eSIM technology brings users plenty of benefits, both in features and in everyday experience. A common question is whether one eSIM can be used on two phones. What people really mean is whether a single eSIM plan (also called an eSIM profile) can be used on two devices. This matters especially for anyone who switches between two phones, or for travelers who need an eSIM on more than one device. In this article, we answer the question for both regular carrier eSIMs and travel eSIMs, and explain what to do if you accidentally delete an eSIM from your phone.
Can one eSIM profile be used on two phones?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your device, so there is no card to insert or remove like a physical SIM. When you sign up for an eSIM, the carrier or provider gives you an eSIM profile in the form of a QR code (learn more in What is an eSIM?).
You scan the QR code only once to download and activate the eSIM on a compatible phone.
1. Can a regular carrier eSIM be used on two phones?
With a regular carrier eSIM, you can move the eSIM between two phones, but you can't use it on both at the same time.
To move an eSIM to a new device, you must first delete it from the old phone. Some carriers let you scan the QR code again, while others require a new eSIM to be issued once the original has been activated.
Moving an eSIM between two iPhones can be easier thanks to Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer feature, which transfers the eSIM directly over Bluetooth/Wi-Fi between two nearby phones, as long as both are signed in to the same Apple Account and running iOS 18.4 or later. Contrary to a common misconception, this isn't a “transfer via iCloud” but a direct transfer between two devices close to each other.
Note: If you use Android, or your carrier's eSIM doesn't support rescanning or Quick Transfer, you'll need to contact your carrier to have the eSIM reissued.
► See also: How to install and manage an eSIM on iPhone
2. Can a travel eSIM be used on two phones?
With a travel eSIM, moving it between two phones is very difficult and requires the provider's prior approval and support. Most travel eSIM providers allow the QR code to be scanned only once. If you delete the eSIM from your device, the QR code usually can't be reused and the eSIM may be lost for good. This policy helps providers prevent one eSIM from being shared among several people.
3. What if you want to use an eSIM on two phones?
To get connectivity on two phones, you can buy a separate eSIM for each device, or use data sharing (Wi-Fi hotspot) from the phone with the eSIM to the other device (see Can an eSIM share Wi-Fi?).
What to do if you accidentally delete your eSIM
1. Regular carrier eSIMs
You may be able to restore the eSIM, depending on your carrier's policy.
Try the following steps:
- Check your original QR code: Some carriers allow you to rescan the QR code they issued.
- Use eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhone): If both phones are signed in to the same Apple Account, run iOS 18.4 or later and are close to each other (with Bluetooth on), you can move the plan to another iPhone without rescanning a QR code.
- Use your carrier's app: Some providers let you download the eSIM again from their mobile app.
If you can't restore the eSIM yourself, contact your carrier to request a replacement. Note that some carriers may charge a small fee or ask you to verify your identity.
2. Travel eSIMs
Keep in mind that a deleted travel eSIM usually can't be restored on your own. That's why you should check your travel eSIM provider's policy. Some providers may be able to reissue an eSIM if you contact them right away. If it can't be recovered, you will have to buy a new eSIM. If you bought your travel eSIM from TouriESIM, contact our Vietnamese-speaking support team as soon as possible for guidance specific to your situation.
📌 Tip: Don't delete a travel eSIM from your phone unless you're sure you no longer need it.
How to use one phone number on two devices effectively
If you want to use the same phone number on two devices, try these solutions:
1. Use Dual SIM (eSIM + physical SIM or two eSIMs)
If your phone supports two SIMs (1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM, or 2 eSIMs), you can register an eSIM on one phone and use the physical SIM on the other. Some carriers let you register a second eSIM with the same phone number through a MultiSIM service.
► See also: Using an eSIM and your main SIM at the same time
2. Forward calls or use VoIP apps
If your second phone doesn't have an eSIM, you can forward calls from your main phone or use apps such as WhatsApp, Zalo or FaceTime to receive calls on multiple devices.
3. Use data sharing (hotspot)
If you only need Internet access on the second device, turning on Wi-Fi hotspot on the phone with the eSIM is the best option.
Frequently asked questions
Can eSIM Quick Transfer move an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android phone?
No. It's an Apple-only feature that works only between two iPhones signed in to the same Apple Account. To switch from iPhone to Android or vice versa, contact your carrier or eSIM provider to get a new activation code.
Can two devices share one phone number via eSIM without MultiSIM?
No. Each eSIM profile (tied to one number) works on only one device at a time. If you want two phones to receive calls and messages on the same number, you need to sign up for your carrier's MultiSIM service.
Does buying two travel eSIMs for two phones cost twice as much?
Yes, because each travel eSIM is a separate data plan tied to one device. If you need independent data on both phones at the same time, you'll have to buy two separate plans instead of sharing one.
Does sharing data via Wi-Fi hotspot from an eSIM phone use extra data?
There's no separate charge, but data shared over a hotspot is deducted from the same allowance as the eSIM/SIM providing it, so your data will run out faster if several devices are connected.
Can a phone without eSIM share a number with an eSIM phone?
You can use a secondary physical SIM through your carrier's MultiSIM service (if that phone has a physical SIM tray), or use VoIP apps or call forwarding to stay reachable on the phone that doesn't support eSIM.
