How to Delete or Remove an eSIM on iPhone

To delete an eSIM on iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular. If you only have one plan, tap Delete eSIM. If you have more than one, tap the plan you want to remove, then tap Delete Plan. It takes a few seconds, but you can't undo it: to use that line again, you usually need a new eSIM from your carrier. This guide shows you how to remove an eSIM from your iPhone step by step, what deleting really does, when to turn a line off instead, and what to do before you sell your iPhone or move to a new one.

How to delete an eSIM on iPhone

These steps work on iOS 18 and iOS 26. Depending on your country, the menu is called Cellular, Mobile Service or Mobile. The steps are the same.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Service).
3. One plan on your iPhone: tap Delete eSIM.
4. Two or more plans: under SIMs, tap the plan you want to remove, then tap Delete Plan.
5. Confirm when your iPhone asks.

That's the official path from Apple (Apple: How to erase an eSIM on your iPhone or iPad). Older guides mention a Remove Cellular Plan button. That's the old name: on current iOS versions it's Delete eSIM or Delete Plan.

Not sure which line is which? Each plan shows its label (like Primary, Secondary or Travel) and its number if it has one. Here's how to find and identify your eSIM on iPhone. On an iPad, the menu is Settings > Cellular Data, then the same buttons.

What happens when you delete an eSIM

Deleting an eSIM removes the digital SIM profile from your iPhone. Here's what that means for you:

• The line stops working on this iPhone. No calls, texts or mobile data on that line.
• Your plan is not cancelled. Deleting doesn't end your contract or stop billing. To cancel, contact your carrier (Apple).
• Your phone number isn't gone. It stays on your account with your carrier. You just can't use it on this iPhone until you get a new eSIM.
• You usually can't put it back yourself. Apple says that if you erase an eSIM, you need to contact your carrier to get a new one. Many carriers' QR codes only work once, so scanning the old code again often fails.
• Your apps, photos and other data stay. Deleting a plan only removes that eSIM.
• Travel eSIMs depend on the provider. Some can be installed again from the same QR code, others can't. For a SimOptions eSIM, it depends on the plan you bought, so check our help center or ask support before you delete one that still has data.

Apple's advice is clear: only erase an eSIM when you've moved its plan or number to another device, or when you sell, trade in or give away your iPhone. Don't delete it to fix a connection problem unless your carrier tells you to. If your eSIM has no signal, try these eSIM fixes first.

Delete or turn off an eSIM: which one do you need?

If you just want to stop using a line for a while, you don't have to delete it. You can turn it off and back on whenever you want:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap the line.
3. Switch off Turn On This Line.

The eSIM stays on your iPhone, ready for later (Apple: Use Dual SIM on iPhone).

• Turn off when you're back from a trip and the travel eSIM still has data or days left, when you use a second line now and then, or when something isn't working and you're not sure why.
• Delete when the plan has ended or expired, when you've moved the number to another phone, or when you're selling or giving away your iPhone.

Before you delete an eSIM

Take one minute to check these first:

• Make sure you have another way to connect if this is your main line, like a second eSIM, a physical SIM or Wi-Fi.
• Write down the phone number and carrier of the line. Handy if you need to call your carrier later.
• Moving to a new phone? Transfer the eSIM first (see below) and only delete it from the old phone once the new one works.
• Want to stop paying? Cancel the plan with your carrier. Deleting the eSIM alone doesn't do that.
• Travel eSIM? Keep your order email until you're sure you won't need the plan again.

Removing your eSIM before you sell, trade in or give away your iPhone

Selling or giving away your iPhone is exactly when Apple says you should erase your eSIM. You have two ways to do it.

1. Delete it when you erase your iPhone

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. During the erase, your iPhone asks if you want to keep your eSIM or erase it too. If you're selling the phone, choose to erase the eSIM (Apple: What to do before you sell or give away your iPhone).

Resetting your own iPhone and keeping it? Choose to keep the eSIM. Here's how to reset your iPhone without losing your eSIM.

2. Delete all eSIMs at once

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and tap Delete All eSIMs. This removes every eSIM on your iPhone without erasing your content (Apple: Reset iPhone settings to their defaults). Don't confuse it with Reset Network Settings, which resets Wi-Fi, VPN and other network settings, but isn't listed by Apple as a way to delete your eSIMs.

Is your iPhone already gone? Contact your carrier and ask them to turn off the line on that phone.

Moving to a new iPhone? Transfer instead of deleting

If you're switching iPhones, don't delete your eSIM first. Move it. With eSIM Quick Transfer, your number moves from your old iPhone to your new one without a new QR code, if your carrier supports it (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone):

1. Keep both iPhones next to each other, unlocked, with Bluetooth on and signed in to the same Apple Account. Both need iOS 18.4 or later.
2. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
3. Choose the number to transfer. If you don't see it, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
4. On your old iPhone, tap Transfer, or enter the code shown on your new iPhone.

When the plan activates on your new iPhone, it deactivates the SIM on your old one. With iOS 26 or later, you can move more than one number. Once your new iPhone makes calls, you can delete the leftover plan from the old iPhone. More details in our guide to Quick Transfer on iPhone.

Coming from or going to Android? With iOS 26 and Android 16, some carriers support a direct transfer (Apple: Transfer your eSIM from Android to iPhone). See how to transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone and from iPhone to Android.

Can't delete an eSIM on iPhone? Try this

If you don't see Delete eSIM or Delete Plan, or it doesn't work:

• Check that it's an eSIM. A physical SIM isn't deleted in Settings: you take the card out of the SIM tray.
• Tap the plan itself. With two or more lines, the delete button is inside each plan's page, not on the main Cellular screen.
• Restart your iPhone and update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update, then try again.
• Work or school iPhone? If your iPhone is managed by an organization, it can block adding or removing eSIMs (Apple Platform Deployment: eSIM restriction). Ask your IT team.
• Still stuck? Contact your carrier. They can deactivate the line on their side.

Cleaning up old travel eSIMs

If you travel a lot, old travel eSIMs can pile up in your Cellular settings. Once a plan has expired or run out of data, you can delete it with the steps above. A few tips:

• Back home? With iOS 26, your iPhone can turn off your travel eSIM and turn your home line back on when you return, depending on your country. If it doesn't, check that your main line is on in Settings > Cellular (Apple: Use eSIM while traveling).
• Plan still valid? Turn the line off instead of deleting it, so you can use it on your next trip if your plan allows it.
• Never delete a travel eSIM mid-trip to fix a connection problem. Contact your provider first.
• New trip coming up? Install the new eSIM on Wi-Fi shortly before you leave. Here's how to install an eSIM.

Cleared out your old travel eSIMs and planning the next trip? These data-only eSIMs install from a QR code in your email, so you can set one up at home before you fly.

Europe, USA and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination

FAQs

How do I remove an eSIM from my iPhone?

Go to Settings > Cellular. With one plan, tap Delete eSIM. With several, tap the plan, then Delete Plan, and confirm.

Does deleting an eSIM cancel my plan?

No. It only removes the eSIM from your iPhone. To stop your plan and billing, contact your carrier.

Can I reinstall an eSIM after deleting it?

Usually you need a new eSIM from your carrier. Some travel eSIMs can be installed again from the same QR code, depending on the plan. Check with your provider before you delete it.

Should I delete my eSIM before selling my iPhone?

Yes. Choose to erase the eSIM when you use Erase All Content and Settings, or use Delete All eSIMs in the Reset menu first.

Does resetting my iPhone delete my eSIM?

Only if you choose it. When you erase your iPhone, you can keep your eSIM or erase it. See how to reset without losing your eSIM.

Is it better to delete or turn off a travel eSIM?

Turn it off if the plan still has data or days left. Delete it once it has expired or you're sure you won't use it again.

Why can't I delete my eSIM on iPhone?

Make sure you tapped the plan itself, restart and update iOS. A work or school iPhone may block eSIM changes. If it still won't go, contact your carrier.

How do I delete an eSIM on Android?

The steps are different. Here's how to delete an eSIM on Android.