Modern smartphones can store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously, though the exact number varies by device. Most current smartphones can hold between five to eight stored eSIM profiles, with typically only one or two active at any given time. This capability opens up significant opportunities for travellers who need flexible connectivity options across different countries and networks.
If you're planning an overseas trip and already have an eSIM from your home carrier, you'll likely be able to add a travel eSIM without any issues. The ability to store multiple profiles means you can seamlessly switch between your domestic plan and international coverage as needed, without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or losing access to your primary number.
Understanding your phone's specific eSIM capabilities becomes crucial when shopping on the best SIM card for your travels. Different manufacturers implement varying levels of dual SIM support, storage limits, and carrier restrictions that can impact how you manage multiple eSIM profiles. Prepaid SIMs offers travel eSIM solutions that work across these different device configurations, ensuring you stay connected regardless of your phone's particular limitations.
How Many eSIMs Can You Have on One Phone?
Most modern smartphones can store between 5-10 eSIM profiles whilst only allowing 1-2 to remain active simultaneously. The exact limits depend on your device manufacturer and model.
eSIM Support on Popular Phone Models
Modern smartphones vary significantly in their eSIM capabilities, with flagship devices typically supporting multiple eSIM profiles for storage while allowing fewer to remain active simultaneously. The number of eSIMs you can store ranges from three to ten profiles depending on your device model.
iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and Later
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 represent a significant advancement in eSIM technology for Apple devices. These models can store up to eight eSIM profiles on your device simultaneously.
However, only two eSIMs can be active at the same time. This means you can keep your home country eSIM active whilst adding a travel eSIM from Prepaid SIMs for your overseas trip.
The iPhone XS was Apple's first device to support eSIM technology. It stores fewer profiles compared to newer models, supporting only one active eSIM alongside a physical SIM card.
iPhone 14 models and later maintain the same eight-profile storage capacity. The dual active eSIM feature allows you to receive calls and messages on both numbers without swapping between profiles manually.
This flexibility makes these devices ideal for travellers who need to maintain connectivity with their home network whilst using local data rates abroad.
Google Pixel Devices
Google Pixel smartphones have embraced eSIM technology across their recent device lineup. Most Pixel devices support multiple eSIM storage with varying activation capabilities.
Newer Pixel models typically allow you to store four to five eSIM profiles. Only one eSIM can be active at a time alongside a physical SIM card in most Pixel devices.
The Pixel's eSIM management interface makes it straightforward to switch between stored profiles. This feature proves particularly useful when you need to activate a travel eSIM from Prepaid SIMs whilst keeping your primary eSIM stored for later reactivation.
Pixel devices purchased through certain carriers may have different eSIM limitations. Always verify your specific model's capabilities before purchasing additional eSIM plans for travel.
Samsung Galaxy Series
Samsung Galaxy smartphones offer robust eSIM support across their flagship and mid-range device categories. The Galaxy S24 and later models support dual active eSIMs, allowing two eSIM profiles to operate simultaneously.
Earlier Galaxy models, including the S22 and S23 series, can store multiple eSIM profiles but typically activate only one eSIM alongside a physical SIM. The exact number of stored profiles varies by model and region.
Samsung's interface allows easy switching between stored eSIM profiles through the device settings. This makes managing your home eSIM and a temporary travel eSIM from Prepaid SIMs particularly convenient.
Galaxy devices sold in certain markets may have eSIM functionality disabled. Check with your carrier or Samsung directly to confirm eSIM availability for your specific model and region before purchasing travel eSIM plans.
Managing and Switching Between eSIM Profiles
Modern smartphones allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously, with most devices supporting 5-10 profiles while keeping only 1-2 active at any time. You can easily switch between these profiles through your device settings without needing to download new profiles each time.
Managing Multiple Profiles
Your phone stores eSIM profiles in a dedicated section of your device settings, typically under "Mobile Data" or "Network & Internet". Each stored profile remains on your device even when inactive, allowing you to reactivate them quickly when needed.
You can add a Prepaid SIMs eSIM profile alongside your existing home country eSIM without removing either one. This means whether you’re travelling to Europe, Asia or anywhere else in the word, you can keep their domestic plan ready for when they return home whilst using a local travel eSIM abroad.
Most smartphones support dual active lines, letting you run your home eSIM and a Prepaid SIMs travel eSIM simultaneously. You can assign different purposes to each line, such as keeping your home number for important calls whilst using the travel eSIM for local data and communication.
Switching eSIM Profiles on the Go
Switching between stored eSIM profiles requires no internet connection and takes just a few taps in your settings. iPhone users can access quick switching through the Control Centre, whilst Android users navigate through their mobile network settings.
Steps to switch profiles:
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Open Settings
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Select "Mobile Data" or "Cellular"
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Choose your desired eSIM profile
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Toggle the profile on or off
You can temporarily disable an active eSIM without removing it completely from your device. This approach works well for travellers who want to pause their Prepaid SIMs travel eSIM during their journey home without losing the profile entirely.
The switching process activates your chosen profile within seconds. Your phone will immediately connect to the new network, making it simple to move between your home provider and travel eSIM as your location changes.
Benefits and Practical Use Cases for Multiple eSIMs
Multiple eSIMs transform how travellers manage their mobile connectivity by allowing seamless switching between carriers and maintaining separate lines for different purposes. These digital profiles eliminate the need to physically swap SIM cards whilst providing enhanced flexibility for international communication.
International Travel and Roaming
Multiple eSIMs solve expensive roaming charges by letting you add local carrier profiles before or during travel. You can maintain your home country eSIM for important calls and messages whilst activating a travel eSIM for data and local communications.
Prepaid SIMs offers country-specific and regional eSIM plans that activate instantly without requiring physical SIM cards. This means you can download a local eSIM profile for your destination whilst keeping your primary Australian number active.
Key travel benefits include:
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No physical SIM swapping at airports
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Instant activation upon arrival
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Maintaining access to your home number
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Local data rates instead of roaming charges
Most modern smartphones store 5-10 eSIM profiles simultaneously. This lets you pre-load multiple destination eSIMs from Prepaid SIMs before travelling to different countries on extended trips.
Personal and Professional Number Management
Dual active eSIM capability on newer devices allows you to maintain separate personal and business lines on one phone. This eliminates carrying multiple devices whilst keeping communications organised.
SMS, Voice and Data Functionality
Multiple eSIMs let you optimise different services across carriers based on coverage and pricing. You might use one eSIM primarily for data whilst another handles voice calls and SMS messaging.
Get Your Travel eSIM from Prepaid SIMs
If you're heading overseas, managing multiple eSIM profiles makes it easy to stay connected without swapping physical SIMs or losing access to your primary number. With most modern smartphones supporting several stored eSIMs, you can keep your home carrier active while adding a travel eSIM for local data and calls.
Prepaid SIMs specialises in travel eSIMs, offering instant, downloadable plans for popular destinations worldwide. Whether you're visiting one country or hopping across several, you can store multiple Prepaid SIMs eSIMs on your phone and switch between them as needed.