How to remove or delete an eSIM
When you no longer need an eSIM plan, you can remove or delete it from your device. That frees the slot and stops the plan from appearing in your settings. This guide explains how to do it in general terms.
Definition
Removing or deleting an eSIM means deleting the cellular profile from your device. The plan will no longer appear in your SIM or cellular settings and cannot be used on that device. You cannot "undo" it on the device; you would need to reinstall from the provider if the plan is still valid.
How it works
1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Go to Cellular (iPhone) or Network & Internet > SIMs (Android) or the equivalent.
3. Find the eSIM plan you want to remove.
4. Tap the plan and look for Remove Cellular Plan, Delete eSIM, or similar.
5. Confirm removal. The profile is deleted from the device.
6. If you had set this plan as default for data, choose another plan (e.g. your main SIM) for data.
7. The eSIM provider’s plan may still be valid; removal only deletes it from this device.
2. Go to Cellular (iPhone) or Network & Internet > SIMs (Android) or the equivalent.
3. Find the eSIM plan you want to remove.
4. Tap the plan and look for Remove Cellular Plan, Delete eSIM, or similar.
5. Confirm removal. The profile is deleted from the device.
6. If you had set this plan as default for data, choose another plan (e.g. your main SIM) for data.
7. The eSIM provider’s plan may still be valid; removal only deletes it from this device.
Benefits and limitations
Benefits: Frees the eSIM slot; clears unused plans from the list. Limitations: You cannot use that plan on this device again unless you reinstall (if the provider allows); if the plan had remaining data, it may be lost depending on the provider’s terms.
Comparison with alternatives
Removing an eSIM is like taking out a physical SIM and not reinserting it. The difference is that the profile is deleted from the device; you do not have a card to keep or throw away.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I lose my main number if I remove the eSIM?
- No. Removing the eSIM only deletes that plan. Your main SIM and number are unaffected.
- Can I get the eSIM back after removing it?
- Only if the provider allows reinstall and the plan is still valid. Many travel eSIMs are one-time use.
- What happens to unused data?
- It is usually lost when you remove the profile. Some providers do not allow reuse or refund; check their terms.
- Do I need to remove the eSIM when I get home?
- No. You can leave it installed and simply stop using it, or remove it to free the slot and tidy settings.
- Will removing it stop charges?
- Prepaid travel eSIMs have no ongoing charges. Removing the profile does not trigger a bill.
- Can I remove one eSIM and keep another?
- Yes. You choose which plan to remove. The others stay installed.
- Where is Remove on iPhone?
- Settings > Cellular > the plan > Remove Cellular Plan.
- Where is Remove on Android?
- Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or similar) > the eSIM > Remove or Delete. Names vary by brand.
- Is removal the same as disabling?
- No. Disabling turns the plan off but keeps it installed; you can enable it again. Removing deletes the profile.
- Should I remove before selling my phone?
- Yes. Remove all eSIMs (and wipe the device) so the new owner cannot use your plans.
When this solution makes sense
Remove an eSIM when the trip is over, the plan has expired, or you no longer need that line. It keeps your settings tidy and frees the slot for another plan.
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