data in 121 destinations, with 30 GB of high-speed data each month followed by unlimited data at 1 Mbps. Ultra also includes access to airport lounge and fast-track benefits, plus NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, and Incogni. Subscriptions renew automatically at the selected billing interval and can be canceled anytime, subject to the cancellation deadline. 

If you run into problems during your trip, our guide to fixing Saily eSIM issues can help.

We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!