Phone at its eSIM limit: what to remove and what to keep

Every phone stores a limited number of eSIMs, and usually only one or two can be on at the same time as a physical SIM. If an add fails with a message about capacity or storage, remove an old travel eSIM you no longer use, or switch another eSIM off while you travel, then try again. MTN Travel eSIM only ever needs one slot.

Before you start

Where your SIM list is, by phone. iPhone: Settings > Cellular. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager. Other Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.

Steps

Open your SIM list, at the path above for your phone.
Look for old travel eSIMs from other providers that you no longer use, and remove them.
Don't remove your MTN Travel eSIM. Every plan you buy goes onto the same one.
Need to keep a second eSIM? Switch it off rather than deleting it.
Leave your home SIM and MTN Travel eSIM as the two lines that are on.
Try the add again from your phone's settings.

Good to know

The exact limit depends on the model: most recent phones store several eSIMs and run two lines at once. The dial code *#06# shows an EID if the phone supports eSIM at all; see Is my phone compatible with eSIM? The one-minute check.
You never add a second MTN Travel eSIM. This trip's plan and next year's go onto the one that's already there.
Your plan is data only, with no phone number, calls, or SMS. Calls and texts keep using your home number.

Still not working?

If the add still fails with the slot free, the message may mean something else; see "Cellular plan cannot be added" and other add errors. Still not working? Contact MTN Travel eSIM support and include four things: your ICCID, your order number, your phone model and OS version, and what you've already tried.

Send a message. We'll get you sorted.

Have questions about coverage, installing, or a plan you've already bought? Whatever it is, message us and a few quick questions will get you to the right person. Email works too, if you'd rather.

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