Disabling an eSIM through an iPhone’s settings
To disable your eSIM, follow these steps:
Open “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on the region you’re located in.
Select the eSIM you want to disable.
Toggle “Turn on this line” off.
This disables the eSIM, but keeps the profile stored on your iPhone. Be warned that turning off the eSIM also disables any voice texts, SMS messages, and internet activity if you don’t have another mobile line enabled.
Switching back to your main SIM after disabling an eSIM
After disabling an eSIM, including a travel eSIM like Saily, you might need to manually choose your main SIM for voice calls and data. This will be helpful if your phone does not automatically revert to your main SIM after you return home from your travels.
Here’s how you can switch back to your main SIM, and turn on its services.
To enable mobile data:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on your region.
Tap on “Cellular data” or “Mobile data.”
Select your primary SIM or eSIM.
To enable voice calls and SMS messages:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile service,” depending on your region.
Tap on “Default voice line.”
Select your primary SIM or eSIM.
Doing both, or one of the steps, will ensure that your primary SIM is used for phone calls or internet access. Sometimes the switch to a primary SIM after disabling an eSIM, or after you land following a trip, might not happen automatically, which is why these steps are going to be helpful.
How to turn a disabled eSIM back on
If you are traveling to another country and need to use a travel eSIM, or any eSIM, you can follow these steps:
Open “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service.”
Select the disabled eSIM.
Toggle “Turn on this line” on.
iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles, meaning that you can switch between eSIMs without having to reinstall one each time you want to use it again.
Disabling versus deleting an eSIM: what’s the difference?
It's important to understand the distinction between disabling and deleting an eSIM on an iPhone if you want to avoid having to install an eSIM to use it again later.
Action | Result | Reactivation |
|---|
Disabling an eSIM | Temporarily turns the eSIM off | Toggle it back on via your iPhone’s settings |
|---|
Deleting an eSIM | Removes the eSIM profile from your iPhone | Install it once again using the carrier or provider’s instructions |
|---|
If you do delete your eSIM, make sure you follow your carrier or provider’s instructions on how to reinstall it on your device.
When should you disable an eSIM?
Disabling an eSIM could be useful in some scenarios, such as:
After returning from an international trip.
When switching back to your home SIM.
When trying to avoid roaming or accidental data use.
When pausing a work, travel, or secondary line.
When troubleshooting connection issues.
Reactivating an eSIM on an iPhone is as easy as disabling it. You will need to head to your iPhone’s settings and toggle the eSIM back on.
Common misunderstandings about disabling an eSIM on an iPhone
Thinking that deleting and disabling an eSIM are the same thing is just one of many misconceptions users have about turning off an eSIM on an iPhone.
Does disabling an eSIM equal deleting it? No, you can always turn the eSIM back on.
Does disabling an eSIM cancel your plan? No, disabling an eSIM is not the same as canceling a plan with your provider.
What happens to calls, texts, and data when an eSIM is disabled? All voice calls, SMS messages, and data will stop working unless another line is active.
Will I still receive two-factor authentication (2FA) texts? No, you will not receive 2FA verification texts if they are tied to a disabled eSIM.
Do I need to update iMessage or FaceTime? Yes, they may need to be updated if they were linked to the disabled eSIM.
One of the benefits of eSIMs is that even if you temporarily disable one, you can always turn it on with a few taps on your screen.
Troubleshooting problems after disabling an eSIM
Once you disable an eSIM, some common problems might appear. Here’s how to solve some of the prevailing issues after you turn off an eSIM:
No mobile data after disabling an eSIM → Choose another SIM under “Cellular data” or “Mobile data.”
Voice calls are not working → Choose another SIM under “Default voice line” settings.
The eSIM has disappeared → Check your iPhone’s settings, since disabled eSIM profiles move to the bottom of the list of SIMs/eSIMs.
The eSIM won’t reconnect → Turn the eSIM line on, restart your iPhone, and check whether the eSIM connects to a carrier’s signal.
iMessage is using the wrong number → Review “Send and receive” settings in the Messages menu.
