How Many eSIMs Can an iPhone Have?
iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles and activate them as needed. The exact number depends on your iPhone model. Here is the complete breakdown.
By LTE.app Editorial Β· Reviewed by the LTE.app Network Operations team Β· Updated June 2026
eSIM storage vs active eSIM limits
iPhones have two limits: how many eSIM profiles can be stored, and how many can be active simultaneously. iPhone 13 and later can store up to 8 eSIM profiles but only have 2 active at once. You can delete old eSIMs and install new ones anytime.
eSIM limits by iPhone model
- 1iPhone XS / XS Max / XR (2018): 1 eSIM active, 1 physical SIM
- 2iPhone 11 series (2019): 1 eSIM, 1 physical SIM
- 3iPhone 12 series (2020): 1 eSIM, 1 physical SIM
- 4iPhone 13 series (2021): up to 8 stored, 2 active, 1 physical SIM
- 5iPhone 14 (US): 2 eSIM active simultaneously, NO physical SIM slot
- 6iPhone 15 series: 2 eSIM active, up to 8 stored, US models are eSIM-only
- 7iPhone 16 series: 2 eSIM active, up to 8 stored, US models are eSIM-only
How to switch between eSIM profiles on iPhone
- 1Go to Settings β Cellular
- 2You will see all stored eSIM plans listed
- 3Tap any plan to activate it
- 4You can have your home eSIM/physical SIM + one travel eSIM active at the same time
- 5Switching takes about 10 seconds
Managing eSIM storage
When you reach the storage limit (typically 8 eSIMs), you need to delete an old profile before adding a new one. Go to Settings β Cellular β tap the eSIM to remove β Remove Cellular Plan. Note: deleting an eSIM is permanent unless your provider can reissue it.