How Many eSIMs Can You Have On One Device?

Looking to manage more than one number from a single device? Whether it’s juggling work and personal lines or equipping your team with local numbers while they travel abroad, eSIMs offer a smarter, more flexible way to stay connected – without the faff of swapping plastic SIM cards.

Here’s how many eSIMs most devices can store, how many you can use at once, and what UK businesses should consider before going all-in on multiple eSIM profiles.

Quick recap: What is an eSIM, and why does it matter for businesses?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the standard plastic SIM card that connects your phone to a mobile network. eSIMs are built directly into your phone, so there’s nothing to insert or remove – instead, you activate it by scanning a QR code or downloading a mobile plan.

For UK businesses, that means:

• There’s no more SIM swapping when changing numbers or carriers.
• It’s easier to manage multiple lines on one device.
• Faster onboarding for new team members or temporary roles.
• It’s ideal for remote workers, frequent travellers or hybrid teams.

Still new to eSIMs? Read our beginner’s guide to eSIMs here.

So, how many eSIMs can one device actually hold?

Most newer smartphones let you store multiple eSIMs – but there’s a difference between how many you can store and how many you can use at the same time.

Active vs stored eSIM profiles

Stored eSIMs: These stay on your device, ready to activate as needed.

Active eSIMs: These are the ones currently connected to a mobile network. Most phones support one or two active profiles, depending on the model.

Device breakdown: Dual eSIM support on popular models

Disclaimer: The information in this table has been compiled from sources across the web and should not be relied solely upon when choosing a model. Capabilities may vary according to specific models and locations. Always check with the manufacturer before purchasing.

Apple currently leads in eSIM flexibility, offering the widest dual eSIM support, but Android manufacturers like Google and Samsung are rapidly catching up, with new models expanding multi-eSIM features.

Some phones can use two eSIMs without needing a physical SIM – ideal for businesses going fully digital.

Why businesses might use multiple eSIMs

eSIMs aren’t just for tech enthusiasts – they’re a game-changer for small business owners and remote teams. Here are some practical use cases:

Managing work and personal lines on one device

Many professionals juggle business with personal communications throughout the day. Multiple eSIMs let staff use one device with two separate numbers, allowing them to keep business WhatsApp messages and calls distinct from personal ones, without the need for two phones.

Maintaining a local presence when abroad

For teams who frequently travel overseas, staying reachable on local numbers is key to client trust. With multiple eSIMs, staff can add local numbers for the country they’re visiting while keeping their main UK line active – helping to reduce roaming fees and keep checking in with existing client relationships.

Avoiding downtime with backup networks

Unreliable mobile signal can disrupt productivity for those who work on-the-go, sales teams or delivery drivers. With multiple eSIMs, devices can quickly switch to an alternative network if one provider has poor coverage, helping teams to stay online and in touch, wherever they are.

Using shared devices for multiple roles

In some industries like logistics, retail or operations, one device may be used by different team members throughout different shifts. Multiple stored eSIM profiles allow a phone or tablet to be quickly reconfigured for a specific role or user, without needing expensive additional hardware.

Controlling mobile costs across teams

Businesses often use different mobile plans for specific needs, such as unlimited UK data, cheap international minutes, or regional roaming bundles. With multiple eSIMs, you can run several plans on the same device and switch based on usage – helping you optimise costs without compromising connectivity.

Managing stored eSIMs: Keep or delete?

One of the biggest perks of eSIMs is flexibility. Many models will allow you to install and keep multiple eSIM profiles stored on your device, even if they’re not active.

If you use an eSIM regularly – such as a local number for a client region – you might want to keep it stored and toggle it on as needed.

Once you’ve finished with a number or no longer using a particular plan, you can remove it via your device’s mobile settings in just a few taps. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device to find out how.

Top tips:

• Label each eSIM clearly (e.g. “Work”, “Sales”, “Backup”).
• Deactivate unused profiles to save storage space on your phone.
• On some devices, you can enable auto-switch to pick the best signal automatically.

Choosing the right eSIM provider for your business

Not all eSIM providers meet the same requirements. Depending on your business needs, here are your main options:

• Mainstream UK networks (e.g. EE, Vodafone): Generally good coverage, but may involve restrictive contracts and slower provisioning.
• Global eSIM providers (e.g. Truphone, Airalo): Great for international data, but less focused on UK numbers or messaging apps.
• YourBusinessNumber: A UK-first business eSIM solution specifically designed for freelancers, side hustlers and small teams. Get a second number fast with flexible, affordable pricing and WhatsApp Business compatibility.

Limitations to be aware of

Before rolling out eSIMs across for your business, check for the following:

Device compatibility

While the majority of phones now support eSIMs, not all models support dual active eSIMs, so it’s worth double-checking what your team is already using before you make any plans. Some older devices just don’t support eSIM at all, so you may need to upgrade these if you want to roll out an eSIM strategy across your whole team.

Carrier restrictions

Some mobile networks aren’t as flexible as others when it comes to eSIMs. They might lock your eSIM profile to their service or limit how often you can swap between profiles. The rules can vary quite a bit depending on the provider and where you’re based, so it’s worth digging into the details before you choose a plan – especially if you’re planning to switch networks or use multiple lines.

Security management

When storing multiple eSIM profiles on a single device, businesses need to think about who has access to what. This is especially important if you’re setting up phones remotely or handing them over to new starters. Having clear processes in place for provisioning, labelling, and removing eSIMs can help prevent unauthorised use and make device management more efficient.

Final tips for UK small businesses

Audit your devices first

Start by checking if the phones or tablets your team already uses support eSIM. It sounds simple, but it’s an easy thing to overlook when you’re rolling out new tech. Ideally, you’ll want devices that can handle two active lines – so staff can run a work and personal number side by side, or keep a UK line active while using a local number abroad. That extra flexibility makes a real difference for people on the move – whether they’re travelling for meetings, working on-site, or switching between clients throughout the week.

Mix and match for coverage

Keep your main business number on a physical SIM and use eSIMs for backup plans or extra data options. If one network fails, your team can quickly switch to another – no faff, no downtime. It’s a straightforward way to stay connected in patchy areas or when reliability really matters, like during client calls or out in the field. That kind of backup keeps things running smoothly and avoids missed calls, lost sales, or frustrated customers.

Don’t overcomplicate it

If your team is starting to rely on a growing number of devices, it might be time to consider Mobile Device Management (MDM). MDM software makes it easier to stay in control as your operations expand – especially if you have people working across multiple locations or in on-the-go roles. It lets you set up and manage eSIM profiles remotely, apply updates, control data settings, and keep everything secure, all from one central platform. For small teams, that might sound like overkill – and in many cases, a simple manual setup will do just fine. But once you’re dealing with dozens of devices or more, MDM can save time, reduce errors and improve oversight across your mobile setup.

Get started with a YourBusinessNumber eSIM today

Need a second number for business, or looking to streamline how your team communicates? With YourBusinessNumber, getting your own business eSIM set up is fast and digital – you’ll receive your new number and QR code by email, ready to scan and go in minutes.

Want to keep it even simpler? Try a virtual number for WhatsApp Business – ideal if you just need a business presence on WhatsApp, without switching SIMs or getting a second phone.