What happens if I delete an eSIM?

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, serves the same purpose as a physical SIM card. However, it’s built right into your device, which means you can’t simply take it out and swap it.

Why else are eSIMs so great? They make connecting to mobile networks super easy. With an eSIM, you can switch between different carrier plans on the same phone. It’s perfect for traveling or keeping work and personal numbers separate. Each eSIM profile is tied to a specific carrier, allowing you to switch between them without needing to physically change SIM cards. 

What does deleting an eSIM mean?

When we talk about deleting an eSIM, we don't really mean deleting the embedded chip in your device. Instead, we’re talking about deleting an eSIM profile activated on your device. 

When you set up an eSIM, your device pulls in all the important details, like the eSIM card details and network settings, from your mobile carrier. This information is then saved in your device's internal memory. When you delete an eSIM, you're wiping this info from your device’s memory.

Now, why would you want to delete an eSIM? There are a few good reasons. Maybe you’re switching carriers and want to start with a clean slate. Or perhaps you’re selling or giving away your device and don’t want the new owner to have access to your eSIM. If you're moving your eSIM to a new device, you'll need to remove it from the old one first.

Keep in mind that deleting an eSIM account doesn’t cancel your service – you'll need to contact your carrier to avoid any surprise charges. And once an eSIM is deleted, you can’t just get it back right away. You’ll need to contact your carrier and ask for a new activation code if you want to reinstall it. So double-check before you hit delete.

What happens if you accidentally delete your eSIM?

What happens if you accidentally delete your eSIM? First off, you lose access to the mobile network tied to that eSIM, meaning you won’t be able to make phone calls, send texts, or use mobile data. But don’t worry — your apps, contacts, and other settings will stay untouched. Your device will still work just fine, minus the connection – unless you have another eSIM or SIM card ready to replace the deleted eSIM.

Now if you’re using a service like Saily’s eSIM data app, which doesn’t handle phone numbers, you’re not completely cut off from the world. Your physical SIM card or other active eSIMs will still keep you connected, so you can continue making calls and sending texts through those.

How to recover or restore your deleted eSIM on iPhone or Android

Unfortunately, deleting an eSIM isn’t like tossing a file into a recycling bin where you can easily retrieve it. Most eSIMs support only a one-time installation, which means that once they’re deleted, you can’t just reinstall them with the same QR code, even if you’re using the same device.

Each eSIM provider handles deleted eSIMs differently, so your best bet is to contact your carrier. Whether they can help depends on their policies and capabilities. Some carriers can reactivate a deleted eSIM and get you back online, while others may need to issue you a new one.

Now while most eSIMs cannot be installed more than once, Saily gives you more flexibility. With Saily, you can reinstall your eSIM and even use it on a different device as long as you log into the app with the same email. 

The process of restoring your Saily eSIM can look a little different depending on what kind of phone you use. Here’s how to reset the eSIM on an iPhone:

1. Open "Settings" and go to the section called "Mobile Service” or “Cellular."

2. Click on your eSIM.

3. Tap "Delete eSIM."

4. Once it's done, go back to the Saily app. Head to the “eSIMs” section there and select "Install eSIM."

For Android users, the steps are similar:

1. Open "Settings" on your phone. Then go to "Connections" and find "SIM manager."

2. Select your eSIM.

3. Tap "Delete eSIM."

4. Once that's done, return to the Saily app, go to “eSIMs,” and choose "Install eSIM."

FAQ

If I delete an eSIM, can I get it back?

If you accidentally delete your eSIM, you can usually get it back. Most eSIMs are set up for one-time installation, so the original QR code won't work again. Just reach out to your carrier, and they can help you get a new eSIM card or reactivate the old one.

Does deleting an eSIM remove the carrier lock?

Deleting an eSIM doesn’t do anything to unlock your phone from carrier restrictions. It simply disconnects your device from that network. If your phone’s locked to a specific carrier, removing the eSIM won’t change that. To unlock your phone, you’ll need to contact your carrier and follow their unlocking process.

If I reset my iPhone or Android, will it delete my eSIM?

A factory reset is a handy fix for software issues, but it will wipe your phone clean and restore it to its original settings. This means all your data and customizations will be erased, but your eSIM doesn’t have to be affected. During the reset process, you'll be asked if you want to keep or reset an eSIM. If you choose to keep your eSIM, it will stay on your device after the reset, while all other data will be removed. Check out our guide to learn how to reset an iPhone without losing the eSIM. However, if you’re selling or giving away your phone, it’s a good idea to delete your eSIM profile along with all your personal data.