Can You Have Multiple eSIMs? The Complete Guide

Table of Contents

• How Many eSIMs Can You Have? Device Limits Explained
• Can my phone have two eSIMs with one eSIM port?
• What Does Dual eSIM Really Mean? Dual eSIM Meaning
• How to Use Two eSIMs? Setup & Carrier Rules
• Can a phone have 2 eSIMs?
• Can you have two eSIMs with the same number?
• Can You Have More Than 1 eSIM on iPhone? Model-by-Model Guide
• How many eSIMs can iPhone 15 have?
• How many eSIMs can iPhone 14 have?
• How many eSIMs can iPhone 13 have?
• How many eSIMs can iPhone 12 have?
• Additional FAQs About Multiple eSIMs
• Can I use two eSIMs from different carriers simultaneously?
• How do I switch between eSIM profiles on my phone?
• Will having multiple eSIMs drain my battery faster?
• Can I convert my physical SIM to an eSIM to free up the physical slot?
• Conclusion: Multiple eSIMs Provide Flexibility For Staying Connected

In today's hyper-connected world, the ability to manage various lines, stay connected during international travel, or seamlessly transition between devices is paramount.

Traditional physical SIM cards, with their single-slot limitations, often complicate this need for flexible connectivity.

However, the introduction of eSIM technology has significantly changed the mobile environment. This innovative embedded chip allows for unprecedented digital flexibility.

The central question for many people and especially frequent travelers is, "Can you have multiple eSIMs?"

Perhaps you are traveling multiple destinations, or want to segregate your personal and business lines. Whatever be the reasons, the question of multiple eSIMs is highly relevant.

In this guide, we delve into this crucial topic of multiple eSIMs.

We will set the stage for a comprehensive understanding of managing multiple digital eSIM profiles. In addition, we will examine the capabilities of modern devices, the practical implications for users, and how this technology facilitates complex communication needs.

How Many eSIMs Can You Have? Device Limits Explained

Modern smartphones and other cellular-enabled devices can handle more than just one mobile plan. Hence, the following question naturally arises: "How many eSIMs can you have?"

The possible number of eSIMs varies significantly by device model and manufacturer. Most contemporary devices can store several eSIM profiles. This is a key distinction from physical SIM cards, where the number of physical slots a device possesses limits your options.

eSIMs provide much higher flexibility since they contain digital profiles.

A device can store several eSIM profiles, often between 5 and 10, sometimes even more!

It depends on the memory capacity allocated for eSIMs. The crucial distinction lies in how many of these profiles can be "active" simultaneously.

Modern mobile devices often support multiple eSIM profiles, sometimes as much as up to 10. However, only a subset of those can be active at the same time. Exact limits vary by device model and manufacturer.

Nowadays, "Dual SIM Dual Standby" (DSDS) is a common feature in most smartphones. This capability means a phone can have one active eSIM and one physical SIM, or two active eSIMs. Hence, devices can support two active cellular connections at once.

This capability is excellent for those who need to manage separate business and personal lines, or maintain a home line while using a local data plan for international travel.

Understanding the difference between storage capacity and simultaneous active profiles is the key to leveraging the full power of eSIM technology.

If you need to purchase an eSIM for staying connected when abroad, check out our eSIM comparison engine that helps you compare numerous eSIM providers easily to select the best eSIM for international travel.

Can my phone have two eSIMs with one eSIM port?

The concept of an "eSIM port" can be a bit misleading. An eSIM is not a physical, traditional SIM tray.

Rather, an eSIM refers to a small, embedded chip (the "e" stands for embedded) that is permanently built into your phone's circuitry.

This single embedded chip can store several digital profiles. Therefore, with an eSIM, you can have two eSIM profiles on one phone. This advantage allows you to manage several mobile network profiles without various physical SIM card slots.

An eSIM chip is hardwired and embedded into a mobile device, and can sustain multiple digital eSIM profiles. This flexibility allows you to have more than one active network connection on your device.

Here are some of the key features of eSIMs:

• Instead of swapping physical cards, you download new eSIM profiles onto this single chip.
• Each profile contains the necessary data to connect to a specific carrier network.
• Your phone software manages which of these stored profiles is active at any time.
• Modern smartphones can manage various digital identities through this embedded component.

What Does Dual eSIM Really Mean? Dual eSIM Meaning

The term "Dual eSIM" refers to a smartphone's ability to support and actively use two eSIM profiles concurrently.

This is a more advanced capability than merely storing multiple eSIMs. Currently, many devices can store multiple eSIM profiles. However, "dual eSIM" specifically denotes that your phone can have two digital subscriber profiles working simultaneously.

Also note that "Dual SIM" refers to physical SIMs whilst "Dual eSIM" refers to eSIMs.

This comparison may help clarify these distinctions and what dual eSIM means.

This setup offers significant advantages for users who require more dynamic connectivity. Some of these are as below:

• You can maintain a dedicated work line separate from their personal number, streamlining communication and ensuring privacy.
• This provides robust flexibility, allowing users to switch between networks or manage two separate numbers without physical SIM card manipulation.
• International travelers can benefit by keeping their home line active for calls and texts while using a cost-effective local data plan on the second eSIM. This avoids expensive roaming charges and provides seamless connectivity upon arrival.

How to Use Two eSIMs? Setup & Carrier Rules

Effectively managing how to use two eSIMs transforms your smartphone into a versatile communication hub. Many contemporary devices offer "Dual SIM" functionality, allowing you to have two active numbers or plans simultaneously.

Regarding activation and carrier rules, the process is largely intuitive and generally follows the below steps:

1. Verify Compatibility: For iOS, navigate to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan, and for Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. Look for options to "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM".
2. Acquire eSIM Profiles: You can purchase directly from eSIM providers, or use eSIM marketplaces. Enterprise users may get profiles through company portals.
3. Activate Secondary eSIM: Scan the provided QR code. Alternatively, enter activation details manually. Label profiles clearly (e.g., "Work" or "Germany Travel Data").
4. Configure Networks: Set primary line for calls/texts, choose the data line (or enable automatic switching) and configure roaming settings per profile.

Purchasing and activating an eSIM on your mobile device is easy to do. You can either activate an eSIM along with your physical SIM, or 2 eSIMs concurrently if your device supports dual eSIM functionality.

Most modern mobile devices and major network providers support eSIM profiles.

Even so, we recommend verifying compatibility with both your device and your service providers. Also, check with your carrier for specific policies regarding multiple eSIMs and number portability.

Can a phone have 2 eSIMs?

Many eSIM users frequently have queries such as: "Can you have two eSIMs?"

The answer is yes; many modern smartphones do support 2 eSIMs.

Likewise, you can use 2 eSIMs at once for calls or data since this technology generally supports it.

Can you have two eSIMs with the same number?

The answer to this depends on your eSIM plan type.

Data only plans can work with your regular phone number tied to your physical SIM. But if your eSIM comes with voice capabilities too, you will likely get another phone number for that plan.

Optionally, you can clone a physical SIM to an eSIM if your carrier supports it. This way you can keep your primary phone number active.

Can You Have More Than 1 eSIM on iPhone? Model-by-Model Guide

iPhones have been at the forefront of eSIM adoption. All iPhones released since the iPhone XS/XR series support eSIM functionality.

Thus, the question of multiple eSIMs is relevant for Apple users.

An iPhone can store several eSIM profiles. The key point is how many of them you can use at the same time.

The answers to these questions depend on the specific iPhone model you have. There are several models within each iPhone series, each with particular capabilities or settings.

That is why it is not rare to get confused when searching on the Internet for an answer to the previous questions.

Based on Apple's official information, we bring you a detailed breakdown and a convenient summary of how many eSIMs your iPhone can have.

How many eSIMs can iPhone 15 have?

Here are the key numbers to be aware of when it comes to iPhone 15 support for eSIMs:

• Stored eSIMs: 8 or more profiles.
• Active eSIMs: 2.

Hence, iPhone 15 can have two active eSIMS at any time, from a larger pool of stored profiles.

Even though iPhone 15 lets you store up to 8 eSIM digital profiles, only 2 of them can be active concurrently.

On iPhone 15, as in the 14 and 13 models, there is a feature called "Dual eSIM". This capability allows you to have two active eSIM plans without the need for a physical SIM.

In the US, iPhone 15 models are eSIM-only. For international versions, the option of one physical SIM and one eSIM, or two active eSIMs, remains.

How many eSIMs can iPhone 14 have?

Here is relevant eSIM info for iPhone 14 eSIM support:

• Stored eSIMs: 8 or more.
• Active eSIMs: 2.

US models of the iPhone 14 series are eSIM-only, completely removing the physical SIM card tray. eSIM profiles manage digitally all cellular connectivity. International versions still have one physical SIM tray plus one eSIM chip.

How many eSIMs can iPhone 13 have?

The iPhone 13 series offered robust eSIM support, building upon the capabilities of previous generations.

• Stored eSIMs: 8 or more.
• Active eSIMs: 2 (with iOS 16.1+).

Models with a physical SIM tray can use one physical SIM besides one eSIM or two eSIMs.

How many eSIMs can iPhone 12 have?

The iPhone 12 series was among the first iPhones to adopt eSIM technology and dual SIM capabilities.

• Stored eSIMs: 8 or more profiles (Apple states "up to 8 or more").
• Active eSIMs: 2 (with iOS 16.1+). Earlier iOS versions supported only 1 active eSIM.

These models support one physical SIM and one eSIM, which counts as 2 active lines.

This series does not offer dual eSIM-only functionality.

Here is a summary table for iPhone eSIM support; this can serve as a handy reference.

Additionally, consider these important notes:

• Carrier Limitations: While iPhones support 8+ stored eSIMs, some carriers may impose their own restrictions.
• Two active eSIMs enable:
  • Separate lines for work/personal use.
  • Local data plans while traveling (without removing your primary eSIM).

Additional FAQs About Multiple eSIMs

Here are some additional FAQs about multiple eSIMs that you may find useful along with the information presented in prior sections.

Can I use two eSIMs from different carriers simultaneously?

Yes, you can. Besides, your phone allows you to choose which eSIM to use for calls, messages, and data.

How do I switch between eSIM profiles on my phone?

On most smartphones, you can navigate to your phone's Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data (for iOS) or Network & Internet > SIMs (for Android). From there, you will see a list of installed eSIM profiles and can enable or disable them, or set one as your primary for data or calls.

Will having multiple eSIMs drain my battery faster?

If you have two eSIMs active simultaneously, your phone can consume slightly more battery power than a single active SIM. But the difference is usually minimal.

Can I convert my physical SIM to an eSIM to free up the physical slot?

Yes, many mobile carriers now offer the option to convert your existing physical SIM card into an eSIM.

Conclusion: Multiple eSIMs Provide Flexibility For Staying Connected

Multiple eSIMs are a great way to maximize your connectivity needs since they provide you flexibility when needed. For example, you can separate your business and personal use, or use 2 lines for domestic and international usage without relying on a single network.

And the good news is that most modern smartphones support multiple eSIMs. This means that you can rest assured that you can take advantage of the power of eSIMs as long as you have a mobile device that allows more than 1 eSIM.

One caveat to be aware of, though, is that whilst many phones allow you to store many eSIMs (sometimes up to 10), there are restrictions on how many can be concurrently active. Generally, only 2 eSIMs can be active at any time.

Armed with the nuances of multiple eSIMs, we hope you can take your connectivity needs further and maximize your eSIM experience.

Do You Need To Find A Reliable And Cost-Effective Data Plan For International Travel?

RemitFinder is an online service that helps you compare eSIM data plans from numerous eSIM providers. By comparing various eSIMs, you can get the best eSIM for your trip and ensure you stay connected when overseas. RemitFinder, thus, helps you to get the best eSIM for international travel.