Removing an eSIM takes 30 seconds — but there’s one crucial difference many people overlook: deactivating is reversible, deleting usually is not. Press the wrong button and you may throw away a plan that’s still valid. Here you’ll learn when to do what.

Basics

Deactivate vs. delete — the important difference

iPhone

Remove an eSIM on the iPhone

  1. Open Cellular
    Settings → Cellular (or “Mobile Data”). A list of all installed plans/eSIMs appears.
  2. Select the eSIM
    Tap the plan you want to remove. At the very bottom you’ll find “Remove eSIM” (in red).
  3. Just deactivate or really delete?
    If you might want to use it again later, choose “Turn Off This Line” near the top instead — the profile stays saved. Only “Remove eSIM” deletes it for good.
Android

Remove an eSIM on Android

  1. Open the SIM manager
    Settings → Connections → SIM manager (Samsung) or Network & internet → SIMs (Pixel).
  2. Select the eSIM and remove it
    Tap the eSIM profile → “Remove” / “Delete eSIM”. On Samsung, the toggle for switching it off temporarily is called “Turn off SIM”.
  3. Confirm
    Confirm the security prompt. The profile is now removed from the device — getting it back is usually only possible via a fresh installation from the provider.
Selling your phone

Before selling: remove the eSIM cleanly

When you resell or return a leased/repair device, the eSIM profile needs to come off — otherwise your mobile access may travel along to the next owner. A plain factory reset isn’t always enough.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about removing an eSIM

What’s the difference between deactivating and deleting?

Deactivating only switches the eSIM off temporarily — the profile stays on the device and can be turned back on at any time. Deleting/removing wipes the profile off the device entirely. After that it’s usually gone, and the original QR code is typically used up. Rule of thumb: if you might need the eSIM again, just deactivate it.

Can I restore a deleted eSIM?

Not directly on the device. For travel eSIMs, only your provider account helps: use “Re-install” there if available, or contact support with your order number — any remaining data is tied to the account and is often still there. For a contract eSIM, your carrier issues you a new eSIM (QR code). The QR code from the old installation, however, practically never works again after deletion.

Do I lose my remaining balance if I delete the eSIM?

For travel eSIMs, the balance is usually tied to your provider account, not to the device profile — so it survives deletion and can be reused via a fresh installation. Even so, the rule stands: check first, then delete. If you’re unsure, better to just deactivate.

Do I have to delete the eSIM before selling my phone?

Yes, absolutely. A factory reset removes apps and data, but depending on the device it can leave eSIM profiles behind. So before selling or returning it: remove all eSIMs manually — and on iPhones, during the reset deliberately choose “Delete eSIMs” rather than keeping them. That way your mobile profile doesn’t end up with the next owner.

How many eSIMs can I keep before I have to delete one?

iPhones store 8+ profiles, whereas many Android models often hold only around 5. If your phone reports “storage full” when installing a new eSIM, you first have to remove an old, unused profile. Old travel eSIMs from past trips are the best candidates for this.