Quick Answer
Most iPhones can store up to 8 eSIM profiles simultaneously, but only one can be active at a time (alongside a physical SIM). US versions of iPhone 14 and later support two active eSIMs simultaneously, with no physical SIM slot.
eSIM Limits by iPhone Model
| Model | Physical SIM | Max eSIMs Stored | Simultaneously Active eSIMs |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XR | Yes (nano) | up to 5 | 1 |
| iPhone 11 | Yes (nano) | up to 5 | 1 |
| iPhone 12 | Yes (nano) | up to 5 | 1 |
| iPhone 13 | Yes (nano) | up to 8 | 1 |
| iPhone 14 (non-US) | Yes (nano) | up to 8 | 1 |
| iPhone 14 (US) | No | up to 8 | 2 |
| iPhone 15 (non-US) | Yes (nano) | up to 8 | 1 |
| iPhone 15 (US) | No | up to 8 | 2 |
| iPhone 16 (non-US) | Yes (nano) | up to 8 | 1 |
| iPhone 16 (US) | No | up to 8 | 2 |
In Dual SIM mode: one slot is the physical SIM, the other is the active eSIM.
"Stored" vs "Active" — What's the Difference
Stored: the eSIM profile is downloaded to your device's chip. You can keep up to 8 profiles (different carriers for different countries) without deleting them.
Active: of all stored profiles, only one eSIM can be active at a time alongside a physical SIM. On US iPhone 14–16, two eSIMs can be active simultaneously with no physical SIM slot.
Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles
- Settings → Cellular — this shows all installed profiles
- Each profile can be toggled on/off without deleting it
- Inactive eSIMs consume no data and have no impact on battery life
Practical example: you have Turkey, Europe, and USA eSIMs stored. Before each trip, activate the right profile — your phone connects in seconds.
Can You Transfer an eSIM to a New iPhone
Since iOS 16, Apple supports eSIM transfer when switching devices. This works for carrier eSIMs (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.). Travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, and similar providers generally cannot be transferred — you'll need to purchase a new profile for a new device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to delete an old travel eSIM before installing a new one? No, as long as you haven't hit the 8-profile storage limit. Simply deactivate the old one and activate the new one.
What happens if I delete an eSIM? The profile is permanently removed. Most providers don't allow re-downloading without a new purchase.
Does having many stored eSIMs slow down my iPhone? No. Inactive profiles don't use CPU or battery resources.
Ready to stock up on eSIMs for upcoming trips? Browse destination plans on Marix — buy in advance and keep them stored until you need them.