How Many eSIMs Can an iPhone Have?

An iPhone can store eight or more eSIMs, but no more than two lines can be active at once, and only one of them carries mobile data. iPhone 13 and later, and the 2022 iPhone SE, can keep two eSIMs active together; the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12 and the 2020 SE run one eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM.

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There are two different limits. Storage: Apple says an iPhone can manage eight or more eSIMs, so you can keep a plan for each upcoming trip installed and switched off. Active lines: no iPhone runs more than two lines at the same time, and it uses one cellular data network at a time.

Which pair you can run depends on the generation. From the iPhone 13 (and the 2022 SE), two eSIMs can be active together, which is how an eSIM-only US iPhone keeps a home number and a travel data plan live at once. On the XS, XR, 11, 12 and 2020 SE, the second active line has to be the physical nano-SIM.

How many eSIMs each iPhone can use

Model	eSIM support
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air	Eight or more stored; two eSIMs active at once. eSIM-only in the US and some other markets; iPhone Air is eSIM-only everywhere
iPhone 14, 15 and 16 (all models), iPhone 16e	Eight or more stored; two eSIMs active at once. US models are eSIM-only, with no SIM tray
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max	Eight or more stored; two eSIMs active, or one eSIM plus the nano-SIM
iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022)	Two eSIMs active, or one eSIM plus the nano-SIM
iPhone 12, 11, XS, XS Max, XR and SE 2nd gen (2020)	Several stored, one eSIM active at a time, alongside a physical nano-SIM
iPhone X, 8, 7 and older	No eSIM — one physical nano-SIM only
Mainland-China models	Apple lists only iPhone Air, 17e, 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo with eSIM there

Not sure which iPhone you have? Settings > General > About shows the Model Name. An EID row there means the phone has eSIM hardware; it does not mean the phone is unlocked.

Before buying a travel eSIM

Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say ‘No SIM restrictions’. If it does not, contact your home carrier; eSIM hardware alone does not mean the phone is unlocked.
Compare your model and purchase region with the table above. A second IMEI can belong to a physical SIM and does not prove eSIM support.
If the model or region is unclear, ask us to help before buying. Include the A-number, where the device was bought and your destination; only your home carrier can remove a carrier lock.

Want to try Wanderly first? Read the free eSIM trial requirements, including account eligibility, supported coverage and the no-charge card check, before claiming.

Regional caveats and limits

Switching a line off does not delete it. Stored eSIMs you are not using can stay installed and off.
Both active lines can make and receive calls and texts, but only the line chosen under Cellular Data carries mobile data.
Deleting an eSIM may not be reversible with the same QR code. Ask the provider before removing one you still need.
A carrier-locked iPhone can refuse a third-party eSIM however many slots are free.
Hong Kong and Macao versions of some models use two nano-SIMs instead; check the model guide for yours.

How to add, switch and remove eSIMs on iPhone

See what is installed: Settings > Cellular (Mobile Service in some regions) lists every stored eSIM.
Add another: connect to Wi-Fi, then Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
Switch a line on or off: tap the plan, then use Turn On This Line.
Choose the data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, then pick the travel plan and turn on Data Roaming for it.
Remove a plan you will not use again: tap it, then Delete eSIM (Remove Cellular Plan on older iOS).

Roaming is set per line, so it has to be enabled on the travel eSIM rather than your home number. See how to turn on data roaming for the exact path on iPhone and Android. Moving to a different handset later? Read how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone first. Travel eSIM transfers depend on the plan; contact support before deleting a profile because its QR code may not be reusable.

Once your exact iPhone model and region are confirmed compatible and the phone is unlocked, compare coverage and activation rules for trips to South Korea eSIM, Peru eSIM, Turkey eSIM, Greece eSIM, Netherlands eSIM or Singapore eSIM. Browse all destinations.

Sources and verification

Compatibility details were last verified on November 11, 2026 against official manufacturer documentation. Regional carrier restrictions can still vary by model number and where the device was purchased.

Need help identifying the eSIM hardware? Read what an EID number is and where to find it.

Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone Apple: Use Dual SIM with an eSIM Apple: Check your iPhone's carrier lock

Frequently asked questions

How many eSIMs can an iPhone have?

Apple says an iPhone can hold eight or more eSIMs. Two lines can be active at once on iPhone 13 and later; the XS to iPhone 12 run one active eSIM plus a nano-SIM.

How many eSIMs can the iPhone 17 have?

Eight or more stored, with two active at the same time. Only one line carries mobile data at a time.

How many eSIMs can the iPhone 16 have?

Eight or more stored and two active at once, on every iPhone 16 model including the 16e.

How many eSIMs can the iPhone 15 have?

Eight or more stored and two active at once. US iPhone 15 models have no SIM tray, so both active lines are eSIMs.

How many eSIMs can the iPhone 14 have?

Eight or more stored and two active at once. The iPhone 14 was the first US iPhone sold without a SIM tray.

Can I have two eSIMs active on my iPhone?

Yes on iPhone 13 and later and the 2022 SE. The iPhone 12, 11, XS, XR and 2020 SE allow one active eSIM, paired with a physical nano-SIM.

Can an iPhone use three lines at once?

No. Every iPhone tops out at two active lines. You can store more eSIMs and switch between them.

What if my iPhone will not add another eSIM?

Apple does not publish a number above "eight or more". Delete a plan you will never use again, after checking with its provider, and confirm the phone is carrier-unlocked.

Once your iPhone is confirmed compatible and unlocked, compare travel plans by destination. On phones with Dual SIM, you can keep your home line enabled; your home carrier may charge for calls, texts or roaming.

Browse plans by destination

Not sure which iPhones support eSIM?

Our full breakdown covers every eSIM-capable iPhone model and how to check yours.

Read: Which iPhones have eSIM?