Deleting an eSIM from your iPhone takes about twenty seconds. Undoing it is often impossible. That asymmetry is why this guide starts with a warning rather than the steps.
Read this first: deletion is usually permanent
When you remove an eSIM, you are erasing the profile itself, not just hiding a line. Three things follow from that:
- The original QR code will not scan again. Most eSIM profiles — travel plans especially — are single-install. Once consumed, that code is dead.
- Remaining data is not refunded. If you had 8GB left on a travel plan, that 8GB disappears with the profile.
- Your plan is not cancelled. Deleting the eSIM does not stop billing on a carrier line. You still have to cancel with the carrier separately.
If you only want to stop a line using data temporarily, turn it off instead of deleting it — instructions below.
How to delete an eSIM on iPhone
- 1Open Settings
- 2Tap Cellular (called Mobile Data outside the US)
- 3Under SIMs, tap the plan you want to remove
- 4Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete eSIM
- 5Confirm by tapping Delete eSIM again
The line disappears immediately. On iOS 15 and earlier the wording is Remove Cellular Plan rather than Delete eSIM, but the location and effect are identical.
The better option: turn it off instead
In almost every situation where people reach for Delete, disabling is the right move. It stops the line completely while keeping the profile installed and reinstallable-free.
- 1Settings → Cellular
- 2Tap the plan
- 3Toggle Turn On This Line to off
The line stops connecting, stops using data, and stops appearing in your status bar — but it stays on the device. You can switch it back on any time.
This is the correct approach when you have finished a trip but might return, when you want to avoid accidental roaming charges, or when you are troubleshooting and are not sure which line is causing the problem.
When deleting actually makes sense
There are legitimate reasons to remove a profile:
- Your iPhone is full of expired travel eSIMs. iPhones hold multiple profiles but the list gets cluttered. Deleting fully expired plans is harmless.
- You are selling or trading in the phone. Remove every eSIM before handing it over — and use Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings, which offers to remove eSIMs during the wipe.
- A corrupted profile is causing connection failures. Occasionally a bad install needs a clean reinstall. Only do this if your provider has confirmed they can reissue the profile.
- You have switched carriers permanently and the old line is dead anyway.
Before you delete, do these three things
1. Confirm you can get it back. For a carrier line, check that your carrier will reissue an eSIM — most will, sometimes for a small fee. For a travel eSIM, contact support *before* deleting and ask directly. Do not assume.
2. Cancel the plan separately if it is a paid subscription. Removing the profile does not tell your carrier to stop billing.
3. Make sure you have another way to get online. If you delete your only active line, you may have no data connection to download a replacement. Do it on Wi-Fi.
How to delete an eSIM during a factory reset
If you are wiping the phone entirely:
- 1Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- 2Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- 3When prompted about your cellular plans, choose Erase All to remove eSIMs, or Keep if you intend to keep using the same phone
Choosing Keep preserves your eSIM profiles through the reset, which is what you want if you are troubleshooting rather than selling.
Deleting an eSIM on Android
The steps are similar but the menu names vary:
- Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → select the eSIM → Erase SIM
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → select the eSIM → Remove
- Most other Android phones: Settings → Network & internet (or Connections) → SIM cards → select → Remove or Erase
The same warning applies: erasing is permanent and the QR code will not scan again.
What happens to your phone number?
Nothing. Your phone number belongs to your carrier account, not the eSIM profile. Deleting the eSIM removes the connection to the network but does not release or cancel your number — you would need to port it out or cancel the account for that.
When your carrier reissues the eSIM, the same number comes back.
If you deleted one by mistake
Act quickly:
- 1Carrier line: Contact your carrier immediately. They can push a replacement eSIM to your device, usually within minutes to a day.
- 2Travel eSIM: Contact the provider's support and explain what happened. Some will reissue a profile as a goodwill gesture, particularly if very little data was used. Have your order number ready.
- 3Try the original QR code anyway. A small number of providers issue multi-use codes. It costs nothing to try.
If you cannot recover it and you are mid-trip, buying a fresh plan for your destination is usually faster than fighting it — browse plans by country and you will be back online in a couple of minutes.
Related guides
Still having connection trouble rather than wanting to remove anything? Start with eSIM Not Working? 10 Common Issues and How to Fix Them instead — most problems are solved without deleting anything.
If you are moving to a new device, read How to Transfer an eSIM to a New Phone before you delete anything from the old one.
FAQ
How do I delete an eSIM from my iPhone? Go to Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, tap the plan you want to remove, scroll to the bottom and tap Delete eSIM, then confirm. The line is removed immediately.
What happens if I delete an eSIM? The profile is erased from your phone permanently. In most cases the original QR code cannot be scanned again, any remaining data is lost, and the profile cannot be recovered without the provider issuing a new one.
Does deleting an eSIM cancel my plan? No. Deleting the profile only removes it from your device. Carrier billing continues until you cancel the plan directly with your carrier.
Can I reinstall an eSIM after deleting it? Usually not with the original QR code, which is consumed at first install. Your carrier can normally issue a replacement for a carrier line. Travel eSIM providers may or may not reissue a profile, so always ask before deleting.
Will deleting an eSIM erase my phone number? No. Your number is tied to your carrier account, not the eSIM profile. When the eSIM is reissued, the same number returns.
How do I stop an eSIM without deleting it? Go to Settings, Cellular, tap the plan, and switch off Turn On This Line. The line stops working entirely but stays installed so you can re-enable it later.
How do I remove an eSIM before selling my iPhone? Use Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Erase All Content and Settings, and choose to erase your cellular plans when prompted. This wipes the eSIM profiles along with your data.