How to Manage Multiple eSIMs on an Android Phone

This page provides step-by-step instructions for managing multiple eSIM profiles on an Android phone.
It covers Android system settings and behaviours only, including viewing, naming, enabling, disabling, and switching between eSIMs.
This page exists to guide configuration actions, not to explain eSIM concepts or recommend connectivity options.

Before You Begin

Ensure your Android phone supports multiple eSIM profiles and that the eSIMs you want to manage are already installed.

Menu names may vary slightly depending on the Android version and device manufacturer.

View Installed eSIMs

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
  3. Select SIMs, SIM Manager, or Mobile Network.

All installed SIM profiles, including multiple eSIMs and any physical SIM, will be listed.

Rename eSIM Profiles

  1. Select an eSIM from the list.
  2. Tap Edit or SIM name.
  3. Assign a custom label.

Clear labels help prevent selecting the wrong eSIM for data or calls.

Switch the Active eSIM for Mobile Data

  1. In the SIM settings menu, tap Mobile Data or Preferred SIM for Data.
  2. Select the eSIM you want to use.
  3. Confirm the change if prompted.

Only one SIM can be active for mobile data at a time.

Enable or Disable an eSIM

To temporarily stop an eSIM from connecting:

  1. Select the eSIM profile.
  2. Toggle Use SIM or Enable off.

Disabled eSIMs remain stored on the device and can be re-enabled later.

Set Default SIMs for Calls and Messages

  1. From the SIM settings menu, select Calls or Preferred SIM for Calls.
  2. Choose the eSIM you want to use.
  3. Repeat for SMS or Messages if available.

Some devices allow per-call SIM selection instead of a fixed default.

Remove an eSIM

  1. Select the eSIM profile.
  2. Tap Remove or Delete SIM.
  3. Confirm the removal.

Once removed, an eSIM must be reinstalled to be used again. However, most travel eSIM's can only be installed once, so if you are troubleshooting, it is recommended to contact your providers customer support before removing an eSIM.

Troubleshooting

  • Restart the phone after switching multiple eSIM settings.
  • Ensure the selected eSIM is enabled.
  • Confirm mobile data is turned on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How many eSIMs can an Android phone store?

Answer: The number varies by device, but many Android phones can store multiple eSIM profiles.

Question: Can more than one eSIM be active at the same time?

Answer: Multiple eSIMs can be enabled, but only one can be used for mobile data at a time.

Question: Will disabling an eSIM delete it?

Answer: No. Disabling an eSIM only turns it off and does not remove it from the device.

Question: Can I switch eSIMs without restarting my phone?

Answer: Yes. Changes usually apply immediately, though a restart can help if issues occur.

Question: Does managing multiple eSIMs affect apps or storage?

Answer: No. eSIM management does not affect apps, photos, or device storage.

Question: Are these steps the same on all Android phones?

Answer: The steps are similar across devices, but menu names may differ by manufacturer.

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