How Many eSIMs Can iPhone 14 Have? iPhones' eSIM Capacity Explained

Curious about how many eSIMs the iPhone 14 can have? You’re not alone. Thanks to eSIM technology, many phones are now capable of holding multiple SIM cards without the need for physical slots. And with the latest iPhone models, this is no exception.

Perfect for international travellers and those who manage multiple lines, Apple's innovation elevates connectivity to new heights. Join us as we uncover the wonders of eSIMs for various iPhone models.

Understanding eSIMs in iPhones

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is changing how we use our phones, and the iPhone is at the forefront of this change. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM is digital, allowing you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. This means you can easily switch between phone numbers or add new ones from your Apple device without physical swaps.

Apple's move to eSIMs in the iPhone also marks a big step in making our phones more convenient. Gone are the days of poking around with a pin to change SIM cards. 

Now, with just a few taps in your phone's settings, you can manage multiple phone numbers and carrier plans. This leap forward by Apple shows its dedication to making life easier for iPhone users, making the hassle of physical SIM cards a thing of the past.

How many eSIMs can iPhone 14 have?

The iPhone 14 takes mobile communication to the next level with its impressive eSIM capacity. With the capability to support up to 8 eSIMs, the iPhone 14 stands out as an essential tool for digital nomads, frequent travellers, and anyone needing to manage multiple phone numbers efficiently. 

More than just storing numerous eSIM profiles, the iPhone 14's standout feature is its ability to simultaneously keep two of these eSIMs active. This dual-active eSIM functionality transforms how users interact with their device, offering the flexibility to maintain a personal and a business number or a local and international number active on the same phone.

Comparison with previous iPhone models

The ability to handle multiple eSIMs varies among iPhone models that support eSIM technology. Here's a brief overview of the eSIM capabilities for iPhone models before the iPhone 14:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR: These models introduced eSIM technology by allowing one eSIM to be used alongside a physical nano-SIM. However, these pioneers are limited to storing only one eSIM profile at a time.
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max: Similar to the XS series, these models support dual SIM functionality with a nano-SIM and an eSIM. They also allow only one eSIM profile to be stored at a time.
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max: These devices continue to support dual SIM functionality through a combination of a nano-SIM and an eSIM. However, the storage capacity for eSIM profiles saw some improvements by allowing multiple eSIM profiles to be stored. Nevertheless, only one eSIM can be active at any given time alongside the nano-SIM.
• iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max: These models also support dual SIM functionality with one nano-SIM and one eSIM. Like the iPhone 12 series, they can store multiple eSIM profiles, but only one can be active simultaneously with the nano-SIM.

Benefits of multiple eSIMs in iPhones for international travellers

With its advanced eSIM technology, the iPhone offers various benefits for international travellers. Here's why:

Hassle-free connectivity across borders

Say goodbye to the days of purchasing physical SIM cards in every country. With eSIMs activated on iPhones, travellers can pre-arrange their mobile services before landing for seamless data connectivity upon arrival.

Cost-effective communication

Avoid expensive roaming fees by using local eSIM profiles. The iPhone allows easy switching to local carriers to make affordable calls, texts, and data usage abroad.

Dual active eSIMs for ultimate flexibility

Keep your home country's number active for important calls while using a local eSIM for day-to-day communication. This dual capability ensures you're always reachable without incurring roaming fees.

Simplified travel preparation

With support for up to 8 eSIMs, planning your phone usage for multiple countries is easier than ever. Store and manage several eSIMs for different destinations, all in one device.

Seamless number switching

Switching between eSIMs is simple. It allows users to manage personal, business, and travel numbers without carrying multiple devices.

Setting up eSIMs on an iPhone with Truely

Truely, a leading eSIM provider offers eSIM solutions to stay connected using your iPhone. Activating a Truely eSIM on your iPhone only takes a few clicks when you follow these steps:

1. Purchase a Truely eSIM: Visit Truely's website or app to choose your ideal travel eSIM plan. Truely offers a range of options tailored to your trip needs by providing you with a QR code or a digital eSIM pack upon purchase.
2. Scan the QR code: Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan on your device. Use your iPhone’s camera to scan the QR code provided by Truely. This step integrates your travel eSIM with your iPhone.
3. Install your Truely eSIM: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup after scanning the QR code. You can label your new plan as 'Travel' to distinguish it from other plans.
4. Confirm activation: The activation process is swift with Truely, though times may vary. Once activated, you’ll see your new travel plan under Settings > Cellular. Restarting your phone might be required to finalize the activation.

Managing active eSIMs on your device

If you have different eSIMs activated, managing them on your iPhone is incredibly user-friendly. Here are some tips:

• Switching Between eSIMs: Navigate to Settings > Cellular. Here, you'll see all your eSIM plans listed. Simply tap the plan you want to use and switch it on as your primary or secondary line.
• Customizing eSIM Labels: To help you remember which eSIM is which, you can customize their labels. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the plan, then tap Label and choose or create a custom label.
• Managing Data Usage: Decide which eSIM uses cellular data by selecting it under Cellular Data. This is especially useful for managing data costs while travelling.
• Activating Dual SIM Functionality: If you want to use two lines simultaneously, ensure that both are turned on in the Cellular settings. You can set one for data and the other for calls or use iMessage and FaceTime with both numbers.

Final thoughts

In wrapping up our exploration of the iPhone's eSIM capabilities, it's clear that Apple has significantly advanced the flexibility of mobile communication. For instance, the iPhone 14's ability to support up to 8 eSIMs simultaneously, with two active at any given time, is evidence of Apple's commitment to innovation. This feature caters to the needs of international travellers and individuals managing multiple numbers and sets a new benchmark for smartphone technology.

Frequently asked questions

How do I switch between eSIMs on my iPhone 14?

To switch between eSIMs on your iPhone 14, navigate to Settings > Cellular. Here, you'll see a list of your added eSIM plans. Tap the plan you wish to use and select "Turn On This Line" for the eSIM you want to activate as your primary or secondary line. This allows you to easily manage which number you're using at any given time.

Can I use my iPhone 14 eSIM in different countries?

Yes, especially when you're using a regional eSIM that's designed for use in more than one country. You can use an eSIM from a local carrier in the country you're visiting or a global eSIM provider that offers coverage in multiple countries. However, ensuring the eSIM provider supports service in your destination country is essential.

What are the limitations of using eSIMs on iPhone 14?

Not all carriers globally support eSIM technology, so availability might be limited in some regions. Next, if your iPhone 14 is locked to a specific carrier, you may be restricted to using eSIMs only from that carrier until the device is unlocked. Also, while switching carriers with eSIM is easier, you still need to go through the carrier's process to activate service, which can vary.

How many eSIMs can I have?

The iPhone 14 can store up to 8 eSIM profiles simultaneously. This allows you to keep multiple numbers from different carriers or countries on your device, ready to be activated whenever needed.

How many eSIMs can I activate at once?

On the iPhone 14, you can have two eSIMs activated at the same time. This dual-active eSIM functionality lets you use two phone numbers simultaneously for calls, texts, and data, offering unparalleled flexibility for managing personal and business lines or domestic and international numbers.