With the inevitable rise of eSIM technology smartphone users can now have greater flexibility–specifically with managing their mobile connectivity. So whether you're a frequent traveller, a digital nomad or are simply someone who's looking to separate your work and personal phone numbers, you must understand how many eSIMs your phone can support, as this is crucial information. In this blog post, I'll be breaking down eSIM compatibility across different devices, specifically iPhone and Android mobile models, and highlighting the benefits of using multiple eSIMs in your life.
So how many eSIMs can a single iPhone store and activate?
We all know that Apple has been at the very forefront of eSIM adoption, so it is certainly easier for users to switch carriers and store multiple numberes, if that's what they want. Here's a full breakdown by iPhone model:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12: These models support only one physical SIM and eSIM at a single time: while you can store multiple eSIM profiles, unfortunately, only one can be active at any given time.
- iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 series: So these are the newer models, which offer dual active eSIM support. What does that mean? It means you can use two different eSIMs at the same time, and you don't even need a physical SIM card! So you can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them as needed, for examply, if you're travelling between different countries.
For users looking for an eSIM-only experience, the iPhone 14 and newer models in the US don't even include a physical SIM tray anymore, relying almost completely on eSIM technology instead.
How many eSIMs can an android phone support?
Android devices differ from Apple because Android eSIM support varies by manufacturer. But either way, here are some popular models, and their eSIM capabilities:
- Google Pixel 7 & 7 Pro: You can store up to five eSIMs, but only one can be active at a single time.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 & S23 Ultra: This support up to three eSIMs, with the unique ability to have two active simultaneously.
- OnePlus 11: You can store up to five eSIMs, but only one can be active at a time.
So as we can see, different manufacturers have different approaches to this, so it's always a good idea to check on the eSIMs compatibility of your specific Android model before making the switch.
Why should you use multiple eSIMs?
There are quite a few advantages to using multiple eSIM profiles on your phone, let's look into them:
- Seamless International Travel: You can avoid roaming fees completely by switching to a local eSIM, even while keeping your primary number active. Great!
- Work and personal numbers can be kept on one device: This makes life much easier. Right? You can keep separate lines for business, and for personal use, without having to carry two phones around with you everywhere.
- Flexible carrier switching: You can compare different data plans and carriers, and switch eSIMs instantly, basing it purely on network coverage or pricing, allowing you more flexibility as a consumer.
How do you manage multiple eSIMs?
Managing multiple eSIMs on your phone is super simple. Most modern smartphones will need this:
- Download and Install your eSIM: Scan a QR code from your carrier, or add an eSIM through your phone's settings.
- Activate and switch: You can use your phone's eSIM manager to activate, deactivate, or switch between different stored eSIMs as you see fit.
- Label your eSIMs: Make sure to assign names like 'work' or 'travel' to your eSIMs, as things can get complicated fast! This allows for easy identification.
Final Thoughts–Is your phone REALLY ready for multiple eSIMs?
As eSIM adoption continues to grow, we will be seeing more and more smartphones embracing multi-eSIM capabilities. What does that mean for you? Well, whether you're an iPhone or and Android user, it's always good to understand your device's eSIM limitations and benefits, which can help you make the most of this entirely revolutionary technology!
So, are you using multiple eSIMs on your phone? Share your experience in the comments below, I'd be happy to hear them!