Want to delete an eSIM on Android? It takes less than a minute. Open Settings, go to your SIM settings, tap the eSIM you want to remove and choose Erase eSIM (Pixel) or Remove (Samsung). Before you do, know two things: deleting an eSIM does not cancel your plan, and a deleted eSIM often can't be downloaded again. This guide shows you how to remove an eSIM from Samsung, Pixel and other Android phones, how to turn one off instead, and what to do if you deleted one by mistake.
Why you might need to delete an eSIM
You'll usually remove an eSIM from your Android phone when:
- You switched carriers and the old line is no longer used.
- Your trip is over and the travel eSIM has run out of data or days.
- You're selling, trading in or giving away your phone. Remove your eSIMs first so the next owner can't use them.
- You moved your number to a new phone and the old phone still shows the eSIM.
Deleting an eSIM is not a good troubleshooting step. Apple gives the same advice for iPhone: don't erase an eSIM to fix a problem unless your carrier tells you to (Apple: Erase an eSIM). If your eSIM has no signal, try these fixes for an eSIM that isn't working first. Still unsure? Read what to think about before deleting your eSIM.
Before you delete: checklist
1. Deleting is not canceling
Removing an eSIM from your phone does not end your contract. Samsung says it plainly: removing a plan on your Galaxy doesn't affect your contract, so contact your carrier to end it (Samsung: How to use an eSIM with your Galaxy phone). If you don't, a monthly plan keeps billing you.
2. A deleted eSIM may be gone for good
Many eSIM QR codes only work once. After you delete the eSIM, you usually need a new one from your carrier or eSIM provider. This matters most for travel eSIMs: if the plan still has data or days left, keep it until you're sure you won't need it.
3. Think about turning it off instead
If you only want to stop using a line for a while, turn it off. The eSIM stays on your phone and you can switch it back on later. See how to turn off an eSIM further down.
4. Moving to a new phone? Transfer, don't delete
If you want to use the same line on another phone, many carriers let you transfer it. Here's how to move an eSIM from one phone to another.
How to delete an eSIM on a Google Pixel (and stock Android)
These are the steps from Google's own Pixel help page. Phones with a near-stock version of Android use similar menus.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet, then Mobile network (on some versions it's called SIMs).
- Select the eSIM you want to delete.
- Tap Erase eSIM and confirm.
Want extra protection? On a Pixel you can ask for your PIN or password before any eSIM is deleted. Go to Settings > Security, open the advanced settings and turn on Confirm SIM deletion (Pixel Phone Help: Use an eSIM).
How to remove an eSIM from a Samsung Galaxy
On Samsung, you remove an eSIM from SIM manager. Samsung's steps:
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager (called SIM card manager on older models).
- Tap the eSIM plan you want to remove.
- Turn the plan off with the switch.
- Tap Remove and follow the steps on screen.
These steps come from Samsung's own guide (Samsung). Menu names can change a little with your model and One UI version.
How to delete all eSIMs on Samsung
To remove every eSIM in one go, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager and tap Remove all mobile plans, as shown in Samsung's guide. If you don't see that option on your model, remove each eSIM one by one with the steps above.
How to remove an eSIM from other Android phones
Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo and other brands all use slightly different menus. The quickest way to find the right screen:
- Open Settings and tap the search bar at the top.
- Type SIM or eSIM and open the SIM or mobile network settings.
- Tap the eSIM you want to remove.
- Look for Erase, Delete or Remove and confirm.
If you only see an on/off switch, turn the eSIM off first. On Samsung, for example, you switch the plan off before you tap Remove.
How to turn off an eSIM on Android without deleting it
Turning off an eSIM is not the same as deleting it:
- Turn off: the eSIM stays on your phone but stops connecting. You can turn it back on at any time. Good for a home line while you travel, or a travel eSIM between trips.
- Delete: the eSIM is removed from your phone. To use that line again, you usually need a new eSIM from your carrier or provider.
To turn off an eSIM:
- Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network, tap the SIM and turn off Use this SIM (Google).
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager, tap the eSIM and turn the switch off.
Using two lines at once? Here's how to set up and manage dual eSIMs.
Selling your phone? Erase your eSIMs
Before you sell or give away your Android phone, remove your eSIMs with the steps above. Then do a factory reset. When you reset, some Android phones ask if you also want to erase your eSIMs. Read that screen carefully: the wording and default choice depend on your phone. If you're keeping the phone and only want to wipe your data, make sure you keep the eSIM. If you're selling it, erase them. Don't forget to cancel or transfer the plan with your carrier too.
Deleting a travel eSIM: read this first
Back from a trip with a travel eSIM still on your phone? You don't have to delete it right away.
- Check if it still has data or days left. Once deleted, it usually can't be installed again from the same QR code.
- Turn it off instead if you might use it again. It won't use any data while it's off, but the plan's validity may still run, depending on the plan.
- Delete it when it's used up. An expired travel eSIM does nothing, so it's safe to remove.
Whether a SimOptions eSIM can be scanned again depends on the plan, so check our help center or ask our support team before you delete one that still has data. Tip: install your next travel eSIM on Wi-Fi shortly before you leave, and you'll be connected as soon as you land.
Planning your next trip? These data-only eSIMs install from an email QR code, and you can turn them off between trips instead of deleting them.
Europe, USA and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination
Accidentally deleted your eSIM? How to get it back
You can't undo a deletion on the phone itself, but you can usually get a new eSIM for the same line:
- Contact your carrier or eSIM provider. Apple says that if you erase an eSIM, you need to contact your carrier to get a new one (Apple), and the same goes for Android. Many carriers can also send a new eSIM through their app or website.
- Have your details ready: your phone number or order number, your account PIN or password, and your phone's EID. On Android, you usually find the EID in Settings > About phone.
- Install the new eSIM on Wi-Fi. If it won't install, see how to fix an eSIM that won't activate.
Some carriers charge for a replacement eSIM, so ask yours. Have an iPhone too? Here's how to delete an eSIM on iPhone.
FAQs
How do I remove an eSIM from my Android phone?
Open Settings, go to your SIM settings (Network & internet > Mobile network on Pixel, Connections > SIM manager on Samsung), tap the eSIM and choose Erase eSIM or Remove.
What happens if I delete my eSIM?
Your phone stops using that line right away: no calls, texts or data from it. Your plan and phone number stay with your carrier until you cancel them. To use the line again, you usually need a new eSIM from your carrier or provider.
Does deleting an eSIM cancel my plan?
No. You need to contact your carrier to cancel your plan. Samsung and Apple both say this on their support pages.
Will I lose my phone number if I delete my eSIM?
Usually not. With a regular phone plan, your number is linked to your account, not to the eSIM. Ask your carrier for a new eSIM and your number works again. With a prepaid or travel eSIM, ask your provider first, as the line may end once the eSIM is deleted.
Can I reinstall an eSIM after deleting it?
Sometimes. Many QR codes only work once, but some providers let you scan the same code again, depending on the plan. If yours doesn't work, ask for a new one.
What's the difference between turning off and deleting an eSIM?
Turning it off keeps the eSIM on your phone so you can switch it back on later. Deleting it removes it from your phone, and you usually need a new eSIM to use that line again.
Why can't I remove the eSIM on my Samsung?
Turn the eSIM off in SIM manager first. Samsung's steps switch the plan off before you tap Remove. If the option still doesn't show, restart your phone, install any software update and try again. If it's still stuck, contact your carrier.
Does a factory reset delete my eSIM?
It depends on your phone and the choice you make. Some Android phones ask during the reset if you also want to erase your eSIMs. To be sure, remove the eSIMs yourself before a reset if you're selling the phone, and keep them if you're not.