Symptoms
- Error message says maximum number of eSIMs reached
- Can't add a new eSIM until an old one is removed
- Carrier says the eSIM download limit for the account has been hit
- Switching between eSIM plans (like for travel) fails with a limit error
Likely causes
- CommonPhone's storage limit for eSIM profiles reachedMost phones cap the number of eSIM profiles that can be stored, often around 8–10, though usually only one or two active at once.
- CommonCarrier's own limit on how many times an eSIM can be downloaded or reissuedCarriers often cap eSIM downloads per line to prevent abuse, which can be hit after several device changes.
- PossibleOld, unused eSIM profiles never removedLeftover profiles from previous trips or old phones can silently use up the quota.
What to do
- Go into the phone's cellular/SIM settings and remove any old or unused eSIM profiles you no longer need.
- Check which eSIMs are actually active versus just stored, and delete inactive ones first.
- If you've hit your carrier's download limit specifically, contact their support to request an additional download or a reset of the limit.
- For travel eSIMs, remove the previous trip's eSIM once you're done with it rather than accumulating multiple.
- Restart the phone after removing old profiles before attempting to add a new one.
When to call a pro
If you've removed unused eSIMs but still hit your carrier's specific download limit, contact that carrier's support to request a manual reset or additional activation.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.