Can I use multiple eSIMs on an iPhone?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM, you can use two eSIMS at once. But storing multiple eSIM profiles on your device is different from keeping them active at the same time.
Most newer iPhone models let you save eight or more eSIMs. They stay turned off in your settings until you need them. This feature comes in handy for plenty of everyday situations. You can use one line for personal contacts and another for work, download data plans for several destinations before a multi-country trip, or keep a backup line ready in case your main network loses coverage.
An eSIM app like Saily makes it easy to stay connected when you travel. Instead of juggling several eSIMs, just pick a plan for the destination you’re visiting.
How many eSIMs can be used on an iPhone?
You can use two eSIMs at the same time on the iPhone SE 3 (2022), along with the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone 18. These iPhone models can also store eight or more eSIMs, though only two can be active at once.
However, on some models, you can only use one eSIM at a time. These include the iPhone XS series, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE 2 (2020), and iPhone 12 series.
To find out which iPhones support eSIM technology and how many plans can run at the same time, look up your device below.
If you want to learn more about specific models, you can check out our compatibility guides for the iPhone 13 eSIM, iPhone 15 eSIM, and iPhone 16 eSIM, along with our guide on iPhone 14 eSIM support.
iPhones with dual SIM functionality
Dual SIM functionality means that your iPhone can run two lines at once — either one physical SIM and one SIM or two eSIMs on newer models:
One physical SIM and one eSIM: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPhone 11, and iPhone 12 series.
Two eSIMs: iPhone SE 3 (2022), iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone 18 series. These models can either have one physical SIM card and one eSIM or two eSIMs active at the same time. If you want to ditch physical SIM cards, you can activate two eSIMs instead.
With an iPhone that supports dual SIM functionality, you can add a local data plan when you travel abroad and have separate plans for voice calls and cellular data.
Adding multiple eSIMs to your iPhone
Adding multiple eSIMs is a lot like adding new accounts to your iPhone — you just set them up as you go. Whenever you buy a new data plan, follow the setup instructions from your eSIM provider or mobile carrier.
Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
Tap “Mobile Service” or “Mobile Data,” depending on your region — to continue.
Tap “Add eSIM.”
Choose the QR code or the transfer option, depending on what your carrier provides.
Complete the on-screen setup instructions.
After you’ve added a new eSIM, you’ll see each one listed as a separate line in your cellular settings.
Switching between eSIMs on iPhone
Managing your active eSIMs comes down to a simple toggle in your settings menu. Once a profile is saved on your iPhone, you can switch networks whenever you choose, without having to reinstall anything:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap “Mobile Service” or “Mobile Data.”
Look at the list of your cellular plans.
Tap the specific eSIM you want to use.
Toggle the “Turn on this line” switch.
If your iPhone is already using the maximum number of active lines, you’ll need to turn one off before activating a different plan.
Choosing the right eSIM for data and calls
Once you have multiple eSIMs installed, you’ll need to assign each one a role. You can choose one eSIM at a time to handle your mobile data and set a default line for your calls and messages directly in your settings.
Go to “Settings.”
Tap “Mobile Service.”
Under “Mobile Data,” pick your preferred data plan.
Tap “Default voice line” to choose the line for your calls.
Choosing the correct eSIM for data matters most when you’re traveling. Otherwise, you may rack up roaming charges on your home plan.
Managing multiple eSIM profiles without confusion
Organize your multiple eSIMs from the start so you never have to guess which plan is active. Label, manage, and toggle your saved profiles, and you’ll always know which network your data is running on.
1. Keep only the eSIM you need active
While your iPhone can store many eSIM profiles, you don’t need to keep them all active at the same time. Turning a line off doesn’t delete it from your phone. You can reactivate it whenever you need it again. Keep only the relevant eSIMs active to reduce clutter and avoid using the wrong data plan. To check whether an eSIM is active, look for the signal bars next to the plan’s name in your cellular settings.
You can manage your eSIMs in “Settings” > “Cellular” by selecting an eSIM and using the toggle to turn the line on or off.
2. Name your eSIMs based on how you use them
Labeling your eSIMs makes it much easier to tell them apart when you’re switching between plans. Instead of using the generic carrier name, give them practical labels like “Travel,” “Work,” or “Personal.” Clear labels keep you from choosing the wrong eSIM for data or calls.
Change the eSIM name by going to “Settings” > “Cellular,” selecting the plan you want to rename, and tapping on “Cellular plan label.”
3. Check that the correct eSIM is selected for mobile data
Your iPhone uses only one line at a time for mobile data, so you need to make sure the right eSIM is active for your trip. The plan you select tells your phone which network to connect to. Choosing the wrong line, especially when you’re abroad, can lead to unexpected roaming charges.
4. Understand the difference between stored and active eSIMs
Stored eSIMs are profiles saved on your device that aren’t currently connected to a network. Active eSIMs are the ones that are connected and handle your calls, texts, and data. Switching between them is how you change plans without needing to go through the setup process again.
Common mistakes when using multiple eSIMs
Having multiple eSIMs stored on your iPhone makes it easy to accidentally toggle the wrong setting. Most connectivity problems trace back to a few specific slip-ups:
Trying to use more active eSIMs than your iPhone model supports.
Forgetting to switch your mobile data line when you’re traveling.
Leaving unused eSIMs active. This makes it easy to connect through the wrong plan.
Not labeling your eSIMs clearly. It can make it hard to tell them apart.
Confusing stored eSIM profiles with active ones.
Resolving issues when switching between eSIM lines
Every now and then, switching eSIMs hits a snag. If you run into trouble, you can try a few quick fixes to get your connection working again.
No mobile data on the selected eSIM. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular data” and make sure the correct eSIM is selected.
Calls are going out from the wrong number. Head to “Settings” > “Cellular” and check your “Default voice line” setting.
Unable to activate another eSIM. Your iPhone has a limit on the number of lines you can keep active at the same time. Try turning off one active line before enabling another one.
No signal after switching eSIMs. Try restarting your device or checking the network coverage for the carrier you’ve selected.
Benefits of multiple eSIMs
Having multiple eSIMs — or a single app like Saily, which lets you buy a plan for each destination — makes your life easier and can save you money. For example, when you travel between destinations, you can switch data plans to use your iPhone abroad without high roaming fees. Storing multiple eSIMs comes with several advantages:
Convenience. Switch to a local carrier in each destination to spend as little on roaming as possible.
Lower costs. 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 work and personal lines. Keep business calls and data on one plan and everything else on another — all on the same iPhone.
Special deals. Take advantage of promotions from different eSIM providers without giving up your primary service.
Simple plan management. Switch between network plans directly from your phone’s settings, without fiddling with physical SIMs.
Use multiple eSIMs on your iPhone with Saily
Having reliable internet gives you peace of mind wherever your travel plans take you. With Saily, you set up the app and your account once. From then on, you grab a new destination plan in a few quick taps. A Saily eSIM sits alongside your other SIMs. Use it as your data line and keep your home number active for bank logins and verification texts.
The Saily eSIM app, created by the team behind NordVPN, also includes built-in security features like an ad blocker and web protection. Plus, you can add a US phone number to keep your personal number private and to access US-only services.
