Quick answer
You can keep many eSIMs saved on your iPhone, but you can use only two lines at once. On iPhone 13 or newer, both active lines can be eSIMs. On older models, you can use one eSIM and one physical SIM.
- Two active lines max at the same time
- iPhone 13 and newer support two active eSIM lines
- iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, and iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd gen support one eSIM plus one physical SIM
- U.S. iPhone 14, 15, 16 are eSIM only and have no SIM tray
Stored eSIMs vs. active lines
Think of stored eSIMs like cards in your wallet. Your iPhone can keep several cards saved, but it can only keep two on the table at once. Turning a line off does not delete it, you can turn it back on later. This is handy for keeping home, work, and travel profiles ready to go.
iPhone model guide
| Model | SIM hardware | Active lines | Active eSIMs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | eSIM only in U.S., eSIM + nano SIM in many regions | 2 | 2 | Dual eSIM supported |
| iPhone 15 | eSIM only in U.S., eSIM + nano SIM in many regions | 2 | 2 | Use any two saved profiles |
| iPhone 14 | eSIM only in U.S., eSIM + nano SIM in many regions | 2 | 2 | Dual eSIM or eSIM + physical SIM outside U.S. |
| iPhone 13 | eSIM + nano SIM | 2 | 2 | First to support two active eSIMs |
| iPhone 12, 11, XS, XR | eSIM + nano SIM | 2 | 1 | One eSIM plus one physical SIM |
| iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd gen | eSIM + nano SIM | 2 | 1 | One active eSIM at a time |
Real world examples
Here are common ways people use two lines on iPhone. These setups give you lower costs and fewer headaches while travelling or balancing work and personal life.
- Travel setup: keep your home eSIM for calls and codes, use a local eSIM for data, set the local plan as Cellular Data
- Work and personal: keep both eSIMs active, label lines clearly, choose a default for calls and messages
- Frequent traveler with eSIM only iPhone: store many profiles such as Home, EU, UK, Japan, then activate any two you need this week
How to add and manage eSIMs
Adding an eSIM usually takes a minute and needs Wi Fi. After you install it, you can rename lines and set defaults so daily use feels natural.
- Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Scan a QR code, use the carrier app, or transfer from another iPhone
- Label each line, for example Personal, Work, or Travel EU
- Choose the default line for calls and messages
- Pick which line uses Cellular Data and whether to Allow Data Switching
- Label clearly to avoid calling from the wrong number
- Control roaming on lines you do not plan to use abroad
- Activate before you fly so help is easier if something goes wrong
- Keep QR codes and carrier logins handy for redownloads
Limits, compatibility, and quick fixes
There is a hard cap of two active lines at the same time, even if your iPhone stores many eSIM profiles. Some carriers do not support eSIM or dual active eSIMs.
- eSIM will not download, use Wi Fi, toggle Airplane Mode, or restart the phone
- No service, check carrier activation, APN settings, and update iOS
- Cannot find Add eSIM, confirm your model and carrier support
