How to Remove an eSIM from iPhone (Delete vs Turn Off)

Q: How do I remove an eSIM on Android instead?

The steps differ by manufacturer. See our guide to removing an eSIM from Android.

To remove an eSIM from iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular. If you have one plan, tap Delete eSIM. If you have more than one, tap the plan you want to remove, then tap Delete Plan, and confirm. (On iPad, it's Settings > Cellular Data.)

Two warnings from Apple before you do it:

Deleting an eSIM doesn't cancel your plan. To stop billing, contact your carrier or travel eSIM provider.
Don't delete an eSIM to fix a connection problem unless your carrier tells you to. Once it's erased, you'll usually need a new eSIM from the carrier to get the line back.

If you only want to stop using a travel line for now, turn the line off instead. That's reversible.

Remove, turn off or cancel: which do you need?

Phone, switch and envelope suggesting turn off, delete and cancel eSIM actions — Three different actions in three different places.

Action	Where	What happens	Reversible?
Turn off the line	Settings > Cellular > tap line > Turn On This Line (off)	Profile stays on the iPhone; the line stops working	Yes. Turn it back on any time
Delete (erase) the eSIM	Settings > Cellular > Delete eSIM / Delete Plan	Profile is removed from this iPhone	Usually not. You'll need a new eSIM from the carrier
Cancel the plan	Carrier or provider account/app	Billing and service stop	Depends on the carrier

These are separate actions. Deleting a profile doesn't cancel the account, and cancelling the account doesn't always delete the profile.

Before you delete the eSIM

Is the plan really finished? Make sure you don't still need its data, phone number, or two-factor verification texts.
Identify the exact line. Check the label (for example "Travel"), number and carrier in Settings > Cellular so you don't delete your home line by mistake.
Save provider details: account login, support contact and order email. Don't assume an old QR code can be reused. Many work only once.
Connect to Wi-Fi so you can reach support if something goes wrong.
Moving to a new iPhone? Use eSIM Quick Transfer or your carrier's transfer first, and only delete the old profile once the new phone works.
Trouble connecting? Work through eSIM not working first. Deleting is rarely the fix.

How to delete an eSIM on iPhone, step by step

Confirm with the carrier if you still need the number later.

Open Settings > Cellular. Outside the US this may be called Mobile Service or Mobile Data.
If you have one eSIM: scroll down and tap Delete eSIM. If you have two or more plans: tap the plan you want to remove under SIMs, then tap Delete Plan (some versions say Delete eSIM).
Read the warning and confirm.
Back in Settings > Cellular, check that the remaining line is on and selected under Cellular Data.
Cancel the plan with the carrier or provider if you want billing to stop.

Menu wording can differ slightly between iOS versions and languages. If you don't see a delete option at all, see troubleshooting below.

Removing an eSIM when you sell, trade in or give away an iPhone

When you use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, iPhone asks whether to keep or erase your eSIM. Choose erase when the phone is leaving your hands, after your number is working on your new phone. Apple also notes that for some carriers, you need to contact the carrier to turn off the old service, or you may keep being billed.

How to delete an old eSIM after changing iPhones

After a successful transfer, the old iPhone may still list an inactive plan:

Confirm calls, texts and data work on the new iPhone.
On the old iPhone, open Settings > Cellular, tap the old plan and choose Delete Plan (or Delete eSIM).
If you're selling the old phone, use Erase All Content and Settings and choose to erase the eSIM.

Can a deleted eSIM be installed again?

Sometimes, but it's up to the carrier or provider. After you erase an eSIM, Apple says to contact your carrier for a new eSIM. Many travel eSIM QR codes are single-use. Before deleting a plan that still has data or days left, ask the provider:

Can this eSIM be reinstalled or reissued?
Is the QR code one-time only?
What happens if I delete it by accident?

If you've already deleted it, stay on Wi-Fi, contact the provider with your order details and follow their reinstall steps. Our guide to installing an eSIM on iPhone covers setting up the replacement.

If the eSIM won't delete

Restart the iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi and check Settings > Cellular again.
Update iOS (Settings > General > Software Update).
Managed or carrier-locked phones: a work profile (MDM) or carrier restriction can hide the option. Ask your IT admin or carrier.
Don't use a full reset as a workaround, and don't delete other plans to force the menu to change.
Still stuck? Contact Apple Support or the carrier with the line label, your IMEI/EID (Settings > General > About) and any error message.

FAQ

How do I delete 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. Deleting doesn't cancel the plan, so contact your carrier to stop billing.

Does deleting an eSIM cancel my plan?

No. Deleting the eSIM removes the profile from your iPhone, but your carrier account and any recurring charges stay active until you cancel with the carrier or provider.

Is it better to turn off or delete an eSIM?

Turn it off if there's any chance you'll use it again. Turning a line off is reversible and keeps the profile on the phone. Delete it only when the plan is finished and you won't need it.

Can I reinstall a deleted eSIM?

Usually only with a new eSIM from your carrier or provider. Many QR codes are one-time use. Ask the provider before deleting a plan that still has value.

How do I erase an eSIM before selling my iPhone?

Use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, and choose to erase the eSIM when asked. Make sure your number works on your new phone first, and cancel the old service with the carrier if needed.

Should I delete my eSIM if it's not working?

No, not as a first step. Apple advises against erasing an eSIM to troubleshoot unless your carrier tells you to. Try the fixes in our eSIM not working guide first.

How do I remove an eSIM on Android instead?

The steps differ by manufacturer. See how to remove an eSIM from Android.

Sources

Apple Support, How to erase an eSIM on your iPhone or iPad (102421): Delete eSIM / Delete Plan steps, don't erase to troubleshoot, contact the carrier for a new eSIM, Erase All Content and Settings keep/erase option. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102421

Reviewed October 5, 2026, against Apple Support 102421. Menu names can vary by iOS version, region and carrier.