You can often store several eSIMs on one phone, but you cannot necessarily use them all at once. The limit depends on your exact model, software and carrier. For travel, check three things: how many profiles the phone stores, which two-line combinations it supports, and which line will provide mobile data.
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eSIM Travel or SIM Card Travel
For example, keeping your Australian number available while using a travel eSIM in Japan requires a supported dual-SIM setup. Having space to install both profiles is only the first check.
Table of Contents
Stored eSIMs, active lines and mobile data
| Limit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Stored profiles | Plans installed on your phone, including profiles that are switched off. Storage does not make them all usable at once. |
| Active lines | The SIMs your phone can keep enabled together. Two active lines may mean a physical SIM plus an eSIM, or two eSIMs on supported models. |
| Mobile data line | The line selected to supply mobile data. Two enabled plans do not combine their data allowances into one connection. |
How many eSIMs can you have on an iPhone?
Apple says compatible iPhones can store eight or more eSIMs. Treat that as storage guidance, not a promise that eight plans can be active. For active-line combinations, the model and country version matter.
| iPhone model | Supported combination to check |
|---|---|
| XS, XS Max, XR, 11 and 12 families; SE (2nd generation) | One nano-SIM plus one eSIM on supported regional versions. |
| 13 and later compatible models; SE (3rd generation) | Two active eSIMs are supported. Models with a SIM tray can also support a nano-SIM plus an eSIM. |
| Models without a physical SIM tray | Use supported eSIM combinations; there is no physical SIM slot to fall back on. |
Your iPhone uses one mobile data network at a time. Set the travel plan as the data line and review Allow Mobile Data Switching so the phone does not unexpectedly fall back to your home line. See Apple’s Dual SIM guidance for model and carrier conditions.
How many eSIMs can you have on a Google Pixel?
Google supports two active eSIM profiles on Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and later phones when the operator permits it. Do not assume Pixel 6 has the same two-eSIM capability. Earlier compatible Pixels can instead use a physical SIM with an eSIM, subject to model and regional restrictions.
Stored profiles are a separate limit. Check the exact model rather than assuming an older Pixel can store only one eSIM. Google’s Dual SIM instructions explain the supported combinations and how to select the default data line. Only one SIM can be the default for mobile data.
How many eSIMs can you have on a Samsung?
There is no single limit that covers every Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip or A model. eSIM storage and the SIM combinations that can stay enabled depend on the exact phone, regional version, software and carrier. Dual SIM does not automatically mean two active eSIMs.
Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager to review your installed plans. Check your model’s Samsung specifications for the supported SIM combination before buying a second eSIM. Avoid applying a newer Galaxy’s dual-eSIM features to the whole S20–S23 range or every Fold and Flip generation.
What about OPPO, Huawei and Xiaomi?
Use the full model number and country of purchase for these brands. A phone advertised as dual SIM may use two physical cards, one physical card and an eSIM, or a different supported combination. The brand name alone cannot tell you how many eSIMs can run together.
OPPO
Check the exact Find or Reno model and its regional specifications. Look for separate confirmation of eSIM support and simultaneous SIM use. Do not infer the limit from another phone in the same series.
Huawei
Huawei’s P40 guidance describes a nano-SIM plus an eSIM arrangement on supported devices. That does not establish dual-eSIM support for the P50, Mate Xs or Mate X2. Check the handset’s SIM management options and its own support page.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi says stored-profile capacity depends partly on profile memory use. Its guidance also distinguishes single-slot and dual-slot eSIM configurations. Check the exact product specifications; a limit quoted for Xiaomi 15 Ultra cannot be applied to every Xiaomi 12 or Mix model.
Using your Australian number with a travel eSIM
Before leaving for a trip, confirm the phone is unlocked and can keep your chosen home SIM and travel eSIM enabled together. Then label the lines clearly, such as “Australia” and “Japan travel”.
Select the travel eSIM for mobile data and follow its instructions for data roaming. Turn data roaming off on the Australian line, and review automatic data switching. Keeping the home line enabled may help you receive texts, but availability and charges depend on your Australian carrier. Calls, voicemail and other roaming use can still incur charges.
If the phone supports only one active eSIM and both plans are eSIMs, you may need to switch between them. A disabled home line will not receive ordinary calls or SMS through the mobile network. Check carrier-supported alternatives before relying on it for verification codes.
Turning a profile off is different from deleting it. Do not delete a travel eSIM just to switch lines unless the provider confirms how it can be reinstalled. Installing a profile also does not tell you when its paid validity starts; check the specific plan’s activation rules.
Start with the eSIM-compatible phone checks, then compare the travel eSIM plans for your destination. Match the plan to your phone’s supported setup before purchasing.
