How many eSIMs can I add to my phone?

Everything you need to know about storing and using multiple eSIMs — device limits, active profiles, carrier restrictions, and travel tips.

Short answer

Most modern smartphones let you store multiple eSIM profiles at the same time. How many you can keep stored and how many you can have active simultaneously depends on your phone model and your carrier. Recent iPhones and newer Pixel/Android models have the most flexible support for multiple eSIMs.

What's the difference — stored vs. active?

Stored profiles are eSIM plans that are installed on the device but not necessarily connected to the mobile network. You can keep many profiles saved for later activation.

Active profiles are the plans currently connected and using mobile service. Most phones limit how many profiles can be active at the same time (commonly 1 or 2).

Practical example: you might keep several country plans stored, but only switch one active plan while you travel — or two active lines if your phone supports dual active eSIMs.

Device compatibility — common cases

Below are typical behaviours for mainstream devices. Always check your exact model and OS version.

Device family	Typical behaviour
iPhone (recent models)	Most modern iPhones can store several eSIM profiles and newer models allow two active cellular lines (e.g., two eSIMs active, or 1 physical + 1 eSIM depending on model). Check Apple support for your exact model.
Google Pixel (Pixel 7 and later)	Pixel 7 and later models can store multiple eSIMs and — when the carrier supports it — may run two eSIM profiles at once. Carrier restrictions and firmware updates can affect this behavior.
Other Android phones	Many Android models support multiple stored eSIM profiles, but the number of active profiles is usually limited. Implementation varies widely by manufacturer, region, and carrier.

Note: “Can store” and “can be active simultaneously” are different limits. Confirm with the phone maker and your mobile carrier before relying on multiple active lines.

How to check your phone right now

Open your phone Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data.
Look for “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM” — this indicates eSIM capability.
Check existing profiles: you’ll usually see a list of installed eSIMs; the UI often shows which are active.
If in doubt, check your device support page (manufacturer) or contact your carrier to confirm active eSIM limits.

Tips for travellers

Install before you leave: add and configure the eSIM profiles while on Wi-Fi so they’re ready when you arrive.
Keep backups: save the original QR or activation code securely (some providers allow re-download from their app).
Turn off roaming on your home line to avoid accidental charges when you switch to a local plan.
Manage active lines: if your device only permits one active eSIM, disable the other temporarily in Cellular settings.

Common FAQs

Can I have two eSIMs active at the same time?: Possibly — some newer phones support two active eSIMs (or 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM). Check your device model and carrier policy.
Can I install multiple eSIMs for the same country?: Yes. You can install multiple plans for the same country (for example, different providers or different data bundles) and switch between them as needed.
What happens if I remove an eSIM profile?: Removing an eSIM deletes the stored profile from that device. Some providers let you reactivate the same plan via their app or support; others will require re-purchase or a new activation code — keep the original QR/activation details if you may want to reinstall later.
Do carriers limit eSIMs?: Carriers can restrict eSIM use (for example, only allowing their own eSIMs, or limiting dual-active functionality). If your phone is carrier-locked, that can further restrict which eSIM profiles will activate.

Quick checklist before buying an eSIM

Confirm your phone model supports eSIM and how many active lines it allows.
Confirm your phone is unlocked (if buying a plan from a different carrier/country).
Keep your device OS updated — eSIM features are sometimes added or improved in updates.
Save activation QR codes and account details in a safe place.