How Many eSIMs Can Be Installed and Used on a Smartphone?
eSIM technology is transforming how we connect to mobile networks. With no physical SIM cards required, eSIMs allow users to store multiple network profiles on a single device. Many modern devices, such as the iPhone XS and Google Pixel 3a, allow users to install multiple eSIMs, providing flexibility for travelers and those needing to switch between different network profiles. But how many eSIMs can you install and use at the same time? This depends on your device model and operating system.
In this guide, we’ll break down how many eSIMs you can store, how many you can use at once, and everything you need to know about dual SIM and multi-eSIM functionality.
How Many eSIMs Can You Install?
Most modern smartphones allow multiple eSIMs to be stored, meaning you can install several different network profiles and switch between them when needed.
iPhones: Can store up to 8 eSIM profiles, including models like the iPhone XS.
Android Devices: Varies by manufacturer, but most Google Pixel, Samsung, and other flagship devices support multiple stored eSIMs and can use one physical SIM alongside an eSIM.
iPads & Tablets: Many eSIM-compatible tablets also support multiple stored eSIMs.
💡 However, storing multiple eSIMs does not mean you can use them all at once.
How Many eSIMs Can Be Used at the Same Time?
While you can store multiple eSIMs, most smartphones only allow 1 or 2 active eSIMs at a time. With Dual SIM functionality, some devices allow cellular data switching, enabling one number to use cellular data while making a voice call on the other number.
When using an eSIM for a secondary line while traveling abroad, enabling data roaming is crucial to ensure functionalities like Visual Voicemail and MMS are not disabled.
📱 iPhone eSIM Capabilities
iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, SE (3rd gen)
Supports 1 active eSIM + 1 physical SIM.
Allows Dual SIM functionality (one eSIM and one physical SIM can be used simultaneously).
iPhone 13, 14, 15
Supports 2 active eSIMs at the same time.
Offers Dual eSIM support, meaning no physical SIM is required if two eSIMs are in use.
iPhone 14 (USA model)
Only supports eSIMs (there is no physical SIM slot).
Allows Dual eSIM functionality, meaning two eSIMs can be active at the same time.
💡 Newer iPhones (iPhone 13 and later) allow two eSIMs to be active simultaneously. Older models support only one eSIM at a time, paired with a physical SIM.
📱 Android eSIM Capabilities
Google Pixel 3 - 5
Supports 1 active eSIM + 1 physical SIM.
Allows Dual SIM functionality, where one eSIM and one physical SIM can be used at the same time.
Google Pixel 6 - 8
Supports 2 active eSIMs simultaneously.
Fully supports Dual eSIM functionality, eliminating the need for a physical SIM if desired.
Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23
Supports 1 active eSIM + 1 physical SIM.
Allows Dual SIM usage, where one eSIM and one physical SIM can function together.
Samsung Galaxy S24 (selected models)
Supports 2 active eSIMs at the same time.
Offers Dual eSIM support, removing the need for a physical SIM if two eSIMs are in use.
💡 Older Samsung and Google Pixel models support only one active eSIM at a time, usually paired with a physical SIM. Newer models (Pixel 6 & later, Galaxy S24 & later) now allow two active eSIMs simultaneously for full flexibility.
Can You Use a Dual SIM (Physical SIM and eSIM) Together?
Yes! Most smartphones support Dual SIM functionality, meaning you can use:
✅ 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM (on older iPhone and Android models). ✅ 2 eSIMs simultaneously (on iPhone 13 & later, Google Pixel 6 & later, some Samsung Galaxy models).
Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs eliminate the need to obtain and insert a plastic SIM card, making it easier to switch carriers.
💡 However, you cannot use 2 physical SIMs and an eSIM together—only two SIMs at a time.
Managing Multiple eSIMs on Your Phone
If your phone supports storing multiple eSIMs, you can easily switch between them:
Users can designate different eSIMs for cellular data transmission, allowing them to switch between networks based on service availability and performance.
📲 How to Switch Between eSIMs on iPhone
1⃣ Go to Settings > Cellular.
2⃣ Under SIMs, tap the eSIM you want to use.
3⃣ Toggle Turn On This Line for the selected eSIM.
💡 Only two eSIMs can be active at the same time on newer iPhones.
An eSIM, or Subscriber Identity Module, stores user identity information and facilitates communication across mobile networks, making it easy to switch between different profiles.
📲 How to Switch Between eSIMs on Android
1⃣ Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
2⃣ Select the eSIM you want to activate.
3⃣ Turn Mobile Data ON for the selected eSIM.
💡 You can also rename your eSIMs for easy switching (e.g., “Home” and “Travel”).
Note that on some older models, only one eSIM can be active at any given time, so users may need to switch between profiles as needed.
FAQs About Using Multiple eSIMs
Can I have more than one eSIM active at the same time?
✅ Yes, but only on supported devices.
iPhone 13 and newer support two active eSIMs.
Google Pixel 6 and newer also allow two eSIMs at once.
Older devices only allow one active eSIM at a time.
How many eSIMs can I install on my phone?
Most iPhones allow up to 8 stored eSIMs.
Most Android devices allow at least 5 stored eSIMs.
Can I use multiple eSIMs from different countries?
Yes! You can store multiple international eSIMs on your phone and switch between them as needed. This is ideal for frequent travelers.
How do I check how many eSIMs my phone supports?
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and check under Digital SIM.
On Android: Check under Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
Can I use eSIMs for both calls and data?
Yes! You can assign different eSIMs for data, calls, and SMS.
Example: Use one eSIM for data while keeping your home eSIM active for calls.
Final Thoughts: eSIMs Make Connectivity More Flexible!
With Firsty eSIM, you can store multiple eSIMs, switch between them, and activate up to two eSIMs at the same time on supported devices.
💡 Before activating multiple eSIMs, check your device’s specifications to ensure it supports dual eSIM functionality.
If you have questions or need help setting up your Firsty eSIM, our support team is available 24/7!
📞 Live Chat – Available in the Firsty App
📩 Email Support – Get personalized help anytime
🌎 Multi-Language Support – Speak with us in your preferred language
With Firsty, staying connected across multiple networks is easier than ever—wherever you go! 🚀
