What Happens If I Delete My eSIM? Essential Information

Luis Rafael
Jul 25, 2024

Deleting an eSIM can be tricky, but we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explain what an eSIM is and why, in some cases, you might need to delete it. We’ll give you simple steps for removing it from different devices and explain what happens when you delete an eSIM. You’ll also learn how to recover or reset a deleted eSIM.

By the end, you’ll understand everything you need to know about deleting an eSIM.

understand everything you need to know about deleting an eSIM

Image by Freepik

In this article:

  • What is an eSIM?
  • Reasons for Deleting eSIM
  • Step-by-Step Guide on How to Delete Your eSIM
  • Impact of Deleting Your eSIM Setup
  • How to Reset or Recover a Deleted eSIM on iPhone
  • FAQs

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your device. It is quite different from the traditional SIM card. Furthermore, eSIMs are changeable, so you can change carriers and add phone lines without changing the SIM card. Consequently, this technology has made connections easy and convenient to change.

Reasons for Deleting Your eSIM

There are several reasons why deleting an eSIM setup might be important. The most common reasons include changing carriers, transferring your number to a new device, or performing a factory reset. In any of these cases, you will need to delete the existing eSIM setup to ensure a smooth transition or reset.

User preparing to remove physical SIM card from smartphone

For example, you may need to erase the current eSIM setup to install a new one from your new carrier. This is often done to avoid problems and ensure that the service with the new carrier works well.

It’s also advisable to delete the eSIM from your old device before turning on your new device. This way, the eSIM setup from your old device won’t be copied to the new one, preventing potential confusion or conflicts during the initial setup.

If you perform a factory reset, it may include deleting the eSIM setup. This helps avoid potential issues that could arise after the reset and ensures the device is restored to its correct settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Your eSIM

On IOS devices:

  • Open User Settings: First, launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Tap Cellular: Then, touch ‘Cellular’ to open up cellular options.
  • Manage eSIM: Next, look for the ‘eSIMs’ part and delete the eSIM setup you wish to delete.
  • Delete Setup: Finally, select ‘Remove Cellular Plan’ and agree to delete the eSIM setup.

You can consult this more detailed Apple guide.

On Android Devices

  • Open the Settings: Initially, go to the main menu of your Android, and click on the Settings icon.
  • Choose Network & Internet: After that, click on ‘Network & Internet.’
  • SIM Cards: Subsequently, tap on ‘SIM Cards’ to see installed eSIM setups.
  • Delete eSIM: Finally, tap the eSIM setup you want to delete, then tap “Delete” or “Remove.”

You can also consult this guide for more details.

What Happens If I Delete My eSIM?

Deleting an eSIM could cause the loss of all its related connections. In simple words, you won’t be able to use calls, texts, and data until you have a new eSIM setup or reinstall the deleted one.

Note that deleting an eSIM does not cancel your mobile plan. You will still need to pay for any costs or charges connected to your plan until you actually cancel it with your carrier.

What happens if i delete esim: User frustrated with smartphone showing No Service message

How to Recover a Deleted eSIM on iPhone

If you have accidentally deleted your eSIM, do not worry. In most cases, carriers offer their customers the option to reinstall or activate the eSIM setup. Below is a basic set of steps to follow:

  • Carrier App: Firstly, open the carrier’s app on your phone and look through the options for something about eSIM management.
  • Scan QR Code: Secondly, if you lost the original QR code of your carrier, you can scan it again and reinstall the eSIM setup.
  • Carrier Website: Lastly, go to the website of your carrier and find the eSIM section. Follow the steps for requesting a new eSIM or activating your old one.

What happens if i delete esim: eSIM reactivation

FAQs

Should I keep or delete the eSIM from my old phone?

It depends on your situation. If you are not using the old phone anymore, it is good to erase the eSIM to avoid problems. However, if you are going to use the old one as a backup, it may be a good idea to keep the eSIM active.

Can I factory reset without losing my eSIM?

A factory reset usually wipes all data, including eSIM setups. Always check your device’s settings and consult your wireless carrier’s guidance before any reset.

Can I delete the eSIM and reinstall it later?

Yes, you can erase an eSIM and reinstall it later with the needed information from your carrier, including maybe a QR code or activation code.

Is erasing my eSIM and canceling my plan the same thing?

No, deleting an eSIM doesn’t cancel a cellular plan. You will need to contact your carrier to do that.

How do I manage multiple eSIMs on my device?

Most of the latest devices provide the option of managing multiple eSIM setups via the settings menu. Check the user manual of your specific device for steps on how to do so. Also, see this article for more information.

If you know what happens if you delete your eSIM and learn how to recover it, you can stay connected without trouble. Exact steps and support for an eSIM setup are provided by your carrier. We hope this simple guide has been of great help to you and that you can continue advancing on this digital path.