How to Delete an eSIM on Android

The eSIM is a digital version of the traditional SIM card, built directly into your Android device’s hardware. It allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical card. However, there are times, such as switching carriers, finishing an international trip, or selling your phone, when you must remove these digital profiles.

Proceed with caution: deleting an eSIM is permanent and usually requires a new activation code to reinstall. Importantly, erasing the profile does not cancel your billing; you must still contact your provider to end your subscription.

Why You Might Need to Delete an eSIM

Managing your digital SIMs is a common part of modern phone maintenance. You’ll likely find yourself needing to delete a profile in the following scenarios:

• Switching Carriers: You’ve found a better deal and need to clear out your old provider’s profile to make room for a new one.
• International Travel: You used a temporary local data plan for a vacation or business trip and no longer need that network cluttering your settings.
• Selling or Trading In: Before handing your phone over to a new owner, you must ensure your personal cellular data is wiped.
• Troubleshooting: Sometimes, a corrupted eSIM profile needs to be deleted and reinstalled to fix connectivity issues.

Check out: Deleting Your eSIM? Read This First!

Pre-Deletion Checklist

1. Connect to a Stable Wi-Fi Network

While you don’t always need internet access to delete a profile, it is highly recommended. Your phone may need to communicate with the carrier’s server to “check out” or de-register the device. A stable Wi-Fi connection ensures that the handshake between your device and the network provider isn’t interrupted, which could otherwise leave the eSIM in a “stuck” or “partially deleted” state.

2. Document Your APN and Network Settings

If you are deleting the eSIM because of technical glitches and plan to reinstall it, or if you are moving the service to a similar device, take a screenshot of your Access Point Name (APN) settings. These are the configurations that allow your phone to access mobile data. While most eSIMs configure this automatically, having a backup of the name, APN, and proxy settings ensure you can manually restore your data connection if the automatic setup fails later.

3. “Deleting” Is Not “Canceling”

This is the most critical distinction to understand: Removing an eSIM profile from your phone does not end your legal contract with your carrier.

• The device Side: Deleting the eSIM simply removes the “key” that allows your phone to talk to the network.
• The carrier Side: Their billing system still sees you as an active customer. If you are switching providers or no longer want the service, you must contact your carrier’s customer service or log into their web portal to officially cancel the line. Otherwise, you will continue to receive monthly bills for a service you can no longer access on your device.

Check out: What To Do When Your eSIM Stops Working Abroad

Step-by-Step Guide (Standard Android / Pixel)

Step 1: Open Settings

Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the notification shade and tap the gear icon or find the Settings app in your app drawer.

Step 2: Navigate to Network and Internet

Locate the section labeled Network and Internet. On some newer versions of Android, this may simply be labeled Connections. This is the hub where all your Wi-Fi, Data, and SIM settings live.

Step 3: Select SIMs

Look for the SIMs menu (or Mobile Network). This screen will show you a list of all active and inactive SIMs currently registered to your phone, including your physical SIM card and any downloaded eSIMs.

Step 4: Choose Your eSIM Profile

Tap on the name of the specific carrier or plan you wish to remove (e.g., “TravelData” or “Secondary Line“). This will open the detailed settings for that specific cellular profile.

Step 5: Erase SIM

Scroll all the way to the bottom of the profile page. You will see an option labeled Erase SIM.

Note: If the eSIM is currently active, some devices may require you to toggle “Use SIM” to Off before the erase option becomes clickable.

Step 6: Final Confirmation

A system prompt will appear warning you that this action cannot be undone and that your service will stop working on this device. Tap Erase or Confirm. You may be asked to enter your phone’s PIN, pattern, or use your fingerprint to authorize the deletion.

Once the progress bar finishes, the profile will vanish from your list, and your phone will no longer attempt to connect to that network.

Variations for Samsung Galaxy Devices (One UI)

Step 1: Access Connections

Open your Settings app and tap on the very first option: Connections. This menu handles everything from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to your cellular data.

Step 2: Open SIM Manager

Instead of looking for “Mobile Network,” look for SIM manager (usually located in the middle of the Connections list). This is Samsung’s dedicated dashboard for managing both your physical SIM card and all downloaded eSIM profiles.

Step 3: Select the eSIM Profile

Under the section labeled eSIMs, you will see a list of your installed digital plans. Tap directly on the name of the eSIM you intend to delete. This will open a dedicated management sub-menu for that specific plan.

Step 4: Remove and Authenticate

At the bottom of the screen, you will see the Remove button (it may also appear as a trash can icon).

• The Security Check: Because deleting an eSIM is a sensitive action, Samsung will prompt you for your Lock Screen PIN, Pattern, or Biometrics (Fingerprint/Face Recognition).
• Final Confirmation: A pop-up will appear stating that the plan will be removed and mobile service will be disconnected. Tap Remove one last time to finalize the process.
• Galaxy Tip: If you are planning to sell your Samsung phone and perform a Factory Data Reset, the system will ask if you want to keep or “Erase all eSIMs” during the reset process. Choosing to erase them during the reset is often the most efficient way to wipe the device clean for the next owner.

FAQ: Can I get my eSIM back if I accidentally delete it?

Can I reuse the original QR code?

It depends on your carrier. Most major providers use one-time-use QR codes for security. Once that code is scanned and then deleted, it becomes invalid. However, some travel eSIM providers allow you to reinstall the same profile multiple times from their app.

How do I restore my connection?

If you deleted a primary line (like your main phone number), you should:

• Check the Carrier App: Log into your account (via Wi-Fi). Many modern carriers have a “Download eSIM” or “Replace SIM” button that sends a fresh profile directly to your phone.
• Contact Customer Support: Call your carrier from another phone or use their web chat. They can “re-provision” your line and email you a new QR code or push an activation notification to your device.
• Visit a Retail Store: If you are having trouble with digital codes, a technician at your carrier’s store can verify your ID and activate a new eSIM for you on the spot.

Will I lose my phone number?

No. Your phone number is tied to your account with the carrier, not the digital file on your phone. Deleting the eSIM just breaks the link between your phone and that number. Once you install a new eSIM profile, your number will work exactly as it did before.

Is there a fee to get it back?

Most major carriers provide eSIM replacements for free, as it is a digital process. However, some smaller prepaid or international providers may charge a small “SIM replacement” fee.

Deleting an eSIM on Android is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to avoid losing service unexpectedly. By navigating to your network settings or SIM manager, you can remove digital profiles in seconds. Just remember that erasing an eSIM disconnects the device without canceling your paid subscription. If you’re preparing to sell or trade in your phone, the most thorough method is a Factory Reset, which includes a specific prompt to wipe all eSIMs alongside your personal data.