Every eSIM-capable phone has a fixed limit on how many profiles it can store on its embedded chip (eUICC). This limit varies by manufacturer and model. Knowing your phone's limit helps you plan which profiles to keep and which to delete, especially if you travel frequently and accumulate eSIMs from multiple destinations.
This guide lists the storage limits for every major phone family and explains how to manage your profile slots.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Check your iPhone's eSIM capacity
All iPhones from XS through iPhone 17 store up to 8 eSIM profiles on the eUICC. You can have 2 lines active at the same time. The remaining 6 profiles sit in stored (inactive) state and can be activated by toggling them on in Settings > Cellular.
U.S. iPhone 14 and later models, which have no physical SIM tray, use 2 of these eSIM slots for active lines. To see how many profiles you have installed, go to Settings > Cellular and count the listed lines.
Tip: If you have 8 profiles stored and need to add a new one, delete the profile you are least likely to need again. Travel eSIMs for one-time destinations are the best candidates for deletion.
- 2
Check your Samsung Galaxy's eSIM capacity
Samsung Galaxy S21 through S22 store up to 5 eSIM profiles with 1 eSIM active (plus 1 physical SIM). Galaxy S23 through S26 store up to 5 profiles with 2 active eSIMs or 1 eSIM plus 1 physical SIM. The Z Flip and Z Fold series match the S-series limits of their corresponding generation.
Check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager to see your installed profiles.
Tip: Samsung's SIM Manager does not display the total capacity. Count your installed profiles manually. If you try to add a new one at capacity, Samsung shows a 'Cannot add eSIM' error.
- 3
Check your Pixel's eSIM capacity
Google Pixel 3 through Pixel 6 store up to 5 eSIM profiles with 1 active eSIM (plus 1 physical SIM). Pixel 7 through Pixel 10 store up to 7 profiles with 2 active eSIMs or 1 eSIM plus 1 physical SIM. Check Settings > Network & internet > SIMs to view your installed profiles.
Tip: Pixel shows a clear list of all installed profiles including inactive ones, making it easy to manage your storage.
- 4
Check other Android brands (OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and more)
OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, and Oppo do not publish official eSIM storage limits as consistently as Apple, Samsung, and Google. A limit still exists on every device because it is set by the eUICC chip, but you may need to check manually. Go to Settings > About Phone > SIM Status or Settings > Mobile Network > SIM Management and count your installed profiles.
If the menu does not show a maximum, add profiles one at a time until the device blocks a new one, which reveals your device's true capacity.
Tip: If your phone shows an error when adding a new profile, that number is your storage cap. Note it down so you are not surprised mid-trip.
- 5
Delete an unused profile to free up a slot
When you reach your phone's limit, delete a profile you no longer need instead of trying to add more storage, which is not possible. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, tap the eSIM line, scroll down, and tap 'Delete eSIM.' On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, select the profile, and tap 'Remove.' On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap the eSIM, and select 'Delete.' Deleting only removes the profile from your phone. It does not cancel your data plan with the provider.
Tip: Keep the original QR code or provider account login before deleting a profile you might need again. Most travel eSIM providers let you re-download a fresh QR code for the same plan.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I reach the eSIM storage limit?
Your phone displays an error when you try to add a new eSIM profile. The message varies by device: iPhone shows 'Unable to add cellular plan,' Samsung shows 'Cannot add eSIM,' and Pixel shows 'Could not add SIM.' Delete an unused profile to free up a slot, then try adding the new eSIM again.
Does storing inactive eSIM profiles use battery?
No. Inactive (stored but toggled-off) eSIM profiles do not consume any battery power. Only active lines that maintain a radio connection use battery. You can safely keep all 8 slots filled on iPhone without any power impact from the inactive profiles.
Can I increase my phone's eSIM storage limit?
No. The storage limit is determined by the eUICC chip hardware, which is soldered to the motherboard during manufacturing. No software update or setting change can increase the number of profiles your phone can store. The only way to get more capacity is to upgrade to a newer phone model with a larger eUICC.
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