How to delete an eSIM from your iPhone
The exact iPhone steps to delete an eSIM, when it is safe to do so, when it is not, and why deleting a travel eSIM is usually permanent.
Quick answer
- On an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data), tap the eSIM plan, scroll down and tap Delete eSIM (older iOS calls it Remove Cellular Plan), then confirm. Be careful: most travel eSIMs install from a QR code that works once, so a deleted one usually cannot be reinstalled. Only delete plans that have already expired.
- Turning a line off is not the same as deleting it. Turning a line off keeps the profile on the phone and you can switch it back on, while deleting removes the profile from the device.
How do I delete an eSIM from my iPhone?
It takes under a minute and is done entirely in Settings, with no extra app. Menu names can differ slightly depending on your iOS version and language.
- 1Open the cellular settingsGo to Settings and tap Cellular (called Mobile Data in some languages and regions).
- 2Tap the line of the eSIM you want to removeUnder SIMs or Cellular Plans you will see each line listed. Tap the expired travel eSIM. Check the label carefully first: if you have several lines, deleting the wrong one may be impossible to undo.
- 3Scroll down and tap Delete eSIMThe button is at the bottom of the page. On older iOS versions it may read Remove Cellular Plan.
- 4Confirm the deletionThe iPhone asks you once more. Tap to confirm and the profile disappears from the list immediately. If it was a default line, check afterwards that your default line for data is still the one you want.
Why is deleting a travel eSIM usually permanent?
Most travel eSIMs install from a QR code or activation code tied to a single eSIM profile on the phone's eUICC chip, and it works once. When the profile is removed from the device, the same QR code cannot download it again. That is unlike a physical SIM card, which you can pull out and put back.
If you delete a plan that has not expired by mistake, contact the seller right away with your order number. Some providers can re-issue a profile, but it depends on the plan's terms and may carry a fee. The details are on our help page about a deleted eSIM.
When should I delete an eSIM, and when should I not?
Delete only when the plan has truly expired and you no longer need it. Do not delete before a trip, or before you have confirmed that the plan is really over.
| Situation | Delete it? |
|---|---|
| The plan has expired and you will not use it again | Yes, safe to delete as tidying |
| Data is used up but validity has not ended | Not yet; some plans allow a top-up |
| Bought for an upcoming trip and not yet used | No; once deleted it cannot be installed again |
| No data and you are troubleshooting | No; try the troubleshooting steps first |
| You are about to sell or hand over the iPhone | Handle it before handing over; see the erase section below |
For the wider checklist on clearing out old profiles, including ways to tidy up without deleting, see our guide to cleaning up old eSIM profiles.
How do I check that the plan has really expired?
Open your order confirmation email or order page, find the validity period stated for the plan and when it started counting, and compare it with today's date. A plan ends when its validity ends, not when the data runs out.
- Check that no usable top-up is still attached to that profile.
- Check that the profile is not the default data line you still rely on.
- If you are unsure, contact support with your order number before you delete.
What is the difference between turning off an eSIM line and deleting it?
Turning a line off only pauses it, and you can switch it back on. Deleting removes the profile from the phone. If you just do not want the eSIM to be used once you are home, turning it off is enough.
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Turn off the line (Turn On This Line off) | The profile stays on the phone and can be re-enabled |
| Delete eSIM | The profile is removed; reinstalling from the same QR usually does not work |
What happens to my eSIM if I erase my iPhone?
Erasing the phone can remove every eSIM with it. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, and iOS asks whether the eSIMs should be erased too. The wording can vary by iOS version, but you typically see an Erase iPhone option that removes eSIMs and an Erase All Content and Settings option that keeps them.
How do I delete an eSIM on Android?
On most Android phones, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select the eSIM and tap Erase or Delete SIM. Menu paths and button names vary by brand, for example on Samsung or Pixel, so search for SIM in the Settings search box if you cannot find it. The same irreversibility warning applies as on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions about deleting an eSIM
FAQ
How do I remove an eSIM from my iPhone?+
Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the eSIM line, scroll down, tap Delete eSIM and confirm. On older iOS versions the button may read Remove Cellular Plan. Delete only plans that have expired, because the action usually cannot be undone.
Will deleting an eSIM cancel my plan?+
It does not cancel the order or trigger an automatic refund, but you can no longer use the plan on the phone because the profile is gone. Self-service refunds are only possible within 14 days and only if the profile was never installed.
Can I get a deleted eSIM back?+
Usually not on your own, because the QR code installs once. Contact us with your order number right away and we will check with the supplier whether a re-issue is possible. It depends on the plan's terms and may carry a fee.
My iPhone says the eSIM can't be deleted. What do I do?+
Restart the iPhone, update iOS to the latest version and try again. If the profile is managed by an organization or limited by Screen Time restrictions, you may need to lift that first. If it still fails, contact the provider that issued the profile.
Should I delete a travel eSIM after my trip?+
It is not required. Once the plan has expired you may delete it to tidy up. If you are unsure it has ended, or a top-up may remain, turn the line off instead, because a switched-off line can be turned back on while a deletion cannot be reversed.
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