How to delete an eSIM from an iPhone

Can you delete an eSIM from an iPhone completely? 

Yes, you can remove your current profile and download a new eSIM as many times as you like. Maybe your travel plan has expired, or you’re simply switching back to your regular carrier — either way, deleting an eSIM from your iPhone only takes a few taps.

However, it’s worth noting that when you delete an eSIM, you’re not removing the eSIM chip that’s been built into your phone. That chip stays where it is! What you’re actually erasing is the eSIM profile —  the digital version of your SIM card that stores your carrier’s settings. Once it’s gone, you can always add a new eSIM later if you need to reconnect or start a new plan.

Why would you want to delete an eSIM from an iPhone? 

There are plenty of perfectly good reasons to delete an eSIM from your iPhone — you might be cleaning up after a trip abroad, troubleshooting connectivity issues, or making room for a new number. All in all, deleting an eSIM can be a quick and practical step.

Here are some common situations where you might want to remove an eSIM profile:

• Switching carriers. If you’re changing mobile providers, deleting the old eSIM clears the way for your new plan.

• Expired travel plan. Many people use short-term eSIMs while abroad. Once you’re home, you can remove them to keep things tidy.

• Troubleshooting connection issues. Sometimes deleting and re-downloading your eSIM helps resolve signal drops or setup glitches.

• Selling or giving away your phone. Before passing on your iPhone, deleting your eSIM ensures your personal details and number stay private.

• Device upgrade or replacement. If you got a new phone, you may should the profile from your old device before transferring your eSIM. For example, learn how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone.

• Keeping things organized. If you’ve built up multiple eSIMs over time, removing the ones you don’t use helps to keep everything nice and neat.

Before deleting an eSIM from iPhone 

Before you tap “Delete” on an eSIM, take a moment to check a few key details. Erasing an eSIM profile is easy, but a little preparation can help you avoid any surprises later. Here’s what to keep in mind before you remove an eSIM from your iPhone:

• Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You’ll need internet access to set up a new eSIM or restore the current one later, so it’s best to delete your eSIM while you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

• Understand your carrier’s policies. Deleting an eSIM profile does not cancel your mobile plan or any active billing agreements with your carrier. You’ll need to contact your provider separately if you want to end or pause your service.

• Check that your data and contacts are backed up. While deleting an eSIM won’t affect your iPhone data, some eSIM apps or travel plans might store settings you’ll want to save before removal.

• Think whether you’ll need the eSIM again. If it’s a temporary travel plan or a secondary number, make sure you won’t need to reactivate it — in some cases, you might have to request a new QR code or download link from the carrier.

• Keep your carrier login or QR code handy. If you plan to reinstall the same eSIM later, having the original activation details ready will make the process much smoother.

• Confirm your new plan or SIM is active first. If you’re switching carriers or numbers, ensure your new SIM or eSIM is already set up so you don’t lose service in between.

How to delete an eSIM from an iPhone?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to delete an eSIM on an iPhone (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17), and you'll be done in no time.

• Go to "Settings."

• Tap "Mobile service."

• Tap the plan you want to delete.

• Tap "Delete eSIM."

• Tap "Delete eSIM" again to confirm the deletion.

What happens after deleting an eSIM from an iPhone?

Have you wondered before what happens if you delete an eSIM from your iPhone? Well, it’s nothing dramatic! It simply removes that digital profile from your device — your cellular service stops on that line, but your plan with the carrier stays active. To fully cancel the service (and avoid surprise charges), you’ll need to contact your carrier directly.

Planning to download a new eSIM for your next trip abroad? Choose a provider that offers reliable coverage, clear pricing, and helpful support. Here are a few quick tips to find a great eSIM:

• Check coverage in the countries or regions you’ll visit.

• Compare prices to spot hidden fees before you buy.

• Read user reviews for honest feedback on performance.

• Look for flexible plans and easy setup instructions.

Is it possible to recover a deleted eSIM from an iPhone?

Here's the frustrating truth — once you delete an eSIM from your iPhone, you can't just fish it back out like an email from your trash folder. Most eSIM profiles work on a one-shot basis — delete them, and that original QR code becomes useless, even if you're trying to reinstall the profile on the exact same phone.

Your recovery chances really depend on who your eSIM provider is and what their policies look like. Some carriers can reactivate your deleted profile remotely, while others will tell you they need to start fresh with a brand new eSIM. Your move here should be to reach out to customer support and see what they can do for you.

Unlike most eSIM providers, Saily lets you reinstall your profile through their app as long as you're logged in with the same email you used originally. You can even move it between devices, though there's a tiny catch — the eSIM can only live on one device at a time. You'll need to delete it from your old phone before setting it up on a new one.

If you have accidentally deleted your Saily eSIM, head to “Settings,” find “Cellular” or “Mobile Service,” clear out the old Saily profile if it's still hanging around, then jump back into the Saily app and hit up the eSIM section to reinstall.

What to do if you accidentally delete eSIM from an iPhone?

If you’ve accidentally deleted an eSIM profile from your iPhone, don’t worry — it’s fixable and usually you can restore it quickly.

First, check your carrier’s app or account page — many let you redownload your eSIM in just a few taps. If you still have your original QR code or activation email, simply scan it again to reinstall the profile. And if you don’t have the code anymore, contact your carrier or eSIM provider to request a new activation code. Once reinstalled, restart your iPhone to refresh your network connection.

To prevent accidental deletion in the future, label each eSIM clearly (like “Home” or “Travel”) and keep your activation details stored safely in case you ever need to reinstall. It also helps to choose a provider that makes recovery simple — with Saily, for instance, you can redownload your eSIM anytime right from the app, no support tickets or new codes required.