How to Manage Multiple eSIMs on an iPhone

This page provides step-by-step instructions for managing multiple eSIM profiles on an iPhone.
It covers iOS system settings and behaviours only, including enabling, disabling, naming, 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 iPhone supports multiple eSIM profiles and that the eSIMs you want to manage are already installed.

These steps apply to modern versions of iOS, though wording may vary slightly by version.

View All Installed eSIMs

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
  3. Review the list of available lines under SIMs or Cellular Plans.

Each installed eSIM profile will appear as a separate line.

Label Each eSIM for Easy Identification

  1. Select an eSIM from the list.
  2. Tap Cellular Plan Label.
  3. Choose a preset label or create a custom one.

Clear labels help avoid selecting the wrong line for data or calls.

Switch the Active eSIM for Mobile Data

  1. From the Cellular menu, tap Cellular Data.
  2. Select the eSIM you want to use for data.
  3. Confirm the selection if prompted.

Only one eSIM can be used for mobile data at a time.

Enable or Disable an eSIM

To temporarily stop an eSIM from connecting:

  1. Select the eSIM you want to manage.
  2. Toggle Turn On This Line off.

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

Set Default Lines for Calls and Messages

  1. Return to the Cellular menu.
  2. Tap Default Voice Line.
  3. Select the eSIM you want to use for outgoing calls.

Message routing may depend on previous settings and Apple ID configuration.

Remove an eSIM You No Longer Need

  1. Select the eSIM profile.
  2. Tap Remove Cellular Plan.
  3. Confirm the removal.

Removed eSIMs cannot be restored unless reinstalled.

Troubleshooting

  • Restart the iPhone after switching multiple eSIM settings.
  • Ensure the selected eSIM is enabled.
  • Confirm that Cellular Data is turned on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How many eSIMs can an iPhone store?

Answer: The number varies by model, but many iPhones 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 iPhone?

Answer: Yes. Most changes 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 iPhones?

Answer: The steps are similar across supported models, with minor differences by iOS version.

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