How Many eSIMs Can You Use on an iPhone? A Phonico Guide!

If you’re on a US venture across different states, you’ve likely asked: “How many eSIMs can I actually use on my iPhone?”

The answer isn’t as straightforward as a number. It depends on the iPhone model, the dual SIM setup, and how Apple designed its eSIM capabilities over time.

With Apple pushing towards a fully digital future and even removing the physical SIM card slot from devices like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 in the U.S., eSIMs are no longer optional. They’re the standard. 

The shift has created both excitement and confusion. Travelers love the flexibility, but many still wonder how to manage multiple eSIM profiles without hitting limits.

That’s where this guide comes in. It will tell you whether you use an iPhone 13 or the latest iPhone 15. 

Moreover, how many eSIMs you can store, how many can stay active, and why an eSIM from Phonico helps you stay connected without the usual SIM card hassles.

How do eSIMs work on iPhones? The Basics!

Apple first introduced eSIM support a few years back, but each generation has expanded the feature. Instead of popping in a plastic SIM, your phone downloads a digital profile directly from a carrier like Phonico. 

This means you can add lines instantly, skip physical cards, and manage numbers from your settings.

Most iPhones today offer a dual SIM setup. Usually, one eSIM is paired with a physical SIM card. But newer models take it further. For example:

iPhone 13: Can store eight or more eSIMs, but only two can be active at the same time (one eSIM + one physical SIM).

iPhone 14 (U.S. versions): Fully supports eSIM only, dropping the physical slot altogether. You can store multiple profiles and keep two active eSIMs.

iPhone 15: Pushes flexibility further, letting you juggle multiple lines more seamlessly, again with two active eSIMs.

In short: Your iPhone can store eight or more eSIM profiles, but only a couple stay active at once. The ability to switch is where the real magic lies. 

Imagine landing in New York with your Phonico U.S. eSIM already live while your international line stays in standby. No swapping cards, no queues, just smooth connectivity.

How Many eSIMs Can You Actually Use: Model by Model!

Apple’s lineup can get confusing, especially if you’re switching from an older phone. The number eSIMs can you store? And how many can stay active? Depends entirely on your device. 

Let’s learn about the eSIM support level feature model by model:

iPhone 13 and earlier models with eSIM support

These devices can store eight or more eSIM profiles. At any one time, you can run a physical SIM card and one active eSIM together in a dual SIM arrangement. This is ideal if you want to keep your home number live while activating a local Phonico eSIM for travel.

iPhone 14 (U.S. versions only)

Apple took the bold step of removing the SIM tray entirely. That means these phones support eSIM only. You can still store multiple eSIM profiles and keep two active eSIMs running simultaneously. This works well for business travelers who need two numbers without carrying an extra SIM.

iPhone 15 and newer models

Building on the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15, 16 improve the way you manage and switch between lines. You can store multiple eSIMs, keep two active eSIMs, and toggle between them easily in settings. For frequent travelers, this saves time and keeps you connected wherever you land.

In summary, all modern iPhones let you store several eSIM profiles, but you can only run two active eSIMs at once. That’s plenty for most people. A personal line, a work line, or a Phonico eSIM for travel.

Why Multiple eSIMs Matter for Travelers and Professionals?

So, why should you care about having multiple eSIMs if only two stay active? The answer lies in convenience and preparation.

1. Flexibility on the go

Let’s say you’re on an international work trip. You can store a Phonico eSIM for the U.S., another for Europe, and a regional one for Asia, all ready to go. With one tap, you switch lines without ever touching a physical SIM card.

2. Stay connected anywhere

Having multiple eSIM profiles stored means you don’t have to buy a new SIM every time you land in a new country. You simply activate the plan you already saved. For global business owners, journalists, or digital nomads, this is a game-changer.

3. Seamless dual SIM benefits

Even though only two lines stay live, this still covers most real-life needs. For instance, you can keep your personal number running alongside a Phonico eSIM that gives you high-speed local data. 

Whether it’s the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or even the iPhone 13, the setup is designed to help you stay connected without disruptions.

In short, the ability to store eight or more eSIMs gives you freedom. You may not keep them all active. But having them at hand means no more scrambling for local stores, no more fiddling with SIM trays, and no risk of losing your main card while traveling.

eSIM Capabilities vs. Physical SIM Cards! What You Need to Know?

Apple’s move toward eSIM technology has left many iPhone users wondering if they should ditch their physical SIM card altogether. The truth is, both options have their own strengths.

The following differences will let you understand the big difference, the convenience, and the money-saving strategy: 

Physical SIM cards

• Tangible, easy to swap between phones.
• Handy in areas where carriers still don’t support eSIM.
• Risk of being lost, damaged, or stolen. Not great for frequent travelers.
• Roaming bill could give you a nightmare

eSIM capabilities

• Fully digital - Nothing to lose or break.
• Lets you store multiple eSIM profiles on a single device.
• Supports dual SIM setups without juggling tiny plastic cards.
• Quick activation - scan a QR code and you’re connected. No lines, no fuss, no paperwork!
• Save Big - Only pay for what you are using, like with a physical SIM $400, but with an eSIM $4.

For everyday users, the hybrid approach works best. Many people keep one physical SIM card as their main number while running a Phonico eSIM for travel or temporary data plans. This gives you the best of both worlds: stability plus flexibility.

Setting Up and Managing Multiple eSIMs on iPhone!

Adding and switching between multiple eSIMs is easier than most expect. Apple designed the process to be straightforward, but here are the key points to know:

Installing a new eSIM

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
• Scan the QR code provided by your carrier (like Phonico).
• The plan downloads instantly, you dont have to wait around.

Storing multiple profiles

• Your iPhone can store eight or more eSIMs, depending on the model.
• Keep as many as you like saved, but remember: only two active eSIMs (or one eSIM plus one physical SIM card) can run at the same time.

Switching between plans

• Head to Settings > Cellular and select the line you want to activate.
• You can rename profiles (e.g., “Work,” “Phonico Travel,” “Home”) to keep things clear.

Managing dual SIM setups

• Decide which number handles calls, texts, and data.
• For example: keep your home number live for calls while your Phonico eSIM handles fast, affordable data abroad.

The beauty of this system is simplicity. Whether you’re holding an iPhone 13, iPhone 14, 15, or the newest iPhone 16, the process remains intuitive. Once your eSIM is set up, you’re only a tap away from staying connected anywhere.

Why Store Multiple eSIM Profiles? 

Having the option to store eight or more eSIM profiles isn’t just a flashy Apple feature. It’s practical. When you understand the following benefits, you surely fall for it:

Frequent travelers

• Keep an eSIM for Europe, another for Asia, and one for North America, all saved on your iPhone.
• Switch instantly when you land, avoiding airport SIM kiosks and high roaming charges.

Work vs. personal life

• Run your primary number on a physical SIM card and your business line as an eSIM.
• Keeps communication clear and manageable without carrying two phones.

Digital nomads

• Jump between local carriers for the cheapest data deals.
• Stay connected across regions without ever touching a tiny SIM tray.

Backup connections

• Store multiple eSIMs for different carriers.
• If one network fails, activate another instantly to stay connected.

This flexibility is why many users are moving beyond the old dual SIM mindset and leaning into the power of multiple eSIMs.

iPhone Models That Support eSIM Capabilities!

Not every iPhone handles eSIM the same way. The following models, with the launch of iPhone 11, are possible to support eSIM. iPhone 11 and 12 are only single-SIM supported, but also eSIM supported. Means you can use only one at a time.

Moreover, if you are focused on learning about the dual SIM (one physical - one eSIM or only 2 eSIM) supported models, check the following:  

iPhone 13

• Supports dual SIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM, or two eSIMs active).
• It can store multiple eSIM profiles, but only two can be live at once.

iPhone 14

• In the U.S., Apple removed the physical SIM card slot — it’s eSIM-only.
• Supports multiple eSIMs with up to two active eSIMs simultaneously.

iPhone 15

• Follows the same eSIM-only path in the U.S. market.
• Smarter active eSIM management, making switching faster and easier.

iPhone 16

• In the U.S., all variants (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max) are eSIM-only. No physical SIM slot. 
• Outside the U.S., standard 16 and Plus models still include a SIM tray and support both SIM formats. 
• It lets you store eight or more eSIM profiles and run two active eSIMs at a time. Great for people who switch between networks. 

Outside the U.S., Apple still sells iPhones with a physical SIM slot so that users can enjoy the best of both: dual SIM with one physical and one eSIM, or two active eSIMs at a time.

Staying Connected with Phonico eSIM

Why Phonico gives you an edge over generic carriers? The following reasons will tell you:

• Instant setup - Install the eSIM by scanning a QR code, no waiting.
• Reliable coverage - Wherever you travel, Phonico taps into strong networks so you always stay connected.
• Affordable plans - Choose what you need without paying for bloated roaming packages.
• Flexibility - Store your Phonico line alongside others and switch whenever needed.
• Data Sharing - Restriction-free hotspot sharing and tethering without data throttling
• Mobile App - Phonico App (iOS, Android) gives you control to manage your eSIM plans and profiles with just a tap.
• Free Voice+Sms - Whatever plan you select from Phonico, you will get free unlimited minutes and SMS.

For travelers, students abroad, and remote workers, Phonico isn’t just about saving money, it’s about peace of mind. Knowing you’ll have active eSIMs ready wherever you go.

Conclusion 

So, how many eSIMs can you use on an iPhone? The short answer: it depends on your iPhone model, but most modern ones can store eight or more profiles and keep two active eSIMs (or one eSIM plus a physical SIM card) running at once.

What matters most isn’t the number. It’s how you use them. Travelling for business or personal life, bouncing between countries, or just keeping a backup, eSIM technology gives you the freedom that old SIM cards never could.

And with Phonico eSIM, you make that freedom practical: quick setup, reliable service, and the ability to travel smarter without losing connection.

FAQs

How many eSIMs can you have on an iPhone?

Most iPhones can store eight or more eSIM profiles, but only two can be active at once. With the Phonico App, you can switch easily without extra steps.

Can I use eSIM and a physical SIM together?

Yes, on most iPhones, you can run one physical SIM card and one eSIM at the same time. Phonico eSIM works smoothly with this setup.

Does iPhone 14 only support eSIM?

In the U.S., the iPhone 14 and 15 are eSIM-only with no physical SIM slot. That’s why Phonico eSIM is the best choice for fast setup and reliable coverage.

Can I use two eSIMs at the same time?

Yes, you can keep two eSIMs active on supported models. This makes it easy to run a work line and travel line together with Phonico.

Do I need the internet to activate an eSIM?

Yes, you’ll need Wi-Fi or mobile data for the first setup. With Phonico, activation takes less than a minute once you scan the QR code.

Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card?

For travelers and remote workers, yes. eSIMs are faster, safer, and more flexible. Phonico eSIM lets you skip roaming charges and stay connected anywhere.